Listen to Your Heart - Fern Michaels [67]
“I need to say something besides thank you. Thank you just isn’t enough.”
“For me it is,” Paul said lightly. “Do you want me to bring you anything? Food, magazines, anything at all?”
“No, thank you. I’ll be fine. I can get some coffee later. Thank you for asking, though. I want to be the first person he sees when he wakes up.”
“Of course. I’ll see you around seven.”
In the car on the way home, Paul dialed Josie’s number. He wasn’t surprised when she picked it up on the first ring. “He’s okay, and he’s going to hear just like every other kid. I can’t tell you how relieved I am. Nancy was a wreck, but she’s okay now. I’m on my way home to walk Ollie and then I have to get to the office. How about if I pick you up around six-thirty and we come on over here. It would be a big help if you walked Ollie. You did? What would I do without you, Josie? I love you so much my ears ache with the feeling.” He listened to the delightful laugh on the other end of the line. “See you later.”
When Josie woke on Sunday morning she thought it was just another Sunday until she remembered how important this particular day was to Paul. She literally flew out of bed, raced downstairs with the dogs, and let them out. She left the screen door open so they could let themselves in as she made coffee and then raced back upstairs to the shower. Paul was to pick her up at ten-thirty with Nancy, Pete, and Ollie. As she shampooed her hair, every scenario under the sun flashed in front of her. Would it work? Wouldn’t it work? Would everyone make peace? Would things be all right? Would Marie Lobelia like the little boy or would he remind her too much of Paul? Would she welcome the young woman who looked so much like her own daughter or would she be aloof and withdrawn? Would Paul come away whole or would he have more burdens to carry away? She wished she knew and then again, she didn’t want to know.
Josie was on her third cup of coffee when she heard Paul blow the horn in front of the house. They’d agreed to meet out front because of Zip and his reaction to the speckled dog. Kitty was watching them in the office; she’d agreed to stay with them until Josie returned home.
“Tell Miss Josie where you’re going, Pete,” Paul said, the moment Josie buckled up.
“Him’s taking us to great-grandmère’s house.”
Josie laughed.
“He’s so excited. So am I,” Nancy bubbled. “Ollie is just shaking because he doesn’t know what’s going on.”
“It’s new to him. Wait till he sees that courtyard with the big tree. He can play out there all day with Pete. He’s going to love it,” Josie said.
“I called early this morning, but I guess everyone was at church. I didn’t leave a message. It’s okay. I have a key to the gate.” Josie shivered at Paul’s cool tone. She crossed her fingers, hoping everything would work out. She wondered what she would be feeling and how she would react if she were in Nancy’s place. Plain and simple, she would be a basket case. How could anyone not love the adorable, dark- eyed little boy and his loving mother?
Ten minutes later, Paul parked his car at the curb. “Here we are, Pete. This is great-grandmère’s house. Are you ready? Want to ride on my shoulders? I thought so. Climb on, sport. Josie, here’s the key. Ring the bell and open the gate at the same time. I’m not playing any games here today.”
Josie sucked in her breath but did as instructed. She shivered when she heard Paul shout, “Mère, it’s Paul! I brought someone to see you.” He stood still in the middle of the courtyard and waited. They all waited. Two minutes went by, then three,