“Thanks, Daddy.”
“Speaking of literature, your mom told me about that ring you found in a book. What’s up with that?”
She chuckled. “Your guess is as good as mine. I still haven’t found the owner. But I’m not giving up yet. Are you and Mom going anywhere this summer? You’re welcome to join me down here. There’s a spare room and I’d love the company.”
“Oh, thank you, honey. But I know you have a book to write. Besides, I think we’re going to skip vacation this year. Get our savings built back up.”
They’d purchased a new home in the fall. Sadie sensed there had been some discord over the two-story home situated in a prominent development. Sometimes navigating a relationship with her parents was like walking through a minefield. “I wish I could come out there, but this book has me pretty swamped the rest of the summer.”
“Maybe Thanksgiving break.”
“I’d love that. I miss Mom’s cooking.”
“She hasn’t been doing much of that lately. Between the animal shelter and the nail salon she’s been pretty busy.”
“Her business seems to have grown a lot the past few years.”
“Oh, it has. She’s doing very well. I keep telling her she needs to hire more help, but you know your mom...”
Fearing she’d just stumbled upon another touchy subject, she changed the topic. “Did you get the picture I sent yesterday of the Little Library I made?”
“I did. I’m impressed.”
“You taught me everything I know about tools.”
“A woman should know how to take care of herself. Did your mom tell you that your aunt Doris read your books recently? She was raving about them at church Sunday.”
“I’m glad she liked them.”
“Well, they’re really good, honey. Grandpa would’ve been so proud.”
Her heart gave a tight squeeze. “Thanks, Daddy. He was a good man. I know a day like today must be hard for you.”
“I miss him a lot. He was a good father to me.”
“I miss him too. And Grandma. I have so many good memories at their ranch.”
“It was a great place to grow up.” Her mother said somethingin the background. “Mom says to tell you hi, and I hate to cut this short but we’re gonna be late for church.”
“Tell Mom I said hello, and have a happy Father’s Day, Daddy. I’ll call you later this week. Love you.”
“Love you too, punkin.”
By the time she hung up, it was almost time to meet Sam. She rubbed Rio’s head. “Mommy will be back soon. Do not chew on anything that is not yours.”
Rio lowered her head and gave Sadie a mournful look.
“I know. Mommy’s so mean to leave. You be a good girl and I’ll give you a treat when I get home.”
She went out the front of the duplex, hopped up Sam’s stoop, and knocked.
A few seconds later the door swung open. Sam’s hair was still damp but he’d combed it off his face. “You’re early.”
“Are you ready?”
“Let me grab my keys. I’m driving.”
A minute later he locked up the house and they headed toward his truck.
