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What would it have been like, growing up in a big family like this? To sit around the dinner table every night, discussing your day instead of camping in front of the TV alone, waiting for darkness to fall? For your dad to come home? Wes had always done his homework in those long hours between dinner and bed.It helped pass the time, and once he’d hit high school, his grades had become more important to him. Aunt Cordelia always said education was the key to a bright future—be it formal education or self-education.
“Did you grow up in a big family?”
Katie’s question snapped Wes from his thoughts. “No, it was just my dad and me.”
“Is he the one who taught you how to build homes?” Katie asked.
“He was, yes. He’s since passed away though.” He left out the prison part.
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Katie gave him a sympathetic smile. “So, you’re heading up to Albany after you finish the trail? Putting down roots there?”
He caught Avery frowning at her friend. The other conversations seemed to have died out, and everyone was now tuned in to the one between Katie and him.
“That’s the plan.”
“You have family there? A job waiting for you?”
“No to both. I plan on searching for work once I arrive.”
“All right,” Avery said. “Let’s let poor Wes get a bite in while you tell us how the wedding invitations are going.”
“We got them in the mail Wednesday.” Katie whooped and high-fived Cooper.
“Kate did the addresses; I stuffed and stamped.”
Katie kissed his cheek. “We make a great team, babe.”
Wes was relieved at the change in topic, which carried through the rest of the meal. The next hour passed quickly, the conversation changing abruptly from one topic to another, thesiblings hassling each other. When inside jokes crept up, Avery leaned over to fill him in so he wouldn’t feel left out.
By the time everyone stood from the table, he was feeling pretty comfortable and most definitely welcome.
Chapter19
It was time to check in with her dad. Avery carried the stack of plates to the kitchen where her dad was running a sink full of dishwater. At almost sixty he was still handsome with dark-blond hair that had receded in recent years. His warm blue eyes only hinted of the wisdom from which she’d benefited all her life. If he hadn’t inherited his dad’s trail store, Avery had always thought he would’ve made a great counselor—even though his advice during her teen years had been less than appreciated.
But ever since she and her brothers had grown up, he was careful about weighing in. When he had something to say, he pulled out two pennies from his pocket and set them down. It was up to them whether or not they took his “two cents.” These days, she was more inclined to take it.
She thought back to Lisa’s frantic phone call in April, and Avery’s stomach sank as if weighted with wet sand. Dad’s color wasgood tonight, and his energy level seemed fine. He appeared the picture of health.
But not wanting to worry her over the winter, he’d hidden his symptoms from her. More of that kid-gloves treatment she’d become accustomed to. But when it came to the serious matter of his health, it was not okay.
She glanced into the living room where Wes and the rest of her family gathered around the Braves’ game. He seemed to be faring well on his own—currently engaged in conversation with Katie.
Avery set the plates in the sink. “How’d you get stuck with the dishes? You did most of the cooking.”
“I don’t mind. It gives Lisa more time to visit with you kids.”
Avery grabbed a towel and took the plate he’d just washed. “How’s the store been this week?”
“Pretty busy—all the hikers came in because of the weather.”
“Buying up all the rain gear?”
“You know it.”
“And how’ve you been feeling, Dad? Are you taking the Plavix and Lopressor?”
“Every single day.”
