Mom could keep track of orders.
My childhood home still had small corners that were filled with the remnants of the past, Dad’s favorite easy chair, complete with patched up pillows, the coffee table where I would sit in front of the television to have a snack after school, and the old painting of the mill in the pond, a second-hand piece my mom had picked up at a yard sale that she’d fallen in love with at first sight. Those artifacts were still sitting peacefully in the family room, but everything else, with the exception of the bedrooms, had been converted into the candy business. Oddly enough, the upheaval in their lives seemed to be working for both of my parents. They were busy and productive, yet they still found time in the evening to sit in front of the television and eat a bowl of popcorn together.
Mom briefly inspected my packed boxes to make sure they were up to her standard. “Nicely done.”
“Thanks. Guess that political science degree didn’t go to waste after all.”
Mom’s face smoothed, and I knew she’d gone back to our morning conversation where I’d finally confessed to her that I wasn’t completely sure about my decision to become a lawyer. I hadn’t had the courage to add my doubts about my engagement. That would have been a double whammy, and she didn’t need that.
“Mom, don’t worry. I’ll finish the law degree. You and Dad have worked so—”
She took hold of my hand. “No, wait, Kenna. I’ve given it some thought.” She forced a light laugh. “It’s amazing what a fudge steam sauna can do to clear your head and your sinuses. After this last week, I’ve come to some conclusions—one big one, actually. Just be happy in whatever you do. Life’s short and it can be taken in a flash. Live and do exactly what you want. Not what you think is expected of you. If you have any misgivings about going into law . . .” She fell quiet for a brief second. “Or marriage,” she added. I should have known better than to think I could pass one over on my mom. “Then go with your heart. Do whatever it is that will make you happy.” She waved her hand around at her candy shop kitchen. “Like this. I loved raising your brothers and you, and I love being married to your dad, but I am so fulfilled and successful now that I go to bed thinking about the business and I wake up thinking about wild new truffle flavors.” She stopped and pointed at me. “Lime and coconut, sounds yummy right?”
“I will gladly offer my taste testing services for lime and coconut.”
Mom stepped closer and hugged me. It had been an all day ritual with both my parents since I’d arrived home. “Just make the most out of your life, Kenny. That’s all I’m trying to say.”
“Good advice as always, Mom.”
After a long, emotional embrace, she lowered her arms and looked out the kitchen window. “It’s a beautiful day. Dad and I have been using those beach bikes to cruise around town. Why don’t you take a ride? It’ll be good for you to get away from the vanilla vapors.”
“You know what? That actually sounds like a brilliant idea. I’m going to go pull on my shoes.” I kissed her cheek and walked out of the room. A bike ride sounded fun and I knew how to make it even better. I pulled my phone out and called Caden. “Hey, get your sneakers on. We’re going on a bike ride to the old, abandoned train depot.”
“Hmm, I don’t know if I have time. I’ve just finished scrolling through all the action movies on Netflix, and I was just about to start on the comedy list.”
“Don’t bother. I went through it last night. Not worth the energy. I’ll meet you out front in ten minutes. Oh, and I’m on a total sugar high, so you’ll probably have a hard time keeping up with me.”
“Not a chance, Trinket. See you in ten.”
It had been three days since the funeral, and Caden and I had only had time to text each other. Between him staying around the house, helping out with some of the chores that Sally still couldn’t face and me giving a hand with Mom’s business, Caden and I hadn’t found much time to get together. I had no immediate plans to head back to New York, but I knew I was