We sit in silence for a while, just eating. Finally, she looks up with a frown and sets her fish aside.
“Will you make tartar sauce? Yours is always better than mine.”
I dust off my hands. “Sure thing.”
That night, it takes me a while to get to sleep. Not because I’m troubled, but because I’m starting to make peace with this chapter of life, and that’s a lot to think about. Of course, Della was right when she said I’m struggling a bit with Julie-Mae starting to date and maybe with becoming a grandparent. It’s a lot of change all at once.
Maybe, deep down, I never expected to have a life this good, and I’m hanging onto it with both hands.
CHAPTER FIVE
DELLA
It takes a while to get settled into a routine with a new baby in the family. For the first month, I spend a lot of time with Delia. Then, ranch life quiets down a bit, and Jon is home more often. They’re adjusting to having their own family, so I pull back and let them figure it out. This is all I ever wanted for any of my kids in the end.
Landis is still single, which is also alright, but I don’t really understand it. He’s a nice looking, charismatic young man, and I raised him right, but there’s a hint of sadness to him that worries me. I don’t like seeing him leave the manager’s house and walk across the field alone. I hope for the day I look over and see his sweetheart sitting out on the porch with him.
It's autumn, the first chill setting in when I find a moment to myself. I honestly thought things would slow down when my children grew up and moved out, but my phone still rings at all hours of the day with somebody needing something. That’s alright—I’d much rather have that than my kids not wanting to be around me.
But it is nice to have an afternoon without responsibilities. Delia is at home with Toby for Jon’s day off. Julie-Mae is down at the clerk’s office, working some overtime. I’m not sure what Landis is doing, but it’s something in the barn involving a large trash can and a lot of swearing. That leaves me free to take my car down to Knifely.
The cafe on main street belongs to Freya, Deacon’s wife. I climb the stone steps and push open the door, greeted by the scent of cinnamon. Freya hovers behind the counter, dark curls braided down her back. She’s in her usual attire, a big green sweater falling off her shoulder and woolen tights peeking out between her skirt and boots. The minute she sees me, her face lights up.
“Thought you’d come by,” she says, turning off the espresso wand and setting a teacup down.
“First hint of cool air, and I can’t keep away.” I lay my purse down on the table and lean over the wooden counter. “What’re you up to?”
She picks up the teacup, lifting it. It’s light blue with intricate designs around the rim.
“I’m trying to replace the mugs,” she says, brows creasing. “We just got these in yesterday.”
“I think they’re pretty,” I say. “But blue? Not green?”
“I’m trying to be unpredictable,” she say, smiling. “But I think they’re a bit small.”
“Does size matter?”
“For coffee cups, it does.”
We both laugh, and she pushes the latte across the table to me. I have a sip—caramel, almond milk, two shots of espresso. Perfect.
“I guess you heard the gossip?” she says, grabbing another tea cup and some milk from the fridge.
“About Gage and Julie-Mae?”
She nods. “How do you feel about that?”
“I think they’re cute together,” I say. “He’s a nice boy.”
She gives me a look, shutting off the espresso machine and pouring a swirl of milk into her cup. “He’s got it together when it comes to work, but I’d be lying if I said he doesn’t have a lot of his father in him. Just doesn’t like going with the flow.”
“I think it’s alright if he ends up like Deacon,” I say, glancing around. “Look at you. I’d be happy if Julie-Mae was half as well taken care of as you. You have a ranch, a good family, and your own business.”
“I am pretty comfortable,” she says, circling the counter, cup in hand.
“The kids are alright,” I say.
She smiles, hand on her hip. “Yeah, I think so. Now, are you all coming down for the fall festival?”
