It might have been the lighting, but his cheeks turned a pale shade of pink. “Any son who was able would have done the same thing.”
Phoebe wanted to tell him it wasn’t true, but he would continue to insist he hadn’t done anything out of the ordinary. “Fifty-forty-fiveish tonight?”
He blinked in confusion. “Tonight?”
“The auction.”
“Right, the auction.” He rubbed a finger across his upper lip. “I’m sorry, I got distracted for a minute.”
Compassion washed over her. She left her desk and laid a hand on his arm. “Watching someone you love in a diminished capacity isn’t easy. It’s okay to admit it.”
“You grow up and you see other families going through it, but it’s their family, not yours.” His jaw twitched. “Then it happens to the strong man you’ve looked up to your entire life, and he’s now confined to a wheelchair. I’m grateful he survived and is doing well, but it also made me look at life in a fresh way. I’ve taken it for granted.”
“Life definitely can change in the blink of an eye.” She thought about her brother Hunter and other sister, Trixie. Where they had been and where they were now. Her own family had experienced their fair share of problems the last several years, and only now was life settling down.
Their eyes locked, and she witnessed his pain and longing for his dad to heal completely.
He abruptly cut his gaze. “Anyway, I need to go if I’m going to be on time tonight. I’ll see you in a few hours.”
“See you soon,” she whispered as he rushed out of the office.
Her dear, sweet Mac, so afraid to show any sign of vulnerability.
Only he wasn’t hers, and all the willing in the world on her part couldn’t make him so.
Chapter Two
Mac left First Bank of Farthington with a weight lifted from his shoulders, albeit a temporary one. He paid the past due mortgage on his parents’ house, warding off all foreclosure proceedings.
He could kick himself for not seeing the problem sooner. If Mom hadn’t accidentally left the certified letter on the kitchen table, he might not have discovered their dire financial situation until too late.Thank You, God, for letting me see that document.No adult child wanted to know their parents had money problems, but it beat the alternative of not knowing, especially when he had the means to help.
Still, it wasn’t fair. His dad worked hard his entire life, right up to the time of his stroke. Mom, too. With all the kids out of the house, they should be enjoying this season of their life, not scrambling to make ends meet.
How did that even happen?
Kids. College tuition. Second mortgages. Weddings. Medical Bills.
Mountains of medical bills.
It’s a shame he couldn’t carry them on his insurance through the board of education as a way to return the sacrifices they’d made for him. Goodness knew they’d spent a small fortune on him over the years. A tonsillectomy when he was eight, a broken arm at ten, another broken arm at twelve, and a concussion at fifteen. That didn’t count all the doctor visits for normal childhood stomach bugs and colds, food to feed a growing boy, and extracurricular activities.
At least he’d earned a lacrosse scholarship to offset some of those costs. A smile crossed his lips. He’d had a blast at college, maybe too much of a good time. His days of partying lacked drunken nights and casual dating, but social activities took priority over his education. That was, until the end of his sophomore year when he nearly failed a class and lost his scholarship. After reality hit, he’d buckled down and finished his last two years on the Dean’s List.
He started his truck, but his phone lit up before he put it into gear. If the light hadn’t caught his gaze, he’d have missed the call. He’d have to remember to turn the volume up after he took the call from his youngest sister. “Hi, Tam.”
“You sound happy and chipper. Does that mean good news?” Tamera paused for an answer after not giving a greeting.
He didn’t blame her—he’d been on pins and needles waiting for confirmation from the bank officer. “The house is in the clear. Payments are current.”
“You are the best brother ever. Thank you.” The relief in her voice regressed to concern. “For how long though?”
“I’ll stay here until Mom and Dad get back on their feet. If I’m not paying rent on my own place, I can afford the payments.”
“I wish we could help, but…”
It may have been due to a bad connection, but Mac thought he heard her sniffle. “It’s okay, Sis. You have your own set of problems going on.”
“Why does life have to be so hard?” Her hiccups and raspy breaths made her crying obvious.
