Chapter 52

Elise followed the familiar clatter of pots and pans that let her know Helen was back in her domain. As she entered the warm, friendly kitchen, she pasted a smile on her face and tried to sound perky. “Hi, Helen. I missed you yesterday.”

Helen was pulling a ham out of the oven and answered over her shoulder. “I indulged myself and slept in since it was around two in the morning when I finally got home, and then I guess our paths never crossed.”

“Wow! You really stayed late with Carrie and John.”

“Well, it was mostly John. The man was a total wreck after the birth and was convinced he’d never go near Carrie again for fear of making her pregnant.”

“I take it he didn’t do well during labor?”

Snorting, Helen shook her head and after testing the temperature of the ham, popped it back in the oven. “He’s fine now, but at the time it was touch and go with him.” She closed the oven door and finally turned to look at Elise. Giving a cry of joy, Helen hurried acro