Page 141 of Revival

“I wouldn’t know anything about that.” She nudges me with her elbow and winks.

Nancy Powell knows everything, especially if it has to do with one of her brood.

When word got around to her about what Jim Perry did to Spencer, she was irate. Not only did she tell me she was furious, but she went down to the police station the very next day and demanded his immediate resignation. I wasn’t in the room, so I’m not sure what exactly she said when she got there, but the rumor is that he packed up his stuff and moved out to North Dakota with his uncle that same week. Whether or not that was a response to Sutton’s threat or Mom’s remains a mystery.

I couldn’t care less as long as he left town.

Ollie and Lincoln sit atop the tables and tear through a large stack of envelopes wishing them well on their new adventure. The growing stack of cash only reminds me how loved they all are—we all are. I glance around the group at all the people I love, and I know I’ll be okay no matter what tomorrow brings. This family will make sure of it, even if it takes some time for me to get there.

When their excitement slows and the envelopes are reduced to shredded paper, I approach my son. This is the last time we’ll all be together as a big bunch until I can convince him to come home for a weekend. I wring my hands together. The silver bracelets on my arm tinkle, drawing his eyes upward.

“Hey, Mom.” His arms open, and I step forward for a hug.

“I’m so proud of you.” I squeeze extra tight before letting go. There will be plenty of time tomorrow for goodbye. No need to prolong it starting now.

“Thanks.” He returns my squeeze.

Stepping back, I dab the corners of my eyes. “Going out?”

His smile widens, showcasing straight teeth thanks to the fortune I spent on braces his sophomore year.

“We have a couple of people we’d like to see.”

“Have fun but don’t stay out too late. We have to hit the road by seven o’clock.”

His eye roll contains half the heat as usual. “I know.”

“We’ll load up the truck. Everything all packed?”

“Yes, Mom.”

“Give me a break. This is the last time I get to boss you around.”

That playful smile grows. “I know.”

“All right, well, be safe.” I cross my arms, physically trying to hold myself together.

“Actually, there’s one more thing.” He reaches behind him and draws out another white envelope. Hopping off the table, he stops in front of me. I look at Lincoln, surprised to find he isn’t holding one too. He just shrugs and slinks off to join the others.

“What’s this?”

“Before I give this to you, I need to make it clear that this was partially my idea. We don’t need anyone going viral on social media calling this bad etiquette.”

A few people behind me laugh.

“Let’s not go viral on social media at all. How about that?” I say, feeling like the butt of some joke. Is this a prank? I glance around for someone waiting to attack with a Nerf gun or lob a paint-filled water balloon.

“It’s fine.” Ollie touches my shoulder, then holds out the envelope. “This is for you.”

As I take the heavy paper, he continues talking. Suspicions prickle to life at his calm, almost rehearsed tone.

“I’m going to miss you, Mom. I know this is probably way harder on you than it is for me. It’s always just been the two of us, and I think the most important thing for me is that you don’t feel alone. I know we have a big family, but I remember when you explained to me the difference between having a family who loves you and someone special.”

While he talks, I fit a trembling finger beneath the seal. With a tug, I separate the flap, and something heavy falls out into my palm.

“I’m really happy you have someone special.”

I stare at the ring in my palm. The sterling silver band and square-cut diamond surrounded by smaller stones. I flit my gaze back to my son’s face.

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