AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yup,” said Lawson, now directing his attention at Nora. “A whole house. I’m a fan of the trees; appreciate the extra privacy—but you want more yard, you just say so.”
Reaching for his hand, she simply murmured, “I love the trees.”
“Noted.”
Nothing else was said on the matter before he turned them around and headed back toward his parents’ house. Their detour meant they were the last to arrive. Upon entering the front door, Titan was the first to greet them, Gavel—Keaton’s old German pointer—right on his heels.
“Two doggies,” Evie exclaimed as Gavel began to sniff at the little newcomer. Evie didn’t mind a bit, gently petting him between the ears as he did so. “What’s his name?” she cooed affectionally.
“That’s Gavel.”
At the sound of his name, the pointer turned toward Keaton, who joined them in the foyer. As Lawson gathered their jackets to hang in the hall closet, Keaton squatted down beside Gavel, putting him at eye level with Evie.
“What’syourname?” he asked, even though Nora was certain he knew.
“Evie.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Evie. My name is Keaton—but you can call me Judge.”
“Keaton doesn’t sound like Judge,” she observed. “Evie sounds like Evelyn.”
Keaton smiled, looking up at Nora in amusement before he focused his attention back on Evie. “You’re right. Judge is more of a term of endearment. Do you know what that means?” Evie shook her head, and Keaton was prompted to respond, “Well, your mommy’s name is Nora-Jean, but you call her mommy, right?”
“Yes.”
“Judge is kind of like that.”
“Oh, okay.”
“What is everyone doin’ standin’ by the door?” called Jay from the end of the hallway. “Law, come help me set the table.”
Lawson kissed Nora on the cheek and then excused himself to help his sister. Keaton stood, nodding his head toward the belly of the house. It was a silent invitation for Nora and Evie to follow him to the kitchen, where the rest of the family had already gathered.
As expected, Gale was busy at the helm, doling out instructions. Mitzi and Steele had their hands full as they carried dishes full of food to the dining room. Nora knew from experience that while they’d only just gotten home from church, the feast they were about to enjoy had been ready before mass—waiting in warm ovens for their return. The kitchen smelled delicious, the aromas making her stomach growl.
“There you are,” greeted Gale as she unwrapped another dish. “Keaton, dear, would you mind slicin’ the ham?”
“Is there anything I can do to help?” asked Nora.
“Sure. If you could take the rolls out of that pan and put them in the breadbasket, that’d be great.”
“I wanna help,” said Evie on tiptoe, peeking over the edge of the island.
“You can help mommy, but we have to wash your hands, first,” replied Nora, escorting her daughter to the sink.
Nora helped Evie wash her hands, then proceed to wash her own. While Evie waited, she asked, “What do I dry with?”
“Why don’t you ask Mrs. Gale if you can have a paper towel?”
Swiveling in her spot, her skirt dancing around her legs, she asked, “Ms. Gale, do you have a paper towel?”
“I do.” Gale reached for the roll and tore off a piece, holding it captive as she said, “But you know, I think instead of calling me Ms. Gale, I’d like you to call me Nana.”
Nora’s hands stilled under the flow of water, and she was quick to twist her neck in order to look at Gale. “What?” she whispered.
Evie, having not heard her mother, asked, “Is Nana a term of endearment?”
Her mouth barely made its way around the big word in a way that was usually adorable, but Nora was too taken aback to appreciate.
