Once they finished laying out the spread, she took a step back to observe the spread. “We have enough for an army.”
Marley grinned. “The Lord’s Army.”
Bursting into laughter, Phoebe covered her mouth and then snorted. “That’s one of the oldest church jokes in the book.”
“Still made you laugh.” Marley grabbed a stack of disposable bowls and plates and set them at the beginning of the food line.
Phoebe shook her head and then called the group over. Kyle blessed their food, and the hungry crew dug in. She saw Mac come through the food line alone. Not by himself—he talked to friends—but without Deena. Even though Deena had told her she couldn’t stay for dinner due to legitimate plans, Phoebe couldn’t resist the satisfaction of seeing Mac without the star at his side.
Chapter Twelve
Mac sat at the desk in his bedroom grading tests—the same desk where he’d studied and done his homework at in high school. He needed more space to work, but Mom had the kitchen table full of Christmas cookie ingredients in preparation for a baking spree with Tamera.
“Do you have a few minutes?”
He looked up and saw his mom standing at the door. “Sure, what’s up?”
She came into the room and sat on the edge of his bed. “I appreciate the sacrifice you made by moving home and helping me out with your dad.”
“It wasn’t a sacrifice. That’s what family is for.”
“Even so, I know it wasn’t easy and put a strain on your schedule.”
He laid down his red pen. “It’s fine, Mom. Really. I didn’t mind.”
“Your dad is doing very well, and his doctors are pleased with his recovery.” Her relief was evident in her tone. “He doesn’t require much help anymore, and his appointments are slowing down now.”
Abuthid in behind her statement. “What are you saying?”
“You’re free to move on. At twenty-eight, you should be living your own life unhampered by taking care of your parents.”
“My life is full.” How could he make her see it hadn’t been an imposition? “I work, have a social life, even a love life.”Kind of.
“We’ll get back to the love life because I have a few things to say about that. First, I want you to know you can move out. I’m not saying you have to, but don’t feel obligated to stay.”
He approached the next question with careful deliberation. “How will you afford the mortgage?”
“That’s not your worry.” She laid a soft palm on his cheek. “Dad’s temporary disability finally got approved, and they’ll backdate it to his stroke. We’ll make it work.”
The disappointment flowing through his veins surprised him. He knew, as an adult, he had a life to live outside of his parents’ home, but he didn’t want to leave. Not because he couldn’t separate from his mom and dad, but because he’d learned to cherish them.
“Why don’t I stay until Christmas, and after the New Year, I’ll start searching.”
“Perfect.” Mom lowered her hand. “I hate for you to leave, but I’d be selfish to keep you here. Plus, your dad needs his independence. He said he’s being smothered.”
Mac arched a brow. “We or you?”
She let out a sigh then smiled. “Me.”
“Only because you love him.”
“I do.” Several tears glistened in her eyes. “If he hadn’t made it, I don’t know what I would have done. He’s my rock, my best friend.”
“Dad’s never been a man of many words, but I see the way he looks at you when you’re not watching.”
“That leads me to the next thing I want to speak with you about.” Mom crossed her hands on her lap. “I promised myself I’d stay out of it, but you’re my son, and I want the best for you.”
“What are you talking about?”
