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Lexie’s face was bright red. Lincoln’s was a shade lighter.
“You’ll all come eat sometime when all my boys are over. I have a couple of folding tables I haven’t used in a while. We could have a nice meal outside before it gets cold again.” There wasn’t hope or a question in Ma’s tone. In her mind, it was decided.
“I love eating outside. Lincoln and I go to the park to eat hot dogs and donuts,” Eric said, then clapped his hand over his mouth. “Oops.”
Lexie slowly turned to Lincoln. “You’ve had hot dogsanddonuts without me?”
“Ma, I’ll give you a ride home,” I said in an attempt to cool down the situation. It was hard to tell if Lexie was kidding or not. I was leaning toward not.
“I’ve got to do these dishes.”
“No.” Everyone spoke at once.
“You cooked, we clean,” Teague said.
“If you’re sure . . .”
“We’re sure. Thank you, Mrs. Calhoun.” Pepper hugged Ma.
That started the procession of goodbyes. Ma had to hug and kiss everyone twice, even the dogs.
“Let me take your purse,” I said. It was more like a bowling ball bag that probably had enough supplies in it to survive an apocalypse.
“I’ll ride with you,” Beau said, right behind us.
Along with a dog whose name I didn’t know. She whined and pawed at Ma.
“What is it, Ginger?”
“She doesn’t want you to go,” Miss Adeline said. “You could let her spend the night with you. We’ll come get her tomorrow.”
“I know how that goes,” Lincoln muttered as he patted Muffy’s head.
Ma looked longingly at the dog. “Oh, I don’t know. I haven’t had a pet in so long.”
Ginger sat on Ma’s feet. I had to hand it to the dog, she was convincing.
“I suppose one night won’t hurt.”
Pepper and Lexie jumped into action.
“Let me get a leash,” Pepper said.
“I’ll pack some food and treats,” Lexie added. Sadie barked, and Lexie winced. “I said the T-word too loud, didn’t I?”
“You could mouth it and that dog would hear.” Miss Adeline rolled her eyes.
After a whirlwind, Ma had a leash in hand and Beau and I were loaded down with supplies.
“Good thing I have a big truck,” I muttered.
Ginger’s tail swished at a lightning pace as we rode down the elevator. Ma kept looking at her, almost with longing and uncertainty.
“You can sit up front, Mrs. Calhoun,” Beau said when we reached the car.
I unlocked the tailgate and put everything in the back before helping Ma inside. Ginger jumped in after her.
“Oh goodness,” she said as the dog sat on her lap.
