Love Will Find a Way by Barri Bryan Page A

watch. “Okay, Buddy. I'll see what I can do. I have to run now.” He waved to her and was gone.
    True to his word, Thad called the next evening. “I tentatively listed your house with Mercer Realty. It's a very reputable firm. All you have to do is go by the office, sign the necessary papers and leave a key. You're in luck. Houses in your area are in great demand right now. They would like permission to start showing the place immediately."
    "I can come in the first of next week.” The thought of actually giving up the house that had been her home for so many years was a little scary. “Is that all right?"
    Perceptive Thad picked up on her doubts immediately. “If you're sure that's what you want to do."
    She couldn't retreat now. “I'm sure.” After she hung up the phone, Emily stood for a long time staring into space. For the first time in her life, she had made a decision and then acted on it, but not without calling her choice into question. Was she doing the right thing? “I'm selling a house, not making some life or death determination.” She squared her shoulders. “I'll go in the first thing Monday morning."
    Emily spent Saturday morning helping Larry sort through the odds and ends he didn't want to take to Austin. Then the two of them carried several boxes to the attic. As she stared around the cluttered room, a sobering thought hit her. When she sold the house, she would have to do something with this collection of relics from the past.
    "Mom,” Larry's voice impinged on her straying thoughts, “I asked a question."
    Emily put her hand to the small of her back and stretched. “Sorry, what did you say?"
    "Do you want me to stack these boxes in that corner?” He pointed to a space at the far end of the attic.
    "No.” Emily shook her head. “Leave them where they are."
    "Won't they be in the way?” He put the boxes down.
    "Not for long.” Emily surveyed the cluttered attic with mild disdain. This mess had to go.
    "I hope you aren't thinking of trying to straighten up this place after I'm gone.” Larry turned an empty crate on its end, and sat on it. “You shouldn't be lifting all these heavy boxes and trunks."
    Emily's heart expanded with love. “Don't worry, if—no, when I clean the attic, I'll find someone to help me."
    "Do you promise?” Larry was scrutinizing the attic and shaking his head. “This place is a mess."
    "I promise. Let's get ready to go to Austin. Dad will be here soon."
    They were ready and waiting when Robert arrived. It took some time to load Larry's things into Robert's car. Then Emily made iced tea and they sat around the kitchen table, sipping tea and reminiscing. It was almost as if they were a real family.
    Emily opted to sit in the back seat for the long drive to Austin, insisting that Larry share the front seat and the last hours before he took up residence in another city, with his father.
    The trip was pleasant enough, so was the long day they spent with Larry. As the time drew near to say good-bye, Emily braced herself for this last parting. By the time the last farewells were said and the final admonitions and reminders exchanged, she was as taut as a bowstring.
    Robert was strangely silent during the drive to the motel. Emily wondered if he felt as nervous and uncertain as she did.
    They were parking before a row of motel doors when Robert asked, “Are you all right?"
    "I'm tired,” Emily admitted, “and feeling let down. It wasn't this hard to let Kevin go."
    "Things were different then.” Robert opened his car door. “You should get straight to bed. This has been a trying day."
    "And Kevin was different.” Emily spoke her thoughts, “Not nearly as vulnerable and naive as Larry is."
    "Larry will manage.” Robert got out of the car, and came around to open her door. Emily thought that strange. He had never opened car doors for her, not even when they were dating.
    Emily got out of the car. “I'll feel better tomorrow, after I've had a good night's