“She’s not here for Kelly, Mom,” Jack announced. “She’s here with me.”
Elise lifted a questioning brow. “Well come in. Your siblings haven’t arrived yet, but they shouldn’t be long.”
“How’s Tommy?” Jack asked.
“Better. You’d know that if you were in church.” Elise shot her son a smirk and darted a glance from Anna to him. “But I assume I’ll hear that story at some point today.”
He returned the smirk “You will. Where is Dad?”
“In the living room. Don’t say I said anything, but his legs are hurting.” A frown came over Elise. “I’m worried he overdid it on the cruise. I should have insisted we wait longer.”
Jack slipped an arm around his mother’s shoulder. “The doctor gave full approval for the trip. Dad got banged up pretty rough in that fall, and his bones will likely always have a small effect from it. Even the surgeon said that. Don’t blame yourself. Both of you needed that vacation.”
Elise stood on her tiptoes and kissed Jack’s cheek. “You’re a good son.”
“I’ll go see him.” Jack glanced at Anna. “Coming with?”
“I could use her help in the kitchen,” Elisa said, looping an arm through hers. “If neither of you mind.”
“Not at all.” Anna smiled at Jack, letting him know she’d be fine.
His mom’s request put her at ease. Elise Cruz would never accept help in her kitchen from a guest, which meant Anna was being treated like family as always. Elise might not know the full story yet, but she accepted Anna in whatever her new role was.
“I didn’t see you at church this morning,” Elise commented as she stirred a pot on the stove.
“Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to make it.” She gave an honest answer. There’s no way she could have gotten off the Island in time for church.
“We had a good message. A missionary from Bolivia spoke and shared pictures.” Continuing to stir, Elisa pointed to a cabinet. “Can you hand me the corn starch please?”
Anna opened the cabinet and found the canister, handed it to Elisa. “I’m sorry to have missed that. I’ve always enjoyed listening to the missionaries.”
“Thank you,” Elise said, taking the cornstarch. “He’ll also be speaking Wednesday evening. The pastor announced all the adult classes will join together for the night.”
“Good, I’m glad I’ll be able to hear him speak.” She gestured around the room. “What else can I help with?”
“Add a setting to the table for yourself.” A smile stretched over Elise’s face. “We’ll soon have to get a bigger table. I love it. There’s a phase as your children grow and leave the nest that your sad because the house seems empty. Then a new phase begins when they return and bring home new family.” Elise tenderly squeezed Anna’s arm. “I’m grateful you are here today.”
A contented tear sprang to Anna’s eye. “So am I.”
“Go set that plate and join the men in the living room. The others shouldn’t be much longer, and then we’ll eat.”
“There’s nothing else I can help with?”
Elise shook her head. “Daniel could use your company. You always have made him smile, and he could use a distraction from the pain.”
“It’s that bad?” Anna frowned.
“He tries to hide it, but a wife knows.”
“Has he been to the doctor since you’ve returned from the cruise?”
“No, but he has a scheduled checkup on Tuesday.”
“I’ll keep him in my prayers. I always do, but I’ll say extra.” She gave Elise a hug. “With you taking care of him, he has no choice but to get better.”
Elise chuckled. “I appreciate your vote of confidence.”
Noise at the door let them know more people had arrived. Anna hurried to the living to be with Jack. The inquisitive stares and questions would come soon enough, and if she had to face them, she’d rather do it with Jack at her side.
