“Easier said than done,” Jewel warned. “My daughter can be quite cantankerous.”
Marta frowned. “Cantankerous?”
“She can be a real pain,” Jewel explained. “I love her, but sometimes...”
She waved a hand. “Oh, that is the way with mamas and daughters.”
“Tell me about it.” Jewel rolled her eyes. “My own mother was just telling me how to raise my own daughter.”
Marta’s eyes twinkled with amusement, but she said nothing.
“I know, I shouldn’t complain about my mom.” Jewel felt a twinge of guilt. “She has so much on her plate already. But I was aggravated.”
“I know. Your poor mama has full hands with your papa. It is too bad, his condition.”
Jewel’s stomach knotted. “Yes, I hadn’t realized how bad it had gotten until we got here.”
“I want to take food to them. To help out. But your papa does not like my cooking.” Marta’s brow creased. “He says it’s no good.”
“Mama’s an excellent cook,” Miguel said in defense.
“I have no doubt,” Jewel told them. “My dad doesn’t seem to eat anything but peanut butter and honey sandwiches.”
“He does get very good honey from his bees.” Marta took another sip of tea.
Jewel nodded. “So we just eat what we want, and if Dad doesn’t like it, someone makes him a sandwich.”
Marta brightened. “I could bring food for you and your mama and daughter.”
“That would be wonderful,” Jewel said. “I’ve been trying to do the cooking and, well, I’ve never been too impressive in the kitchen.”
“I heard you used to be a good artist,” Miguel said. “Do you still paint?”
“I want to.” Jewel sighed. “There hasn’t been much time sincewe arrived, but I hope to set up an area in the barn where I can paint undisturbed.”
“An artist?” Marta looked impressed. “That is wonderful.”
Jewel waved her hand toward the flowerpots and the gorgeous patio. “It looks like you’re the artist here, Marta.”
“Gracias!”
“You have a definite gift for creating a beautiful space.”
Her smile widened. “I want to make it like my mama’s patio. Back in Texas. But it is different here. Not so warm and dry. But flowers like it.” Marta stood, then picked up her gloves and watering can. “I must finish my work before it’s too hot.”
As she puttered away, Miguel grinned at Jewel. “Not to mention it’s close to her siesta time,” he added quietly.
Jewel finished the last of her iced tea. “This was good. Thank you for inviting me over. It was just the break I needed.” She stood and looked around again. “It really is beautiful here, Miguel. You’re lucky to have this place.”
“Blessed,” he said, standing. “God has been good to me.”
She wondered at this. God had let his wife and father die—thatwas good? But not wanting to rain on his parade, she simply nodded. “Well, thank you for sharing your piece of paradise with me.”
“Anytime.” He walked her back out into the sunshine where it really was starting to get hot.
“I better hurry back. No telling what my dad might’ve gotten into while I was gone. Yesterday, he decided to take apart the lawn mower. I doubt it will ever work again.”
“You can borrow mine.” He continued walking with her.
