“Preliminary suggests a major heart attack that just dropped him.”

“Poor Ginny, yay for Fred.”

“I know. At times like this, if I didn’t believe there is more life after the body dies, I could not—”

“He was your friend too, wasn’t he?”

“Fred was everybody’s friend. If there was any way he could provide help, he did, to whoever needed it. And on top of that, he was just plain fun to be around.”

“I can see and hear the angels and all the saints welcoming him home. What a party!”

“And so we help Ginny and the kids through this.”

“I know. Sure brings back lots of memories. So grateful we lived on the farm and there were so many things that had to be done.…I found that keeping real busy made grieving easier.”

“She depended on him for so much, like he depended on her. What a pair they were.” They rode in silence, except that she asked for someone to look in on the cat. Already that cat was crippling her ability to just go.

Pastor Mike assured her the cat would not pine away. He stopped the car at the path off the driveway. “You want me to carry that in for you?”

Amalia smiled as she scooped up her bag. “No, thanks, you go on home and get the rest you need. Give that wife of yours a howdy from me.”

“I will. She said to tell you, the coffeepot is always on.”

“Thanks.” She shut the door behind her and walked the flagstone path to the patio and sliding glass doors. The upstairs was all dark. She tapped at the door and opened it before Sam could get there. She sniffed. “Is something burning?”

“Not now. Mom had a casserole in the oven, and five hours later, the house was filled with smoke. The guys on the fire truck came up to check it out. Good old smoke alarm did the job.”

“Ginny sleeping?”

“Like a log. I hear so many people say they couldn’t sleep. I think she just crashed.”

“That’s good.” She lifted her case. “Where shall I put this?”

“They said to not use the upstairs until tomorrow when they set up some exhaust fans and the smoke should be cleared. The guest room down here has twin beds. Mom is on one, you take the other.”

“I can sleep on a sofa or wherever.”

“Why, when there is a perfectly good bed?”

“Whatever. Are there any doctor’s orders for her or just take one minute at a time?”

“Eva said to push fluids, so when she wakes up, hand her a glass of water. If there is any change, BP a bit elevated but understandably so, to call for help. You drive, right?”

“Yes, I just opted to no longer have a car since I live right in the middle of town. My driver’s license is still current and I will probably maintain that. Good ID.”

Erica stepped out of the room where Ginny slept. “No change. She’s not running a temp or anything.”