One Good Turn (28 page)

“Maybe the real issue is that different people want different things. Some people may want money and power, and they use the law to get it. But some of us use the law to illuminate society and bring about justice.”

“Still the idealist, aren’t you,” James retorted. “When are you going to grow up, young lady?”

“If growing up means becoming a cynic...” Luke heard the unexpected sound of Jenny’s laughter. “I’ll tell you, Mr. Benning, I’ve been there and it wasn’t so hot.”

“I’ll grant you this, Jenny,” James muttered. “You do have what it takes to be a good lawyer—a quick wit and a sharp tongue. And a lot of nerve.”

“It doesn’t take so much nerve to have a friendly debate with your father-in-law,” Jenny claimed, still chuckling.

“Friendly?” his father countered—and then started to laugh, too. “If this is your idea of friendly, your grip on reality is even weaker than I thought.”

“Actually, I’m so hungry I’m beginning to lose consciousness. I wish they’d call us for dinner already.”

“You could use some fattening up,” James noted. “Are you and Luke planning to have children?”

Jenny dissolved in fresh laughter.

While she was clearly quite capable of defending her professional views to Luke’s father, Luke didn’t think she should have to put up with grandparent-style meddling from the old man. Hurrying to the door, he tapped on it and edged it wider. “Hello, Dad,” he said, hoping his face didn’t betray his shock at seeing his father and Jenny seated side by side on the puckered leather sofa, convulsed in laughter.

James glanced up and reflexively scowled. “Your wife is giving me a hard time.”

“You’re giving her a hard time, too.”

“I’m trying, but she isn’t letting me,” his father complained. “A few minutes alone with her, and I’m almost looking forward to discussing laundry detergents with Elliott. I hope you came to tell us dinner’s ready, because if it isn’t I’m going to the club.”

“It’s ready,” Luke announced, moving to the sofa and offering Jenny his hand. “And the club is closed on Thanksgiving.”

“Don’t remind me,” James harrumphed. He heaved himself to his feet and stalked out of the room.

Luke helped Jenny up and kissed her cheek. “You didn’t have to socialize with him.”

“I chose to,” she said. “See how fearless I’m becoming?”

“Well, here I am to rescue you,” Luke said gallantly. “Not that you needed any rescuing.”

“He’s not so bad,” she remarked.

Luke tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow. “He’s awful,” he argued with a grin.

She disputed him with a shake of her head. “Not only is he not so bad,” she said, “but I think he actually likes me.”

Luke gazed down at her. She looked vibrant, blooming with health and spirit. Her eyes sparkled, her lips curved in a generous smile, and her cheeks were marginally rounder than they used to be, thanks to her concerted effort to gain weight. But the source of her beauty wasn’t her glowing complexion, her striking coloring or her alluring figure. Jenny’s beauty came from confidence and optimism.

“Of course he likes you,” Luke agreed, speaking for himself as much as his father. “He can’t help himself.” Abruptly, he pulled her to a halt and touched his lips to hers.

She wrapped her arms around him and deepened the kiss, sharing with him the inner beauty of her soul, the deep, quiet, infinitely loving beauty of a woman who had conquered fear.

“Let’s go give thanks,” she whispered once the kiss ended.

Smiling, he slid his arm around her shoulders and walked with her into the dining room.

-The End-

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One Good Turn

Copyright © 1991 Barbara Keiler

Cover Credit: Barbara Keiler

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