Page 17 of A Change Of Heart
"I'll do that.Oh!What an adorable Christmas tree."Tara bought three books, including A Season for Love and a Love to Keep, her first bestseller.As she waited at the counter, Tara also selected a couple of gift items.
"Your lucky day," Steph said."The first two books are signed copies by the author.Don't see that very often."
Tara thanked her and left the store with a pleased smile.
In the late afternoon Henry strolled out of his office, returning minutes later carrying two bags from the bakery.Charlie was sniffing and trying to get his nose into it, but Henry waved him off.
"Hey boy," Stephanie knelt, patting Charlie to distract him from the bakery items."Mid-day snack or early dinner?"she asked her boss.The delicious pastry earlier was still fueling her system, so she'd wait until dinner to enjoy whatever he’d bought.
His expression was dark, unhappy."Here."He tossed two brown bags on the counter.He clicked his teeth and looked over her shoulder as if he was seeing someone."Got us a couple of meat pies for dinner.And two wraps, a tuna or chicken, take your pick."
She chose the chicken, knowing her boss liked the tuna best.
"Got us both a cookie too."
"Thanks, Henry.You really should let me pay."
He ignored her comment.Taking his bag, he and Charlie shuffled away.Steph understood that after forty-five years of marriage, he still had some grieving to do.
With great love, comes great sorrow. She'd learned that from her favorite books, classic novels that she'd gobbled up during the years taking care of her sister.
Now that Jason had resurfaced, she had a dozen new questions in her mind.
Were the highs and the lows of deep love worth the risk of heartbreak?
