Read Online Until Forever (Women of Prayer) by Darlene Shortridge - Free Book Online Page A

beds. Their legs won’t fit in backseats. You’d be all scrunched up!”
    Jessi had to agree with the child’s logic. She wouldn’t be able to walk straight if she fell asleep in the positions she saw Olivia sleep in. Aunt Merry’s guest bed would be a welcome sight tonight, after a long two days of travel. It was also the one time of the year when Olivia wasn’t entirely her responsibility. Aunt Merry gladly took Olivia with her shopping, playing at the park, and to church. Anywhere Aunt Merry went, you were sure to see little Olivia as well. This gave Jessi a much-needed break in the day-to-day care of her child. Even though Olivia was a very well-behaved child, she was still able to get into mischief on occasion. The brief reprieve was a welcome benefit of making the journey each year.
    Jessi did some basic stretches before getting behind the wheel for the last leg of the trip. Olivia buckled up in her seat, which was slightly reclined, and almost instantly fell asleep. It would be quiet the rest of the trip. They had made it to Tulsa before stopping for lunch, so they only had a couple of hours to go. Olivia would sleep until they pulled in Aunt Merry’s driveway. It was a good thing too. She would be wired for the rest of the night. There was always a special present for Olivia to open. Last year it was a magical music box with Cinderella in a coach with the white horses. Olivia loved to shake it and watch the snow. Jessi had wound it up for her and showed her how the sound changed when she placed it on a solid surface. Olivia smiled when she heard the difference. It was a much fuller, richer sound. The child listened to it over and over. It was what she went to sleep to. Jessi couldn’t wait to see her face this year. She had it on good authority that this year’s gift was an extra special gift. Of course, they were each year.
    At three thirty Jessi pulled into Aunt Merry’s driveway. Olivia sat up and stretched. “Are we there yet?”
    Obviously, she hadn’t quite opened her eyes yet.
    “Yep, we’re there!”
    With those words Olivia’s eyes flew open. Almost in unison Aunt Merry came bounding out of the house, running toward the car. The very sight of her warmed Jessi’s heart. She was home.
    Olivia was the first to reach Aunt Merry. Aunt Merry bent down and gave Olivia the biggest bear hug ever. “Oh, Aunt Merry, I’ve missed you so much.”
    Aunt Merry wasn’t sure if she would ever let go of the child. Finally, she rose up and turned to Jessi. “My dear Jessi, oh how I’ve missed you, child.”
    She let two tears escape her closed eyes as she breathed in the scent of the woman she’d practically raised as her own. Jessi returned Merry’s hug with clinging desperation. This precious woman was her grounding, her sense of well being, and the sole source from which she felt loved. Each year it was the same. Her soul cried out in protest against the separation that was destined to come. Reluctantly, each woman loosened her grip, and they walked arm in arm to the house. It was at this time that Aunt Merry noticed how small Jessi had become. “Oh, honey, don’t they eat in Wisconsin? You’re nothing but skin and bones.”
    Jessi smiled in response. She knew this was coming. When she had unpacked her summer things and nothing fit anymore, she figured she’d hear it and hear it good from Aunt Merry. Upon walking in the house, she knew the situation would be rectified in no time. Something smelling awfully good was cooking in the kitchen. “Aunt Merry, if I came fitting into my clothes I would have to buy bigger ones when I leave. This way, they start out a little big, and I fit right back into them when I go back home. It’s cheaper this way.”
    She gave herself a quick pat on the back and had to admit it was quick thinking, but it worked and that’s all that counted. She laid it on even a little thicker when she walked into the kitchen and looked into the oven. “Aunt Merry, is this what I