Newlywed Games Read Free

important? Making sure your mom gets better or making yourself feel better by telling the truth?” She came to kneel beside Meg. “Really, who are you hurting? You’ll tell your mom the truth when she’s strong enough, but for now, go along. It’s what she’s always wanted, so why not give it to her for a while? Honor thy father and mother and all that.”
    Meghann hated to admit it, but for once, Jennifer sort of made sense.
    Lying to your mother was wrong, regardless of your intentions. How can continuing the lie make it better?
    Meghann knew the question was valid. Knew the lie was wrong.
But what else can I do, Lord? What if I tell her and it’s too much for her, too hard on her heart?
    No. She couldn’t take the chance. Meghann rubbed a hand over her eyes, trying to wipe away the ache. “So how do I explain the absence of my supposed husband while Mom is here?”
    Jennifer’s triumphant grin did little to ease Meg’s worries. “I’ve already thought of that. He’s on an extended business trip. And you get one of the guys from the hotel to call you now and then to talk with you. Trust me, your mom will buy it.”
    “I don’t know, Jenn.”
    “Trust me.”

     
    Meghann waited expectantly, scanning the travel-worn passengers exiting the terminal gate at the Colorado Springs Municipal Airport. Person after weary person emerged and donned a smile as their eyes met their waiting party.
    The flow of people through the door stopped. No, that couldn’t be everyone. Her mother would have called if she had missed the flight. She glanced nervously at her watch, straightened it on her wrist, then glanced back to the empty doorway. Her eyes darted around the crowded waiting area, searching face after unfamiliar face. Another small wave of travelers coming through the exit caught her attention. There, she saw a familiar form at the back of the group. She let out a sigh of relief when she caught her mother’s gaze. At the sight of her daughter the smile in her mom’s eyes spread across her weary face. The two embraced for a long moment.
    “I was beginning to wonder if you were on the plane. I had almost given up,” Meghann said, stepping back slightly. Though some of her mother’s color had returned from when Meghann saw her a few weeks ago, she still looked drained.
    “Everyone jumps up and tries to stampede off the plane as if the folks who came to meet them will be gone before they can get there. I wasn’t afraid you would leave without me—” a teasing smile lifted her mother’s lips—“at least not until you thoroughly searched the plane.”
    “And interrogated the crew.” She became more serious.“You look good…better, anyway. How are you feeling?”
    “I’m fit as a fiddle,” Gayle Livingston said with upturned hands. “I’ve been given a clean bill of health.”
    Her tired eyes and haggard look belied that. “Mother…”
    “Okay. I’m worn-out and cranky and could use a nap. Are you happy?” Her lips pulled into a thin line. “I know I will vastly improve just being away from those moody doctors and here with you and Bruce.”
    She let the reference to her nonexistent husband slide. For now. “I still can’t believe your doctor okayed this trip so soon.” She had toyed with the idea of moving back to Florida but couldn’t bear to part with Colorado unless absolutely necessary. Springtime in the Rockies was beautiful when everything budded to life.
    At first her mother had balked at Meghann’s offer for her to come for a visit and rest but she had stood firm in insisting. Her mother would only overdo it again and wind up right back in the hospital. Finally, her mother had agreed, but Meghann’s relief was short-lived when her mother also reminded her she had a husband her mom was eager to meet. Now she wondered at the wisdom of having her here.
    “I’m supposed to get plenty of R&R, but you already know that. I won’t lift a finger.” She held out her carry-on bag to