“You can count on it, honey.”
Paul clapped a hand on Jack’s back. “It heats up just fine. I know because Nelle seems to always be trying to fatten me up. I always have enough for another meal.”
“That’s good news.” Jack extended his hand. “Well, I don’t mean to keep you. I just wanted you to know how grateful we are and we’re going to do our part around there. You let me know what I can do for you.”
Paul looked a little embarrassed, waving to Diane and Jack as he ducked beneath the falcon-wing door and lowered himself into the back seat.
On the way home, Paul was quiet. Natalie flashed a concerned look, but Sheila wasn’t sure it was a bad quiet. She’d been touched by the events since that night, and she sensed Paul was feeling the same way. She couldn’t explain it herself, but she felt it to her core. “You’re sort of a hero there, Pops.”
“Nothing like that.”
But she could see his eyes were a little glassy. Then he spoke up. “I was just thinking how profound it is that God can give you a second chance in life to make good on things maybe you didn’t do so good the first time. I’m really happy.” The pausewas long, but finally Paul said, “I’m grateful I have the resources to share.”
“I know exactly how you feel.” Sheila sighed. There were a lot more important things in life she wasn’t giving the appropriate attention to right now.
She felt a New Year’s resolution coming on.
Chapter Fourteen
Sheila drove through the open gates of Paul’s property. “Home again, home again!”
Natalie twisted around in her seat to talk to Paul. “We’re going to check in at the chapel house and see what we need to get done. Would you like to stop in with us?”
“I’d like that very much.” Paul looked pleased.
When they pulled up, Randy was walking out to his truck with empty boxes stacked four high.
“Are y’all done?” Natalie said as she got out of the car.
“Everything except for the thumbs-up from you, but I think it looks pretty good. Plus, Daisy had the idea of leaving it a little undone by leaving a box of plastic ornaments for the kids to hang, ya know, at kid height.”
“That’s a great idea. A way to make it their own.”
“That’s exactly what she said.”
“Missed you at church.” Natalie pecked him on the cheek.
“Missed you too. Good morning, Paul, Sheila,” said Randy.
“Come on, let’s see how they did.” Natalie led the way. Thisonce-stark building was now warm and inviting. In the corner, the Christmas tree looked even taller with the big star on top.
Randy said, “The star has colored lights too.”
“Wow, over-the-top is perfect for kids.”
The tree topper was huge, bedazzled, and a little hideous. Sheila hoped Randy wasn’t going to be an awful help on Natalie’s decorating team. They might have to vote him off the island to win. “Yeah, I’d pass on that, but you’re right, perfect for the kids.”
“It’ll look pretty at night,” Natalie said.
Randy rushed over to the cord. “It looks pretty now.” With one touch it lit up. “Look!”
That star cast about a hundred colored dots across the white walls.
Even Sheila had to admit it was fun.
“Doris and her husband brought a dresser full of stuff earlier. I had them put it next to the bed. It fit perfectly.” Randy led them over to check it out.
“Oh gosh, it’s so cute,” Sheila said.
