“The biggest truck stop in the world?” Dad chuckles. He’s always thought that was a funny slogan: The World’s Largest Truck Stop.
“That’s the one.” I pull out a bag of black licorice. He loves the stuff. “I’ve got licorice, maple nut goodies, peanut butter bars, and organic honey.” He puts honey in everything.
“Oh, wow.” He smiles. “Thank you.” He’s eyeing the haul. “Can I have a peanut butter bar?”
“Of course.” I open up the package and hand him one. “Napkins?” I search the room. “Nightstand.” He pauses. “The one on the left.”
Of course.
While Dad snacks on not one peanut butter bar but three, Nash chats with Dad about farm things. Sure, I’m listening, but I find I’d rather keep busy, so I work to tidy up his room––something I’m sure my mom has done every day since they’ve been here, but that’s okay. I can help too.
“Ben says you’re doing a great job, Izzy.”
“Oh, thanks.”
“Come over here and sit. I want to hear how you’re doing.”
“I’m fine, Dad.” I look over at Nash. “Great, actually.”
“You look tired.”
“Gee, thanks, Dad.” I roll my eyes. “Every girl wants to hear that.”
He chuckles. “I mean—”
Reaching out, I touch his left hand. “I know. Just teasing.” I sigh. “I’m tired. I’m ready for you to be home so we can work together.”
Dad nods, but he’s not smiling. “Honey, I—”
Before he can finish, we hear voices from the doorway. I turn to see Mom, but she’s not alone. “Isaac!” I practically scream. “Kelly!” I say just as loudly. I jump up from the chair and race to the door. Hugging Mom quickly, I move on to my brother next. Wrapping my arms around him, I squeeze hard. It’s been too long since I’ve seen my big brother. I feel my eyes burn with tears, and I let them fall. “Missed you,” I say with a scratchy voice. Reaching my right arm out, I grab hold of Kelly and bring her into the hug. “You too, sis.”
“We missed you too, Izzy.”
My brother still hasn’t spoken. When I finally pull back, he’s got tears too. “Love you, Izzy.”
“Love you too, bro.”
He laughs, but then Isaac’s face gets suddenly serious. “Thanks for handling everything.”
“No worries.” I hug him again. “I’m so glad you’re here.” He’s been here since Dad’s accident one other time. As soon as they found a condo to rent in San Diego, they flew home to spend time with Dad and Mom. They only had a couple of days, so I didn’t get to see him on that trip. “When do you guys move for real?”
“Two weeks.” It’s Kelly who answers. “We’re ready. All packed up.” Her voice sounds sad. “I hope you’ll come out to visit.”
“We will.” Nash moves up next to me. With his left arm around my waist, he uses his right one to shake Isaac’s hand. The two men smile then hug. “Missed you, man.”
“Same.”
Isaac and Kelly move into the room and give my dad the same welcome hugs. Isaac seems pretty emotional today. I noticed more tears after he hugged my dad. Maybe he’s regretting the decision to move west. I could see that, especially after Dad’s deal. A while later, Nash, Mom, and Kelly take Dad for a walk around the garden leaving Isaac and me alone. “How’s it really going on the farm, Izzy?”
“Good.” I laugh. “Honestly. Good. Ben is a godsend.” Even though he still has trouble with some of my choices. I should probably be upset about that, but, like I said, Ben’s heart is in the right place.
“I’m glad.” Isaac looks out the window then back at me. “If you need me to, I could move back.”
“What?” I’m shocked at his words. “No! We’re doing fine.” I reach my arms out and hug my brother. I know what’s going on. He feels guilty that he hasn’t been lending a hand at the farm. “I love farming. You know I do. Don’t you dare give up your dream to move to California over this. Dad is going to rebound.” Even though I get the impression Dad’s not so sure. “I’ve got this. If anything happens and I need your help, I’ll call you.”
“Promise?” He looks so damn defeated.
I give him one more squeeze. “I promise.”
