“How? What?” Rex threw his arms around Jane, while at the same time calling for Monica to come see, then shook hands to greet Ron.
Lucas stood back and watched the interaction, observing the affection between the soon-to-be in-laws. An unfamiliar envy welled within him. Was it possible to be jealous of someone and also completely happy for them in the same situation?
“You didn’t think we’d miss this, did you?” Jane teared up when Monica stepped out of the house, and she threw her arms around her daughter.
“Mom! Dad! How’d you get a flight?” Monica’s voice was husky with emotion, and she kept one arm around her mom as she hugged her dad with her other arm.
“It required a few layovers, but we made it. Stella arranged for Lucas to bring us from the airport when all the rental cars were taken.” Ron tipped his chin to Lucas. “Thanks again.”
“My honor.” He let the larger group pass through, then followed them into the dining room.
His entire family was gathered in the space of several hundred square feet. Mom, Rex, Beau, Jenna, Lacey, plus Tom, Ron, and Jane, who were family now through marriage.
A wave of regret came over him for all the years he’d stayed away, and for what? On the chance he’d seeher?He’d missed out on too much of his family’s life. It wasn’t too late to change. His gaze traveled the room, and he thought about each person there and what they meant to him.
The heaviness lifted from his chest. It was good to be home.
Chapter Two
While most people were shopping for rock-bottom sale prices on Black Friday, Serena Adams worked. Since she’d moved home to Louisiana last spring, she’d struggled to reestablish her event-planning business which she’d made profitable in Houston.
If the vow renewal between Tom and Lacey Allen went as planned, it could catapult her lagging business into success. Tom, a senator’s son, had high-profile connections throughout the state and country. If he and Lacey enjoyed the ceremony and spread the word, the possibilities were endless.
Not for the first time, she doubted her wisdom in moving home. Life in Texas had been good to her, had helped her escape her nightmare of a childhood. But Pawpaw wasn’t getting younger, and she’d missed him dearly. He’d been her strength during the worst times of her life.
She decided to take a break and went to the kitchen. After pouring coffee into two cups, she carried the mugs outside where Pawpaw raked leaves. “Where’s Cecily? I told her to help you.”
Pawpaw waved a hand. “I sent her down the street to check on Millie.”
Raising her brows, she gave Pawpaw a pointed stare. “She’s supposed to be grounded, not eating Mrs. Robicheaux’s award-winning bread pudding.”
“Don’t you think you’re being a tad hard on the girl?” Pawpaw leaned against the rake, looking two decades younger than his seventy-three years. His coal black hair hadn’t faded through the years, and his sapphire blue eyes sparkled with life.
“She knows the rules but still chose to break them. She snuck into my room after I was asleep and grabbed her phone. I caught her texting at two in the morning.”
“It’s Thanksgiving break. She misses her friends.”
Serena handed him a mug. “If I had pulled a stunt like that, Daddy would have tanned my hide.”
“Your daddy did a lot of things I wouldn’t have.” He propped the rake against the tree, then walked to the back porch.
Unable to disagree, Serena followed him, taking a sip as she walked. “I don’t want Cecily making the same mistakes I did.”
“Honey,” Pawpaw laid a wizened hand on hers, “you acted out of rebellion from your father’s iron fist. Cecily is a good child, and you’re a good parent. It’s not fair to either one of you to hold her accountable for your actions from years ago.”
A wry smile curled her lips. “Aren’t you supposed the be the strict one?”
He shook his head and grinned. “Not when it comes to my girls. I’d venture to say you both need grace and love more than anything at this stage.”
“Maybe I did overreact a tad.” She bent her head and stared into the mug, ashamed to admit the truth. “I read her messages this morning. Do you know she was talking to a girl from school whose parents just split? Cecily was encouraging and comforting her.”
“She told me before I sent her down the street.” Pawpaw set his mug on the porch rail and stretched his arms. “I’m not saying she should have broken the rules, but considering the circumstances, I could understand giving some leniency.”
“I’ll talk to her this afternoon.” Cradling the mug between her hands, she lifted it to her lips. The warm liquid felt good against the autumn breeze.
“You know I don’t want to step on any toes.” Pawpaw grabbed his cup and gulped the remainder of his coffee. “My advice is just that—advice. You can take it or leave it.”
“I know, but I’d be foolish to ignore it.” She kissed his cheek. “I love you.”
