“What’s done is done,” Bob said. “You’ve got work to do to get well. I’m counting on you. All of us who’ve been in the armed forces, we’ve all seen some pretty awful things, and there comes a time to set that all behind you. It’s what’s ahead of you that counts.”

“Your family loves you, Randy,” Grace said. “And I love you. All we want is for you to get well.”

Randy looked at Grace and nodded, but when he looked at Bob, respect and appreciation filled his face. Their eyes held for a long moment. Then, with his undamaged hand, Randy saluted Bob. “As you say, sir.”

As Bob and Grace walked down the hospital hallway, Bob reassured Grace. “The boy’s in good hands, and he’s got spirit. He’s gonna get through this just fine. You wait and see.”

“Thanks for coming with me. The respect Randy has for you is obvious, and the encouragement and camaraderie he felt for you is exactly what he needs.”

“I just might come on out here and see how he’s doing next week,” Bob said.

Grace squeezed his arm. “That would be wonderful.” She pressed against him and squeezed his arm.

32

Catching Up

A week after Amelia returned from Santa Fe, the week after Bob and Grace visited Randy Banks at the hospital, the week after Hannah discussed with Max the possibility of gathering relatives and friends to confront Zachary with his attitude and behavior, the women freed themselves of all appointments and made time to sit together in their living room and catch up on their busy lives.

It had been a day of fitful weather. Sunshine so brilliant it stung your eyes was followed by layers of gray clouds and rain that hammered the roof of the farmhouse. By late afternoon the sky cleared and a soft, warm breeze stirred the curtains at the open windows in the living room. The aroma of Grace’s freshly baked bread drifted from the kitchen.

The ladies drew their chairs in a circle. Amelia turned worried eyes to them. “There was this man at the photo workshop, Ben something or other, from Virginia. He took quite a liking to Miriam, and she appeared interested in him. Every time I turned around, he was talking to her, walking with her, helping her with this or that. He even made points with Sadie by helping her climb up to a cave high in the cliff at Bandelier Monument. My heart was in my mouth the whole time they were going up and down that ladder.”

Grace said, “I would imagine so. A cave in a cliff?”