What started as a retreat for veterans to recover and relax and rebuild their confidence in the outdoors has turned into a full-blown center with treatment rooms and accommodations.
Joel bought extra land, which has meant more clearance work. Me and the guys have been helping any way we can.
Any day now, we should have the final go ahead, and we’ll get the building underway for Jake’s Retreat.
I place the largest portion of chicken on Patrick’s plate and give Shona a nice slice of the breast.
As I carve off a leg for Avery, the phone rings in the hall.
Shona’s hand flutters to her chest, and she shares a look with her husband. With Amos still in action, a phone call could mean disaster.
“I’ll get it.”
Patrick stands up, and Avery sits next to her mother with their hands clasped tight.
I wait with them, hoping like hell it’s nothing to do with Amos. This family has been through enough. But a phone call at dinner to a landline is never good news.
I abandon the chicken and take my place behind Avery, ready for whatever comfort she might need.
We wait in silence; the only sound is the clock ticking on the wall and the muted sounds of Patrick speaking on the phone. I glance at the family photos on the wall and wonder if this is what it was like when they got the call about Jake.
My hand rests on Avery’s shoulder, letting her know that whatever happens, I’m here for her.
A few moments later, Mr. Monroe comes into the room with a frown on his face.
“It’s not Amos.”
Shona’s shoulders sag in relief and her eyes close, no doubt offering up a silent prayer.
Avery lets out a long breath and squeezes her mother’s hand. The relief is clear, but it’s also a reminder of the son and brother they lost.
Patrick runs a hand through his hair.
“What is it, Dad?” There’s a worried tone to Avery’s voice and I rub her back, wanting to reassure her.
“That was child protection.” I frown and glance at Avery, but she’s staring at her dad.
“There’s a boy.” Mr. Monroe swallows hard. “His mother’s been killed in a car accident.”
“That’s terrible,” says Shona.
We’re all looking at Patrick, waiting for an explanation. He swallows, finding it hard to get the words out. I glance at Avery, and she’s as confused as I am. I feel bad for the kid, but I’m not sure what a random boy has to do with this family.
“The mother has no next of kin.” He takes a deep breath and looks at Shona. “Jake’s listed as the father on the birth certificate.”
Avery gasps, and Shona clutches her chest. “Jake, our Jake?”
Patrick nods slowly. “It seems so. Jake has a son.”
Avery’s mouth drops open, and she turns to me. “Did you know?”
Did I know that my best friend has a son and maybe a secret life he didn’t tell anyone about?
“…No….” I shake my head.
Avery looks to her parents, and it’s obvious they didn’t know either.
Which makes me wonder . . . did any of us really know Jake at all?
* * *
