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Tom nodded, agreeing. Wiz was a big step up, probably too big. One of these days, she’d figure out she could do better. He could only hope his love and devotion were enough. He swept the picture away; he had work to do. He answered emails and updated the books, then surfed the internet.
“Which Easter Mass should we go to? Sunday morning?” Dad interrupted his time wasting.
“Sure.” Tom shrugged. “I don’t think Wiz will go. Too many new people, and not enough flexibility with a big group. She offered to get brunch ready at the neighbors’ and hide Easter eggs for the kids if we give her a key.”
“Oh, that’s sweet of her.”
“She suggested it. I certainly didn’t ask or even hint. She’s got eggs filled and baskets ready for all the kids with different colored eggs for each age range.”
Dad frowned. “What makes Wiz think the older kids will go for an egg hunt? Last time they were out here, they were getting to the ‘too cool to play’ stage.”
“Wiz said she’d obtained the right incentives. She knows a lot of important tech people, so I think she’s got some really unusual stuff, like new video games.”
“Huh.”
Tom’s phone buzzed with a text. “Marie’s just turning onto the highway now. Shall we go over?”
“Sure, let’s go.”
With Rusty on their heels, they crossed the road, opened the driveway gates and the front door. Dad toured the house, but he didn’t ask any questions or make any comments after he returned. An engine rumbled, gravel crunched, doors slammed, and feet ran.
“Grandpa, Grandpa, Grandpa!” Yvonne and Peter threw themselves at Dad, then him. He happily hugged both of them, pulling them off their feet. After he set them down, they tore into the house.
Marie, who’d walked sedately to them, hugged him, then pulled away, nodding. “You look good. Have you been working out?”
“A little.” When Wiz exercised, he did too. “Bucking hay gives you pretty good muscles.”
“Yes, you’re a real cowboy now, instead of a stock broker.” She smirked. “It’s good to see you.”
“Good to see you too. The kids have gotten so big!” Tom grinned, enjoying the rare happy exchange.
“They do that. You should find out someday.” She wagged a finger. “Soon, big brother.”
“Yeah, yeah. We’ll see.” He smiled.
“You won’t see anything as long as you keep yourself stuck on this ranch. You need to get out there.” Marie swept her arms out dramatically.
“Not true. Not true at all.” He grinned wider.
She pierced him with her stare. “Oh, really? You found a cowgirl?”
Tom laughed. “I’m not entirely sure I’d call her a cowgirl, although she has learned to ride and herd a bit. You’ll meet her tomorrow.”
Marie glared and opened her mouth, but she was drowned out.
“Grandpa, Grandpa, Grandpa!” Two smaller whirlwinds ran in, followed by their parents. Another round of hugs and exclamations, and the noise level quadrupled. Tom decided it was a very good thing Wiz hadn’t joined them because she’d have been gone already.
They assigned rooms, had drinks, and Alex’s kids were put to bed. They gathered in the living room, and the adults shared stories about the last year. Yvonne and Peter played on their phones. The moment Tom had been both anticipating and dreading came.
Marie narrowed her eyes and stabbed a finger at him. “So, Tom, tell us about your girl.”
“You have a girlfriend?” Alex smiled. “About time.”
Tom sighed. “Yes, I have a girlfriend. She’s our neighbor up the hill. You’ll meet her tomorrow. But we need to tell you a few things first.”
Dad interrupted. “First thing you need to know is she’s family. She doesn’t have anyone, so I’ve essentially adopted her. She’s a sweet kid, but she had some real bad stuff happen to her while she was in the service. So, she’s a little jumpy.” He shrugged. “Kind of like a rescue horse. Tom will give you the rundown, but if you scare her off, I will be very angry at you. Clear?” Dad stared at each of them in turn.
They all nodded in agreement, but Tom didn’t miss the wary glances they threw at each other. “Like Dad said, Wiz went through—”
