Makin' Miracles Read Online Free

to bristle. “It’s all right, boy. We’ve just entertained a high-class thief here tonight.”
    Spencer put the bills, necklaces, and ring box into the drawer of the side table. The only thing he would have deeply regretted losing was the ring. His maternal grandmother, Lillian Chatsworth, who he stayed with through his college years in Savannah, had given it to him. She said she wanted him to give the ring to the woman he would marry one day. The ring was an old family piece that could hardly be replaced, whether Spencer ever married or not.
    An hour later, Spencer had driven Leena back to her hotel and he now sat brooding by the fire in the dark, thinking about the evening. He could have called the Gatlinburg police chief, Bill Magee, and had Leena Evanston picked up and booked. He still could. He wasn’t sure why he hesitated to do so. Perhaps because of the situation. It was embarrassing to have entertained a thief for dinner. And to have hoped for further intimacies with the same thief.
    Truthfully, Spencer felt like a royal ass. He obviously had shown no discernment of character in this situation. Yet some little shopgirl had seen it all coming. That rankled, even though Spencer knew he had the girl to thank that he’d become suspicious of Leena Evanston at all and not lost his money, jewelry— and possibly more—to Leena before the evening was said and done. It wasn’t true that he didn’t have other valuable things in the house. She just hadn’t found them.
    He motioned to Zeke to come over for an affectionate scratch. Seeming to read his master’s disappointment, the shepherd wagged his tail with friendly enthusiasm and gave Spencer a consoling nudge. He petted the big dog with pleasure, grateful for the animal’s genuine devotion and loyalty. These qualities seemed to be a rare commodity in this world today.
    The phone rang, interrupting his thoughts. Spencer picked it up and heard his brother Bowden’s smooth voice on the line. Great. Just what he needed tonight.
    â€œHey, Two Spence, what’s up with you?” He used one of the old derogatory nicknames he’d always used for Spencer. This one had come from a time when Spencer’s grandfather, Stettler Jackson, said Spencer was a smart kid but not worth two cents in sales and public relations. Of course, he’d turned immediately, laid his hand on Bowden’s shoulder, and said Bowden was a regular chip off the old block and a born natural with the public.
    Spencer sighed. “To what do I owe the honor of this call, Bowden?”
    â€œNo need to get testy, Spence. I am your big brother, after all. I should be able to call my little brother to say hi—and I ought to get a warmer welcome in return.”
    Spencer struggled to make an effort to be cordial. “How are Mother and Dad, Bowden? Is everyone well?”
    â€œWe’re all fine. Not that you would know since you never darken any of our doors.” He paused. “That’s why I’m calling, Spence. Mother and Dad are having their big fortieth anniversary this summer, and it would mean a lot to them, to all of us, if you would come.”
    Spencer hesitated.
    He heard Bowden blow out an irritated breath. “Brother, it’s time to let bygones be bygones with old grudges. We are your family, after all. You need to act like a grown-up and come home to wish your parents happiness on this occasion.”
    Easy for you to say, Spencer thought. You always fit into the family business like a glove. You were Grandfather Jackson and our parents’ favorite child. And you married Geneva. You could have had anyone, but you had to marry the one girl I loved. Had to steal her away from me while I was away at college. And now you expect me to come home and act like everything is still the same? I don’t think so.
    Bowden seemed to sense his thoughts in the silence. “Mother and Dad will send you an invitation