Chapter 27

“I thought you didn’t know any literary quotes.”

“Well, perhaps I can be hard on myself at times.” Jefferson started singing again, when Wilbur began to whine. “Join me, Goose.”

“I don’t…”

“Yes, you do. Sing with me. A-a-ma-zi-ing Grace…”

“How sweet the sound.” I sat and cleared my throat, then just listened a moment, coming back in on “I once was lost. But now I’m found.”

Jefferson finished by himself, “Was blind, but now I see.”

I still couldn’t see. Not him. “Come sit beside me,” I said, settling at the foot of the bed. “Wilbur will hop up to sleep, now, I think.” Steeling myself for motion, for the sinking in of the mattress beside me, I laughed when I felt it. “Yes.” I was giddy. There was no other word for it. “You’re real. It’s very nice to meet you, Small Jefferson.”

“No smaller than you. Pleased to make your acquaintance as well.”

I giggled again when Jefferson kissed my cheek.