AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Hey, Granddad.”
He turned away from the stove. “Hi there.” He nodded at Joey. “Joey.”
“Mr. O’Connell.”
“And this must be Finn.”
Finn looked up at him. “How come everyone knows my name?”
“Aren’t you famous Finn from Boise?”
Finn laughed. “I don’t know.”
“I hope you like chicken.”
Finn lost his smile. “Is it one of your chickens?”
Jacob grinned. “No. It’s from the grocery store.”
“Then I like chicken.”
“Would you like to help me set the table?” Finn nodded, and Jacob looked at J.T. and Joey. “You two go on in to the living room. Us men have some work to do.”
Joey nodded. “Thank you.” She followed J.T. out of the kitchen and they went to the living room. She sat on the couch and he sat in the chair. “He’s just like I remember him.”
“He had a stroke last fall. But he’s doing pretty good. About back to normal.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“It was pretty scary. Especially with…” He stopped himself from continuing.
“With what?”
“Nothing. That’s a story for another time.”
She looked around the room, which hadn’t changed much since she was last in it. “Everything’s the same.”
“We O’Connells aren’t too fond of change. Or surprises.”
“J.T.”
He put up a hand. “Finn seems to like it here.”
“I knew he would. What’s not to like? I’m afraid he’s going to be bored at the house now.”
“Well, he’s welcome here anytime. As are you, of course.”
“He’s pretty excited about riding a horse.”
“Do you still ride?”
“I didn’t for a couple of years after I left. But I started again at a stable not too far from my mom’s house. I got out there once a month or so.”
“Well, as you saw, we have plenty of horses. So, you’re welcome to ride whenever you want. I imagine you still remember the trails we used to take.”
“Yes. I do. But I’d feel better going out with you. At least the first time.”
He nodded. “We can go for a ride and take Finn. He can ride double with me until he gets used to riding.”
