But Pearlie’s grin told me I’d failed. “He’ll be here any minute.”
True to Pearlie’s prediction, Whit arrived moments later, looking as stiff and uncomfortable as he had our first night at Dawes House. Everyone greeted him warmly except June, who continued to give him the cold shoulder. If I’d known any of them better, I might’ve asked why. But my questions were swept aside by an amazing dinner and lively conversation.
I don’t even recall most of what was said. I just remember beinghappy.I hadn’t felt that welcome and part of a family—atruefamily—since living at the farmhouse. Even June softened a little, laughing at something Chase said that had us all rolling.
At one point, I realized I was just sitting there, smiling, watching all of them, so grateful. I didn’t even notice my eyes had filled with tears until the soft pressure of a hand on mine beneath the table drew my attention to Whit beside me.
I managed to smile and gave his hand a small squeeze before blinking rapidly, clearing the tears, then excused myself to go check on Henry and Addie, who’d rushed off after dinner to play.
I peeked into the living room to see them sitting together on the floor, playing with a collection of stones that Addie had arranged in a circle. In the center was a little pile of what looked like bones from the board game Operation.
I frowned. “What are you two playing?”
“Tell the Bones,” Henry replied, holding up one of the tiny bones. “These are the pirate bones we dug up, Mama!”
Addie brushed her hair off her face and looked at me with eyes that seemed far too wise for a six-year-old. “We have to tell the bones to either stay dead or come back to life, Ms. Zellie.”
I stepped into the room to get a closer look, keeping my voice gentle when I asked, “And how do you tell them to come back to life?”
She held up a tiny watering can that looked like it might’ve belonged to one of her dolls or maybe the gardening set she’d mentioned before and pretended to pour something over the bones. “You just sprinkle them with the special water that makes them grow back together.”
“Maybe you two should play something else,” I suggested, concerned that the game was a little too morbid for Henry and might give him nightmares. “Henry, you brought some books. Why don’t you and Addie look at those instead?”
I hung out long enough to see them pack the stones into a little pouch Addie had and dig through the puppy backpack with floppy brown ears that held some of Henry’s books. When I returned to the dining room, I was mortified to find the table already cleared and Pearlie pouring coffee from a silver pot.
“Thought we’d lost you,” Earl teased.
“I’m so sorry,” I said, slipping back into my seat and accepting the cup Pearlie handed me.
“Never mind him, baby,” she said, sending Earl a look that only made him chuckle. “You came back just in time for dessert.”
“You donotwant to miss Ms. June’s buttermilk pie,” Chase assured me, taking a large bite for emphasis.
I’d barely taken my first bite when Junior leaned forward. “So, Zellie, Whit says you love books. Got a favorite?”
I glanced at Whit. His lips twitched into the hint of a smile before he turned his attention to his pie and his cousin’s inane prattle. “Yes, sir. Idolove books,” I answered. “But a favorite?” I grinned. “Do I have to pick just one?”
And that’s how I found myself drawn into a lively conversation with Junior, hitting on pretty much everything from Chaucer to Jane Austen to Stephen King. I didn’t realize how much time had passed until I looked around to see everyone had gone but Whit. Henry had passed out cold, face down on the couch, sleeping harder than I’d seen in a while.
“Oh, I’m so sorry, Ms. Pearlie!” I exclaimed, jumping up. “I shouldn’t have stayed so long. I’ve been a horrible guest.”
“Now hush,” she said, waving away my apology. “I don’t shoo out family.”
This time, I couldn’t stop the grin at her calling me family. But that happiness fractured a little at the thought of eventually leaving Dawes House. I turned away quickly and bent to scoop up Henry, groaning a bit at the unexpected weight of his limp, sleeping body.
“Allow me.”
I looked up to see Whit standing beside me. He gently took Henry under the arms and lifted my son so that Henry was draped over his shoulder, arms and legs dangling.
“I…uh…” I stammered, not used to anyone stepping in to help. “Thank you.”
“Here you go, baby,” Pearlie said, thrusting a stack of leftovers into my hands. “You take these for you and Henry. You won’t have to worry about supper after your first day of work tomorrow.”
“Thank you, Ms. Pearlie,” I said, my vision blurring again with those damned tears.
On impulse, I threw my free arm around her neck in a brief hug. Pearlie hugged me back then gave Whit a pointed look, something unreadable passing between them.
Whit and I didn’t speak in the elevator. I was already self-conscious and embarrassed about my emotions being on full display that evening, betraying just how starved for friendship—for family—I really was. And I was afraid if I looked at him just then, I’d completely fall apart.
