Jennings began that evening when the two of them were alone.“Yes, sir?”It had seemed easy in his mind, but now, looking into Thomas Jennings’ open and trusting eyes, the guardian was at a loss for words.Thomas continued to wait, his expression not changing, but the longer the silence continued, the tenser he became. He shifted a bit in his seat, and that was enough to snap Jennings from his wordless state.“I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time, Thomas, and when a man does that he doesn’t believe he has many needs.” Jennings stopped and studied the young man’s face. “Then you and Penny and James came into my life. I’m sorry for your loss, but I’m not sorry for my gain. You know better than anyone how ill-equipped I was to see to your needs. And not until I got to know my sister and Palmer again did I realize the real source of having one’s needs met.”Thomas began to smile. “If I may say so, sir, you seem rather at peace today.”Jennings smiled back at him.
