Page 94 of Badges
When Wade raps his knuckles against the door, then pushes it open, Abraham stands from his recliner.
His gray hair is combed slick and his shirt is pressed, much different than the every other time I’ve seen him.
Granted, that was often when he was on his way back and forth to the pasture to take care of his horse, or running the tractor.
“Dad? This is Cynthia, your granddaughter.” Wade steps to the side, every bit the proud father.
I twist my new ring nervously and give my sister a small encouraging nod.
When she steps around me, Abe’s eyes well.
“There’s no denying you. I can see your grandma and your dad in you.” His chin trembles and he holds out his callused palm. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“You’re not as old as I thought you’d be,” she says bluntly, sliding her fingers into his hand. “Do you have any pictures of her?” Her gaze moves around the room, then stops over a seriesof framed sketches featuring horses in a variety of poses. “Did you draw those, grandpa?”
She lets go, fixated on the pictures.
He gives a soft chuckle. “I did. Don’t pay them any mind, they aren’t very good.”
She props her hands on her knees to peer closer. “No way, these are awesome. I can’t make animals look real yet.”
“She’s quite the artist too, Dad. I bet you two could learn a lot from each other.” Wade rocks on his heels with a smile.
Her lower lip pops out. “I suck at real life stuff, but I love making funky things. Objects and landscapes, mainly.”
“It’s my hobby now that I’m retired.” Abe gestures towards the dining room.
Well, studio. Easels and a variety of sketchbooks are piled amidst a scattering of charcoals and pencils of all different sizes.
“Wow!” Cynthia’s jaw drops as she beelines for the eclectic mess. “Is it okay if I come and draw with you?”
Abe smiles, still obviously struggling with tears. “Any time.” Then he pauses, and surprisingly turns to me. “I heard I might be gaining two new family members in the same day?” His brows raise and he cocks his head.
“Dad,” Wade grumbles.
Abe throws up his palms. “Sorry. Too soon?”
That makes me laugh. “It’s fine. Yes, thank you.” I hold up my hand to showcase the new diamond adorning it.
“I had an inside scoop.” He winks at me. “Esther’s ring looks good on you. I know she’d be happy that you have it. It belonged to her grandmother before her.”
My breath hitches. Wade gave me his mother’s ring?
I turn my wrist to see it in the new light.
“That makes it even more special.” I find myself moving to Wade and threading my arm around his waist. “It’s an honor.”
There aren’t any traditions left in my own family. Abuse from my father and then Mom’s decline pretty much erased any sense of history.
It feels like I’ve been accepted into some sort of secret elite club to be trusted with such a cherished keepsake.
Daddy's home
Wade
This can’t be happening.
It took over a week before Cynthia’s files finally showed up. And all of the important shit is missing? Some are here, like her birth certificate.
