But I have him.
And I’m gonna do everything within my power to keep him.
CHAPTER FIVE
Isabella
Without Tucker besideme, the other adults in the room do little to help me feel comfortable. In fact, conversation seems directed with the sole purpose of excluding me. Topics range from events going on in town to various ongoing antics of a few neighbors. And then there are the trips down memory lane.
My mom raised me alone. Worked hard to get to where she is today, but she taught me basic manners. How to treat guests.
I’d never treat a guest the way they’re treating me. And I hate to think this way… but… I’m human.
Tucker sits quietly. He’s mostly focused on eating.
Rather than dwell on the unnerving sensation of being left out, I turn my attention to Tucker’s sons. Leeland has taken to me pretty easily. He promises to show me the tricks they’ve taught Mutt. His brilliant green eyes sparkle as he tells me how Mutt can play dead. Without stopping to take a breath, he says he’s learning to read. He has his own horse and rides almost every day. Except not in the rain. Not today.
Every other sentence he says involves Cassidy. From what I gather, the woman has pretty much been homeschooling the boys. She’s been carving a place for herself in this family for quite some time.
With the full approval and backing of Tucker.
Even though Tucker meets my gaze lovingly on numerous occasions throughout the meal, I can’t help feeling overwhelmed by how much of an outsider I am.
Despite the chilly reception I’m receiving, I’m in awe of the camaraderie they share with each other. There is never a moment of silence. So very different from what I grew up with. What would it feel like to be loved by so many people? The idea overwhelms me. I hate that I want that. I hate that their antagonism bothers me so much.
When everyone begins tossing napkins onto the table, I move to assist with the clean-up.
“Don’t you worry about any of this, Isabella.” Maggie takes the dishes from me.
“You’re a guest,” Jessamine adds.
I’m not needed.
And I’m exhausted. I don’t even know where Tucker’s gone off to.
His family.
They consume him. They all need him. They all want to talk to him. Get his opinion on this or that. Even his mom. I’m like the new girl nobody wants to get caught talking to.
I find Leeland lying on the sofa with his thumb in his mouth. “Sleepy?” Everything is so simple with this little sweetie. Or it ought to be anyhow.
He nods.
“Would you like me to read you a story in your room?” My asking him is at least partly selfish. It gives me an excuse to escape but also a chance to begin building a friendship with one of Tucker’s babies.
He nods. “I like Curious George.”
This absolutely delights me. “Curious George was my favorite when I was little. Do you have the one where he goes to the hospital?”
Leeland smiles sleepily. “Curious George has to have op’ration.”
I reach out toward him. He wipes his thumb on his shirt and takes my hand.
“Does L.T. like stories too?” I relax a little, having a purpose now.
Together we make our way upstairs. This time I notice the huge light fixture hanging from above… Antlers. And some sort of an animal skin lying flat in front of a huge stone fireplace.
Again, I imagine a giant Christmas tree. Presents everywhere. I shake myself out of this fantasy when we reach the upstairs landing. “You’ll have to show me where your bedroom is. Maybe tomorrow you can give me a tour.”
