“Did you cal them?” I asked Hank.
“Um… that would be me,” Indy said from behind me.
Good God.
“Roxie’s movin’ to Denver,” Daisy told Al y.
Al y’s eyes got bright. “Righteous,” she said.
Malcolm’s gaze settled on me and his eyes crinkled.
“I’m so pleased,” Kitty Sue smiled.
“Holy f**kin’ shit,” Tex boomed and I looked at him and his grin was so big, it split his face.
“Don’t look so damned happy,” I snapped at him as he pounded out from behind the espresso counter.
“I heard your Dad was here,” Malcolm said to me as he came close and kissed my cheek.
My eyes lost their scowl and I nodded to him with a weak smile. “Right here,” Uncle Tex said, pushing Mom and Dad forward.
“What’s going on?” Mom asked.
“This is the rest of Hank’s family. You already met Lee.
This is his sister Al y and his mother and father, Kitty Sue and Malcolm,” Uncle Tex did the introductions.
“Sweet Jesus!” Mom cal ed. “Sweet, sweet Jesus. I’m so happy to meet you.”
Mom went forward on a rush and gave Kitty Sue a big hug. To my shock, Kitty Sue didn’t recoil and not only accepted the hug but hugged Mom tight in return.
“I’m Herb. This is my wife, Trish,” Dad said, thankful y going the shaking hands route with Malcolm.
“Good to meet you,” Malcolm said.
They dropped hands and Dad took Malcolm in. “Your boys been lookin’ after my girl,” Dad told him.
Malcolm nodded. “That’s right.”
For a few beats, Dad and Malcolm just looked at each other. Something passed between them, something I could feel. I felt the tears sting my eyes and I pressed deeper into Hank. Al y’s gaze came to me and she winked. I smiled at her and felt the tears subside.
“Means I owe you a beer,” Dad said quietly.
“I’d like that,” Malcolm replied.
“I know. Let’s have a party!” Al y announced.
I was beginning to realize Al y didn’t need much of an excuse for a party.
“My party is tonight,” Daisy pointed out.
“We’l have it Friday night,” Al y said.
“Works for me,” Indy put in.
“Me too,” Jet said.
“You makin’ those caramel chocolate brownies?” Uncle Tex asked Jet.