“Nothing really. I’m just being silly and emotional.”
“The house?”
“That and everything.” She bit down her bottom lip while drawing in a breath. “Every time I turn around life is changing. Good ways, but it can be overwhelming.”
He pulled her close to him and wrapped her in his arms. “I’ll be here with you through it all. You’re not alone.”
She looked up at him through long, silky lashes. She opened her mouth to speak but closed it without a word and laid her head on his shoulder. He continued holding her until he felt the stress and worry lift.
After several minutes, she moved away. “Thank you.”
“I know you have to go, but I’m only a call away, okay.” He kissed her nose. “What time should I be here tonight?”
“We eat around six-thirty, but I’ll be home by five.”
“I’ll be here at five.” He smiled at her. “Should I bring anything?”
“Some of your mom’s pralines? For Cecily and Pawpaw, of course.” She grinned, and it made his heart happy to see her smile return.
“Sure. I’ll bring some…for Cecily and Pawpaw.” He kissed her one more time and left, unsure of his destination.
He drove around for a while, reacquainting himself with his hometown. Never in a million years would he have predicted he’d move back, but now he couldn’t think of any other acceptable option.
An idea popped into his head, one so clear and strong that he knew that’s what he must do. He stopped to fill his tank and called Rex before pumping the fuel. “Are you at work?”
“Yes. It’s been a day.”
“Can you make time for a late lunch?”
Rex spoke in muffled tones to someone else than returned to the call. “If you give me forty-five minutes.”
“I’ll meet you at Franco’s?”
“Sounds good.”
Ending the call, Lucas smiled. Today would be a good day. He pumped his fuel then drove to Franco’s and did a little research while waiting for Rex.
His oldest brother pulled in beside him. Exhaustion crept into the creases along his eyes. “I’m glad you called. I wasn’t going to take lunch today, but I needed the break.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Emily was up all night teething, and as it turns out, also has an ear infection. Monica took her in this morning and got antibiotics for her. Then our systems went down at work this morning and it’s been one thing after another.” He paused his story and shot Lucas a wry glance. “Sure you want to come work with me?”
He chuckled and nodded. “I can handle it.”
Rex slapped his shoulder. “Let’s go eat. I’m starving.”
The lunch rush had long passed and they had their choice of seating. They decided on a pepperoni pizza and an order of boneless wings to share.
“Can I tell you how good it feels to sit and do nothing?” Rex leaned against his chair. “Now that you’re back for good, we need to take the boat out. I think it’s been out twice since we went last fall.”
“Name the date, and I’m there. I’ll even cover the gas for the day.”
“What are you doing next Saturday? Monica and Lacey are having a playdate with the girls.” Rex rolled his eyes. “Like they’re old enough to play. I think it’s really an excuse for them to get together.”
“I’m free. Serena has a wedding that day, and Cecily’s going to an event with the youth group.” He picked up his phone. “Should I see if Beau’s free?”
“All three of us together? The world must be ending.” Rex laughed. “Ask him. If he can’t make it, we’ll still go and find another day for all of us.”
