To her, it must’ve sounded like a condemnation. Leslie rose from the swing and called, “Boys, it’s time to come inside, we have chores.”
Owen stood, struggling to find the right words.
“Don’t go,” he pleaded, knowing he hurt her feelings, but he needed answers.
“No. You don’t get to accuse me or make me feel guilty. I tried calling when I discovered my pregnancy, and you changed your number. Obviously, you didn’t want to hear from us. You hurt me and didn’t care to write or call. What right do you have to blame me?” she seethed, calling attention to her and Owen.
“Hiya, Owen,” Conner said, running toward them. “I didn’t know you planned to come today. Mom, can I show him my horse?” he asked. Turning to Tucker, he yelled. “Hey, Tucker, come meet my brother.”
Owen heard Leslie groan beside him, but he stayed rooted to the porch, wanting to meet his son.
“What’s the matter, Mom?” Tucker said as he climbed the steps and shot Owen a leery gaze.
“Nothing. Say hello to Owen and then get your chores done. Once you finish, we might go for a hike. First one to spot a hawk gets out of doing dishes,” she said, moving further away from Owen.
Tucker must’ve felt the tension as he watched his mother and approached Owen.
“I’m Tucker,” he said, giving him a firm handshake.
“He’s my oldest brother,” Conner told Tucker. “Since we’re brothers, does it mean they’ll be yours, too?”
“No,” Leslie replied firmly. “He stopped by to say goodbye. He’s leaving for a couple of days.”
Conner’s expression turned sad.
“It’s only for a couple of days, and then I’ll return,” he assured him. “I’m searching for your brothers,” he told Conner. He smiled at Tucker. “It’s nice to meet you, son. Your mom says you and Conner do the chores sometimes on Wolfe Mountain. Do you think you can care for the animals while I’m away? Maybe we can add a bit to your chore money.”
“You mean you’ll pay us for doing chores?” he asked excitedly. “Mom says our payment comes in the form of food, clothes, and a roof over our heads.”
“We’ll do it because it’s the neighborly thing to do, and it’s Conner’s home. He’s family,” Leslie reminded them stiffly.
Sensing he stepped on Leslie’s foot, he attempted to make amends.
“Maybe we can work something out. Have you fished in the secret lake?” he asked.
Tucker’s eyes widened. “Mom says she doesn’t like it there. We only went when Grandpa took us.”
Of course, she didn’t like it. It’s most likely where they conceived their son before he left her to raise him alone.
“Elias told me last night he’s itching to catch some fish and go swimming. Maybe we can talk him into going with us when we return,” he suggested, avoiding the death stare coming from Leslie.
“Chores, boys. Hop to it,” she reminded them.
Tucker stared at Owen and glanced at his mom, as if attempting to see if Owen caused the displeasure in her expression.
“Will you come inside with us?” he asked, giving her a reason to leave.
“I’ll be along in a minute. Get started while I say goodbye to Owen.”
“Bye, Owen,” Conner said, wrapping his thin arms around his waist and hugging him. “Don’t forget to tell my brothers about me. Maybe they’ll come to meet me like you did.”
“If I find them, I’ll pass along the message,” he said, patting him on the back.
Tucker tugged Conner’s arm. “Come on, dufus. You’re too old for hugs. We’re men. You’re supposed to shake his hand. Remember what grandpa said? Stare them straight in the eye and give them a firm handshake. It means you’re not afraid of anything.”
“That’s for people we don’t know. He’s my brother. It’s okay to hug him,” Conner argued as they entered the house.
“I’m your brother, and I don’t want you going all lovey-dovey on me,” Tucker warned him.
