01_The Best Gift by Irene Hannon Page A

of our regrets, actually,” Jan said. “God wasn’t part of our lives when you were growing up. We didn’t give you much of a foundation for faith.”
    While Blake was trying to digest this news, Jan turned back to A.J. “So what made you leave? Did you eventually burn out?”
    “No. I got a pretty serious intestinal parasite that just wouldn’t respond to treatment. So I had to come back for medical care. It actually took months to get rid of the pesky thing. At that point Good Samaritan was reluctant to send me back because they were afraid my health had been compromised. I was fine, and the doctors all gave me a good report, but the organization preferred I stay in the States and work out of its Chicago headquarters. That’s where I was before I came to St. Louis.”
    Carl shook his head. “That’s an amazing story. It kind of puts our adventures to shame, doesn’t it, Jan?”
    She nodded. “I admire you, A.J. What you did was so selfless. You got right into the thick of it, took an active role in trying to make the world a better place. Even in our activist days, we just attended rallies, marched and asked people to sign petitions.”
    “That’s more than a lot of people do,” A.J. reassured her. “In fact, we’re sort of engaging in that kind of battle right now with the bookshop.”
    “Why? What’s going on?” Carl asked.
    After A.J. explained the situation, Jan leaned forward, an expression of concern on her face. “Is there anything we can do to help? Jo worked so hard to keep the character of the neighborhood intact, and to revitalize the area. So have all the merchants. I’d hate for that to change.”
    “I appreciate the offer. But everyone’s very committed to telling our story and supporting our cause. I think we’ve done everything we can so far. We’ll turn out in force at the Board of Aldermen meeting in a couple of weeks. And if that doesn’t work…well, we can always take more dramatic measures. One of the merchants has a contact in the media.”
    “Media coverage is always good,” Carl said with a nod. “Don’t be afraid to use it. But you’ll need to have an event of some kind to catch their interest—a protest march or something.”
    A.J. risked a sidelong glance at Blake. The look of distaste on his face was almost comical. “We’ll keep that in mind,” she told Carl.
    “Well, if you need us to do anything, let us know. We used to get involved in these kinds of things all the time.”
    “I will. Now, would anyone like more coffee?”
    Carl glanced at his watch regretfully. “I’d love some, but if we’re going to get an early start tomorrow, we ought to call it a night.”
    “A.J., we can’t thank you enough for this wonderful evening,” Jan said warmly.
    “It was truly my pleasure.”
    She retrieved their coats, then followed them to the door. Blake stood slightly apart, his hands in his pockets.
    “Drive safely,” A.J. said.
    “We will.”
    There was a moment of awkward silence, then Carl held his hand out to Blake. “Take care, son.”
    Blake stepped forward and took it. “You, too.”
    Jan moved toward him and held out her arms. He hesitated, then returned her hug awkwardly. “Will you stay in touch?” There was a wistful quality in her voice that tugged at A.J.’s heart.
    “Of course.”
    When she turned back to A.J., her eyes looked damp and her smile was a little too bright. “Thank you again for a lovely meal.”
    Impulsively A.J. stepped forward and gave each of them a hug. “You’re very welcome. Please stop by any time you’re in St. Louis.”
    She waved them off at the door, then turned. She’d also retrieved Blake’s coat, expecting him to follow closely on the heels of his parents. But he was still standing in the same place, a frown marring his brow. She hesitated a moment, but when he made no move to leave, she closed the door.
    “Can I offer you something else, Blake?”
    “No.” Actually, that was a lie. She could offer him