Free Ill Take Forever by Barbara McMahon

spacious house, Jenny called out.
    'In the back, darling. Come on through,' her mother called back.
    When they reached the backyard, they found Jenny's mother weeding one of the flowerbeds bordering the house. She rocked back on her heels, smiling at her daughter. Seeing Kyle, she hastened to her feet, wiping her hands on the small towel hanging from her waist as she came to greet them.
    Kyle knew exactly how Jenny would look in twenty years. Peggy O'Neil was still trim and pretty. Her light brown hair had little gray showing, her eyes still sparkled and her smile was warm in its welcome.
    'Mom, I'd like you to meet Kyle Martin. He's a cousin of Johnny's. Kyle, this is my mother, Peggy O'Neil.'
    'How do you do, Mrs. O'Neil? I'm happy to meet you.'
    'Kyle Martin. Which cousin are you?'
    'My mother is Johnny's Aunt Edith.'
    A large smile broke across Peggy's face. 'Edith, she was a kick when she visited the Warwick’s. We were great friends then. Is she happy? I can't help thinking she must be, for all she marries all the time. Which husband is your father?'
    'Number two.' Kyle and Jenny had worked that out already.
    'I haven't seen or talked to Edith in years and years. Give her my best next time you see her. Tell her to come visit,' Peggy said.
    'I'll do that.'
    Jenny bit her lip to keep from laughing. Kyle looked so sincere! She felt she had to change the topic.
    'Kyle had an accident, on his motorcycle. He wanted a place to convalesce, so he's staying with me a while.'
    Her mother looked at Jenny, then back to Kyle, a small frown on her face. 'Are you okay?'
    ‘I will be. I appreciate being able to convalesce at Jenny’s. I had planned a tour of Germany this summer,’ he said, launching into the cover story.
    Jenny turned away. She could just imagine the thoughts her mother would soon have. She had mentioned once or twice this spring that it wouldn’t be disloyal to Johnny to consider another husband. As if one went looking for a husband as one shopped for a car! Jenny was uncertain if she ever wanted to remarry. She had been so happy with Johnny. Despite her mother’s feelings, she did feel a certain disloyalty thinking of finding happiness with someone else. Not that Johnny would want her to grieve forever. And she was over the worst of missing him. But the thought of someone else taking his place was impossible to image.
    If her mother even hinted at something like that again, Jenny would leave, just get up and walk away. Mothers could be trying at times!
    'Let’s sit in the shade. I’m sure Palmer won’t compare with Germany, but it’s a nice community and the scenery here is spectacular. Once you feel up to it, you should have Jenny take you on some of the hikes she likes. Would you like some lemonade?'
    'Thank you, that would sure be good, if it's not too much trouble.' Kyle smiled at her and moved to sit in one of the lawn chairs. Jenny looked at him closely; he was looking just a trifle white around his temples. Maybe the outing was too soon. How ill was he? She’d never found out why his arm was in the sling. She saw no trace of road burn, but if he’d been wearing a leather jacket and helmet, maybe he had been in a motorcycle accident.
    'I'll get it, Mom. Be right back.'
    Just as she went into the kitchen, she heard her mother ask, 'Are you a married man, Kyle?

CHAPTER FIVE

    Jenny turned, wanting to hear the answer to that question. She met Kyle's amused glance, frowned and continued to the kitchen. As she got the glasses and ice for the lemonade, she fumed at the timing of her mother's question. Now she wouldn't know! And she couldn't ask her mother, she should already know the answer to that question.
    How dumb. He would tell her what the cover story required–single assistant professor in ancient history. He could be married with a dozen children, and she’d never know the truth.
    She wondered what it would be like to be married to Kyle Martin. Exciting was the first thought to spring to mind. He