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“Can I get you something for breakfast before you go to work?” she asked.
He shook his head. “I will take some of my leftover dinner for lunch though.”
His dinner. “I’m so sorry. You went to all that trouble to make me dinner and I—”
He stopped her with a chaste kiss on the mouth. “Don’t you worry about that. You had much bigger things on your mind last night, and you can enjoy the other half of the leftovers for your own lunch.”
“Can I get a rain check?” Did she sound too desperate?
“Sure. Of course. As soon as you’re feeling up to it. But don’t rush it, Angie. Take your time to grieve.”
“Well”—her voice shook—“I still need to eat.”
“True enough. Make sure you do. You’ll be able to deal with things a lot better if you don’t starve yourself.”
He hadn’t taken the hint. Oh, well. Maybe he was right. She needed to take time for herself and her family so they could all get through the next couple of weeks. She’d miss him, but her family needed her and she needed them.
Daddy, I miss you so.
Chapter Eleven
Who was that man? A nice-looking older man, black hair going white at the temples, loitered around the buffet table in the dining room. Angie didn’t recall seeing him at the memorial service. Course she hadn’t been overly aware of her surroundings. Saying goodbye to her father had taken all her strength. Part of her still couldn’t quite grasp that he was gone.
The man looked somewhat familiar, but she couldn’t say how.
Her mother swayed next to her. “Good Lord.”
“Who is it, Mama?”
“I’m not quite sure. But I think it’s your uncle.”
“I have an uncle?”
“Yes. Your father’s brother.”
“I never knew Daddy had a brother.”
“He never spoke of him. He forbade mention of his name. They had a huge falling out when they were young. Jeff got into big trouble with the law and went to prison. Your great-grandfather disinherited him.”
“Why is he here now?”
“I don’t have any idea. I sincerely don’t.” She leaned onto Angie. “I need to sit down.”
“Of course.” She turned to Harper. “Take Mama out of here. She’s had enough. I need to see what this man wants.”
“I’ll come with you. Wait just a minute.” Harper ushered Maria out of the living room and up the stairs. Five minutes later, he returned.
“Okay,” he said. “Let’s see what this guy wants.”
They approached the strange man who was helping himself to some honey ham from the buffet table.
“Good afternoon, I’m Harper Bay.” Harper held out his hand.
“Jefferson Bay,” the man said, “and this must be the lovely Angelina?”
Angie nodded. “What are you doing here?”
“Why, I’ve come to pay my respects to my brother and his family, of course. I’m your uncle.”
