I nodded because that was true. I’d thought it enough that I’d be a hypocrite if I didn’t agree. “When I was growing up, I went to school with kids whose parents were lawyers and doctors and pharmacists and businessmen. But my dad was a farmer. My classmates had a lot more money than me, and my dad was always busy, always had dirt under his nails. But he’s the hardest worker I’ve ever known, and he’d do anything for his family. So when kids used to tease me about Dad showing up in overallsand muddy boots to my chorus concert or my piano recital, I didn’t let it bother me.”
Truthfully, I’d told those kids off and got in a number of fights in elementary school, but I wasn’t going to mention that.
“He was my dad, and I loved him. I was proud of the work he did because it put food on our table and a roof over our heads.”
I shifted on the bench to face George. He mirrored my pose.
“Doesn’t Ian take care of you?” I asked. “Buys those flavor-blasted Goldfish you like and those Spider-Man pajamas that are your favorite? Made a room and a space for you?”
“Yeah,” George whispered, and my heart nearly broke.
“I know your life changed when your mom—when you came to live with Ian. And none of that is fair. But Ian’s life changed, too. He loves you, and he’s working hard to make sure you always have a safe, stable life with him.”
George was quiet. His little brows pushed together thoughtfully. Then he finally asked, “Did kids really use to make fun of you?”
“Yep.”
“I went to a school in California, but kids picked on me, too. Uncle Ian said I didn’t have to ever go back there.”
I nodded, letting that knowledge wash over me. Of course, Ian would be protective. Maybe hiring a private tutor like Sophia seemed outlandish to some people, but not to Ian, whose nephew had been struggling.
I was sure the situation with George’s arrival had been tumultuous and disorienting, but Ian had stepped up and taken control, simplified the schooling situation, and protected his nephew at the same time. I could respect that decision. Admire it, even.
Sometimes being the bigger person didn’t count for anything. Especially when someone you loved was hurting. Ian had the means to make that one problem go away, and he had.
I tapped George on the knee. “That was your uncle taking care of you. And he brought you here to Kirby Falls so he could be close to you while he works.”
Realization seemed to dawn across his features as he looked up at me. “Yeah, he did bring me here. Gloria wanted me to stay in California with Miss Sophia.”
Gloria.
I opened my mouth to get a last name out of the kid, but before I could, he shifted gears suddenly, the way only a child can. “My mama was a lawyer. She helped people who couldn’t stand up for themselves.”
George rarely mentioned his mother. I didn’t want to interrupt by demanding Gloria’s name and address so I could pay her a visit.
“That sounds like it was important work,” I said gently.
“Yeah.” He chewed on his bottom lip for a moment.
“Your uncle has an important job too because it lets him take care of you and Sophia and Darren?—”
“And Eddie J,” the kid interrupted.
I frowned. “Who’s Eddie J?”
“He’s the best,” George gushed. “He’s Ian’s assistant, but he lives in California and couldn’t come with us.”
“Well, it sounds like you guys are a team. You and Ian and Sophia and Darren and Eddie J.”
“Yep.”
I noticed George didn’t feel the need to correct me and add the infamous Gloria to the list, whoever she was. I needed to ask Ian about her.
“Just like you’re a team with your family,” George said.
“That’s right,” I agreed.
“The orchard team,” he said, and then looked at me very seriously. “Can I be on your team, too?”
