Page 120 of The Perfect Distraction

Finally, she let go and said in as clear a voice as she could muster, “I’ll miss you all, but I’m not going away forever.”

“I should hope not,” Joe said.

“And bring Brooke whenever you come to visit,” Mason added.

“I’ll walk out with you,” Colton said, slinging an arm around her shoulder.

“You’ll be seeing each other later. I’ll walk out with her,” Judy said, brooking no argument.

Beth was in such an emotional state that her words barely registered.

“See you later,” said Colton. “And Joey—be good for your mom this weekend.”

“I will, Dad.”

Beth followed Judy and Joey out to the parking lot and set her gifts in the back seat.

Joey gave his grandma a quick hug goodbye and then climbed into the passenger seat, leaving Beth and Judy standing there.

“Thanks again,” Beth said, unsure of what else to say.

“You’re welcome. Take care of yourself.”

“I will.”

“And I’ll take care of the boys until you come back.”

Beth nodded, her tears welling up again. The next thing she knew, Judy’s arms were around her and she was patting Beth’s back consolingly as she gave her a tight hug. Just as quickly, she let go and started to walk away, but not before Beth saw that her eyes were misty too.

Judy’s peace offering meant a lot to her, and even through her tears, she felt lighter as she got into the car and drove away.

“Where are we going?” Joey asked as they passed by his house.

“I thought we would eat lunch at the café. Is that okay?”

“Before the reading lesson?”

“Um-hmm.”

“Yay!”

He’d come a long way toward liking to read, but food still won out every time.

When they entered the restaurant, Mary was behind the counter waiting on someone, but she looked up and waved at them. When it was their turn to order, she asked, “The usual?”

They both nodded, and after Beth paid, Mary said, “Have a seat, and I’ll bring it out to you.”

Beth led them to a vacant table at the front of the café and pulled out a wrapped package from her handbag.

“A present?” Joey asked, his curiosity piqued.

“Um-hmm.”

“But I’m not the one leaving.”

He’d said it matter-of-factly, but his words cut straight to her heart.

“Oh, sweetie. I’m not leaving forever.”