Crimson Highway by David Wickenhauser (i can read with my eyes shut txt) 📕

left home, every time Hugh had come to visit, he and Mary had always found time to do something special together—going camping, riding out on the horses, whitewater rafting, hunting—giving Mary many memories of her big brother that she treasured.

“We’ll talk about that later,” he said. Then, looking over at Jenny, he said, “Mary, I’d like to introduce you to Jenny. Jenny, Mary.”

Jenny mumbled a hello, somewhat overwhelmed by the young, effervescent, bundle of energy that had come bursting through the door.

“Whoa, Nellie. Hughey’s got a wife!” Mary exclaimed.

Then she became confused by the expression that passed between Hugh and Jenny. “Oops, sorry. Not a wife. Girlfriend?” Mary asked trying to rescue the situation, but realizing she was probably making it worse.

Hugh’s mom came to the rescue with the grace and tact that she always exhibited. “Mary, Jenny is a friend of Hugh’s who needed a place to be, and he brought her here to us.”

“Jenny, honey, just consider us your family. You are welcome to stay with us for as long as you want to,” Martha said.

Jenny could only nod her thanks, as tears welled in her eyes, and the lump in her throat prevented her from speaking.

Mary and Martha just looked at each other, and then at Hugh, who sat there stone-faced.

Jenny was saved from further embarrassment by the sound of heavy footsteps on the porch.

Two big men, carbon copies of Hugh himself, came in through the door. One was older than Hugh, but still quite handsome. The other was a younger, even more handsome, version of Hugh. The father and two sons together represented a big chunk of healthy, strapping, Idaho manhood.

Hugh’s dad went immediately over to give his wife a hello kiss, and then a peck on his daughter’s forehead. Then he walked up to Hugh and gave him a big, manly bear hug, back slaps all around.

Hugh’s brother said, “Hello, Ma,” and “Hiya, Sis.” Then he did a double-take on his way to greet his brother when he saw Jenny.

“Whoa, Bro, who’ve we got here?” he remarked.

Hugh went through the introductions again, there were “pleased-to-meet-yous” all around. And then Martha ordered everybody to wash up for dinner.

Once all were sitting at the table, and plates were filled with food, Hugh’s dad said the blessing.

“Dear Heavenly Father, we just thank you for bringing Hugh and Jenny safely home to us. Thank you for all the blessings you have given us, especially for the food you have provided, the roof over our heads, and the health that we enjoy. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.”

To Jenny’s evident relief, Hugh noticed, the table conversation didn’t revolve around her, or her relationship with Hugh. They engaged in the usual chatter of a busy family running a ranch together. Hugh saw that Jenny was content to eat her meal, and to acknowledge with the occasional nod some remark made by one of her fellow diners.

Martha had sensed that there was tension between Hugh and Jenny. So, gracious as always, she carefully steered the conversation so as not to make Hugh and Jenny the center of attention.

But Hugh noticed Roly stealing more than the occasional glance Jenny’s way. He had forgotten just how attractive Jenny was, and how she had sometimes affected him back when he’d still had some feelings for her.

With dinner over, Jenny offered to help clear the table and fill the dishwasher. Martha graciously accepted her offer—not because she and Mary needed help with this routine chore, but because she knew how a guest liked to feel useful and thankful after being treated to such a good meal.

Both Hughs, and Roly, retired to the family room.

Roly, ever the outspoken one, cut right to the chase. “OK, Bro. What is it with you and Jenny? Are you married? Shacking up? What?”

“Roly, she’s just a hitchhiker I picked up several days ago. She has nowhere else to go, and I needed some time away from the truck, so I decided to bring her home with me.”

“Hmmn,” Roly said.

“Listen, Roly. She’s a very troubled young lady who has been through more in the last few days than you could ever imagine. So, leave her alone. Give her some space. OK?”

Jenny came out of the kitchen following Martha, who announced that she was going to show Jenny to the guest bedroom.

Jenny announced to the room in general, “Goodnight everyone. Thanks for the great meal, and for making me feel welcome in your home.” With that, she followed Martha up the stairs.

“Wait a minute, Jenny,” Mary said. “I’ll come with you. We’re about the same size, and I can give you some things to wear.”

After the girls had left, Hugh told his dad and brother. “Listen, guys, I’d love to stay and chat with you, but it’s been a long, hard few days, and I am all beat. Is my room still available?”

“Yeah, it’s a mess, just like you left it the last time you came home,” Roly said, laughing.

“Good night all,” Hugh said. Then he climbed the stairs to his room.

Chapter Nineteen

Jenny

Jenny ascended the stairs between Martha, who was in the lead, and Mary, who was bringing up the rear. Jenny noted how beautifully, and efficiently, the upstairs area of the house had been laid out. The upstairs hallway encircled the house with rooms all along the outer perimeter. It had a view out over the great room in the other direction. It was like a giant balcony around the inside of the whole house.

“Wait. Come in here,” Mary said, putting her hand on Jenny’s shoulder, and leading her into what Jenny assumed was Mary’s bedroom. “I didn’t see you with any luggage, so I assumed you need just about everything.”

Jenny nodded, sensitive to anything that might resemble a condescending attitude from this young girl. But,