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me. We had quite the argument.
I m afraid that was also broadcast, he told her in his gentle voice.
Lauren shook her head. After that. Back at the campground. I came home. He
stayed.
The three exchanged glances. Beth spoke first by what seemed mutual consent.
You want me to stay with you? I m not going to church this morning and Paul s
looking after the baby, so&
Lauren shook her head. No, I m okay. Really. I went to see Dr. Butters last night
and
You did? Sarah interrupted to hug her again. Oh honey, I m so proud of you.
Thanks. He just seemed the right person to talk to.
Okay, we re going to leave you but if you need anything&
I know your number. Lauren ushered them out the door.
I know, Beth interrupted. But I m coming back later this afternoon to check on
you anyway.
Lauren chuckled. All right, Mom.
They made faces at each other and as Lauren shut the door, she smiled, glad to have
friends who cared.
* * * * *
John drove home, the rain that had started to fall shortly after daybreak a perfect fit
for his mood. He d stayed the rest of the day but his heart wasn t here. It had gone
home with Lauren. What had possessed him to say such terrible things to her?
The tent had been borrowed from one of her friends. It would provide the perfect
excuse for him to go over to her apartment and apologize. In fact, he wouldn t even
stop at home. He d go right over there and face the music.
The resolve stayed with him right up until he entered the city limits. Maybe he
should go home and shower first. His stomach growled. And have dinner. Wouldn t he
think better on a full stomach? The clock in the car read four-fifteen. His stomach spoke
again and John knew hunger was only part of the reason.
Chickening out, he pulled into his driveway. Gathering his things, he made a mad
dash for the back door as the rain poured down. A shower. That s what he needed after
two days camping. A hot shower in his own bathroom.
The phone rang almost as soon as the hot water hit his wide shoulders. Flipping off
the water, he hurried out of the bath and down the short hall to his bedroom extension.
Breathless, he answered, Hello?
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The automated voice that clicked in on the other end wasn t Lauren s. He hadn t
even realized that s who he wanted it to be until it wasn t her. He hung up on the sales
pitch and headed back to drown his sorrows in the shower.
He d just dressed afterward when the knock sounded on the front door. He opened
it to find Phillip standing in the rain.
Come in, I didn t expect you.
Phillip stood in the entryway and shook his head. He d let his hair grow since
leaving the service, allowing the ends to touch his ear and collar. Water flew
everywhere and John laughingly protested.
I just got out of the shower, thank you very much.
Phillip grinned. And I just got off the phone with Will. He told me you d come
back today.
Come on in. Let me take your coat.
No, I m not here to stay. Sarah s in the car and we re& playing tonight.
John knew what that meant. He d been at Phillip s wedding and had enjoyed seeing
Sarah s naked body spread before them. I won t keep you then.
I saw Lauren this morning.
John tensed but said nothing.
You two belong together. Sarah and I won t get involved any more than this but
you need to know Lauren loves you.
Did she tell you that?
She didn t need to.
John simply nodded, his demeanor still guarded and stiff. Thanks, Phillip.
We re here if you need to talk.
John shook his head. Lauren s the one I need to talk to.
Phillip smiled in relief. I m glad you understand that. I ll leave you to it then. He
turned to go out the door.
Have fun with Sarah tonight.
The grin Phillip gave him held a certain wicked mischievousness. I intend to, old
boy. I intend to.
* * * * *
He didn t call first, afraid she d tell him she never wanted to see him again. Instead,
John stood nervously at her door, taking several deep breaths before he raised his hand
to knock.
A door opened behind him and to his left. Glancing over, he wasn t really surprised
when Mrs. Boorman stood in her doorway. Putting on his most charming smile, he
bowed in her direction.
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Not me you have to be making up to, she scolded, her accent showing traces of
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