Before she could answer, a raspy whisper came from the emaciated man in the hospital bed. “I knew you and Jude would get me out, Mama.”
CHAPTER 25
Kay was standing at the glass door of the redecorated family room in the huge home she shared with Jude. She was thinking of the things that had happened in the past four months. After leaving Germany, Jimmy spent some time in a Washington hospital, then it wasn’t long until he could be transferred to Ashville. After a few weeks there, they brought him home.
Since he’d joined the family, Gilbert had pampered and spoiled and put forty pounds back on the boy. Jimmy’s sandy brown hair was now as shiny and thick as always, and the eyes were beginning to take on their normal teasing glint. He was discharged from the Air Force as a hero, and was lauded and praised everywhere he went. Most of the time he insisted his friend Doby Martin go with him to functions, and he never failed to credit Doby with saving his life.
Now that Doby had been to the White House and was decorated by the president, his hero status was once again in place in Coverton Mills. He was offered several jobs, but he elected to continue to work on the farm. Jude said he would probably make him foreman one day soon.
Jimmy and Jude had become good friends and often acted as father and son. Jimmy swore he’d met Jude in another time and another place and they were already friends. Neither Jude nor Kay doubted this was true, especially after Jimmy said he remembered contacting them one night in a dream. He said he saw himself fly a plane over Arlington and saw his mother and Jude standing there. He also said he knew the two were meant to be together, and was constantly telling Jude how thankful he was the marriage had put the gleam back in his mother’s eyes.
Jude liked the way his stepson was taking to the farm and all the hands envied his expertise with the horses. He suggested that, when Jimmy felt up to it, they might consider doing a horse rescue on part of the land. Jimmy was excited about the prospect, and couldn’t wait to get started.
At breakfast this morning, Jimmy had surprised both of them when he said, “Mama, don’t you think it’s time we considered selling the ranch?”
“It has crossed my mind, but I thought you might want it someday, son.”
He shrugged. “I’m kind of happy right here. These North Carolina mountains are seeping into my bones.”
Jude grinned, and Kay said softly, “I’m glad you like it here, son,” though the thought of him staying here made her want to stand and shout. “It’s a wonderful place, and I’m sure you’ll be as happy as I am to make it your home.”
“I’m sure I will, too.”
Kay was no longer Senator Littleton-Winslow. She turned in her resignation as soon as they all arrived home from Germany. It took a little while to clear things up she’d started in Washington, but she knew she’d be easily replaced. There were several qualified people in her state anxious for the job. She was content to be Mrs. Jude Winslow, though most people in the area still called her Senator.
As a lot of retired politicians did, she was considering writing a book and she knew she’d make good on her promise to speak for the president at the convention and campaign for him before the next election. She did make it clear that she’d only do this when it didn’t interfere with her family obligations. She planned to put her family first for the rest of her life.
Jude came up behind her as she stood at the glass door. As he often did, he put his arms around her from behind, pulled her against him, leaned his head over and kissed the top of her head. “What’s my beautiful wife looking at?”
“Our family. Look at them, Jude. Aren’t they wonderful?”
Cole and Jimmy were sitting on patio chairs. Cole had one of the twins in his lap. Jimmy was helping Taylor with his remote airplane. Paul was sitting beside Jimmy waiting to have help with his kite string. Alisa had the other baby in her arms as she walked up and handed Cole a bottle. She sat down and the three of them were soon in deep conversation.
“We’re fortunate, Kay. We’ve really become a family and I’m very glad about that.”
“God has been good to us.”
“Yes, He has. I never thought much about how important it is to bring Him into your everyday life.”
“It’s very important.”
“I know that now, and I know one other thing: after the way He’s worked out everything for us, nobody can ever convince me God doesn’t answer prayer. Even a prayer from a bumbling farmer like me.”
“Don’t you dare talk about my husband like that! He’s no bumbling farmer. He’s the sexiest man I know, and I love him.”
He kissed the side of her cheek. “Thank you, my lady, and you know your man loves you more than life itself.”
“I know you do, darling, and I know you always will.”
“You’ve got that right.” He nuzzled her hair.
She wiggled closer to him. “What’s that Cole is showing Jimmy? Looks like some kind of drawing.”
“Probably his sketch of the house plan he showed me earlier today.”
“What plan?”
“He told me that he and Alisa were thinking of building a house on the land I gave them. Said he thought it’d be good to raise his kids out here on the farm. They’ve drawn up a plan they like.”
“What about his practice?”
“He said he thought Coverton Mills needed a good doctor and he’d have all the patients he could handle right here in town.”
“That’d be wonderful. I’d love to have the grandchildren close.”
“I’ve been thinking, honey. If you don’t mind, I want to deed some land to Jimmy. He might want to get married someday and maybe give us some more grandbabies.”
“Oh, Jude. You never stop amazing me. You’re a great man.”
“My goodness, I’ve been called a lot of things. Great was never one of them.”
“Well, my love, you are great. In more ways than one.” She turned to face him and raised her eyebrows teasingly.
He pulled her tighter. “Since Gilbert has already gone to the cabin with the steaks and the family’s outside waiting to leave and we’re in here alone, let me take you down the hall to our room and I’ll see if I can live up to that compliment.”
“It sounds enticing, but we have to meet all our friends at the cabin for the cookout in less than an hour.”
“I’ll hurry.”
“No, you won’t. You’re not the hurrying kind. You’re always holding back to make sure I keep up with you.”
He shook his head. “I like it when you’re right there along with me.”
“I like that, too.”
“In that case, will you do me a favor?”
“What’s that?”
“Will you spend the night with me at our cabin after everyone leaves?”
“I’d love to.”
“It’s a date.” Jude folded his arms tighter around her and began kissing her with passion.
From outside, Paul yelled, “Look, Grandpa’s kissing Grandma Kay.”
All heads turned toward the door. Cole gave his Dad the thumbs up. Jimmy was laughing and nodding his approval. Alisa said, “Leave them alone, guys.”
“But look, he’s doing it again,” Taylor added.
Jude winked at the family outside then reached over and pulled the cord to shut the drapes.
ABOUT AGNES ALEXANDER
Agnes Alexander is a multi-published author with over 40 books in print. She writes in different genres: Mystery, Romantic Suspense and Western Historical Romance. She loves all these genres, and plans to continue writing in each. Her first book, a mystery, was published in 2004 and was a nominated for the best mystery fiction by a North Carolina writer by the NC Arts and Historical Society. Agnes enjoys working with serious new writers and has helped 4 unpublished writers see their books in print. She is delighted that Prairie Rose Publications/Fire Star Press has decided to re-print the Coverton Mills series.
More by Agnes Alexander
Agnes Alexander, Second Chance Dreams
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