Savage Love by Jodi Woody Page B

said before, it’s been nice for all of us to have some company…That is really the reason I asked you up here. I am afraid that I haven’t been completely honest with you. That first night when we had our pajama and comedy night, I decided that Trish and Leal were enjoying having some extra guests, so the next day when I talked to the mechanic…well…I sort of told him there was no hurry. He actually had the part and could have had it done on Saturday. I should have told you, but I knew you wouldn’t stay. You were so worried about taking advantage of us…” Daffyd didn’t know what else to say and was looking at his tea cup.
         “So you lied,” Samantha stated.
         “Yes, I lied,” said Daffyd, finally raising his eyes to hers. “But it was for a good cause and I guess I wanted to let you both have some fun and rest after all you had been through. Will you forgive me?” he asked.
         “Well, I have to admit I hate lies, but I also have to admit it has been a nice little vacation to spend the long weekend here. We have been quite spoiled and I know Seanna has had so much fun the past few days. So, yes, you are forgiven. I assume the car is ready now?” she asked.
         “Yes, I just got off the phone with the garage and it is ready to roll. I had him check out everything and make sure that is was road worthy. I also paid your bill…” He put his hand up to stop her from objecting, “It was the least I could do for the good it has done for Trisha and Leal. Even Bryce has had someone his own age to hang out with. So can you agree to let me do that for you?”
         “You know I just prayed about that this morning. I know how you feel about prayer, but I have to say that part of my past was letting my pride stop me from doing what I should. So already I have the chance to swallow my pride and to allow myself to admit that I needed help. I also have to allow others to help me when they can. So…yes. I will let you pay my bill and I will thank you for not only your great hospitality, but for taking care of my whole car issue. Now, if you don’t mind, I am sure Seanna would like to thank you herself before we go. We are already packed and Trisha has even packed our little ice chest full of goodies for the trip. Thank you again Daffyd.” Samantha couldn’t think of anything else to say so she rose up to leave.
         “Wait!” Daffyd reached up to grab her arm and almost spilled his tea, while Samantha quickly sat back down. “There is something else I wanted to talk to you about. I also have had to swallow my pride and learn to ask for help. When I got sick, it was hard at first to have to have someone take care of me like a child again. Well…now I need to ask you to help me. Would you be willing to do something for me if it were in your power to do it?”
         “Of course. I’m not sure I could do much of anything for you, but I would be willing to try.”
         “For the past couple of years Trisha and Leal have been my constant companions. They have worked and cared for me in a way that most family members wouldn’t and certainly above and beyond what any employees would. They haven’t been away since day one. No vacations, days off or even time away from me, both at the same time. One of them always stays behind, just in case. Since you and Seanna have been here, they have had a little more time to spend together with the two of you pitching in with all that has to be done around here. I was thinking about that after talking to the mechanic and had a pretty good idea. Just now, I mentioned it to Trisha and Leal and they agreed it was a good plan. First let me ask, are you in a hurry to get on the road?”
         “There isn’t any big rush if there is something you need me to do here,” she answered.
         “Here’s my plan. I was thinking that if you and Seanna could stay another week, that Trisha and Leal could take a little break and get