“You’re going back to therapy today, aren’t you?”
Devon stood and took his mug to the sink. “Yes, and I’ll be sure to ask him what sort of timeline you can expect for a wedding and future grandchildren.”
“Devon.” It was a mild reproach, but Devon turned to face his father with frustration bubbling under his skin.
“What? That’s what she’s getting at, isn’t it? When will Devon get his head out of the sand? I’ve made progress; isn’t that enough?”
“Yes, it’s enough.” Lydia rose and crossed the room to rest her hand on his forearm. “I didn’t mean to imply you haven’t made much progress. I want you and Hailey happy, that’s all. Chloe makes you both happy.”
“Yes, she does. That doesn’t mean I’m ready to propose after one date.”
Lydia nodded and dropped her hand. “I have to go to work.”
“Mom,” he said as she started to walk away. When she turned back, he sighed. “Thank you.”
She gave him a small smile and left the room.
“I can see how you both feel,” Don said. “She wants you to be happy, and you don’t want to be pressured.”
“Pretty much.”
“Well.” Don began loading the breakfast dishes into the dishwasher.
“Well, what?”
“Nothing.”
Devon narrowed his eyes. “You’re taking her side.”
“I didn’t say that.”
“I’m happy, Dad. Can we just leave it at that?”
“Absolutely.”
Devon very nearly groaned, but Hailey came into the kitchen and distracted him.
It wasn’t until much later when he rolled his mother’s words around in his head. After putting Hailey on the bus and seeing his therapist, Devon finally began work. Caleb and Olivia were already there; Devon joined his brother on their latest project.
He figured he’d better start with pleasantries. “How’s Lori doing?”
Caleb didn’t answer right away. “She’s not good. It’ll take time for her to move on from Anna’s betrayal.”
“I thought she seemed too calm when I told her.”
Caleb wiped his brow on his sleeve. “She took time to process what you told her, and now she’s spitting mad.”
“I wouldn't be surprised if she broke a few things.” Devon got them both water bottles and leaned against the nearest sawhorse.
“There might have been a few things tossed around, but nothing broke.”
Devon chuckled. “She’s already dealing with it better than I did.”
“Maybe.”
Devon took a moment to drink some water. “Mom pressured me to move faster with Chloe.”
Caleb raised a brow. “I thought you were doing okay.”
