Brentwood (36 page)

“Might a mere brother-in-law offer congratulations?” saluted Keith joyously. “Because we’re in a position ourselves to understand.”

He grinned and bowed low with his hand upon his heart. That is, one hand. The other Betty had.

Then he looked up at the embarrassed two who had been taken unawares and grinned.

“It’s a little soon, I suppose, to spring all this on the assembling multitudes,” he offered. “Wouldn’t it be as well if we were to unpack the supper that I understand is awaiting us in baskets in the dining room? I thought I’d just let you know that Ted is at the door with the rest of the family, in case you didn’t want them all to become aware yet of what has happened. I humbly ask your pardon if I have intruded.”

Marjorie, with glowing cheeks and dancing eyes, was laughing now.

“We didn’t know anything about this ourselves till a minute ago!” she announced shyly.

“I believe you!” said Betty solemnly. “That’s the way it came to me, all suddenly.”

“Well, I’m not ashamed of it, though I didn’t think I dared announce my intentions so soon. But I’m glad!” said Gideon solemnly.

“Yes!” said Marjorie. “Aren’t we?”

“Where are you all?” rang out Bud’s clarion voice. “The whole family’s here! Where’s everybody? Say, I’m
hungry
! When do we eat? Say, whyn’t ya start the fire?”

But the rest were scurrying to the front door to welcome the family.

The mother walked into her house and stood and looked around with eyes full of wonder. There was Marjorie’s piano open, just as if she were going to play; there were the beautiful couches and chairs and tables just as she had dreamed she would like them, and beautiful paintings on the wall. Ted had scratched a match and sent the flames licking up in the fireplace. It was like having a dream come true.

“Oh, it’s too good to have all these things at once!” she said. “My girl come home to Brentwood and all my children here!”

“Yes, Mother dear,” chirped Betty from the doorway, her hand again in Keith’s, who winked across at Marjorie and Gideon, “even more children than you had bargained for!”

GRACE LIVINGSTON HILL (1865–1947) is known as the pioneer of Christian romance. Grace wrote over one hundred faith-inspired books during her lifetime. When her first husband died, leaving her with two daughters to raise, writing became a way to make a living, but she always recognized storytelling as a way to share her faith in God. She has touched countless lives through the years and continues to touch lives today. Her books feature moving stories, delightful characters, and love in its purest form.