“Oh, you know?—”
“Hold on there, Lady Katie,” he said. “We called with an idea that is completely doable.”
She was quiet for a second, then gave a little laugh. “All right, you two, I’m listening.”
Jonah took the lead, launching into an explanation of the fashion show—very kindly complimenting Tessa for her adept inclusion of Nolie.
“That’s so sweet,” Kate said softly. “Who knew she had such a maternal streak?”
“She also has a sadistic streak,” Jonah said, “because she wants us in her show. We’re being forced against our will to wear tuxedos and parade our fine selves up and down the boardwalk in front of champagne-sipping guests.”
She trilled a laugh. “I’d like to see that.”
“Exactly,” Eli said, leaning forward and giving Jonah a smile. “Why don’t you and the kids come and be part of it?”
“Oh, we would but my mother?—”
“Bring her,” Eli said without giving it too much thought. Too bad if his mother would have a cow. She wasn’t here and…neither was Kate. “I’ll send you all round-trip tickets for a Thursday to Monday visit to sunshine and…fashion.”
“Oh!” He heard the soft intake of her breath, the genuine surprise and gratitude she conveyed with just one syllable. “Eli! That would be…”
“Perfect,” he finished for her. “Right?”
“We know you want to support Tessa’s new business, so…” Jonah gave a soft laugh. “You really need to say yes.”
“Jo Ellen, too?” she asked, sounding uncertain.
“She doesn’t hate the Lawsons, right?” Jonah asked. “That weirdness is only on my side of the family. Bring her down.”
“Assuming her ankle’s doing better,” Eli said, knowing the classy thing to do was to also give her a way to say no.
“Her ankle is fine and…” She let out a sigh that he couldn’t interpret, but, oh, he could imagine her face. And he ached to see it in person.
“Please, Kate,” he said softly. “We all miss you so much down here.”
She was quiet for a beat…then two…then Eli braced for her to say no.
“Okay,” she said slowly. “We’ll make the journey family style.” Then she laughed again. “Did you even tell me the date?”
Jonah filled her in on the timing and Eli just listened, unable to wipe the smile from his face. They talked a little more and he promised to call her tomorrow, although he knew he’d be texting her before bed.
After they said goodbye, the two of them sat in silence for a moment. But Jonah broke it with a sigh as he turned to Eli.
“She could be it, huh?”
“Maybe,” Eli said. “It’s a long shot, but God specializes in miracles, so…”
Jonah made a face. “Not always. Sometimes He just punishes us.”
Of course, Jonah didn’t share his faith, and this had to bring up mixed emotions in a boy who still reeled from the loss of his mother.
“God doesn’t punish,” Eli said quietly. “But he allows us to endure trials and challenges and difficult paths, in the hopes that we’ll turn to Him for help.”
Jonah stared straight ahead at the black Gulf, now lit only by a three-quarter moon behind a cloud.
“I don’t think I could take it if it were anyone else,” he finally said. “But Kate? She’s so…she’s…” He swallowed. “I really like her, and you seem happy.”
“A good woman can do that. She can heal you.” He inched closer. “Why don’t you go call Carly and check on her?”
