Page 59 of Take This Heart
“Yeah, he needed to get back to pick Grayson up from day care,” Tully says.
“You just missed Sandy Parker and Val Mitchell,” Dad says.
Tully wrinkles his nose. “What did they want?”
“They wanted to know if we’re really going through with all the renovations and such…acted surprised that it’s still on.” I groan. “Basically itching for gossip and stirring the pot.”
“Maybe with different steps into the renovation, we could have little events going on. Like when the pavilion’s done, we could have a concert and a food tasting to give them a view of what the restaurant and general vibe will be like,” Camden says.
“I love that idea! Maybe something fun for fall. There’d still be a little time to plan that.” I sigh and stare up at the ceiling. “I should’ve pushed harder for them to say who’s got them all rumbling about this.”
“There’s no question it’s Bruce,” Dad says. “I’m just surprised he hasn’t caused more trouble by now.”
“He’s probably distracted from finding out he has a daughter,” I say.
“What?”Dad sounds floored.
I glance at him. “That woman that was with them tonight.AvaPiper.” I roll my eyes.
“That’sAva Piper?” Tully asks.
They’ve all heard me griping about Ava Piper and her stinking review.
“I didn’t know it until last night, but yes. Can you believe it?” I reluctantly hand Kevin over to Camden’s grabby hands.
“Well, that explains why she had all those nasty things to say about you,” Tully says. “She’s Bruce’s daughter. That should make you feel better about everything.”
I glance at Dad and pause. “Dad, are you okay?”
He swallows and nods slowly like he’s coming out of a stupor. “Yeah, I’m…I’m fine.”
We all look at him and then at each other. He doesn’t look fine. He looks pale and shaky. I walk over and grab the blanket near him, putting it over him.
“Are you cold? You should probably go to bed,” I tell him, bending over to kiss his forehead. His skin is clammy.
“Yeah, I think I will go to bed.” He looks at each of us and smiles, but it’s weak. “I love you all. It sure is nice to have you boys and my buttercup under one roof.”
We’re quiet when he leaves, concerned about what the future might hold.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
BALLOTS
MILO
I knock on the Whitmans’ door and wait. Everett’s told me to just walk on in, but with Goldie doing everything in her power to avoid me after seeing me with Bruce and Ava the other night, it doesn’t feel right to do that.
I hear high-pitched barking and frown, looking around for the dog. Nothing.
Goldie opens the door, trying to grab a tiny white ball of fluff.
“Shh. It’s Milo freaking Lombardi. He’s not worth the energy,” Goldie croons to the pup.
She’s in leggings and a paint-smeared sweatshirt. Loose hair is falling from her messy bun and her cheeks are rosy. She looks beautiful.
The dog stands next to her and keeps barking with his whole body. She scoops him up and he stares at me smugly.
I grin. “You got a dog?”
