“How will you do that?” she asked.
“Time… It’ll take time. But before you know it, you won’t be able to live without me.” He winked.
She laughed. “You’re very confident in yourself.”
“I know. It’s one of my best qualities.”
She hung an ornament, then stood back to survey her work. “Thanks for all your help. I really appreciate it. I appreciate you.”
“You’re welcome. You know, I’ve been thinking—you should probably get a big dog. This little kitten really isn’t cutting it as far as guarding the house.”
They both looked down at Moon, who was fast asleep on her back beside the couch. Her little pink nose pointed at the ceiling, and her paws hung as if suspended above her pink belly.
“She’s not much of a guard cat. But she sure is cute.” Jessica had fallen in love with the kitten, but maybe he had a point. A dog might help her feel better. Since she was renting, she couldn’t just keep accumulating pets. “I’ve always wanted an German Shepherd. I think they’re such beautiful animals, and we had one when I was a kid. But I’m renting this place, and I don’t know if I should get more animals. What if I have to leave here? I won’t be able to find a place that will let me bring a cat and a dog.”
“That’s a good point. But if you stay here, you definitely have the yard for it, and it’s already fully fenced.”
“I’ll think about it. It might help me feel safer, after everything that’s happened.”
“You’re safe now,” he said, gazing into her eyes. “I’ll make sure of it.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Rita beamed the entire drive home from the hospital. She’d been given the all clear. She’d been in remission from cancer for a full year. Throughout that journey, she’d lost a lot of weight, had become more active, was eating healthier, and felt as though she was ten years younger. The impending twelve-month follow-up tests had weighed heavy on her mind, even though she’d avoided talking about it with any of her family or friends. She didn’t want to worry them, but she’d considered that maybe the cancer had returned. Now she knew that it hadn’t, she couldn’t stop smiling.
Julie and James were home from their honeymoon, and Tyler had left the farmhouse and moved back in with Rita. She was glad because she’d missed him. She could tell he wasn’t going to stay long this time, since he’d always been one to want his independence. She knew him well enough to see that he had itchy feet and would be looking for a place of his own soon enough.
She only hoped it wouldn’t be too far away. And given that his daughter lived nearby, she didn’t think he’d want to put too great a distance between himself and her. He was enjoying fatherhood and made sure that he saw her frequently, drove her to daycare when her mother was working, and picked her up whenever Candy couldn’t manage it. Rita was proud of the way he was stepping up in this new role.
He was in the kitchen, making something that smelled delicious on the stove.
“What’s that you’re fixin’?” Rita asked, sniffing the air as she put down her purse.
“Chicken and mushroom risotto.”
“Ooh la la. Fancy!” Rita said with a smile. “Where did you learn to make risotto?”
“I know this sounds real bougie, but in Italy. When I was stationed in Germany, we went over to Italy on leave and ate the best risotto. So, I looked up the recipe and saw it was something I could make real easy with just a single pan. It became somethin' of a favourite with the guys.”
“I’ll bet it did. I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, huh?”
He stirred the risotto with a wooden spoon. “Yeah, I guess so. I kind of like cooking. I should get you to teach me more of your recipes. You’re still the best cook I know.”
“Thanks, honey.” She gave him a sideways hug. “I didn’t tell you that I was headed to the hospital this mornin' because I didn’t want you to worry…”
He looked at her, eyes wide. “What?”
“Don’t fret,” she continued. “The doctor wanted to run some tests to make sure I’m still in remission. And I am.”
Relief washed over his face. “That’s great, Momma. I’m glad.”
“Me too. Now I can forget all about it. At least for a few more years.”
“We should celebrate,” Tyler said. “With risotto and moonshine.”
Rita chuckled. “Risotto and moonshine? That’s a great name for a restaurant.”
“Or a band,” Tyler added.
