change from being part of a SEAL unit where he was never alone.”
Once the sink was filled, I shut the water off. “It’s obvious everyone in this town loves him. I’ve seen that when we’re out together.”
His mother joined me at the sink. She pulled a dishcloth out of the drawer. “You’re right. Did he tell you how he became sheriff?”
“No.”
“Of course he didn’t. He’s always been so modest.”
“I’d love to hear the story.”
“I'll tell you the story. But you really should go rest in the den. You did the hard part. I can make Abigail and Barrett come help me with this.”
Could she somehow sense that I was pregnant? I'd never had anyone suggest that I rest before so insistently until now. “No. Everyone helped with the meal. And I need something to do.”
She gently nudged me to the other side of the sink with a smile. “I understand that. I’ll wash. You can dry.”
Again, my eyes stung with unshed tears. This was the moment I’d always wanted from a family. In the books I’d read as a kid, and the movies I’d watched, the family members might not always get along, but they spent time together, and did tasks together, but that never happened in my family.
Holidays had been for showing off. No relationships were ever built. No connections were forged. Instead, petty grievances were aired, control was exerted, and extreme dysfunction was the overall theme of any gathering with my family. I knew that my father loved me. He promised that he would walk away from the gambling ring. He only did that to protect me.
I knew that he cared about me. And I knew that he would probably die for me. And I was glad to have that, because it was more than some people had. But it wasn't the same as having a parent who was invested in your day to day life.
A sense of melancholy replaced the nausea I’d been feeling. I owed my child a better life. He or she could have that life here in Pine Hills, with a kind father, a playful aunt, and a loving grandmother. But where was my role in all this?
Would Tyler ever really trust me? I still hadn’t told him about Jenny, and now it might be too late. I hadn't told him about the baby either and now it might be too late for that too.
Mrs. Whittaker’s arm came up around me. She pulled me close. “I’m sorry, honey. For whatever’s wrong.”
I sniffed. “I’ll be fine. Let’s get these dishes washed. And you tell me about how Tyler became the sheriff.”
She described how he’d moved home, into his grandparent’s farm house so he could be alone. And that within a short time, he was already solving problems for people in the town.
The story did not surprise me at all. I expected no less from Tyler.
Once she was done describing how he became sheriff, she patted my cheek and we got to work. Forty-five minutes later, I was wiped out. “Sit down,” she said. “You deserve a little treat.”
“It’s not a traditional pie for the holiday, but it’s a nice pick-me-up,” she said. “And it’s my best dessert.” She pulled a dish out of the refrigerator. “It’s my key lime pie.” She dug around in a large bag that she’d brought with her, and pulled out paper plates and plastic forks. “No extra dishes.”
While I watched, she cut a slice and added a heavy scoop of whipped cream to the top. She sat the plate in front of me. “Now. Try that.”
Despite my worry over Tyler’s long absence, my appetite was back in full force. I put one hand on my stomach as I eagerly cut into my slice. I savored the tart taste of the lime on my tongue, contrasted with the sweet flavor of the whipped cream.
Little baby, your grandmother is an amazing cook. I could eat this all day.
I swallowed and licked my lips. “I think you should have done all the cooking today,” I said.
She laughed. “I’m glad you like it. But it’s not everyone’s favorite. Besides, I’ve cooked plenty of Thanksgiving meals. Tyler said this was your first.”
“It was. I --” I stopped talking as my phone buzzed. Hoping it was Tyler, I grabbed my phone.
I need a ride home from the ER. Tell Barrett to come get me. He didn’t answer his phone.
That was all the text said. There were no details, no context, nothing.
Like hell I was going to