Song of the Meadowlark (Intertwined Book 1) by Sherri Wilson Johnson Page B

assured.

 
* * *
    When Cora got home from the hospital, Rex was sitting on the front porch swing with Susie. “Hey.”
    “Hey, Rex.”
    “Cora! You’re home!” Susie jumped down from Rex’s lap, her face framed in ringlets from sweat.
    Cora knelt down and received the child in a big hug.
    Rex walked to the porch steps. “Are you feeling better?”
    “I guess. But still weirded out a bit. I can’t believe I was kidnapped.”
    “Yeah, that's weird. Well, I’m glad to see you’re up and moving around. I thought maybe you’d decided to leave unexpectedly.”
    “No, I wouldn’t do that.” Cora searched Rex’s eyes. There was something in the dark mirrors. But what?
    “I wouldn’t blame you if you did. After the way I treated you.” He looked away.
    “Don’t worry about it, Rex. We’re good.” She batted the thought away with her hand. “Listen, I’m pretty tired. I’m going to lay down for a while.”
    “Okay. I’ll see ya after a while then.”

 
* * *
    Cora played blocks with Susie in the playroom. Somehow a month had passed, and the August sun now blazed down and cracked the soil of the Southern Hope Ranch. Cora’s physical wounds from the kidnapping had almost healed. Her nights still included dreams of the cabin and her captor but were slowly improving. Rex was cordial with her now, and that solved her only issues with remaining there. She no longer felt she had to prove herself to him.
    “Knock, knock.”
    “Come in, Pearl. We’re playing blocks and just finished up our tea party a little while ago.”
    “That sounds like great fun. I’m sure Susie is enjoying herself. Did you ever call your parents or your in-laws and tell them about the kidnapping?” Pearl sat in the chair by the window.
    “No. I figure I can tell them about it when I go home to visit. Since my name wasn’t in the news, I decided to keep it under wraps for now.”
    “I guess you’re right. We’re taking good care of you anyway.” Pearl smiled, but there was a hint of sadness in her eyes.
    “You sure are. How are you doing, Pearl?” Cora placed a book on the shelf.
    “Oh, I’m fine.” She sighed.
    “You sure? Something seems to be bothering you.” Cora studied Pearl, the woman who usually spread light all over the house.
    “Gramma, do you want some tea?”
    “Sure, Sweetie.” Susie offered Pearl a tiny cup of imaginary tea, held carefully with her chubby fingers and then ran to her dollhouse to play.
    “Thank you.” A tear slid down Pearl’s face.
    “Pearl? What is it?” Cora sat beside her.
    “I’m worried about Rex. He has so much on his mind with the ranch. And Susie. And I’m disappointed with his choice in women. I’ve prayed his relationship with Veronica wouldn’t last long. But it seems they’re getting serious.” She sighed.
    “I’m sorry. He’s a fortunate man to have parents who love him so much.” Cora could offer no more. She had her own opinions about Rex and his problems, and they were better kept to herself.
    “I’m not so sure he feels that way these days. I think he resents our involvement in his life.”
    “I’m sure that’s not the case, Pearl.” Cora offered a smile.
    “We had so hoped once he began to date again, he’d date someone like you.”
    “Like me? You mean a homeless woman who borrows trouble? I’m not so sure I’m a good catch right now, Pearl. I’ve got my own issues I’m dealing with.” Cora laughed.
    Pearl chuckled softly. “None of that matters. You’ve got a good heart. It’s evident in the way you’ve taken so much care of Susie.”
    “She’s an easy child to love, Pearl. You all are easy to love.” But a twinge ran through Cora’s heart at her untruth. Rex wasn’t as easy for her to love as the rest of the family.

Chapter 6
     
    Cora watched the late-night news in the family room with R.L. and Pearl after getting Susie to bed. She snuggled up on the loveseat with a blanket and a cup of decaf coffee. Even though summer graced