Chloe looked at Devon in surprise. “She spends plenty of time at the hospital. You know, delivering babies and all.”
“That’s true. It’s just not something I’d thought about, I guess.” Sometimes he forgot how small their town was, especially since he didn’t know everyone. But his parents were out in the community much more than he was and were acquainted with almost every person who lived in Merrimac.
Chloe went ahead to the kitchen, but Devon stayed there in front of the couch. Finally, Hailey came to retrieve him.
“What are you doing, Daddy?”
He blinked. “I don’t know. Are you ready for pie?”
“Yes!” She clapped her hands. “I asked Grandpa to make apple.”
“Your favorite.” She tugged on his hand until he followed her. Lydia was at the stove with Don, and the others were scattered around the island and the table. Hailey went ahead to get her piece, but Devon stayed in the doorway. Lori and Chloe were talking about something, and John attempted to get Brandon to make less of a mess. Alicia passed a plate to Caleb as Don brought it over.
It looked like a family. An extended one, for certain, but a happy family gathered to celebrate a special event.
“Devon, come over here and have some pie,” Lori called.
He went, sat next to Hailey, and stared down at the plate Don set in front of him. It looked perfect; melting vanilla ice cream and a dollop of whipped cream adorned the top. “Thanks, Dad.”
But Don had already moved on. Devon couldn't put his finger on what he felt. Nothing was wrong, exactly, just . . . different. Odd.
“Daddy, eat it!” Hailey said. He stuck his tongue out and she giggled at him.
He took a bite, enjoying the contrast of warm and cold on his tongue. Alicia laughed at something, and Chloe followed suit. Caleb ate too fast, as usual, meaning he finished first. He took Maisie from Lori’s arms so she would have an easier time eating her slice. Devon took another bite, listening to the surrounding conversations. Alicia spoke of a little kid in Hailey’s class, one she knew, and how they were looking forward to her returning to school.
Devon had forgotten she would go back next week. They’d worked on papers and tests in the last few weeks, trying to get her caught up. She could have technically gone back much sooner, but Devon had asked for more time. He didn't actually think he was ready now, but he knew Hailey was. He couldn't keep her home forever, as much as he wished he could homeschool her. He didn't have the patience, much less the time.
Which made him think of the orders coming in recently. He really had thought the business was broken beyond repair, and then he got two calls in three days. A headboard and footboard for one couple, and an entertainment center for the other. They would bring in some cash, and he needed that. He didn't want to borrow from his parents. They’d already picked up the slack in many areas of his life without him having to ask, like groceries and the fact they were providing the roof over his and his daughter’s head.
“Do you think so, Devon?”
His head popped up at the sound of his name. “What was that?”
Alicia tittered a laugh. “I said, Hailey is more ready to come back to school than you are to send her.”
Devon nodded vigorously. “Absolutely.”
“I miss my friends.” She bounced in her seat.
“No more chasing after squirrels, young lady,” Don chided.
There came the lump in Devon’s throat. It had a permanent residence. He swallowed past it, knowing Alicia would keep a close eye on her. The pie was the most interesting thing to focus on for several minutes while Hailey and Don talked more about her class, with Alicia chiming in. He’d have to let his daughter out into the world again, back to a scary place where absolutely anything could happen to her and he had no control over any of it.
“She’ll be okay.”
A soft touch accompanied the gentle voice. Blinking, Devon lifted his head and met Chloe’s warm brown gaze. “I hope so.”
Only time would tell if he would be okay, too.
