Page 58 of Take This Heart
I set Kevin on the chair and get up to look through the peephole. “Oh, it’s Val and Sandy. Should I answer it?”
The doorbell rings again and Kevin’s head pops up. He starts barking and it’s shocking, the volume that can come out of the little fella.
“Sure, why not,” Dad says.
Because they’re nosy little busybodies who find something negative to say about everyone, I want to say but refrain. Instead, I open the door and say, “Hi!” with a wide smile because…Minnesota Nice.
“Goldie Whitman,” Sandy says, already halfway through the door before I’ve invited her in. “Oh my gosh, you look just like your mother. That hair! That smile!”
Val follows behind her with a little wave, eyes scanning the house like she’s doing inventory. She jumps when she sees my dad sitting there quietly. She laughs, clutching her chest. “Ope, you startled me, Everett. We didn’t wake you, did we?”
“No, just chatting a little before bed.” I scoop Kevin up and cuddle him to my chest.
“Well, we won’t stay long,” Sandy says. Her voice lowers. “We were just wondering…about the renovation next door on the Snodgrass lodge.” She leans closer and whispers, “I heard they took the money and retired in California.”
Dad nods. “I hope so. They put in a lot of time and care into that place, and we hope to do the same.”
“So you’re still going through with it? I heard,” Sandy pauses and looks at Val, and it seems to bolster her resolve. “I heard there was a lot of controversy with it and that it might not be happening anymore.”
“There’s no controversy,” I say.
Val waves a hand. “People in town are just curious. You know how rumors spread. We just wanted to see for ourselves what’s going on. We were surprised we didn’t hear the details about all the updates you’re doing on the lodge and condos sooner.”
“Funny,” I say sweetly. “Dad talked to everyone in town before he bought the land, both of you included, and you were all in support of what a thriving business like this couldpotentially bring to Windy Harbor. Didn’t get a single negative response, did you, Dad?”
“Nope.”
“My guess is someone…maybe you could tell us who…is trying to stir up dissent.”
Grandma Donna crosses her arms over her chest and huffs in support.
“I…don’t know anything about that,” Sandy says, adjusting her purse strap. “We’ll let you get back to your evening. We just wanted to say hi and, you know, check in.” Sandy’s brow furrows. “Oh, and are you feeling okay?” She looks at Dad and takes a step closer. “I’m so sorry to hear you’ve been sick. Val and I can put together a meal train for ya. You’ll have more hotdish than you know what to do with.” She laughs and Dad gives her a pained smile.
There’s good hotdish and then there’s Sandy’s.
“I think we’re good there, but thank you, Sandy,” Dad says. “That’s nice of you.”
“If you change your mind, let us know,” Val says, smiling at him.
Val has had a thing for him for years, but my dad pretends to not notice.
“We appreciate the thought,” I say, walking them to the door. “Thanks for stopping by.”
Kevin lets out a single bark that makes both women jump and I laugh.
“Kevin! I didn’t know you had it in you!” I tell him. “Good night.” I wave to the women and shut the door behind them.
My brothers walk in.
“What is that?” Tully says, staring at Kevin.
“This is our puppy.” I hold him up high. “Guys, meet Kevin.”
“Kevin?” Camden laughs. He pets his ears and Kevin leans into his hand. “He’s really cute.”
Tully and Camden take turns petting him.
“Did Noah go home?” I ask.
