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“Your people skills are astounding,” Chase countered.
“It’s fine,” I reassured. “I wouldn’t want dead weight around the job either.”
“See? She gets it.” It was obvious that Tanner spent a lot of time having to defend himself.
“Well, it was very nice of you to lend your services,” Beverly stated. She reached out and covered Tim’s hand with hers. “We could use the extra help these days.”
Chase reached over for my hand under the table. I wasn’t sure if it was because he thought I would be reminded of my dad, or because he was the one who needed strength. I interlocked my fingers with his. I knew he would need all the strength he could get in the upcoming months. Tim looked more tired than the last time I had seen him, and it had only been a few days.
“Daddy has cancer. Do you know what cancer is, Merry?”
I nodded. “I do.”
“Chase told us that your dad died. Our dad is going to die too.”
The silence was louder than any sound I had ever heard. “My dad did die.”
“Were you sad?”
“I was. I still am.”
“Aww Merry.” Khloe wrapped her arms around my midsection and squeezed tightly.
“Careful of her sling, dear.” Beverly quickly dabbed her eye with her napkin while Khloe was distracted.
“How did you get this?” Khloe was full of questions. It was to be expected, as I was a newcomer and she was a child. I did not mind, or feel embarrassed. Everyone at the table knew my story, I assumed, and I didn’t feel judged by them. They were warm and welcoming people. Well, maybe not Tanner so much.
“I got into a car accident. I was crushed up against the steering wheel, and hurt my shoulder.”
Her eyes were wide. “Oh my gosh. Were you bleeding?”
“Enough questions,” Tim said gently from across the table. “Let Merritt eat. You need to finish your vegetables, too.”
Khloe scrunched up her face. “But I don’t want broccoli.”
I held up a piece of my broccoli. “Bet I can eat mine faster than you!”
Her frowning mouth turned into a devilish grin. “Ready? One, two, three!”
We both shoveled the broccoli into our mouths and tried to chew as fast as we could. I think even Tanner cracked a smile. This continued until her plate was clean.
“If you can get her to eat vegetables, you can come for dinner any time,” Tim said.
“You are welcome here any time, Merritt. For dinner, or anything else you need. Consider yourself part of our family now.”
I smiled. “Thank you. The same goes for you. I’m always here to help.”
When everyone had finished eating, Beverly stood and began clearing off the table.
“Kokomo, go say goodnight. It’s bath time.” Tim walked out of the dining room towards the stairs.
“Can you come back again soon?” Khloe wrapped her arms around my legs and looked up at me with her big, round expectant eyes.
I knelt down and hugged her as tightly as I could with one arm. “Of course. I’ll be living right next door, you know.”
“Really?” She jumped up and down. “Can we have a sleepover?”
“You’ve done it now,” Tanner said as he stood. “Now she’ll want to come over every day.”
