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Lex blinked. “I never really thought about it. I was kind of amazed by the fact that you and Izzy have been taking flying lessons.”
“Jake has his own private hangar at the airport. He’s been looking for someone to do odd jobs around there, part time. Maybe doing clean up, and possibly answering the phone—even assisting with equipment checks at the airport and on his private planes. Does that sound like something you might be interested in?”
“It does,” Lex replied. Plus, he was still worried about being recognized in public. Working at the airport actually sounded kind of exciting. But would he even be qualified for something like that?
Harry checked the time on his watch. “Why don’t you come along with me and Izzy tomorrow since it’s Saturday? We’re supposed to head out there around ten.”
“I’d like that,” Lex answered. In fact, he could barely contain his excitement. “Thanks, Harry. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.”
Harry looked at him approvingly. “Lex? I can’t tell you how happy that I am that it’s working out for you here.”
Lex was sheepish. “I know you’re surprised.”
“You were a loose cannon,” Harry admitted. “I was just afraid that you wouldn’t be able to cut it. I wasn’t sure what kind of a guy you really were and I didn’t know if I wanted you around my family.”
“I get it,” Lex confessed. “We didn’t exactly get along years ago, but then again it seemed like they were always pitting us up against each other so we wouldn’t get close. Things changed after you left, and Zane and I became tight and that’s how we were able to escape. I feel so clear headed these days too. Talking to that shrink who works for the wounded warrior home has really been helping me out a lot, I think.”
“It took me a long time to be able to talk about the past,” Harry agreed, looking at him with definite concern. “I’m sure you’re still on guard. But don’t be afraid to talk to Gabe about anything either,” Harry said, heading through the study toward the door. “I guess I’d better get to school.”
Harry turned to him suddenly with his hand on the doorknob. “I’m counting on you to take care of the family when I’m not around anymore, Lex. Okay? I can’t help thinking that there might still be trouble coming. There are so many unanswered questions about all of our pasts.”
“I will, Harry,” Lex answered, holding his gaze. “I promise.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Christmas was fast approaching, and after spending a very nice Thanksgiving celebrating with all their relatives in a banquet room at the Dragonfly Pointe Inn, Amy sat in front of her dad in a chair in his office the following morning.
Dad was looking surprisingly amused after what she’d just said.
“So, let me get this straight, sweetheart. You think that Lex should have his own dog?”
“Yes. He loves Millie and the puppies and pays attention to them whenever he gets the chance, but they’ve all become really attached to Caleb. Lex has this look on his face whenever they leave.”
“I’ve noticed that look too,” Dad agreed. “You know, this is kind of a coincidence, but I’ve been thinking that we might need a larger dog to kind of keep an eye on things around the house. because of all the people visiting the winery. In fact, I’ve been considering fencing off that area and building a parking lot near the foot of the driveway to keep traffic away from the house. But until then, maybe another dog is what we need. Why don’t you come along with me to pick one out?”
Amy became thoughtful. “I think it would be better if Lex was the one who got to pick out the dog.”
Dad smiled widely. “That’s probably a good idea since it will be his responsibility to take care of him or her. Maybe we’ll go look at the rescue dogs at the shelter this afternoon after the lunch crowd thins out at the winery. I need to pick Lex up at the airport anyway when he’s finished with work. Would you like to go along?”
Amy nodded yes. “I think it should just be us three.”
“Okay. But I’d better let your mom in on this.”
When Amy clenched her teeth and grimaced exaggeratedly, Dad laughed.
“Exactly,” he muttered.
* * *
Lex looked surprised to see Amy in the back seat of Dad’s truck when they went to pick him up at the airport.
“We have an errand to run before we go home today,” Dad said, giving Lex a smile. “How’s work going?”
Lex grinned. “Great. I love working there. Jake’s crew has me doing all kinds of odd jobs. Today I mainly cleaned up inside the hangar. I guess Jake’s planning on reopening the entire airport for the public soon. Alex, the pilot who gives Izzy and Harry lessons, is going to show me the instrument panel in the plane tomorrow.”
Dad looked thoughtful, giving Lex a side glance. “Are you interested in flying?”
For a moment, Lex looked sad. “I doubt it would be possible because of my background.”
