Page 53 of The Coffee Bar on Camellia Court

Alex felt his father's hand on his shoulder, a steady anchor against the sweeping tide of emotion. "She already belongs here, son."

Alex nodded, unable to speak.

Lunch was a surprisingly relaxed affair. Dwight grilled burgers and hot dogs on the patio with a mountain of side dishes Roxanne had prepared. Lena ate with the enthusiastic appetite of childhood, declaring the potato salad "the best thing ever."

After the meal, they moved to the backyard, where Lena and Ralphy chased each other across the grass. Alex sat with his parents on the shaded patio, feeling a peace he hadn't experienced in years.

"She's wonderful, Alex," Roxanne said, watching Lena with undisguised adoration. "Absolutely wonderful."

"I had nothing to do with that," Alex admitted. "Melissa raised her all these years."

"But she has your heart," his mother insisted. "I can see it in the way she looks at the world—curious, open. Just like you were."

Dwight leaned forward in his chair. "You said Melissa is planning to leave the country with Lena."

"I was going to ask you about that," Roxanne interjected. Lena mentioned something about going to Greece soon."

Dwight frowned. "And when will you see her again?"

The question punctured Alex's bubble of contentment. "I need to talk to a lawyer tomorrow. Find out what my options are."

"Good," Dwight nodded. "You'll need someone with experience in family law. I can make a couple calls first thing in the morning." Dwight practiced tax law, but he had connections among his peers.

"In the meantime," Roxanne said, "what does Lena need? School supplies? She'll be starting third grade this fall, won't she?"

Alex shook his head. "As it stands, I only have her for a few days, Mom. A week at the most. They're planning on leaving next week, unless I can figure out how to get a judge to put a hold on that."

Roxanne pressed a hand to her chest. "She can't take her away already. We've just met her!"

Dwight reached over and took his wife's hand. "We'll figure this out," he said, speaking to himself as much to the them. "Together."

The simple declaration—together—nearly undid him. For years after Jason's death, Alex had felt isolated in his grief, convinced that his parents blamed him on some level for not saving their firstborn. He'd pushed them away, drowning his guilt in alcohol and meaningless relationships. Now, with three simple words, his father had drawn him back into the fold.

A ball rolled to a stop at Alex's feet, followed moments later by an out-of-breath Lena. "Daddy, throw it for Ralphy," she urged. "He wants to play fetch."

Alex picked up the tennis ball, worn smooth from countless retrieval games. "Like this?" he asked, tossing it gently across the yard. Ralphy bounded after it, ears flapping.

"No, Daddy," Lena giggled. "You have to throw it farther!" She demonstrated with an exaggerated arm movement that sent her nearly off-balance.

Alex chuckled, standing to join her on the lawn. "Let me show you the proper technique."

For the next half hour, they played with Ralphy, the dog's enthusiasm never flagging despite his gray muzzle. Alex's ankle was killing him, but he didn't care. He hobbled around the best he could, letting Lena chase down wildly-thrown balls, but he was secretly glad Ralphy wasn't as energetic as he'd been as a puppy. When Lena flopped down on the grass, declaring herself "too tired to throw anymore," Roxanne appeared with a tray of lemonade and cookies.

"Perfect timing, Grandma," Lena said, the name slipping out naturally now. "I'm starving again."

"Growing children are always hungry," Roxanne replied, clearly delighted with her new role. "And grandmothers are always ready to feed them."

As they settled at the patio table with their treats, Alex excused himself to make a phone call, leaving his daughter in the adoring care of her grandparents. He headed inside and down the hall to his old room, but when he got there, he could hear Lena's giggle and his parents' animated conversation, and he realized he wanted to be right back out there. He didn't want to miss any of his time with Lena, not if there was even the remotest possibility that she'd be gone in a week.

Instead of calling, he texted:Juno, I have so much to tell you. Lena came home with me last night and we've just had lunch with my parents, who are now in love with their granddaughter. Lena and I are going to have a picnic on my parents' dock tonight. If you can stand the mosquitos, we'd love to have you join us.

While playing with Ralphy, he and Lena had concocted the plan to hang out with Juno. Lena hadn't been quite ready to leave Ralphy behind for the day, and she'd suggested the picnic idea. When Alex had asked his parents if they could borrow the dock, they'd happily given him the go-ahead.

Alex has just turned around and was heading back through the house when Juno's reply came through:Wow. That IS a lot. Can't wait to hear all about it. I'd love to have a picnic with you two. Can I bring anything?

Nope. Mom has more food here than we know what to do with. Just bring yourself. I'll pick you up at 6 at your place.

When he opened the slider, he heard Lena ask, "Can I come back and play with Ralphy again?"

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