An Emergence of Green (30 page)

Exultant, Val said, “Dad’ll leap at the chance to spoil his grandson.”

“Can’t Neal come with us? He’d love it. Oregon might even be the real Emerald City.”

“Yes, it might be,” Val said musingly. “But it’s too close to the end of the school term, Carrie. Believe me, he’ll love being with his grandfather. They’ll take in every sports event on TV and in town besides. You’ll have to put up with just me.”

“I think I could adjust to the idea,” Carolyn teased. Her expression sobered, her eyes grew distant. “It is a good idea, Val, getting away from here. I know I’d stop being afraid. Completely.”

Val nodded, thinking somberly that other women would inherit her fear.

Carolyn said, “And when we come back—”

“If we come back,” Val said quietly.

“That’s another idea,” Carolyn said, and slid her arms around Val again.

“Everything’s changing so fast.” Carolyn rested her head on Val’s shoulder. “Every day things look different to me. I look different to myself. I want to be with you now, I do know that—while the real Carolyn emerges. Will you wait for me? Is it enough?”

“Yes,” Val said, holding her closely. “It’s enough.”

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