She nodded. “And Cooper, well, I never know what she’s going to do. Most of the time she seems mad at me. Then once in a while she says or does something nice. Sometimes, between the three of them, it feels like I’m going to lose my marbles.”
Miguel laughed. “I can imagine.”
She told him about the manufactured home she’d purchased yesterday, pointing out where she wanted it to be placed. “Close enough to the house that it’s easy to pop back and forth but far enough away to give us a feeling of space.”
“That’s great. When do you think it’ll be here? Ours took about six months, but I’ve heard things have slowed down even more since then.”
She explained about Hanford Homes and how Aaron offered to help get everything settled. She noticed that his smile faded at the mention of the Hanford name. “But it’s nice on the inside. And Cooper and I can paint it.”
“Wow, that’s fast. Good for you.”
“Yeah.” She peered curiously at him. “I knew Aaron Hanford in school, but I didn’t realize you married his little sister. I mean, I never really knew her, but Aaron mentioned it.”
“Yeah, Beth was a Hanford.” He shoved his hands in his pockets with a somber expression. “Aaron didn’t really approve of our marriage.”
“That’s too bad.”
“Yeah. For Anna’s sake, I wish things were different.” Miguel pointed over her shoulder. “Looks like your dad might need some help.”
She turned to see her dad striding purposely toward them, wielding a pitchfork like a weapon. “Oh, great.” She exchanged looks with Miguel. “Looks like he’s on a rampage now.”
“I’ll clear out,” Miguel told her. “That should help.”
“Thanks.” She gave a meek smile. “And sorry.”
His dark eyes were sympathetic. “No problem. I understand.”
She turned from him and hurried toward her dad. “Whatcha doing there?” She pointed to the pitchfork. “No hay to pitch today.”
“Scared him off.” He shook the tool in a victorious way. “Land grabber.”
“Daaad!” She put warning in her tone. “That’s not true. And it’s unkind. Miguel bought that land from you.”
He let a foul word fly, something he never would’ve done before, but something she knew FTD was responsible for adding to the mess.
“It’s too hot out here.” She took his arm and began to guide him away. “Let’s go get some tea.”
“Tea.” He sounded a little breathless now.
“You’re tired, Dad.” She felt his steps slowing. “We need to get you inside.”
Using the pitchfork like a cane, he hobbled with her back to the house. But when they reached the porch steps, he dropped the pitchfork and started to fall. “Easy does it,” she caught his weight, then helped him sit down on the lowest step. “Just rest here a minute,” she told him. “At least it’s shady. I’ll get you something cool to drink.”
“What happened to Grandpa?” Cooper asked as Jewel hurried inside.
“He got too hot and tired.” Jewel filled a water glass.
“Looked more like he was gonna murder Miguel,” Cooper said wryly.
“Yeah, that too.”
“I talked Grandma into having a rest.”
“Good job.” Jewel looked into her daughter’s eyes. “Have I told you lately how much I love and appreciate you?”
Cooper made a face. “Don’t get all mushy, Mom.”
“Can if I want,” Jewel teased as she opened the back door.
