Read Online Finding Home by Ninette Swann - Free Book Online Page B

As an adult, Jessica could easily just ask her uncle what happened then decide for herself, right?
    She thought about the Elkers. If Ben could be welcomed back with open arms as part of a family, maybe she should do the same thing. Or at least try.
    Her stomach rumbled. It was well past one p.m., and by now, Ben would be wanting lunch, too. She made her way down the stairs to start an omelet for lunch, and as she went, a decision hit her with such finality that she was making future plans before she even made it to the kitchen. She would go back to Boston. She had to make amends and build a bridge, even if that meant leaving the family who’d treated her so well. Even if it meant leaving the man who’d just opened her eyes to what life could be like if you welcomed it with open arms.
    She forced the thoughts away as the eggs sizzled in the pan, reminding her of her task. The kitchen filled with the delicious smells of sausage and roasted peppers as the omelet solidified into perfection. She heard Ben stomping his boots free of snow in the entryway, but before she could call out, she heard his voice on the phone.
    “You don’t have to let her go, Mom. I’m sure there’s enough work for both of us!”
    He paused, and Jessica strained her ears.
    “But it’s Christmas, for Christ’s sake.”
    She heard him shrug off his heavy coat and put it on the rack by the door.
    “This is all my fault. I shouldn’t have come home.”
    Jessica crept into the room, startling Ben. He was bent over on the couch in frustration, and Jessica smiled at his protectiveness of her welfare. He was beautiful, sitting there, his dark blue eyes filled with emotion as he seemed to fight an inward battle.
    “Hi,” she said awkwardly as she entered the room proper. Ben clicked off the phone without so much as saying goodbye.
    “How much did you hear?” he asked.
    Jessica loved how straightforward he was.
    “Enough,” she said simply. “But, actually, it works out perfectly for me. I have…some business to attend to back home. I’ll have to leave immediately.”
    She fingered the rings around her neck. It was time to let go of the past and pave the way to a brighter future.
    Ben’s face fell at her announcement. “You won’t be staying for Christmas?”
    “Well, that’s the thing,” Jessica hedged. “I actually don’t have enough money to get home. And I know you were just talking about how you couldn’t afford to keep me on, but I was wondering if you could…” She blanched, trying to force the next words out. “If you could spot me a small loan for a train ticket. I’ll have the funds to pay you back and more as soon as I reach the city. I just have to make amends first and allow my own family to be part of the decision making.”
    She waited to be turned down, her heart in her throat.
    Ben’s phone vibrated.
    “That’s mom again,” he said. “Probably pissed I hung up.” He went to put the phone in his pocket.
    “Let me talk to her,” Jessica said.
    “What? Why?”
    “Just let me talk to her.” Jessica reached for the phone, which Ben handed over reluctantly.
    “Hi, Ellie.”
    “Hi,” the older woman sounded distracted. “Ben hung up on me!”
    “Yeah, I know, I heard that. It’s my fault. I startled him. He hung up by accident.”
    “Hmph,” said Ellie. “Well, why isn’t he talking to me right now?”
    “I asked him to give me the phone. I have a question for you.”
    Jessica started to pace the room, nervous energy filling her as she searched for the courage to ask for money from the woman who had been so kind to her and who was obviously struggling. She straightened her shoulders.
    “I know it’s a lot to ask, but I actually need to leave anyway. I was hoping…well, I was hoping you would…you could, rather, lend me just enough money for a train ticket back east.”
    She waited, holding her breath.
    Ellie didn’t reply, but Jessica heard her muffle the phone and start speaking to someone on the