Page 120 of The Art of Being Merry
Autumn’s gasp is loud. “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. I could have sworn he’d live forever.”
“Me too. But yeah. It’s been hard.”
Beck leans in close to me. “Remind me who Pappy is?”
“Not a clue.”
“So you’re in town for the funeral?”
“Yeah. The day after Christmas, but also, I couldn’t come back to Winterberry Junction and not see you. Make amends.”
“I’m not interested. I’m sorry for your loss, but there’s no love lost between us. I’m not interested.” Does she realize she already told him that? By the crestfallen expression on her face, I’d guess not.
“Can I at least see Shania? Mom sends me all the pictures, but I’d like to see her for myself.”
“Dad?” We all turn at Shania’s stunned voice. “What are you doing here?” She stands next to her mother, looping her arm through Autumn’s.
“He was just leaving,” Autumn states dismissively, the fire back in her tone.
“I’m in town for a few more days. I, uh.” He pauses, his gaze drifting over all of us. “Just want to talk. Say I’m sorry. Catch up on Shania’s life.”
“Hard pass,” Shania says with an eye roll. “Too late. I’m all grown, and you missed out.” I’m proud of her for staying strong. She’s the best parts of Autumn.
I step in front of my siblings. “You heard them. You should go.”
For a minute, I think he’s going to put up a fight, but eventually, he concedes. “My number’s still the same. In case you change your mind.” Without waiting for a response, he stomps down the porch steps, his shoulders hunched, defeated.
Good. They don’t need him.
“You okay, Mom?” Shania asks, hugging her mother.
“Yeah, baby. I’m good.” She’s lying through her teeth, but Shania’s face is buried against her cheek. Exasperation swims in her eyes, and I know that look. She’s going to go after him. Maybe not today, but before he leaves. She needs answers.
“We’ve got your back, Autumn. Whatever you decide, we’ll support,” Beck exclaims, seeing the same determination I do.
Heidi squeezes her hand. “I’d want to know, too. Heal the pain your younger self still carries.”
A tear slips from her eye. She swipes it with a thumb and steels her shoulders, the strong badass she is shining through. “Not today or tomorrow. Then I’ll see.”
“Who’s Pappy?” Beck asks the group.
“Papaw’s dad. Why?” Shania wonders. She steps away, terrified. “That’s why he’s here. Something happened to Pappy?” She covers her mouth with her hand and backs down the hallway, spinning about halfway and taking off on a run, Autumn taking after her.
Heidi, Beck, and I share a look, though we won’t get a straight answer out of Autumn until she’s ready to tell us. She’s secretive, that one.
Beck peers over at Willa and Clementine. “And here I thought we’d survive this Christmas unscathed.”
Willa holds up her hands, her son cradled against her in a wrap. “Don’t look at us. We’re all drama’ed out.”
Beck rolls his eyes. “Right. I believe that.”
Clementine comes up to me, biting the skin around her thumbnail. “Someone should check on them, make sure they’re okay.”
“I will in a little while,” Heidi volunteers. “Give them some time to themselves first.”
Clementine crooks her finger toward me, motioning I should lean down. “Protective Dax is hot. My ovaries wanted in on that action.”
I raise a brow. “Real-ly.”
