Page 9

I rush across the kitchen and wrap my arms around her. “Oh, Mom! It’s so good to be home! And those cinnamon rolls smell amazing!”

She pulls back and looks me over. “Odette, you look wonderful! A little thin, but we’ll fix that in no time. I’m sorry we were already asleep by the time Kate brought you home last night. I’m afraid we go to bed pretty early these days.”

“No problem! I was jet-lagged, anyway. Besides, I’m here to take care of you and Dad, not the other way around. So stop spoiling me and teach me your baking secrets.”

“Nonsense. What will I do with myself if I can’t spoil my only child?” She grins. “Your dad is excited to see you. He’s in the living room.”

I smile and head in Dad’s direction. Their old house is small, with a rounded doorway separating each room. As I walk through the kitchen and into the living room, I see him relaxing in his recliner. He’s watching the morning news, like he does every morning, but he turns toward me when he hears my footsteps.

His face crinkles up in a smile, making the wrinkles on his weathered face stand out. “How’s my baby girl?”

My heart squeezes. I can’t help but wonder if he called me “baby girl” because he struggles with names these days. Either way, I accept the endearment.

“It’s so good to be back.” I walk forward to his chair and bend down to give him a hug so he won’t need to stand. When I pull back, I can’t help but get a little choked up. He’s aged so much this past year, looking closer to eighty-five years old than his actual seventy-five. His eyes are sunken and the skin on his face sags from all the weight he has lost. I can tell how hard his body and mind took the stroke.

I glance once at the droning TV and then place my hands on my hips. “Watching the news again, I see. Do you want me to make some coffee?”

He lifts one ornery brow. “Alright, but try not to make it too weak this time.” He winks and then breaks into a laugh.

I chuckle. It’s so good to hear him tease and laugh. There was a time when I worried he would never laugh again. “Hilarious. We both know I make the best coffee in this family.”

“Coffee isn’t supposed to resemble tea, Odette.”

“I do not make weak coffee!” I turn on my heel. “I’ll be right back with the most amazing cup of coffee you’ve ever tasted.”

As I walk back into the kitchen, I note with a smile that the house looks exactly the same. Mom’s decorating tastes haven’t changed a bit. There’s an apple-printed tablecloth with matching curtains at the window, identical hand towels, and even an apple-shaped soap dispenser by the sink. Only my mother could make so many apple items somehow look adorable.

She looks up from scrubbing dishes as I come to stand beside her. “It seems like Dad is doing really well today. He wants his morning coffee. Do you still keep the coffee beans above the microwave?”

“Yes, in the cupboard. And please try not to make the coffee too weak this time. You know how he hates that.”

I catch the twinkle in her eye and burst out laughing. “I can tell you’ve been conspiring with Dad. Maybe I should just get you two a coffee subscription.”

She huffs out a short laugh, but then her face takes on a more serious expression. “I know you haven’t been home since… well, since your dad’s health took a turn. But I have his medication and therapy schedule written on the calendar.” She nods to the calendar hung by the fridge. “That way you’ll know what’s going on each day.”

“You know how I like to be organized.” I stride across the room to look at the schedule. “I’m sorry you’ve been doing this all alone. I gave my notice at work as soon as I got out of my lease.”

“It’s alright. I’m just glad that you’re here now. I hate that you had to give up your job to move home, though.” She nudges her shoulder against mine in apology, and I nudge her back. “Oh, and before I forget, the Buick in the garage still runs. I know it’s not the fanciest car, but it’s there if you need it.”

“Oh, that’s sweet of you.” I offer a reassuring smile, trying not to grimace at the thought of driving my parents’ old Buick around town. That thing is the definition of a beater car. “And listen, I loved my job, but it’s not like I was leaving close friends behind. All I did was work, work, and more work.”

“But what about the nice man you were seeing? I know long-distance wouldn’t be ideal, but we’d love to see you settle down with a good man.” Mom tries to sound nonchalant, suddenly busying herself drying a mixing bowl with her dishcloth.

“I haven’t had my morning coffee yet and you’re already bringing up my love life?” I set to work making the coffee and try not to let on how flustered her comment leaves me. The men I met in D.C. were career-focused and driven. They enjoyed dating in their spare time, but once they realized I wasn’t down to just have a good time, they quickly put me off. I usually tried not to let it bother me, but it stung today.

“And besides, I wasn’t seeing a man in D.C. Two dates hardly builds enough foundation for a long-distance relationship. Plus, that guy was kind of a jerk.” I don’t bother explaining to Mom that we stopped dating because he wanted more than a peck on the cheek at the end of our second date.

“Alright. I’m sorry for bringing it up. I would just love grandchildren before I get too much older.” She gives me a side-long glance.

“Between you and Kate, I’m sure I’ll be married off in no time. Plus, we all know how men like a single, book-loving, old maid like myself.”

“Oh, brother.” She rolls her eyes. “Listen here, daughter of mine. You inherited my beautiful auburn hair and your father’s emerald green eyes. Not to mention that you have the work ethic of a draft horse and the organizational skills of a hive of bees. Who could resist you?”

“I think you just described a secretary. You should write that in my online dating profile, though. Men will line up at our door.”

“Oh, of course. Should I also post the photo I took of you this morning, snuggled up asleep with Mr. Rexy?” She snaps back with a completely straight face.

I am equal parts horrified and impressed. “You wouldn’t. Especially if you actually want someone to marry me and give you grandchildren.”