“Was Mark being mean?”
“No. He’s just being Mark. You know how he always says what’s on his mind the moment he thinks it.” Giving into the impulse, Jay wrapped his arms around William and squeezed. “It will be okay, Will. And you can always ask about Mamm. Always.”
Pulling away, William nodded. “Can we eat now?”
“I hope so. Why don’t you go find out how the kitchen is going and I’ll check on your brothers.” Jay was glad when William walked out of the room without another word. He needed a moment to think about everything he’d said—and how he felt about it, too.
Closing his eyes, he forced himself to relax and reflect on the things he’d told William about Evelyn. After a few seconds, he realized that he had, indeed, spoken the truth. Evelyn had been very sweet and had loved all of them dearly. Just as they had loved her.
But she had also gone to heaven and now existed only in their hearts and memories.
“Supper!” William called out.
Jay opened his eyes and grinned. His Evelyn was gone, but life had also moved on. They were now in a new home in a new state and supper was ready.
“Everyone wash up first,” Jay called out.
After a pause, he saw Mark run into the bathroom. “I’m so hungry, Daed,” he said with a smile.
“Me, too.” He joined him at the sink, then headed to the kitchen, trying to remember the last time he’d had homemade cherry pie.
Emma’s girls were setting out plates, forks, and napkins when he entered the kitchen. Tricia was putting away a couple of pots and pans. On the floor next to the back door was a stack of neatly folded cardboard boxes. “You girls have been busy.”
“We are nowhere near done, but at least you’ll be able to eat your supper,” Emma proclaimed.
“It was mighty kind of you to think of us. Danke.”
She beamed but looked a bit embarrassed, too. “It’s just sandwiches and such, Jay.”
It wasn’t “just” that. It was more. With a sigh, he said, “I was hoping to get further along but I guess I need to let the boys enjoy their supper.”
“I think so. I mean, I hope so. It’s been my experience that kinner get more done when their stomachs are filled.”
“I think you might be right about that.” Of course, his boys’ bellies were rarely completely full. Jay stood by her side and helped organize the meal.
“We should probably leave now.”
“Of course not. You need to stay with us and help us eat all the food.”
“We made it for you.”
“We’d rather you stay.” He looked toward his boys, who already had their plates piled high. “Right, boys?”
“Right!” Mark said with a smile.
Jay hid a grin. That was Mark’s way. He was naturally easygoing and loved nothing better than a full house or a large gathering. It was obvious Ben cared about little at the moment except for Tricia, but even William looked as if he’d shaken off his doubts.
“Please stay.”
“We’d be happy to, if you’d like for us to.”
In no time, Jay, Tricia, Emma, and the girls were lining up and helping themselves to the wonderful-looking meal. As soon as plates were filled, each headed out to the back porch. The rain had gone, leaving the air thick with humidity.
Once everyone was gathered together, he said simply, “Let us remember the Lord.”
All of them, even little Annie, bowed their heads. Then, one by one, they started eating. After a bit, Jay told Emma all about the truck and the rain and the soggy boxes. The boys added their two cents, and soon the most frustrating day became a good story.
Emma smiled at it all, laughing at all the appropriate times. It made Jay realize again how much he liked the ease of feminine company.
Little by little, he began sharing more about himself, too. Ben told a story about a box of toads he’d collected at their old house, much to Tricia’s dismay. Soon Annie’s laughter rang through the air as Mark described how long it had taken them to gather all the frogs—they’d kept hopping out of their box.
Through it all, Jay found himself meeting Emma’s eyes and sharing a knowing look. It was the kind of meal that he’d always wanted to share with his boys and their mother—but something that had never actually happened. It was the kind of meal he knew he’d be thinking about when he closed his eyes that night. Some moments were simply too sweet to forget.
Chapter 6
You didn’t have to see me home, Ben,” Tricia said as they hopped off the shuttle and started walking down Kaufmann Avenue. “The SCAT stops very close to the Orange Blossom Inn. I couldn’t get lost if I tried.” Gesturing with her hand, she said, “Plus, it’s very safe here. I never worry about walking alone around Pinecraft.”