“You’re sure Audrey’s all right? I’ve been texting with her and she assures me she’s fine but I’ve been so worried about her. She must miss Kim desperately. They’re very close.”
“You don’t need to worry. Yes, she misses Kim, but she understands her mother is working to get better for both their sakes.”
“That’s wonderful to hear. Have you talked to Kim?”
“I spoke with her a few days ago. She said she’s making progress and is feeling much better, physically and mentally. Unfortunately, she’s still not sure if she’ll be able to come home before Christmas.”
“Your father has talked to her a few times,” Diane said. “I’m afraid she still blames herself for the accident, no matter how many times I tell her it wasn’t her fault. The other driver ran a red light. No one could have prevented what happened except that driver who was on his cell phone.”
Before he could answer, his father came in carrying a tray loaded with food, which he set down on the coffee table across from Ryan.
“You don’t have to serve me,” he said, his voice gruff, guiltily aware he should have offered to help him prepare the meal. “Give this one to Diane.”
“Hers is in the other room. It’s next.”
Ryan’s stepmother gave Doug a warm smile. “I can’t eat carrots. I have a weird reaction to them so whenever your father makes chicken noodle soup, he pulls them out for me.”
Ryan said nothing. This version of his father, caring and considerate, was so very different from the remote, distracted man Doug had been when Ryan’s mother was on hospice.
Ryan waited until his father returned with another tray for his wife and then made one more trip to carry in a tray for himself before taking a spoonful of soup. It was comforting and flavorful but his lingering resentment made it tough for him to enjoy the meal.
He was grateful Diane kept the conversation going, asking about Audrey’s schoolwork and her babysitting job for Holly.
“And what about Christmas?” she asked. “Are you ready with everything, in case Kim doesn’t make it home in time to be with Audrey?”
“I think so. That’s one of the things Kim and I talked about the other day. She had done most of the shopping for Audrey already but had a few last-minute things she asked me to pick up. I think we’ll be okay, though of course it would be better for Audrey if Kim could be home for the holidays. I’m a poor substitute.”
“I’m sure that’s not true. From everything Audrey has told me in our text exchanges, you’ve done a wonderful job of caring for her. I believe she called you solid.”
“I suppose that’s something.”
“Your father said you had Holly Moore from Evergreen and Ivy help you decorate Kim’s house.”
“Yes. You should see it. The place looks like something out of a magazine.”
“Holly is so good at that kind of thing. Some people have that skill for taking something plain and ordinary and making it sparkle. Holly is definitely one of those people.”
He could not disagree. She made each moment sparkle, too.
“And you’re going with her to the wedding of Kristine Moore tomorrow.”
“That’s right. We made a trade. She decorated the house and I agreed to be her plus-one for the wedding.”
“We’re friendly with Kristine’s parents and were invited to the reception. I’m so sorry we won’t be able to go.”
“I’m sure they understand,” Doug put in.
“And how are you keeping busy while you’re in town?” Diane asked.
“I’ve been reading a lot and working on rehabbing my knee.” He paused. “Actually, yesterday I was able to deliver flowers for Holly’s store, since her two other employees besides Kim both had the flu.”
Both his father and stepmother looked startled at that bit of information.
“You like her, don’t you?” Diane said, looking delighted.
He thought of the kiss they had shared the night before. Of her soft skin and her sweet response and how he was beginning to feel an overpowering urge to tuck her and Lydia against him and keep them safe and warm forever.
“Sure. She’s great.”
