She fought to keep her jaw from dropping. “They really said ‘good riddance’?”
“Not in so many words, but they’re actions sure said it.” His fists coiled into tight balls. “I guess we were a novelty that wore off.”
“I’m sorry.” What else could she say?
“It is what it is.” He scratched his cheek then reached for his drink. “In a way, it worked out because we had a better life with Gran and Granddad. They gave us stability my parents never could have.”
“They say there’s a silver lining in everything.”
“I guess.” He quieted as Tilly approached with their orders.
Her stomach rumbled again. “Mind if I bless the food?”
“Go ahead. I usually do automatically but was distracted.” He closed his eyes and dipped his head.
She kept the prayer short and picked up her sandwich in the same breath she’d saidamen. “I’m so hungry. Excuse my manners while I inhale this.”
A belly laugh roared from deep within Landon. “You’re not like most girls.”
“Is that good or bad?” She bit off the coveted first bite.
“Good.”
Warm butterflies flitted through her. “Thanks.”
Conversation stalled as they ate. At the end of the meal, Landon insisted on paying her share.
“You don’t have to do that,” she protested, trying to shove a ten-dollar bill in his hand.
“I appreciate the listening ear.” He swallowed, shifting his lips as though uncertain he should say more. “I don’t usually vent to strangers—anyone for that matter—and I’m afraid I’ve made a poor first impression.”
“Not at all. From all indications, you’ve had a lot on your shoulders.”
“Nevertheless, I’m grateful, and I enjoyed our lunch together. Let me treat.”
She could have resisted his perfect smile, but not his heartfelt thanks. “All right, but next time, I pay.”
He reached over the table to shake on it. “You’ve got a deal.”
Chapter Four
“Next year, I’ll bring you here a month earlier.” Landon darted a glance toward Gran from the driver’s seat. “Our falls in Maryville are great, but they don’t even compare to the colors around Jasper Lake.”
“I’m sure it’s lovely.” Gran turned her head to look out the window. “Even now, with the bare trees among the evergreens, it’s a beautiful area.”
“We spent several autumns in Vermont.” Peter leaned forward from the rear seat. “Most magnificent display of color I’ve ever seen.”
Landon bit his cheek to keep from snapping. Did his dad think of him, and Archer, and Tanya, during those stays in Vermont? Did he wish his children had been there with him?Hah. If Dad wanted any of us there, he could have come and got us from Gran’s. But they didn’t care. They never did.
Gran must have sensed his displeasure. She reached over and squeezed his hand. “Tell us more about Jasper Lake.”
“The lake is wide and encompasses several municipalities, but the actual town of Jasper Lake is the largest.” He’d already told Gran all this information, but he knew she asked again as a diversion technique. “I can’t wait to show you the cabin Theodore Magnus once lived in.”
“Have you seen it already?” The lilt of Gran’s voice rose in excitement.
“Nope. Saving the experience to share with you, but I’ve looked at the pictures online.”
“I wonder if there is any paper hidden on the soil with scrapped stanzas.” Gran let go of him and clasped her hands together. “There could be history buried there.”
