A hoarse laugh rang through the phone. “That’s what I’m doing right now. Calling you. I’d like to come see ya, son.”
“You need money.”
“No, that’s not why I’m calling. We’re on the way to your house from the airport. We should be there in...Linda, what’s the GPS say?” His dad sounded excited.
Hank heard a faint voice, which must be his stepmom, in the background.
“Thirty-eight minutes.”
Oh my God.His father, stepmom, and half-sisters were on their way to his house. The icy hand clutching his lungs moved to his heart and squeezed.
“You there, Hank?”
He heard Bethany’s voice in his head, as if she stood next to him and wasn’t halfway across the country. Compassionate and kind Bethany who had been betrayed by herfiancé.Let him visit. Give him a chance to explain. Maybe something he says will ease your anger—help you understand his neglect.
The hand gripping his heart eased.
“Hank, I know you blame me for leaving the way I did when you were a kid. I’m real sorry about that time. I’ve got a lot of regrets. Hank?”
It’s a gift you give yourself,Bethany urged in his mind. Warmth pulsed through his veins. He drew in a breath. “Yeah?”
“I’m in a better place now. Got a new job, and it’s going well. Your stepmom and sisters want to get to know you. I’m just asking you to give us a chance to be part of your life. What do you say, son? Can you spare a few hours for a visit?”
Hank gripped the phone and listened to the sound of his heart thudding in his ears. “All right, Dad.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
Bethany’s finger paused over the computer mouse, and she eyed the cursor, which blinked at her in the address line like an annoying gnat. Sweat made her hands slick on the keys as she typed the name of the contest.
Please, Big Guy Upstairs, let Grandma Lou’s final.
Travis leaned over her shoulder in their tiny kitchen at home and eyed the laptop screen. “No more stalling, Bethany. Refresh the page. It’s ten o’clock at night. They have to post the finalists before midnight. The site must be updated by now.”
Bethany swallowed and wiped her hands on her jeans. “Here goes nothing.” She pressed the enter key. The page went white before refilling the screen. Her heart thudded in her ears and her eyes blurred for an instant as her gaze traveled past the opening paragraph and narrowed on the list of ten finalists, which came into focus with sudden clarity.
Spun Sugar
Heartland Bakery
Slice of Heaven
Baker’s Dozen
