“Probably never forgave you for spilling him that one time.”
He turned to me, amusement and sadness mixing in his expression. “Okay, but how does an urn know the difference between, say, spilling its contents on the bathroom floor and being scattered in memoriam?”
“Couldn’t tell you. My family are a burying people. We don’t carry around the remains of our ancestors like some ancient curse.”
Ren scoffed. “Robert wishes he could be a curse. He’s more like a judgmental paperweight at this point.”
“Don’t annoy the urn, Ren. Soon you’ll have a powdery ghost roaming your halls, leaving dust everywhere.”
“Ugh, and he knows how I loathe dust.”
I laughed as I turned into his neighborhood. I’d forgotten how funny he could be, and I kinda liked it when he got a little dark.
I parked in his driveway as Beckett turned into the cul-de-sac. He pulled in beside us and got out. “Hey, Ren. Something wrong with your car?”
Ren hopped out and smoothed his clothes. “No. I tried to shop in-store rather than ordering curbside.”
I joined them as Beckett frowned. “I’m sorry. I told you that I’m always happy to pick up your groceries for you.”
Ren’s shoulders slumped. “I know, Becks. I just… thought I was ready.”
“Wanna go with me to get his car?” I asked, hooking a thumb at my truck.
Beckett waved me off. “Nah. I’ll go with Holden a little later.” Turning to Ren, he offered, “Why don’t you eat dinner with us tonight? You know Ru loves it when you come over.”
“Okay.”
“And Major, you’re welcome to join us.”
I shifted awkwardly, then opened the door to my truck. “Oh, that’s okay. Thanks for the offer, but I’ve got a basket of groceries to claim before H-E-B puts out a hit on me.”
Beckett laughed, and Ren sent me a tremulous smile as a streetlight buzzed on. “Thanks for driving me home,” he said, stumbling forward and surprising me with a hug.
I gently returned the gesture. “I’m happy I could help.”
I wished I could say more, but with Beckett looking on, I had to keep the rest to myself.
You didn’t push me away, Ren. I’m right here, whenever you need me.
CHAPTER 20
ren
I nearly stepped on a miniature fire truck as I walked into my son’s house, then laughed as I spotted the trail of toys leading from the living room up the stairs.
Despite the fact that this was definitely a house where a kid lived, it retained Holden’s cool Pacific Northwest vibe, with lush greens on the walls and warm, wooden floors with lots of potted plants scattered throughout. Beckett’s framed Frida Kahlo prints and modern-retro kitchen appliances fit the vibe perfectly.
The family wall had pictures of all of us, and my chest ached at the sight of Robert’s image.
I miss you so much it hurts.
“Dad?” Holden said, stepping out from their funky, pretty dining room. “Beckett tells me that Major had to drive you home. Are you okay?”
I shook my head. “No. But I will be.” Spotting Ru at the table, I clapped my hands. “I hear there’s dinner. If you have enough for me.”
“Of course.” Holden, taking the hint, drew me into a hug. “It’s lasagna, Ru’s favorite.”
Dinner was delicious, and Holden only pried a little. By the end, I was able to drive with Beckett to H-E-B to pick up my car, and I felt silly about our family’s ongoing drama with the local grocery store.
