Lily of the Valley in May Read Online Free Page A

knowing something was.
    Faith slid her shaking hands into her pockets. “Your picture is almost done. You’ll have it tomorrow, no problem.”
    “I’m really looking forward to seeing it.” The mere thought of that sent a warm feeling through him. He had no idea why. He wanted nothing more to do with women. They stole your heart and betrayed you the first chance they got. But the idea of working with Faith appealed more with each passing moment. If anyone could bring his stories to life, it was her. He just hoped she’d accept his offer.
    He was used to people being either tongue tied or gushing around him, but this was something different altogether. “Am I that intimidating?” he asked, keeping his voice as non-threatening as he could.
    “No. I’m, sorry. It’s just...I’m just jittery.” She turned to Grace. “Can I have the keys? I’ll go wait in the car.”
    “Sure, I’ll be there in a few.”
    Faith grabbed the keys and almost ran from the building.
    Joel watched her leave, numbness spreading through him. What on earth had he done wrong?
    Grace touched his arm. “How was the funeral?”
    “Just a tribute from her sister and father, and it was over and done within five minutes.” He paused. “Is your sister always this jumpy? I think I said something to upset her. I wish I knew what.”
    Grace shook her head. “She’s probably still embarrassed over the car. Maybe she’s just tongue tied at meeting you. Like you, she’s got a lot going on right now. She moved in with five changes of clothes, her Bible, but she still had all your books. You’re her favorite author.”
    The phone in his pocket vibrated before he had chance to assimilate that thought. He pulled the handset out, not bothering to look at the screen to see who was calling. “Hello?”
    “Hi, Joel, this is Therese from ITU. I’m afraid Bradley’s had a setback. We need you to come in.”
    Joel froze. His eyes closed, and his throat constricted on the bile rising in it. He didn’t want to believe what he was hearing. “I’ll be there as soon as I can.” He glanced at his brother. “That’s the hospital. I need to go, now. Can you take me back for my car?”
    “No, need. I’ll drive you over there.”
    He shook his head. “I can’t let you do that. I have no idea how long I’ll be there.”
    Elliott held his gaze for a long moment. “OK. Take my car. I’ll get a lift home with Grace.” He held out his keys. “Call and let me know what’s happening later.”
    “I will.” Joel hugged his brother. “Don’t wait up. Not sure how long I’ll be.”
    Joel ran around to the car park. Don’t let me be too late. Let me at least say goodbye. No one should have to die alone.
    ~*~
    Joel entered the intensive care unit, already gowned and masked. He cleaned his hands with antiseptic gel and then pulled on a pair of gloves. The paper slippers over his shoes muffled his steps as he crossed the room.
    Monitors flashed and beeped quietly around the bed as his gaze fell on the small figure lying so still. The nurse glanced up as she redressed the burns. “Hello.”
    Joel’s eyes filled with tears at the sight of his son’s torso. It was reddened and burned as was the majority of his small body. How Bradley still lived, he honestly didn’t know. He hadn’t regained consciousness since the fire. “How is he?” He struggled to keep his voice level as it threatened to break. Choking emotion filled him, knocking him off balance. He gripped the back of the chair to steady himself.
    “He stabilized and has settled again.”
    “That’s good.” Joel sat down next to the bed, covering the small hand in his larger one. “Hey, buddy. How are you doing? I finished your story last night, you know, the one about the Loch Ness Monster. I’m just sorry it took me this long. Good news is it’s not too late to add it to the book. We’re just waiting on the illustrations now. Think I found someone to do them. Her name’s Faith. She’s