“Tory? Are you with me?” Her sister waved her hand in front of Tory’s eyes.
She blinked and offered her sister a smile. “Yes, barely. This has been a really long day.”
“And it’s not even three o’clock yet.” Judy angled around to face her. “Mom and Dad have decided to leave this evening, too. Dad wants to get Mom back home.”
“Yeah, he’s worried about her. I’m worried about her.”
“He’s going to take her to the doctor as soon as he can.”
“Good.”
“And we’ll leave right after them. We can get to Grand Lake before dark and set up camp. The kids want to go fishing first thing tomorrow morning. You two newlyweds will finally have the house all to yourself. You’ll have peace and quiet for three days. Consider this one of my wedding presents to you, sister dear.”
“Peace and quiet. I won’t know what to do with myself.”
“Do I need to give you a lecture on the birds and the bees?”
Tory hadn’t thought beyond the fact she would have her bedroom to herself again and would be able to get a good night’s sleep. But without Mindy in the house, she and Slade would be alone as husband and wife for the first time. He hadn’t said anything to her about the nightmare, but he had kept his distance as though he weren’t quite sure what to make of the situation.
That makes two of us, she thought, and shoved to her feet. “I think I hear the next group of kids. Ready?”
For the next hour Tory, with Judy’s help, assisted children onto the saddle and led them around the riding ring. Some of them had been on horses before and rode without assistance. The laughs and smiles on the children’s faces made the work worth it for Tory. When the last one left and the cleanup crew went about dismantling the carnival booths and picking up the trash, Tory eased down on her front porch steps for a break.
Slade came out of the house and sat next to her. “Okay?”
“I’m not sure my feet are attached to my legs. But other than that, I’m fine.”
“Mindy is almost packed and ready to go on her adventure, as she calls it.”
“Has she ever been camping?”
“No, so I guess it is an adventure for her. She hasn’t been fishing, either.”
“She’ll have a good time with Ashley and Jamie.”
“You don’t know how much it means to me that those two have taken a liking to my daughter.”
“I think my niece and nephew are pretty lucky to have a friend and cousin like Mindy.”
“The cleanup crew have promised me two more hours and no one will know we had a carnival here with a hundred visitors.”
“It was a success. I think I’ll offer again next year.”
“Reverend Nelson was hoping you would.”
Tory slanted a look at Slade, shielding her eyes from the glare of the sun. “You talked with Reverend Nelson?”
He nodded. “I told him I would be on the budget committee.”
Tory’s mouth fell open. “You did?”
“Yes. I’ve decided to start going with you and Mindy to church.”
“When?”
“After our talk the other evening at the barn, I’ve been thinking. I was wrong to turn away from God just because something didn’t happen the way I thought it should. I want to give Him another chance and hope He hasn’t abandoned me.”
Tory took his hand. “He hasn’t. He doesn’t work that way.”
“I hope you’re right because I can’t do it alone. I realize my guilt has been getting in my way and I need to learn to deal with it. I hope He will help.”
“He will.” She squeezed his hand, then released it and rose. “I’d better go see if Dad and Mom need any help.”
As she climbed the steps to the porch, his news lightened her heart and gave her hope. After the emotional turmoil of the past few days, she was glad for some good news.
Inside the air-conditioned house she relished the cool air while she made her way to the bedroom her parents had used. Her father slammed the suitcase closed as she entered the room. Her mother sat in the chair by the window, staring out at the workers cleaning up the grounds.
“Can I help with anything?”
“No, honey. I’ve got everything packed and ready to go.” Her father placed the suitcase on the floor by the bed.
“I’m sorry, Tory, I haven’t been feeling very well.” Her mother turned her attention toward her.
She went to her mother and knelt in front of her. “You never have to apologize for anything, Mom. I’m so glad you came to visit.”
Her mother brushed back Tory’s stray strands from her ponytail. “I know how much you hate coming home. This is the least I can do for you. The carnival was lovely again this year.”
Her father came over to help her mother to her feet. She leaned heavily into him as he started for the door. Tory picked up the suitcase and followed them out to the car. Her throat tightened at the frail picture of her mother as her father helped her into the front seat.
While he stowed the suitcase in the trunk, Tory said, “Let me know what the doctor says.”
“Of course, honey.” He hugged her and kissed her on the forehead. “You have a good husband, Tory. I can rest easier now.”
Slade approached her and stood at her side while her father started the engine, waved, then drove from the ranch. Tears misted her eyes. One fell and rolled down her cheek.
“Are you okay?” Slade
