The Greatest Gift. Diana Palmer

car, but for everything.”

      Debbie waved a hand. “It’s nothing. If I were starving and in rags, then it might be, but I can afford to be generous. I’ll get you up some things for the kids, too. Please take them,” she added plaintively. “You of all people know how choked my closets are with things I bought that the kids won’t even wear!”

      Mary laughed, because she did know. “All right then. I’ll take them, and thanks very much.”

      “Have you got a place to stay?” was the next question.

      “I have,” Mary said brightly. “That was unexpected, too. It’s a nice place.”

      “Good. Very good. Okay. I’ll leave you to it. Just let me know when you’re going after the kids and I’ll watch John for you.”

      “Thanks.”

      Debbie just smiled. She was the sort of person who made the most outlandish difficulties seem simple and easily solved. She was a comfort to Mary.

      The end of the first day of their forced exile ended on a happy note. From utter devastation, Mary and the kids emerged with plenty of clothing—thanks to Debbie and some of her friends—sheets and blankets and pillows, toiletries, makeup, and even a bucket of chicken. Not to mention the loaned car, which was a generous thing in itself.

      “I can’t believe it,” Bob said when she picked him up at school, putting him in the back with John while Ann sat beside her. “We’ve got a home and a car? Mom, you’re amazing!”

      “Yes, you are,” Ann said, grinning, “and I’m sorry I whined last night.”

      “You always whine,” Bob teased, “but then you’re a rock when you need to be.”

      “And you’re an angel with ragged wings, you are, Mama,” Ann said.

      “We all have ragged wings, but I’ll have a surprise for you at the motel,” she added.

      “What is it?” they chorused.

      She chuckled. “You’ll have to wait and see. The manager is Mr. Smith. He’ll look out for you while I’m away. If you need to get in touch with me, he’ll let you use the phone. I’ll always leave you the name and number where I’ll be, so you can reach me if there’s an emergency.”

      “I think we’ve had enough emergencies for a while,” Bob said drolly.

      Mary sighed. “Oh, my, I hope we have!”