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Back A Flicker of Light
Chapters (62)
  1. Cover
  2. Half Title Page
  3. Books by Katie Powner
  4. Title Page
  5. Copyright Page
  6. Dedication
  7. ONE
  8. TWO
  9. THREE
  10. FOUR
  11. FIVE
  12. SIX
  13. SEVEN
  14. EIGHT
  15. NINE
  16. TEN
  17. ELEVEN
  18. TWELVE
  19. THIRTEEN
  20. FOURTEEN
  21. FIFTEEN
  22. SIXTEEN
  23. SEVENTEEN
  24. EIGHTEEN
  25. NINETEEN
  26. TWENTY
  27. TWENTY-ONE
  28. TWENTY-TWO
  29. TWENTY-THREE
  30. TWENTY-FOUR
  31. TWENTY-FIVE
  32. TWENTY-SIX
  33. TWENTY-SEVEN
  34. TWENTY-EIGHT
  35. TWENTY-NINE
  36. THIRTY
  37. THIRTY-ONE
  38. THIRTY-TWO
  39. THIRTY-THREE
  40. THIRTY-FOUR
  41. THIRTY-FIVE
  42. THIRTY-SIX
  43. THIRTY-SEVEN
  44. THIRTY-EIGHT
  45. THIRTY-NINE
  46. FORTY
  47. FORTY-ONE
  48. FORTY-TWO
  49. FORTY-THREE
  50. FORTY-FOUR
  51. FORTY-FIVE
  52. FORTY-SIX
  53. FORTY-SEVEN
  54. FORTY-EIGHT
  55. FORTY-NINE
  56. FIFTY
  57. FIFTY-ONE
  58. FIFTY-TWO
  59. Acknowledgments
  60. About the Author
  61. Back Ads
  62. Back Cover

When she began to wring her hands and laugh nervously, Rand cleared his throat. “Maybe I can show you around the ranch a bit, Ken. Then I think you all better go.”

Ken’s face fell, and Mitch frowned. He hated that Ken might never get to see his mother how she’d been, with all the spunk and spark Mitch had always taken for granted. Might never be the recipient of the withering glare she gave when someone used the Lord’s name in vain, or take a big bite of her apple pie the way it was meant to be.

“Okay.” Ken stood and gave June a little bow. “It was nice to meet you, Mom . . . uh, Ms. Juniper.”

Her eyes darted around the room. “Yes, yes. Nice to meet you, too, dear.”

Jeremy stood as well and joined Ken. “I haven’t gotten the grand tour, either. Mind if I tag along?”

Mitch glanced over at Bea.

She waved a hand. “You guys go ahead. I’ll stay with Grandma.”

Mitch followed his father, brother, and son-in-law out the door, thankful the weather today lent itself to showcasing the ranch in its best light. He had so many things he wanted Ken to see. The places that had been special to him as a child. The places where he and Ken would’ve built forts or snuck cigarettes if Ken had been here. He’d missed so much.

As Mitch stepped off the porch, he watched Ken slow his pace to match Rand’s and pressed his lips together. Maybe it was better not to dwell on all the things Ken had missed. Maybe he should just let his brother enjoy what was.

Today was more important than yesterday, after all.

FORTY-SIX

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Ken stood in the front hall, his small duffel at his feet. Mitch stood close by, clearing his throat, trying to figure out how to say good-bye.

“I wish there was something I could do to help.” Ken nudged his bag with his toe. “I’m expected at work tomorrow.”

“Of course.” Mitch rubbed his eyes. He hadn’t gotten much sleep last night. “I understand. I wish you could’ve had more time with her.”

Ken nodded. “I’m sorry I turned up unannounced, but if I’d waited any longer . . .”

“I’m glad you came when you did.”

Ken picked up his bag. “Christmas is in six weeks. Do you think it’d be all right if we came back for a few days? Me and Marianne?”

Mitch hesitated, surprised. Even after his mom’s behavior this morning, he wanted to visit again so soon?

“We don’t have to.” Ken shifted on his feet. “I don’t want to impose.”

“No, no, that would be great.” Mitch held out a hand. “We’d love to have you. You’ll stay here with us.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course.”