“What’s going on?”
Cal turned and saw Jillian standing in the doorway.
“Ah, sister dear. I’m hoping that they have enough to arrest you, too. Or at least investigate more into Gordon’s crime and exonerate him. It was a cowardly thing for you to let him take the blame for your actions.”
Jillian walked into the room, her eyes blazing in anger. “What have you done, you foolish, foolish man?”
“I believe I’ve just made sure that justice is served.” Cal pushed past his sister and walked out of his childhood home, sure he would never return.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Cal arrived back in Comfort Crossing early the next morning. He stood in front of Becky Lee’s home so full of gratitude that Becky Lee and Scotty hadn’t been hurt. Anger at his father rushed through him again at all the man had done, what he had put his family through.
His family.
He thought of Becky Lee and Scotty as his family. A real one.
Becky Lee stepped out on the front porch. The morning sun lit her hair as she smiled at him. He bounded up the steps and took her in his arms.
“Welcome home.” Becky Lee whispered.
He held her tight for a moment then stepped back. “Scotty okay?”
“He’s still sound asleep. Poor kid was so exhausted.”
“We don’t have to worry about custody any more. My father won’t ever be getting custody of Scotty.”
Becky’s eyes lit up. “Really?”
“They usually don’t give custody to grandfathers who are in prison…”
“What?”
Before he’d time to explain it all to her, his cell phone rang. He thought of ignoring it, because he had everything he needed or wanted right here, but he dug it out of his pocket and answered it. “Hello?”
He listened to the voice on the other end of the phone and a huge grin crept across his face. He let out a whoop. “We’ll be right there.”
“What is it?” Becky Lee stood staring at him.
“It’s TJ. She’s awake.”
~ * ~
Becky Lee held her breath as they stepped into Theresa Jean’s room. Scotty rushed over to his mother’s bedside.
“Mom?” His voice quavered.
Theresa Jean opened her eyes and smiled. “Hey, Scotty.”
“You did wake up. You did. I knew you would. You’ve been sleeping forever, Mom.”
Becky Lee and Cal walked up to the bed. Theresa Jean looked up at both of them. “How long?”
“Weeks.” Becky Lee took her sister’s hand in hers. “But the doctor says that things look good now. It will take some time to build your strength back.”
Theresa Jean looked at Cal, her eyes searching his face. He nodded at her and one long tear trailed down Theresa Jean’s cheek.
Becky Lee squeezed Theresa Jean’s hand. “It’s going to be okay. We’re going to have you come back to Comfort Crossing while you get stronger. You can move in with me.”
“Yes, Mom, Uncle Cal and I live with Aunt Becky now. They got married. And guess what. I have a dog now. Penny. She’s awesome. You’ll love her. I can keep her, right?”
Theresa Jean’s eyes widened and she threw Becky Lee a questioning look.
“Yes, we’re married. A long story best left for later. And Scotty has a dog now. She’s adorable.” There was no use tiring her sister, plenty of time to explain things later.
Theresa Jean licked her lips, and Becky Lee reached over for the glass of water, letting her sister slowly sip.
“Thanks.” Theresa Jean looked at Scotty then at Cal. “Cal, your father?”
“He’s not a problem anymore. Don’t worry.”
Theresa Jean closed her eyes. “I’m a bit tired.”
“Scotty, why don’t you say goodbye to your mom. We’re going to let her rest. We’ll come back tomorrow. As soon as she’s ready, we’ll move her home with us.”
Scotty stood on tiptoe and kissed his mother’s cheek. “Thanks for waking up, Mom. I bet you can’t wait to meet Penny.”
Becky Lee leaned over and kissed her sister’s forehead. “Rest now. We’ll be back.”
Cal moved up to the head of the bed and leaned over and whispered something to Theresa Jean. Her sister opened her eyes briefly and smiled.
They walked out of the room and Becky Lee looked up at Cal. “What did you say to her?”
“I told her to hurry up and get strong enough to move to Comfort Crossing. And to make sure she brought lots of shoes. That Penny had just about chewed up all of yours…” He winked at her and followed Scotty down the hallway.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Greta sat on the front porch reading a book. Or trying to read it. Her mind kept wandering. She took a sip of her tea and placed the book on the small table beside her chair. A bit of a breeze cooled her. Clay had installed a ceiling fan on the porch for her, and it stirred the air, making it comfortable to sit outside, even on warm summer evenings like this one.