When Tomorrow Comes by Janette Oke Page A

roads?” she asked as soon as he straightened.
    “Fine. A few little drifts here and there—but nothing major. I had no trouble at all getting through.”
    She patted his cheek and backed away so Christine might also embrace Henry.
    “Ready?” Henry asked.
    “Everything is right here at the door,” she informed him.
    “Good.”
    “You’re coming in, aren’t you?” asked Elizabeth in alarm. Surely he wasn’t going to turn right around and head back was her unspoken meaning.
    “For a few minutes. Not long. We need to get going before the roads—”
    “I thought you said they were fine.” Elizabeth held the door for Henry to enter.
    “They were okay—but a wind is starting to come up. The roads can drift in quickly if it starts to blow.”
    Elizabeth frowned. “Perhaps you should get started, then.”
    Her voice revealed her reluctance. She hated to let them go.
    Henry must have sensed her discomfort and changed course. He removed the heavy overcoat and hung it in the closet. “Thought Aunt Mary might have one of her good cups of coffee ready.”
    “She has just rushed to the phone to call Jonathan. He said to let him know the minute you arrived. He’s coming right home.”
    “Oh, he shouldn’t do that. I can’t stay long.”
    “He said a little break will do him good.”
    Henry nodded. “So how has your time in the city been?” he asked.
    “Delightful,” exclaimed Elizabeth. “I’ve soaked in the tub every night.”
    Henry laughed loudly. “You come to the bustling city of Calgary and sit in the tub?” But his teasing elicited no response from his mother except a little wave of her hand at him.
    “And you?” He turned to Christine. “Did you get a chance at the tub?”
    “Well, I haven’t spent as much time in there as Mother, but yes, I’ve had my turn.”
    When Mary burst through the door, Henry rose to greet her. “Your uncle Jon will be right home. It only takes him a minute. My—I think you get taller every time I see you. I have to stand on tiptoe just to reach for a hug.”
    Henry wrapped long arms about his aunt and gave her a warm embrace. “It’s awfully good to see you, Aunt Mary.”
    “I have enjoyed Christine so much. We’ve had such fun together. And I’m so glad to have this special time with your mother. We’ve had so much to talk about. I just wish there weren’t so many miles separating us. It really doesn’t seem fair that our country is so big. Now sit. I’ve got Lucy bringing the coffee. I know you’ll be in a hurry to get back before dark. Wish we could keep you here for a few days, but I know that’s impossible.
    “How are Amber and Danny?” Mary rushed on. “Is she getting new-bride’s nerves yet? It’s getting awfully close, isn’t it? Are things going smoothly with the plans? I’d love to help. Wish I was closer. I said to Jon that I’d just love to bake the wedding cake or help with the decorations. Does Amber like that sort of thing? Maybe she doesn’t even need help. She certainly looks like she has things together. What about Danny? Is he excited about having a new daddy?”
    Henry hardly knew which question to answer, so he merely nodded his head and let his aunt keep talking.
    Mary eventually stopped abruptly when Lucy arrived with a tray bearing a steaming coffeepot and a number of cups. The tray also held a plate of beef sandwiches and a lemon sponge cake.
    “I thought you might be a bit hungry after your long drive. I don’t want you to go away without something in your stomachs.”
    “It looks and smells delicious, Aunt Mary.”
    “We’ll not wait for Jonathan. He never eats between meals. He’ll just want coffee.” And the sandwiches were passed first to Henry and then to Christine.
    “You’d better eat up,” Henry warned her. “Who knows when you’ll get the chance again? Not many restaurants between here and my place. And not much in my cupboards either.”
    Christine followed his advice. They were still enjoying the