Rex swallowed the bit in his mouth. “The lack of eating the last two days has finally caught up. I could eat a horse I’m so hungry.”
“Tell me, son, do you all really eat gator and frogs down there or is that just a myth?” The twinkle in his eyes showed he was partially joking, and Rex played along.
“Well sir, sometimes we get together for a gator roast just like you all do for a pig roast. We lay ‘em out of a bed of hot charcoals and twirl ‘em around ‘til their nice and tender. Then we grab a fork and dig in.”
Another round of laughter erupted at Rex’s hyperbole and exaggerated accent. “Seriously though, we do eat gator and frogs. A lot of times you’ll find gator sausage in the aisles at our local grocers and fried frog legs on the menu at some restaurants, but it’s not like we eat it every day. We have to make time to eat our squirrel and opossum too.”
“I also appreciate a sense of humor.” Mr. Hughes chuckled and picked up his plate. His eyes twinkled and he flashed a conspiring smile. “I must get busy. Your mom will be down here soon nagging me if I’m not ready an hour before we have to leave.”
He left the room, leaving Monica and Rex at the table.
Rex drank his coffee and looked at her. “Did you want to go to the hospital before the viewing?”
“No. As much as I would love to see Emily, I think we’d best stay here. If it’s okay with you, I’ll offer for us to stay at the hospital with her tonight.”
“I’d like that.”
The walls closed in on her when she thought about the viewing later in the day. “I need to get out of here. Care to take a walk?”
“Sure. Should I grab our jackets?”
“I don’t think we’ll need them. The forecast is milder than usual, so our sweaters should be warm enough.” She gathered their plates and carried them to the sink.
Rex stood from table and followed her. “I’ll be ready as soon as I put shoes on.”
Two minutes later, he returned with covered feet. “You grew up in this house, right?”
“Yes, but unlike you, I was born in the hospital.” She grinned at him and led him around her parent’s vast property, saving the apple grove for last.
“I love Louisiana, but I have to admit, the landscape here is also breathtaking. The way the rolling hills create waves of color is stunning.” His gaze scanned the horizon. “We don’t get a lot of color change in the fall. I’ve seen pictures, but none of them do this justice.”
She wrapped her arms around her waist. “I’ve always loved Octobers here. Being outside in the middle of this autumn glory calms me, and I could use all the calmness I can get before this afternoon.”
“Where’s your favorite spot?”
“Do you see that tree over there?” The apple tree she pointed to stood taller than the rest. “That was mine and Carrie’s tree. We used to climb up for all our serious conversations. At the top, you can look out and see over the entire valley. After I moved away, whenever I got homesick, I would picture myself on our branch looking out.”
“Let’s do it.” He reached for her hand and gave it a tug. “Let’s climb it.”
“Now? I haven’t climbed a tree in years and we’re wearing our good clothes.”
“Yes, now. Carpe diem. Let’s do it as homage to Carrie’s memory.”
“You’re right. Come on, I’ll race you.” She took off, feeling lighter than she had in days. She touched the bark of the tree. “I beat you.”
“That’s fine because I’ll beat you to the top of the tree.” He reached up to the lowest branch and pulled himself up before Monica realized they’d entered a second race.
When she neared the stopping point, Rex held out a hand to pull her up. They sat on a flattened branch that could have been made for the sole purpose of a bench.
The scenery surrounding her took on an added beauty from this angle. “Didn’t I tell you? The view’s magnificent.”
“Absolutely.” His arm wrapped around her shoulder. “No wonder this calms you.”
The tree became their home as nature worked its own brand of medicine for the next two hours. Peace washed over her, and Monica knew with Rex at her side, she’d be able to face the following days as they lay her sister to rest.
ChapterNineteen
Thursday arrived as a beautiful late-October morning in the valley. A gentle breeze took copper and scarlet leaves for a dance through the sky, and the comforting smell of wood burning in fireplaces infused the air.
