Mrs. Miracle Page 0,43

to drop the kids off at practice at the church, then?"

Seth had forgotten all about that. "Yes, please, if it isn't too much of a problem."

"None at all. I'll stay and visit with the women's group as well and leave the house to you and Mrs. Palmer."

"I appreciate it," Seth murmured, trying to think if there was anything else he'd forgotten.

"I'll put two dinners to warm in the oven. Don't you worry, Mr. Webster, everything is going to work out just fine."

She spoke as if she knew more about the situation than Seth did himself. "Good," he muttered, hoping she was right. He didn't know what was wrong between Sharon and Jerry or if he was reading more into the matter than he should. Perhaps Jerry was ill.... No, that couldn't be it. Sharon would be the first one to stand at his side through any health problems. She'd sounded shaken to the core, rattled and shocked. Seth certainly hoped he knew what to say in order to help.

A glance at the wall clock told him he barely had time to call Reba. He dialed and, while he waited for someone to answer, stood and slipped into his suit jacket.

"Reba, please," he said when her assistant answered.

"Seth?" She was on the line a moment later.

"I'm afraid I won't be able to see you tonight." As he said the words he realized he was more disappointed than he'd thought. Perhaps a bit of a break was for the best with them. It wouldn't take much to become accustomed to spending time with Reba each and every day. She was fast becoming addictive. A good kind of addictive. She made him feel again, dream again, hope again.

"Is something wrong?"

He explained the situation with Sharon, hoping Reba might have some insights to give him. "Mrs. Merkle is driving the kids to practice. I hope all Sharon needs is some time away."

"I'm sure you're right. And don't worry, I can give you the price quotes any time."

He wasn't worried, but he'd been looking forward to seeing her all day. Every now and again he found himself staring at the time, mentally tabulating how long it'd be before he'd be with her. He wanted to suggest she stop off at the house after church, but he couldn't. Not knowing what was happening between his in-laws was one thing, but Reba was sure to be physically and emotionally exhausted after her time with the kids. From what he understood she'd already received her share of bad news.

The baby Jesus had come down with a bad cold, and one of the shepherds had broken his leg. This was terrific news as far as Judd was concerned, since he preferred that role over being an angel.

"I've got to scoot," Seth told her with regret, and then, because this brief conversation wouldn't be enough to see him through until he could be with her again, he added, "Can I call you later?"

"Yes, please do. I hope everything's all right with your mother-in-law."

"I hope so, too."

The words echoed in his mind some forty minutes later as he was at Sea-Tac, waiting for Sharon to step out of the jetway. He knew the instant he saw her that something was drastically wrong. She looked straight past him, as pale as death, stricken and shell-shocked.

"Sharon." He stepped forward and took the carry-on bag out of her hand.

She looked at him as if seeing a stranger. "Seth. Thank you for coming. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it." She hugged him briefly, and he could tell she was struggling not to weep.

"It's good to see you." He studied her, wondering what had happened and how much he should urge her to tell him. "How much luggage do you have with you?" he asked, leading the way to the baggage claim area.

"Luggage...Oh, my, I don't think I brought any. I have my carry-on, but I don't seem to remember packing.... I suppose I should have. No, I did have a suitcase, but I left it at the house. Oh, dear."

"Don't worry, you can buy whatever you need."

Seth carried the conversation as they walked toward the parking garage. She answered him, but only when he asked a direct question, only when absolutely necessary.

Seth helped her into the car and stuck her carry-on bag on the backseat. As he set it on the cushion, the bag fell open, exposing one slipper and a novel. She'd come for the holidays, arriving ten days before Christmas,