“A little.” It’s a white lie, but I don’t want her to worry. “I was just out in the cold too long. I’ll feel better after I get warmed up.”
“I’ll make you some hot cocoa when we get home,” she says, already devising a plan to make me feel better.
“That’ll do the trick.” Another untruth, but I don’t want anything to dampen my mother’s mood tonight. Reality will just have to wait.
20
MJ
“Oh my,”Ron says, taking his seat at the table. I’m standing at the head, in the spot Henry used to sit, and he’s to my left. “This looks wonderful.”
June Bug barks from her crate in the corner of the room.
Oliver chuckles. “I think June Bug agrees.”
Ron gives me a subtle wink. “That’s because she has great taste.”
“Thank you.” I adjust the platter of homemade rolls, making sure everything looks perfect. The pot roast is placed center stage with roasted potatoes, carrots, and a tossed salad. I also made some macaroni and cheese from scratch for the grandkids.
“Looks great, sister.” Rose plops in the chair at my other side, immediately reaching for the bread. “You know these are my favorite.”
The sound of chairs scooting against the wood floor fills the room as everyone takes their seats. Oliver pulls Lindsey’s chair out for her, and it makes my heart sing. It’s a simple gesture, but he does it with such ease that it seems almost second nature—like he’s done it every day for years.
I clasp my hands together. “Dig in, everybody.”
The chatter is lively as everyone serves up their plates. My worries about the kids being upset that I invited Ron were unfounded. From the second they walked in, they were nothing but welcoming.
“I’m glad you could come today, Ron,” Ben says, passing the mac ‘n’ cheese down the table.
“Yes,” Ellie agrees, scooping a spoonful of beans onto Noah’s plate.“How long have you lived in Loving?”
“I grew up just south of here,” Ron answers. “In Columbia.”
“And what are your intentions with my sister?” Rose ask, and I nearly choke on a carrot. Lindsey exchanges a wide-eyed glance with Oliver, while Ben hides his face behind his water glass.
“Oh no,” Lucy says.
Ron raises his brows. “Come again?”
“Your intentions.” Rose nods in my direction. “With her.”
“Rose,” I hiss.
“What?” Rose asks. “You’re my only sister, and I don’t want you to end up on one of those Netflix documentaries.”
“I’ve been trying to tell you, you’ve got to lay off the true crime, Aunt Rose,” Lucy teases. “It’ll make you crazy.”
I snort. “Too late.”
“There are all kinds of horror stories about women our age being taken advantage of.” Rose lifts her glass of wine. “I just want to know what his intentions are and what type of person he is. You like her, don’t you?”
“Do we really have to do this?” I ask through gritted teeth.
“It’s okay,” Ron assures me. “It’s a fair question, and it’s simple to answer. I enjoy Myra Jean’s company, and I want to get to know her better.” He holds up his fork with a cubed potato speared on the end of it. “The delicious food is just a bonus. I’m a semiretired music teacher. I teach piano lessons part time now. I have a son, and I don’t own any weapons or windowlesswhite vans. However, I do enjoy cooking and watching reruns ofFriends.”
“I see.” Rose nods, narrowing her eyes. “And whichfriendwould you say you’re most like?”
He takes a bite of his potato and chews, a contemplative expression on his face.
