That was the missing factor, Lily decided. Anna never pushed Joey. She let him wander his own course, which for the most part, included her. But when he took off without an understanding between them -- that had been the final straw for Anna. Joey went to New Mexico to paint landscapes and Anna had gone to Los Angeles to find a new life. That had been two years ago and now she’d come home with a very nice fiancé. Lily tuned back into Janie and Joey’s conversation.
“… We’re thinking of calling the baby Malcolm… After Craig’s grandfather in Scotland.”
“Nice name.”
“So what are you going to do, Joey?”
He grabbed one of the sandwiches she’d just finished making and took a big bite.
“…About what?” He chewed, swallowed and took another bite.
“Anna’s getting married tomorrow.”
“…Your point?”
Janie gently touched his face. “Don’t you mind? At all?”
Joey swallowed hard, grabbed her hand. “It’s not that easy, sis.” A hitch was in his voice.
“Why isn’t it? Don’t you love her anymore?”
He put down the sandwich and closed his eyes as if they hurt. It took him a few seconds to reopen those sad eyes. When he glanced into Janie’s sweet face, Joey whispered.
“…I…I do.”
Lily’s throat was thick by now, tears filling her eyes, spilling out on her cheeks. She walked out before she could hear anymore. She’d already heard more than she wanted to.
RANCHER’S CHRISTMAS by JEANNE HARRELL
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