Cole laughed. “You’ll figure it out after you attend a few meetings,” he said while setting the plates on the coffee table. He handed her a fork, knife, and napkin when she sat on the floor across from him. “Leo’s a character. He’s smart as a whip and knows what he’s doing. I’ve never met a more family-oriented man. He brings Grace, his daughter, to PT, and when we finish, he drops her off at the hospital nursery. Did he warn you about the swearing? Melody listens and demands five bucks for each swear word. He says he can swear at the facility without getting in trouble.”
“I’ll keep it in mind,” she said, scooping up her potatoes.
“Damn, Ty can cook,” Cole moaned. “Hannah, you make a mean prepared meal.”
“Thank you,” she grinned. Her phone rang from the bedroom and her smile disappeared from her face.
“I take it you haven’t spoken to your parents since your last conversation?” Cole asked gently.
“Kassie faxed them the paperwork releasing them as my power of attorney. They will only be added if I becomeincapacitated again. The fact I accepted a job and I’m attending therapy shows I’m making rational decisions. I miss speaking with my mom, but I never know if my dad will be on the line.”
Cole set his fork down. “You can’t avoid him forever. Why don’t you explain how you feel and see if he’ll back off?”
“He’s used to getting his way. My mom never fights him. She says she picks her battles.” Hannah paused. “I’ve disappointed him, but I feel like I’m making the right decisions. I don’t want to hear his voice in my head while I’m figuring this out. Even if it means I have to limit my conversations with my mom. Claire says I’m protecting my peace.”
Cole picked up their plates and took them into the kitchen. “Grab your coat and we’ll start your driving lesson. I’ll take the pups out.”
“It’s dark outside. Do you think it’s smart to drive on a mountain with someone who has lived in her own little world for two years?”
“You’ll pick it up fast. I’m assuming you’ll be driving at night, you might as well get the practice while I’m with you,” he reasoned as he let the dogs out.
A few minutes later, they got inside the truck. Hannah gripped the wheel tightly at ten and two.
“Relax. It’s still the same basic principle,” he assured her.
She started the engine and backed out of the driveway slowly. “I’ve never driven a truck. It feels huge,” she said as she put it in drive and started down the mountain. She bit her lip, concentrating on the curves.
“You’re doing great,” he praised her. “When we get to the bottom, take a right. We’ll follow the bus route to pick up the seniors. It’ll take you all around the area. There’s a lake a few miles down and they use it in the summer for a community picnics. It’s too cold now, but it’s still pretty to see. We’ll take another drive during the day.”
She nodded, still holding onto the wheel in a death grip. Cole slipped his hand around her neck and kneaded it, relaxing her muscles. “Breathe, Hannah. You’re doing fine.”
“I don’t want to wreck your truck,” she admitted.
He leaned over and chuckled. “At seventeen miles an hour, I don’t think it’ll do much damage.”
“Shit,” she swore.
“Nobody’s behind us, and you haven’t driven these roads. Take your time,” he soothed her. “You’ll speed up when you’re ready.”
“I need to renew my license,” she exclaimed.
“We can do it in a few days after you’ve practiced,” he said patiently. “Remember, one step a day.”
They made it off the mountain and she turned right, speeding up on the straight road. She let out a relieved sigh as she sped up. Cole told her where to turn and about the seniors of Serenity. His calm voice and relaxed nature eased her.
“We’re heading back into town. Why don’t we stop at the community center and have a piece of Edie’s pecan pie? It’s the best in town. She even has ice cream on the side.”
“You know how I feel about my sides,” she teased, pleased about her driving skills.
“Park on the right over there,” he directed.
She jumped out and nearly bounced with pleasure at her win for the day.
Cole held out his hand and led her inside. The elderly ladies sat at a table, gabbing with their friends. At the sight of them, Cherise and Edie stood up to greet them.
“I brought Hannah to meet you and hoped you might have a couple of slices of pie left over with some homemade ice cream,” he said, flirting with them.
Cherise patted his chest. “You two have a seat, and I’ll get the pie. “It’s nice to meet you. Scarlett has talked nonstop about youjoining the team. Between the two of you, you’ll keep those boys in line. I’m Ty’s mother, Cherise.”
