The Deadline (The Friessens: A New Beginning) by Lorhainne Eckhart Page A

for the life of her force herself to smile or even make an effort through the agony. She had hoped never to feel this kind of pain again.
    “It’s going to be okay , Laura,” Candy said. “Children handle things better than we do, and he’s going to get through this. He has you and Andy, and you love him. Having parents like you two is going to get him through this. You just have to believe he’s going to be okay. It’s one day at a time, Laura.”
    Laura didn’t miss the way Neil responded when Candy spoke, running his thumb over their intertwined hands. Laura could only nod.
    T he sun was settling as they started up the incline to their new home, and the familiar pickup that always stirred her anxiety came into view. “I forgot about Ladystar,” she said. There was a horse trailer attached to the truck.
    “Whos e pickup is that?” Neil asked as he pulled up beside it, and Kim came from around the house, leading Ladystar on her halter. “Who’s the woman?” he added, and Candy glanced back at Laura.
    “ Kim, our neighbor,” she said, wondering if she sounded as bitter to them as she did to her own ears. Candy turned her head ever so slowly to Neil, and they exchanged a look, both turning to Laura before Neil stepped out of the truck. She couldn’t make out what he said outside, but he was friendly, stepping right over to Kim and shaking her hand. She waved through the windshield at Laura.
    Candy opened the back door. “I’ll help you in with the babies ,” she said. She started to lift out the car seat when Neil approached from behind and set his hands on her hips, moving her aside and lifting Jeremy out.
    “Candy , why don’t you grab the bag from the gift shop?” he said, and Candy lifted a large plastic bag out along with her purse. Neil held out his hand to help Laura.
    “I can take Chelsea ,” she said, reaching for the baby carrier.
    “No , I’ve got her. You go on in with my wife. I’ll bring both the babies and our luggage, and anything else there is.”
    He was such a gentleman . That was something Andy would have said and done.
    Laura stopped at the steps. “Hi, Kim. Thank you for taking care of Andy’s horse.” She was feeling bad for being so jealous of a woman who didn’t even have to be here, helping out the way she was.
    “You ’re welcome, Laura. Glad to help. How’s your little boy?” she asked as she loaded Ladystar in the trailer.
    “Sick . He’s started chemo. Andy’s still with him.”
    Kim just nodded. “My prayers are with you and your family. Let me know if there’s anything else I can do.” She locked up the back door of the trailer.
    “I know Andy has probably thanked you for taking his horse, for looking after her this way , but it helps us more than you know, not having to worry about her here all alone.”
    “She’ll fit in fine at my place with my horses . She won’t be lonely, and I’ll keep her as long as you need,” Kim said. She offered a sympathetic smile, but Laura wondered if she’d picked up on all her jealous thoughts, because she didn’t linger but waved and slid into her truck before pulling away.
    From the door behind her, Candy was watching. Laura started toward her, and an icy chill raced through her veins as soon as she touched the knob. She patted her pockets. “Oh, shit, I don’t have keys.” She touched her forehead and dug her nails in. “Dammit, I am so sorry.”
    “What’s wrong ?” Neil called out.
    “Laura doesn’t have keys ,” Candy said.
    “I can’t believe how stupid I am! I didn’t even think to bring any keys with me. Andy has the keys to the house. I’m sorry, we’re going to have to drive all the way back to the hospital.” She wanted to cry, and she felt horrible, as if she was responsible for this entire mess.
    “Laura , it’s okay. I’ve got Andy’s keys,” Neil assured her. He set the babies down and pulled the keys from his pocket. “This one?” He held up a silver house key.
    “ Yes,