Free Love Comes Home by Terri Reed Page B

slacks with a checkered button-down shirt coming untucked at the waist.
    She glanced up as Josh approached. His tawny hair was combed back and the green stripe in his tie brought out the green in his eyes. A warm flush flowed over her skin. “Ice cream after church?” she asked.
    He shrugged sheepishly. “It’s tradition.”
    â€œWill you come? Will you, huh?” Griff tugged on her hand.
    â€œI don’t think so.” The numbness she’d allowed to seep into her soul after Mom G.’s passing seemed to retreat every time this child was present, only to be replaced with a tender yearning.
    The new feeling worried her; confusion was not something she allowed herself. She always knew exactly what she wanted and how to get it. Except when it came to Josh and now his son. She didn’t like the out-of-her-control feelings spinning around her heart and mind.
    â€œPlease,” he wheedled. “You can get any flavor you want. Right, Dad?”
    â€œSure she can.” She heard the challenge in his tone.
    Rachel tried to discern what was going on inside Josh’s head. His expression gave nothing away. He looked decidedly…neutral, but his voice told her otherwise.
    â€œI have things to do….” She stopped as Josh cocked one brow and Griff tightened his grip on her hand.
    â€œYou have all day to do stuff,” Griff complained. “Please, please? I really want you to come with us.”
    Her mouth twisted in a half smile. She understood now what Josh had meant about being badgered. Ice cream did sound good, if only because it was a decadence she rarely indulged in. “Well…”
    Griff pounced on her momentary indecision. “Yay!”
    To Josh’s amused expression, she said, “What? I like ice cream. Besides, he can be convincing.”
    â€œThere’s no doubt about that.” Josh’s mouth quirked up at the corners. His gaze narrowed slightly. “I went to the hotel this morning to pick you up.”
    â€œI told you not to,” she countered.
    He smiled with wry humor. “I went anyway.”
    She’d hoped he wouldn’t. She didn’t want him to think she’d deliberately stood him up. “I came early to spend a few moments of quiet before the service.”
    He nodded, but she could tell he wasn’t truly convinced.
    â€œRachel?” a female voice called.
    She turned to a see Jennifer Martin hurrying toward her. They’d been best friends in high school. Very different, not only in looks—Jennifer, blond and olive-skinned contrasted to Rachel’s own dark hair and fair skin—but also in temperament. Jennifer was outgoing and confident. Rachel had envied that about her friend.
    They’d spoken briefly at the funeral, but Rachel hadn’t been in the mood to play catch-up on the locals. Jennifer had understood.
    â€œHi, Jennifer.”
    To Rachel’s surprise, Jennifer hugged her again, as she had the day before at the graveside. Rachel wasn’t accustomed to displays of affection from anyone other than Mom G. And Josh. Though she couldn’tsay that he’d held her at the hospital with any amount of affection, more like obligation. She stiffly hugged Jennifer back.
    â€œWe’re going to get ice cream,” Griff piped up.
    Jennifer’s speculative gaze traveled from Griff, to Josh and then settled on Rachel. “That’s wonderful.”
    Rachel smiled tightly.
    â€œI’m so glad to see you here,” Jennifer said with a bright smile. “You’ll have to come for dinner and spend time with my family. I can’t wait for you to meet Paul and the kids.”
    â€œThat would be nice,” Rachel replied politely, feeling a pang of guilt. She wouldn’t be in town long enough to make it to her friend’s house, but now was not the time to say so.
    â€œGood. Tonight then.”
    Before Rachel could protest, Jennifer turned to Josh.