Cooper exchanged a glance with Honey. Then they both thanked Miguel for his help and watched him get into his pickup and pull around.
“He seems upset,” Honey said quietly.
“He saw Mom and Aaron on the porch,” Cooper told her.
“So?”
“So, it looked like they were, uh, kind of embracing or something.”
“Really?” Honey couldn’t believe it. That didn’t sound like Jewel.
“Yeah. Miguel got real quiet after that.”
“Oh.” Honey didn’t know what to say. “Well, I’m sure it was nothing.”
“Miguel really likes Mom.” Cooper bit her lower lip. “And I thought Mom liked him too.”
“How do you feel about that?”
Cooper shrugged. “Miguel is a good guy. I like him. Lots better than Aaron Hanford.” She made a face. “Even if he is Anna’s uncle, he kinda creeps me out.”
Honey smiled. “Well, I’m sure your mom can straighten whatever happened out.” She peered toward the house. “What’s she doing, anyway?”
“I told her to stay inside. Walter said not to let anyone or anything upset the bees.” She pointed to the new house, where CT was standing on the front deck, looking their way. “That probably goes for Grandpa too. Can you keep him occupied?”
“Why don’t you come talk to him,” Honey suggested. “That might distract him.” She put an arm around Cooper’s shoulders. “I bet you haven’t had any lunch.”
“Yeah, I’m starving.”
As they walked toward the new house, Honey thought how comforting it was to have a sweet granddaughter like Cooper around, green hair and all. She stopped herself and stared at Cooper, shocked to see no more lime green. “What happened to your hair?” she asked. “The green is gone.”
Cooper shrugged. “I had Anna trim it. Think Grandpa will notice?”
Honey laughed. “Who knows?” She playfully tugged the thick ponytail. “I used to have thick, dark hair just like this before it started turning gray.”
“Mom says I look like you.” Cooper smiled. “And I saw those photos in your bedroom. I think maybe I do too.”
“Well, I’ll take that as a high compliment.” Honey felt a youthful spring in her step as they stepped onto the deck. Granddaughters were good medicine! After fixing Cooper some lunch and seeing her situated with CT while they watched some goofy animal videos that Cooper pulled up on YouTube, Honey slipped out the back door and called Donna.
“Hello,” Donna answered cheerfully. “Is this Honey?”
“Yes, how did you know?”
“I still have your number saved in my contacts.”
“That’s nice. Thanks. So I was wondering if you’d like to meet for coffee this week?”
“I’d love to, except I’m in Alaska.”
“Alaska?” Honey walked around to the front deck.
“Yes. I got a great deal on a cruise, and we decided to just go for it.”
“Oh, that sounds fun.” She sat on a rocker, trying not to feel jealous.
“It’s delightful. Perfect weather. Beautiful scenery. Fabulous food. Oceanside suite with a balcony. You and CT should take an Alaskan cruise, Honey.”
“Oh, I don’t think CT would be up for that.” She shuddered to imagine the trouble her husband might get into on a cruise ship. Trying to tinker with the engine room or losing his balance and toppling overboard.
