Free Someday Home by Lauraine Snelling Page A

hockey scores were announced.
    “We can turn that off now, right?” Josie asked as she poured coffee into the mugs.
    “Yes, we must.” Maggie answered a question before it could be asked. With the pie distributed, the women sat down and the clink of forks against plates was accompanied by hums and smacks of appreciation.
    Tom waved his fork. “I think she’s trying to soften us up.”
    “Whatever gave you that idea?” Lynn grinned at her boys. She had finally realized that no matter if their ages said they were men, she knew they would forever be her boys. “You want more?”
    “Later.” Phillip set his dish aside. “Let’s get this discussion under way.” He pointed to the folder laid open on the carved pine coffee table that was heavy enough it needed two men to move it. Paul had cut jack pine off their land to make the table years earlier. Paul. Always Paul.
    “Before we get into the expenses, et al, I want to know if any of you have serious concerns about my idea.” She watched as both couples glanced at one another before answering. Obviously this had been an item of discussion. Waiting was never easy for her and this was no different. But she nibbled at the pie she was eating in small bites.
    Tom looked up from studying his pie crumbs. “Define serious concerns.”
    “Flat out against it.” Why did she feel she was laying her life on the line? Each of them looked at her and shook their heads.
    “You’re not flat out against the idea?”
    Maggie looked at the others, then said, “You know that we all love you and want you to get to do the things you want.”
    Lynn combined a shrug and a nod.
    “Within reason, of course.” Tom, as usual, managed to inject a bit of humor.
    Lynn deadpanned, “Of course.” But she knew her eyes were twinkling.
    “So, our concerns are the funding, and…” Maggie pointed to the folder. Heaving a sigh, she sucked in a deep breath. “…And we are being incredibly selfish; we don’t want our lifestyle here to change. I mean, like all our traditions and being able to let the kids come here without advance planning and…” While the words came in a rush, she smiled when Phillip took her hand.
    Lynn felt her shoulders slump in relief. “I don’t see that any of that would change. I’m sure they will have careers or jobs, too. Probably, they’ll be gone through the workweek. One story I read, one of the women wanted the safety of something like this because she travels for her job all the time and not worrying about her home was a plus for her.”
    “Good point.” Josie nodded.
    Lynn stared each of them right in the eyes, moving around the circle. “I know two new women will make a difference, but it could be a good one, you know. They will most likely be working since they are single, and we always have room for more at all our celebrations and traditions. If they want to join in, they will be welcome. And…when I talk with them, more like an interview, we will discuss this. This house has children in and out, dogs, cats, gardening, fishing, church, all the things that make up our lives.”
    Maggie sat back, more relaxed, smiling.
    Lynn continued, “It would be different if I were wanting to move away, but for some reason, this whole idea appeals to me. Through the years I have learned that when God wants me to do something, He sends an idea, but then persists if I try to ignore it. Or blow it off. This is like that.” She paused and watched all four of her family relax and nod or sort of smile or shrug. “You can be sure I have been praying about this, and I hope you have, too.”
    “What does Lillian think?” Phillip asked.
    Tom replied, “She’s all in favor, looking for other people who have done this that we can talk with.”
    “Figures, she doesn’t live here,” Phillip muttered.
    Lynn shrugged. “Be that as it may, were she to come home, there will be a place for her to sleep.” She pointed to the folder. “When Hank gave me the estimate