Page 100 of Lavender Lake
“So it was you,” I said. “You’re responsible for the poutine in the fridge.”
“Yeah.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” I demanded.
“The same reason you didn’t tell me you’ve been washing my sheets,” he said, looking at me.
We stared at one another, emotion bubbling between us. It was an emotion I didn’t want to feel in the middle of town.
“You’re really not going to tell me about Amber?” I asked in exasperation.
He peered at me, and then he grinned. “I think I’ll make you sweat a bit.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
The Ranch
“It’s good to be home,” Dad said, leaning his head back against the pillows.
He was tired and every now and again he winced, but he didn’t complain. Tempest was curled up next to him in bed and his hand was on her back.
Jane hovered over him while the rest of us filled the empty space of his bedroom.
“There’s a bell on your nightstand,” Muddy said. “You ring it if you need anything.”
“That’s ridiculous,” Dad said. “I’m not gonna ring a bell.”
“You’ll ring the bell,” Muddy insisted. “You don’t need to exert energy yelling for anything, you understand?”
“Okay, Mom,” he said with a rueful smile. “If you say so.”
“How Downton Abbey is this right now?” Hadley asked.
“Right?” I laughed.
“You sure you want me to . . .” Jane asked.
Dad’s eyes flitted to mine quickly before darting back to Jane. “Yes. I want you to stay.”
It felt like a knife to the ribs.
“I love having a full house,” Muddy said with a smile.
Jane leaned over and pressed a gentle kiss to Dad’s forehead. “I’ll go home and pack a bag right now.”
“Bring the cat,” he said.
“You sure?” she asked.
“I’m sure,” Dad replied.
His eyes began to droop and it was the sign we needed to leave the room. We trailed out and Muddy closed the door behind her.
“You want to stay for dinner, Jane?” Muddy asked. “Bowman brought food from The Diner.”
“No thanks. I’m going to get home and pack,” Jane said as she jogged down the stairs. A moment later the front door opened and closed.
Hadley’s lips quivered.
