When the Wind Chimes - Mary Ting Page 0,77

she took out a smaller suitcase from the backseat.

As I hefted their suitcases out of the trunk, Abby said, “I have your bag in the front seat. And I have your check in my purse. I’ll give it to you later. Remind me.”

I could buy one of her paintings anonymously instead of giving her the cash. That way she wouldn't know it was from me. But if she ever found out, she would get mad. I had to think about my options.

“Thanks.” I took my bag out of the car and slammed the door.

I was glad to have my parents join us. Aside from the obvious reasons, they were a perfect distraction.

Inside, I dropped my parents’ suitcase in Abby’s room and tossed my bag in mine. When I came out, my mother released a long sigh, sitting on the sofa next to my father and Tyler.

“That was exhausting,” Mother said.

“That’s because you hardly slept.” My father gave her a pointed look, his green eyes twinkling.

Mother frowned. “I couldn’t sleep because you were snoring.”

Father ran a hand through his salt and pepper hair, his eyes wide, looking innocent. “I didn’t hear it.”

Mother shook her head with a smile. “That’s because you were sleeping and I wasn’t.”

Laughter filled the air.

Abby came from the kitchen and handed them each a mug of green tea. “Tell us all about your trip.” She sat on the opposite sofa with me.

Father smacked his lips after he drank. “There’s not much to tell. You see one island, you’ve seen them all.”

Mother took a sip and let out a long sigh. “That’s not true. I loved it. On the Hawaiian cruise, you get to island hop. You can clearly see the difference between the islands. Honolulu is busier, geared toward tourists, whereas the Big Island and Kauai are toned down. It’s less crowded here. We should go on a cruise together soon.”

“Can we, Mom?” Tyler gave her a puppy eye.

“Someday.” She gave a faint smile.

“Oh, we got something for Ty.” My mother reached inside her big bag and took out a cruise ship about a foot long, and handed to him.

“Thank you, Grandma, Grandpa.” Tyler moved the ship up and down as if it were riding the waves. “I want to go on this one.”

Abby’s phone beeped from the kitchen counter.

“We’ll see.” Abby got up to check her phone and thumbed a reply.

Who she was texting?

“I love what you did to the house, Abby.” My mother’s eyes crinkled at the corners with her smile.

My mother had amazing, ageless skin. She looked easily ten years younger than she was. People said my sister and I looked like her.

“Thank you. It was a lot of work, but I’m glad I did it.” Abby wasn’t looking at our mother when she spoke, but at the phone.

Again? Who was she texting? Work? I didn’t think so. She hadn’t sold any artwork since the last one.

When I went closer to her, she flipped her phone over. What are you hiding from me?

Tyler walked away from the sofa and turned in a circle with the boat near the tree. “Do you like our Christmas decorations, Grandma? I helped Auntie Kate and Mom.”

Mother pushed off the sofa, walked to the mantel, and looked at the portrait of Steve, Abby, and Tyler. Then she glanced down at the red stockings and squeezed her eyes. She must be thinking of the missing stocking. Of course she would be missing her son-in-law. She was grieving too. Then she turned to her grandson.

“I love the tree.” Mother stroked his hair. “You did great. Since your dad is in heaven, you’re the man of the house.”

Abby stiffened and stopped texting.

Tyler halted and pointed at himself. “Yup. I’m the man.” He lifted his chin and pushed his chest outward in exaggeration.

I couldn’t be prouder of him at that moment.

“Tomorrow is Christmas Eve,” Father said and placed his half-drunk tea on the table. “What are we eating?”

Abby weaved around the counter and stood behind the sofa. “You haven’t changed a bit, Papa. Always thinking about food.”

Father was still lean, toned, and healthy for his age, expect he had high blood pressure. He had always stayed fit and worked out as far back as I remembered.

“I’m too old to change. And food is a necessity. You can’t blame me. I’ve been eating the same buffet for the past week. Let’s get some steak. I’m buying.”

“I know the perfect place.” Abby went back to the counter to pick up her phone. “I’ll make the