The Path Home

By Cindy Rush

The Path Home is the latest installment of the story of Roxie Whitson, a forty-one-year-old, who returns to her hometown after a twenty year absence. What she found there shook her life to its foundation, bringing her joy, terror, and sorrow.
She believes she's back on solid ground...but happily ever after isn't reality, and she will again have to deal with disappointment and heartache, even in the midst of great joy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cindy Rush
• Release date: Dec 19, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005987275

Cindy Rush

'Paths We Walk', formerly 'Broken Road,' was a thought that took 20 years to grow into a full-length story. My husband has a Master's in Writing and continually told me that my single thought could be expanded into a book. Writing this story ten years ago was such an incredible experience. The book wrote itself; I honestly felt like I was just taking dictation.I never intended to add a book to continue the original story, but the characters were relentless. They consumed my thoughs for days on end, so I finally caved and wrote 'Full Circle.'And now, ten years later, the third book, 'The Path Home,' is now on Smashwords. My husband calls the books a Thrillogy.

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The Path Home

By Cindy Rush

Copyright 2022 by Cindy Rush

Smashwords Edition

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the author, except in brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

Dedication

To that unafraid five-year-old girl.

I so wish you could have stayed untainted,

But I’m thankful God gave you the characters in this story.

And to Mike; he knows why

Hey, Beautiful,

I hate leaving without being able to tell you how much I love you, but you looked so peaceful, and you need your sleep.

I’m sorry we disagree over you being up on the ladder when no one else is here. I also know how stubborn independent you can be, so I’ve taken the ladder with me. The last thing I want is to come home and find you on the floor with a cracked head. Enduring your wrath will be a piece of cake compared to how much I would worry about you all day.

So I’ll see you this afternoon and you can rant and rave at me all you want. At least you’ll be alive to do it.

I can just imagine your face as you read this–you're beautiful!

All my love,

Caleb

Part I

"He cannot be serious!" I stomped around the kitchen; the note partially crushed in my hand.

That man!

Where did he get off treating me like a child? I had been perfectly safe yesterday as I enjoyed some music while rearranging knick-knacks and dusting the tops of the living room bookshelves. It was his roar of, "Roxanne, what are you doing?" that scared the liver out of me and made me grip the ladder because I was so startled. He said anything could have scared me, and I could have fallen and been helpless on the floor for hours before he got home.

Cole, that sorry cull, had just nodded in agreement with Caleb, finally telling me I was being bullheaded. I’ve never been closer to kicking his butt! He’s not supposed to gang up with Caleb against me in some stupid macho thing.

Yanking out a dining table chair, I sat down and re-read the note. After two weeks of marriage, we’d had our first raised-voice argument, and all because he thought I was incapable of working four steps up a ladder!

Reading his note, I could hear his voice–the teasing tone. But it had been steel-edged last night when he’d told me I was forbidden to climb that ladder when alone. Cole had slipped quickly out the door without even saying goodbye after that, and it was all I could do to hold my tongue until he was gone.

Then I rounded on Caleb and blasted him for speaking to me that way in front of anyone else. He immediately apologized, which just made me angrier, and he absolutely refused to fight with me or budge. He set the table as I slammed pots and pans around while dishing up the food. I kept quiet all through supper…. But then he had made it impossible for me to stay angry with him.

But now, this note! My forty-second birthday was in two days, and he was treating me like a child!

Two weeks ago

We had hoped that the news of our marriage would elicit a quiet excitement from friends and family, and it did…except that Dinah had burst into tears and had given Zach the phone, saying she was heartbroken that she hadn’t gotten to see her little brother–yes, she said little brother–and sweet Roxie get married.

My parents were nearly speechless, which was quite a coup. Dad snapped out of it quickly, and it was obvious he was genuinely happy for me. Mother said she was happy as well, but really would have liked to have met Caleb before the wedding. For some inexplicable reason she thought we would hurry down to Waco, as though Caleb and I were semi-living in sin because he hadn’t met my parents. I quickly disabused her of that notion. Packing up my place for the return to Derry was our immediate goal so that Caleb’s work on a project could be thoroughly inspected; he wanted the assurance he was competent to begin working again.

The toughest call, for both of us, was to Andrew. He was absolutely thrilled, but we felt he must have hoped he would have been the one to pronounce us husband and wife.

We let Cole call Sophie and Harper, and told him he could tell anyone else when he got back to Derry. He was like a kid with a new toy, convinced that our marriage was all his doing. We let him revel in that notion since he really wasn’t wrong to think it; he’d pulled us both through a mighty rough time.

We settled into an easy routine. Eleven days ago, we drove home with the Malibu completely packed. Cole had left Benson in the morning of the third day after we got married, driving Caleb’s loaded-down truck. I left a lot of my furniture behind; Caleb and I didn’t need it, and Francie’s sister-in-law, Arlene, would soon arrive in Benson. I thought it would be a relief for Francie to let Arlene stay in my side of the duplex because there was no way of knowing how long Arlene’s stay might be.

Larry and Phyllis invited us for supper the night before we left. With Francie’s help, they had turned the evening into an impromptu shower/reception. Unbeknownst to us, they had invited Vi and Angela, and their families, for dessert. Even Ray, Jr. showed for a short time, with a surprisingly generous check. Vi and Angela gave me lingerie I was too embarrassed to show the rest of the group, and Phyllis gave me a binder with copies of all her recipes. Francie had created a photo album with every photo she and Cole had taken of our ceremony and our dinner afterwards.

Larry gave Caleb a notebook; several minutes later I realized they had disappeared. I tracked them down outside, hood up on the Malibu, with Larry going through the notebook and explaining details about the peculiarities of my car to Caleb. They both looked up and smiled when they saw me walking toward them.

I’m showing Caleb the notes I’ve made about the Malibu through the years. He turned back to the notebook and said to Caleb, She just needs a little TLC. If you take good care of her, you should have some more good years from her. Then he grinned and said, The car should do pretty well, too.

I groaned at his joke as he came over and hugged me, then told me he felt good about leaving both me and the Malibu in Caleb’s hands.

It was such a wonderful evening, but parting was intensely bittersweet. Caleb and Larry were like old buddies before the end of the night, and I was going to miss everyone terribly. Tears stung my eyes as I said goodbye to Vi and Angela, then were impossible to hold back, when saying goodbye to Larry and Phyllis.

The next morning, as I stood on my porch of the last eight years, I physically ached while saying goodbye to Francie. She had loved me so well through my time here, and the emotions that flooded my heart made speech nearly impossible. She held me close and told me how grateful and blessed she was to have had me next door for so long. I choked out that I felt exactly the same about her.

I climbed into the Malibu and sobbed as Caleb gave her a hug. She had taken Caleb to heart like she would a dear friend, and he got misty-eyed when she kissed his cheek and told him how much his love for me blessed her spirit.

He got in and, as we pulled away, I saw Francie’s eyes fill and her lip quiver–it nearly did me in. Caleb reached over and held my hand for a long time until the sobs finally stopped.

After a few minutes, I squeezed his hand. You don’t think I’m regretting getting married, do you? I asked, insecure about how he might perceive my meltdown.

His lazy smile appeared, and calm washed over me. "Roxanne, I know how precious your friends, especially Francie, are to you. It’s natural you would be so sad to leave them. I hope they all know they are welcome in our home–you invite them anytime you want…. Don’t hold back your feelings; this last week has held so many emotions for both of us."

I just want you to always be sure that I love you, even though I’ll miss my friends in Benson. My breath kept catching as I tried to speak, and he kissed my hand.

I know, Beautiful, I know.

Caleb had begun calling me Beautiful again right after our kiss at the end of our wedding ceremony. Hearing that in his voice once more gave me such joy.

He gently rubbed the back of my neck, and I took a deep breath. Caleb was my husband, and I was eager to begin a new life with him.

I finally calmed down and began thinking about returning to Derry, being back in his home…well, our home now. I couldn’t keep from thinking about sharing his bed, and when we were stopped by road construction, there was a rather passionate exchange between us.

We got a call from Cole around the time we had planned to stop for lunch. Everything’s in the house, and I’ve left a path open to the kitchen and hall, but I had no idea where you wanted your stuff.

Oh, thank you, Cole. I’m not sure where it all will go, either. Have you told anyone yet?

"Are you kidding?! I’ve told every person I’ve seen that knows you and Caleb! Told them all about your tattoo as well. Some were more surprised about that than they were about y’all getting married. It’s the most fun I’ve had since my birthday party!"

Have you seen Andrew?

I talked to him last night. He and Annette are overjoyed and really anxious to see ‘Mr. and Mrs. Bridges.’ Have y’all decided if you’re going to be home late tonight, or break the trip up?

I blushed and was glad he couldn’t see me. I’d told Caleb I wanted to be in his bed tonight, even if it was late, and I would do some of the driving after we had lunch. He had let me know, without words, that he was in complete agreement.

We’ll probably be back tonight, but it will be late. We’ll grab some supper on the way. Thanks, Sweetie; talk to you tomorrow.

Do you want me to pick up some groceries for you?

"No, Cole, you’ve done so much already. Enjoy your evening without worrying about us…there’s been enough of that to last a lifetime!"

He laughed. "Dang straight! Man, I’m glad y’all got hitched; takes a load off

my mind!"

Very funny…but yeah, it’s definitely made my heart much lighter. Thanks, Cole. You know we love you.

Caleb playfully spoke loud enough for Cole to hear. Don’t tell him that; he’s already too full of himself.

Roxie, tell that old man…I love you both. Y’all be careful.

We hit the I-40 at Knoxville and drove about five miles before we pulled off to eat lunch. Afterwards, I got behind the wheel, and we started the five-and-a-half-hour trek to Memphis.

About two hours into my drive time, I asked Caleb if he really wanted to make it to Derry that night. The way he caressed my neck and nuzzled my ear made me start looking for an exit with a hotel.

Hey, I have no problem stopping if you want to.

Well, I have been dreaming, hoping, and praying to crawl into your bed with you since the first time I saw it. Do you remember me telling you about that night?

His brow furrowed just a bit. Yes, I remember you telling me…I just wish I could remember it on my own.

I bit my lip to ward off tears. I do, too, and you still might. I looked over at him and said, "But I promise…you won’t forget tonight."

I saw fire in those thunderstorm eyes.

I’ll do my best not to distract you anymore. I can’t wait till we get to Derry, he murmured against my neck before he playfully scooted as far away from me as the car would allow.

I drove until we got about fifty miles west of Nashville, where we stopped for a bathroom break and stretched our legs. We decided we’d stop and eat supper before we hit the Memphis traffic. We’d probably roll into Derry around nine or nine-thirty, and we’d unload the car in the morning.

Cole had been adamant that we had to have some sort of celebration in Derry. I’d told him all we wanted was for Caleb to pass inspection on a couple of houses so we could settle into a nice, quiet life together. I’d figured he wasn’t through arguing with me about that, so the front porch being covered in streamers and balloons wasn’t that much of a surprise. Caleb and I just looked at each other and laughed.

We had staggered in the front door with our suitcases, but Caleb had dropped his on the floor, taken mine, and placed them next to his. Then he picked me up and carried me across the threshold of the bedroom to set me down on the bed. We laid there, arms entwined, deeply grateful to be in this quiet space together.

Then I kept my promise about him never forgetting that night.

We’d slept in…well, stayed in bed, until eight the next morning. About thirty minutes later, Cole was on the porch, hammering away at the door. We were just starting breakfast, and Caleb heaved an exaggerated sigh. "Do I have to let him in?"

He probably smelled the food, so he won’t go away, I laughed. Who was I kidding–Cole always flooded my heart with delight.

Caleb opened the door, but barred the way in. Yes? Can I help you? he said, blocking Cole’s view of me.

Let me in, old man. Roxie’s here…where she belongs; I want to see her. Cole pushed his way in and wrapped me in an embrace.

Why the heck didn’t y’all call me when you got to town? he asked.

"Because we didn’t want any company last night! Caleb growled. Isn’t it enough that you decorated the porch?"

Hey, I had help. Andrew, Annette, and Stacy wanted to do something that would welcome you home. A wide grin broke across his face. "I’m so glad you’re home, Roxie."

Well, if you’re here, you can help with breakfast, Caleb said.

It was a wonderful start to my day–the two of them playfully trading trash talk while they fixed breakfast.

When Cole had polished off the last piece of bacon, he said, Okay, give me the keys and I’ll bring in the stuff from the car.

When we protested that we could unload the car, he laughed. I’m not planning to stay all day; just thought I’d give you a hand and then get lost. I’m going fishing with Will.

I don’t know why, but I’d blushed. Caleb had noticed and his slow smile appeared. Okay; I’ll be glad to have some help. That way Roxanne doesn’t have to do any of the heavy work.

What heavy work? I scoffed. I’m not so helpless–

Yeah, we know! Cole yelled, as he headed out the door.

They’d cleared out the car quickly. Most of the load was pushed up against the living room wall. It hadn’t looked like that much when we’d packed up in Benson, but now I wondered where everything would go.

Cole gave me a kiss and said goodbye, grinning as he stared at the pile of boxes and my quizzical look.

I called Francie to see how she was doing. She told me Arlene would arrive in two days, and how grateful she was that I’d left most of my furniture; she was going to have Arlene stay in my side of the duplex. I told her we were working out where to put the things I brought with me. She said again how happy she was for us.

In two days, Caleb would start work on one of the new houses, which had been built while he was recovering. He had insisted that Jim Torrance walk through with him afterwards to be sure he hadn’t missed anything. Caleb had told Cole this was a job he had to do alone–Cole couldn’t help. Caleb had to make sure his loss of memory didn’t include his knowledge of work. I’d told Cole privately just to agree without arguing–this had to be settled in Caleb’s mind.

We spent those two days unpacking…well, mostly unpacking. One evening, the chicken I’d put in the oven for supper got really well done. We talked a lot while we unpacked, and revisited a discussion we’d had the second afternoon in the honeymoon suite–having children. We’d decided to wait and talk about it further when we got home.

I’d pondered about it a lot–the thought of a little one that was a part of each of us was nearly irresistible. But I was barreling down on my forty-second birthday, and I wasn’t ready to give up having alone time together whenever we wanted–I had no idea when I would be. Still, I wondered if Caleb had ever hoped to have children, and if he had, I was more than willing for us to try.

So, we unpacked and tiptoed around the subject as we talked. I didn’t want to commit until I knew how he felt, but he seemed to be dealing with that as well. We finally agreed to revisit the idea at the end of the week.

If Caleb had ever discussed wanting to be a father, it would surely have been with Andrew, so I decided to ask him.

Rearranging shelves and furniture got to be a little tricky as well. I didn’t want Caleb to feel like I was completely changing everything about the house. He kept telling me he couldn’t care less; that I should just set up the house the way I wanted. We finally got enough things put away for the living room to look somewhat normal, but I wasn’t convinced that Caleb didn’t have any preferences on how his living room of so many years was arranged.

~

We woke on Friday morning and both marveled at the fact that we’d been married for a week. Caleb left early to work on a house in the new subdivision, and then walk through it with Jim Torrance.

I had asked Cole if he could come over. I’d missed not talking with him as much as we had the weeks before he and Caleb showed up in Benson. He was doing well in his classes and said he’d have his Residential Electrician license in two months.

Oh, Cole, I had no idea it would be so soon. That’s wonderful!

Yeah, I’m kinda surprised myself at how quickly the time has passed. It will take longer to get a General Electrician license, but I want to travel a little first.

I’m so happy for you, Cole. You’ve been stretched pretty tight the last few months. By the way, has Caleb ever said anything about how he has the living room set up; I don’t want to rearrange things if he prefers them the way they are.

"Heck, Roxie, Caleb and I have never discussed the layout of his living room. Why don’t you ask Dinah?"

I gave him a seriously? look. Cole, one thing I am sure of is that Caleb doesn’t want Dinah making those decisions about this house. Didn’t he ever mention anything while you were staying with him?

Cole threw a seriously? look right back at me. No, I can honestly say I never heard him say a word, and I never asked. When he was in the living room, he was reading, or we were watching TV. So, don’t move his armchair and lamp, or the TV, and he probably won’t notice anything else, even if it changes.

After he left for class, I grabbed my purse, hoping Andrew was in his office. I called on the way, and he said he’d be glad to see me.

As I pulled into the parking lot, I saw him waiting at the outside door. After parking the car, I started toward him, and saw the biggest smile break across his face. For some insane reason, I burst into tears and hugged him. He led me into his office, patting my back, then held out a box of tissues before we sat down.

"I’m so sorry, Andrew; I don’t know what just happened!"

Andrew took both my hands. Roxie, I think a little dam just broke, in both of us. I’ve spoken with Caleb on the phone, but when I saw him this morning, I was nearly speechless; I don’t think he and I have ever hugged for so long. Seeing you just now, knowing how happy both of you are…it’s a bit overwhelming.

I nodded and laughed shakily. Thank you, Andrew. Caleb told me about asking you if he should propose, and how you responded. I searched his eyes. I’m sorry you didn’t get to perform the ceremony–

No, Roxie, don’t you give that a moment’s thought. I couldn’t be happier for both of you; getting to watch y’all as a married couple will bring me so much delight…. Did you come by just to say hello, or did you want to talk about something?

Now a bit shy about the question, I paused, then said, I was wondering if Caleb had ever said anything to you about wishing he were a dad?

Andrew blinked and smiled. "Wow; I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t that question…. Didn’t you and he ever discuss that? He’d told me how often y’all talked on the phone after Cole’s birthday."

We talked about a lot of things over the phone, but it never occurred to me then to talk about children. We were starting the relationship over, at least in his mind. And we did talk about it the second day we were married, but we sort of tiptoed around it. I don’t want to disappoint Caleb, and I’m pretty sure he’s feeling the same about me.

The Andrew-of-long-thoughtful-pauses showed up, and he studied my face for what seemed like forever before he answered.

Roxie, maybe I could get a better read on this if I came over tomorrow evening. Or we could meet here if you’d rather. I know tonight y’all will probably be celebrating Caleb’s going back to work–

Has he called you? He hasn’t called me to tell me how it went–

No, he hasn’t…but is there any doubt in your mind?

I leaned back and smiled. No, not a doubt; yes, we do plan on celebrating tonight. I’m sure we could meet tomorrow; we’d love to have you at the house

Okay, just let me know when is best. I can’t tell you how happy Annette and I are for you and Caleb.

Thank you, Andrew, for so many things. I’ll call and let you know about a time tomorrow.

Walking to the car, I checked my phone and frowned–still no call or text.

Surely they’re done by now, unless…oh please, God, don’t let there be an unless.

My stomach seized at the thought that Caleb might have made an error in the wiring. How long would it take him to feel confident about his work if he’d made a mistake?

I turned onto our street and saw the truck. He was home and hadn’t called… what did that mean? I parked a bit haphazardly and ran to the door, calling his name as I pushed it open.

There he was, with a massive bouquet of flowers, and the smile that made me crazy….

Later, I lightly traced my finger around his eye, down his cheek, and across his lips. Now, I want the details. How did it go?

Caleb laughed and pulled me closer. "Well, when I told Jim I wanted him to go over every bit of it with me, he sighed and said, ‘Caleb, this is ridiculous, so let’s get it over with.’ After about ten minutes, he said, ‘Well, I’ve wasted a perfectly good morning when I coulda been fishing. Don’t ask me to hold your hand on anything else. There’s no question in my mind, or anyone else’s who matters, about your work. There wasn’t to begin with, so go home to your wife, and get your mind on more pleasant activities. Start on the other houses Monday.’

So, I went and bought you some flowers, and got my mind on more pleasant thoughts…like being in this bed with you.

Snuggling in next to him as close as I could, I was thankful he could finally move on from the self-doubt.

I told him about seeing Andrew earlier, and how he’d asked if he could come over for a little while tomorrow.

Huh…I saw him this morning and he didn’t say anything about that, but it’s fine with me. Do you know why?

I think he just wants to visit with us together. I didn’t want to admit why I’d gone to see Andrew.

Sure. Tell him about seven, if that’s good for him; I want time to enjoy supper with you, Caleb said, as he nuzzled my neck. Can we stay here the rest of the day?

Yes, please….

The next morning, we did a little more sorting through things I’d brought with me, but around eleven, Caleb got a call.

Hello…yes, this is Caleb Bridges…. What’s the offer?

I wondered who in the world he was speaking with, and then remembered he was handling the sale of Seth’s property for Cole.

Well, I can’t say definitely, but I’m ninety-nine percent sure he’ll accept it. Let me call him, and I’ll get right back with you. He put his phone down and said, The man that owns the property next to Seth’s has wanted that land for years. He’s offering twenty-two-thousand cash; I’m certain Cole will take it.

I nodded. I am, too. He just wants to be rid of it.

Caleb hit Cole’s number. Cole answered almost immediately and must have made some smart remark because Caleb’s response was a playful, Keep that up and I’ll make sure you don’t see her for a week! Listen, there’s an offer on the land…. No, I felt like I should check with you first…it’s twenty-two-thousand…. Okay, I’ll let him know.

He listened for a moment longer, then heaved an exaggerated sigh. Well, I know if I tell her you want to do this, she’ll say yes. Hang on a sec. He hit speaker and said, Roxanne, that Ellison boy wants to take us to lunch. Is that okay with you? I’m willing since he’s going to pay.

I heard Cole’s, Boy? Who are you calling a boy? right before I spoke.

"Hi, Sweetie; I’m really happy for you. Yes, we would love to have lunch with you. I should have already gone to see Sophie and Harper. What time?"

Can y’all wait until twelve-thirty? I’m in the middle of some errands. There was a pause, and then he said, I’m so glad it’s sold.

I know, Cole; I am, too. We’ll see you at Sophie’s. I handed Caleb his phone, feeling tears welling up in my eyes.

I got up and went into the kitchen, hoping Caleb hadn’t seen my tears, but a few minutes later, he came in and rubbed my shoulders as I blotted my eyes and cheeks.

Roxanne, I know that place evokes many more emotions for you than it does for me, or even for Cole. You’re not feeling guilty again, are you?

I turned into his embrace. I think it will be a while before I can completely get rid of the feelings that run through me about it. I’m just really happy for Cole that he’ll be rid of it. I looked into his eyes. I’m okay, really.

He kissed me, softly, and we walked back into the living room, Caleb pulling me over to the sofa. Come sit with me, Roxanne; I just want to hold you for a while.

A little later, we decided we’d walk to Sophie’s. There was a pleasant breeze as we held hands, passing the other houses on his…our street. I was amazed all over again that I was here, as Caleb’s wife. There had been so many days when I’d thought there was no chance of that ever happening.

Cole’s car wasn’t at Sophie’s yet, so we sat down on a bench outside. It reminded me of the day I’d sat here and seen Caleb with Dinah, jumping to the conclusion that she was his girlfriend. I started to describe the day to Caleb, but stopped, wondering if it was painful for him to hear about happenings that he couldn’t remember. He watched me, and I tried to get away with a shrug and an oh, never mind.

Why? I want to hear what you were going to say, he said.

I took his hand. Caleb, I know it’s frustrating for you to hear about something you can’t remember. I don’t want to bring up things that happened–

Roxanne, it is frustrating, but it’s more so if I think you’re deliberately holding back. Just tell me.

I studied his face for a moment before I continued the story. You’d come by the house the night before and had kissed me in a way that left me breathless. The next morning, I’d had breakfast at Sophie’s, and was leaving when I saw your truck parked at the drugstore. I sat down on this bench, hoping to see you when you came out. A few minutes later, I saw you open the door at the drugstore, and then I saw Dinah…

Caleb’s breathing had changed, and he laughed. "You thought Dinah was my girlfriend! We were in the truck, and I asked you why you didn’t punch me out! I remember that!"

My heart felt like it was floating; I nodded, and we hugged. I couldn’t stop saying how happy I was that he had remembered.

Cole had driven up at some point; I saw him out of the corner of my eye and held my hand out, motioning him over.

Isn’t this the most beautiful day, Cole?

He nodded, not quite sure what was going on. Caleb and I stood, and both of us hugged him.

Well, I knew you’d both be happy for me about the land being sold, but it seems a little overboard for what I saw when I pulled up.

Caleb put his arm around Cole’s shoulder. "We are very happy for you, Cole, but we have something else to celebrate, too.…I’ve remembered something from before."

Cole’s puzzled look gave way to a wide smile. Do you mind telling me what it was?

It was about the day Roxanne saw me and Dinah for the first time, and how Roxanne responded.

Cole gave a low whistle. Oh, man, do I remember how angry she was! Let’s go in, and I’ll tell you over lunch.

Sophie spotted us as we came in the door. "Oh, here’s the newlyweds! I’m so glad you’re here, she said, hugging us. Then she lifted both of our left hands and looked at our rings. Those are just beautiful to see; we’re so happy for you." She dabbed at her eyes with the corner of her apron.

How are you, Sophie?

Overjoyed for you and Caleb…now, y’all go ahead and have a seat. I’ll be back in a minute…coffee, Caleb?

Caleb smiled and nodded. We sat down in a booth and talked a bit about the sale of Seth’s land, but Cole said he was just glad it had sold. He was much more excited about