Where My Heart Belongs by Tracie Peterson Page A

were much beloved, and people would no doubt have little tolerance for the returned rebel.
    The park was a cute little affair. There were swings and large concrete tunnels half buried in the earth. A complex of platforms, slides, and cargo nets constituted the main attraction, and it was here that Debbie’s boys immediately headed.
    “This is great,” Sunny said, joining Debbie on a bench. “I’m sure the boys love it.”
    “They do. There isn’t much else for them to enjoy. The school doesn’t have much of anything anymore. In fact, they’re going to shut it down all together. Marty and I have decided to homeschool rather than see the boys bused too far away.”
    “So you married Marty Dunmire then?”
    “Did you ever doubt it? Goodness, but I couldn’t possibly have loved anyone else. He’s a great husband and an even better father. The boys adore him.”
    “What does he do for a living?” Sunny asked, not really caring but desperate to keep the conversation on Debbie.
    “He owns a couple of mechanic’s shops. Fixes cars mostly but also gets the occasional tractor or lawnmower. There isn’t a lot of work for him here, but he co-owns a shop in Hays with his dad, so it’s just enough to help us get through. He drives over there three days a week and works here three. His folks sold us their house when they moved to Hays, so we got a really good deal. It’s paid for, in fact, so we don’t need a lot of money.”
    Sunny found her comments rather strange. Who didn’t want more money? Yet Debbie seemed perfectly content.
    “So where have you been all these years? Did you marry anybody?”
    Sunny took a deep breath. “I lived in Las Vegas and LA, mostly. I did marry, but . . . well, it isn’t important.” She looked at her watch. “Is there a pay phone around here? My cell phone doesn’t get reception out here. I need to make a call, and if I don’t do it soon, I’ll miss the person I’m trying to reach.”
    “Sure. The gas station has a phone. It’s down at the east end. Marty’s garage is just next door. Can you come back and talk some more after your call?”
    Sunny shook her head. “Dad’s condition isn’t all that good. I don’t imagine I should be away from home for long.”
    “I understand. Do they know how much more time your dad has?”
    Sunny got to her feet. “No. It’s just a matter of weeks, maybe even days, they keep telling me.”
    “I’ll bet you’re really glad you came home—you know, so you could see him.”
    “I am glad for that,” Sunny admitted. But in all honesty she wasn’t glad for much else. “Maybe I’ll see you later.”
    “I’d like that. You know where the old place is, don’t you?”
    Sunny nodded. “I remember.”
    She left Debbie and drove to the gas station. The pay phone was on the side of the building, so Sunny parked right in front of it. She left her purse in the car but took her calling card. Times like this she wished fervently that her cell phone would pick up a signal.
    “Hello?” Lana Hersh answered from the other end of the line.
    “Hi, Lana. It’s Sunny.” Lana was a registered nurse in Anaheim, California. She had been instrumental in helping Sunny find God’s truth and the peace that she so desperately needed. Without Lana’s help, Sunny knew she’d never have survived the last few months.
    “Sunny! How are you? I was beginning to worry. Are you okay?”
    “I guess I’m as well as can be expected. I’m here in Kansas.”
    “Have you seen your mom and dad, and your sister— what was her name?”
    “Kathy. I’ve seen her. I’ve seen Dad too, but my mom . . . well . . . she passed away a long time ago. It was my fault.”
    “Excuse me?”
    “Mom had a heart attack shortly after I left home. They said she . . . They said her heart broke after I left. She wouldn’t eat or do much of anything. She had a massive attack. Kathy gave up everything to stay here and take care of her and Dad. She’s still here, in