Longing Read Online Free

thankful for. But leaving home had changed that. Today she had a thousand easy answers for why she was grateful. All around her the boys began talking at once, reminding each other the rules: no easy answers and no answers the same as last year. She set her fork down and leaned close to Brandon. “This gets complicated.”
    “I’m getting that.” He was still eating, but he gave her a quick look. “I feel like I should take notes.”
    “It’s okay.” She loved the way he made her laugh. “I’ll help you.”
    “Listen up.” Her dad’s cheerful voice cut through the commotion. “Let’s go over the boundaries. We know we’re all thankful for God’s love and for Jesus dying for us and for our family and our home. An answer has to be specific and creative. If not, The Committee can veto it.”
    “Really?” Brandon raised his eyebrows.
    “I told you.” Bailey stifled a laugh. “Crazy rules.”
    “I don’t know.” Brandon pretended to be suddenly nervous. “You people are serious.”
    “Yes.” Bailey’s mom grinned. “Would you expect anything less than a competition from a coach?”
    Bailey watched the exchange. Brandon shouldn’t have worried about fitting in. He came across fun and affable and kind, and his new faith was deeper than before. He couldn’t quite yet take Cody’s place among her brothers, but he definitely fit in.
    Her dad chose Justin to go first, and Bailey watched her brother sit up a little straighter. “Okay.” He grinned, taking his time and enjoying having the floor for a moment. “I’m thankful Connor decided to play football for Clear Creek. I love having my older brother as quarterback.” Justin sat back in his chair, satisfied. “How was that?”
    Around the table Bailey and her family held up their fingers showing a score for Justin’s answer. Everyone had both hands up: perfect tens — even from Brandon, who was picking up on the rules as they went along. “Great answer, son.” Their dad looked at Connor. “It’s been good for all of us, watching Connor play. Next year, who knows? Maybe he’ll try out for
American Idol
and make it to Hollywood.”
    Connor had planned to try out last summer, but football hadn’t allowed him enough time. This was his last year of high school, so their dad was right. Connor was headed for Liberty University to study music, but there was no telling what God had planned for him.
    Ricky went next. “I’m thankful Mom still takes time to write notes for my lunch box.” He gave her a lopsided smile. “I know I’m getting old, but I still love opening my bag and seeing your note inside.”
    “Notes?” Brandon’s tone softened. “What do they say?”
    “She writes them on Scripture cards.” Ricky clearly appreciated their mom’s practice. “Verses like, ‘I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength,’ from Philippians. And then on the back she says stuff like, ‘I’m proud of you,’ or ‘Keep trying because God is working in your life.’ Things like that.”
    “She did those for all of us until we reached high school.” Connor smiled at their mom. “Now we eat hot lunch.”
    “But she still leaves us notes.” Shawn looked at Brandon. “On our pillows.”
    “Or in our gear bag before football.” BJ’s expression showed that he, too, was thankful for the way their mom made them feel special.
    “Okay, so we’ll just assume that’s a perfect ten for Ricky’s answer.” Their dad kissed their mom on the cheek. “I’m thankful too. For the way you love our kids.”
    “Hey, not fair.” Justin jumped to his feet. “That’s a repeat.”
    Their dad laughed. “That’s not my answer. Just the truth.”
    They worked their way around the table and when it came to Bailey, her answer was easy. “I’m thankful for the lessons God has taught me in New York.” She looked straight at Brandon. “And I’m thankful Brandon could be with us today.” She wanted to say she was thankful for his love,