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As soon as I’m in the driver’s seat, Mom fills me in on the latest Walton buzz.
“Assistant Coach Samuels had one doozy of a time at the start of the season while your daddy was still healing up. Darn-near ruined those boys. If you ask me, the Walton Warriors looked more like a flock of chickens in a thunderstorm than our beloved baseball team; they had no idea which direction to go. They looked so much better in just one game with your daddy back. I do not doubt that, with his guidance, Jake Henderson will lead them to at least enough wins. We may just see the playoffs for the first time in three years, don’t you think, Larry?”
“Could happen,” he agrees.
“Of course, he’s no Leland Locke, but he hit a home run last game, and the whole town was in a frenzy. Folks cheering on the boys like they were playing in the World Series.”
“They sure were.” Dad chuckles.
“Oh, and Mary Anne is feeling better now. Her famous banana pudding stole the show at last Sunday’s potluck, disappearing faster than you can say Amen. The ladies auxiliary is planning a bake sale to raise funds for the youth group’s mission trip and mentioned Mary Anne selling that pudding. I have no idea what they’re thinking. It gets hot out there in the Texas sun. Larry, don’t you think that’s just ridiculous?”
“Sure do, Theresa.”
It doesn’t end there. By the time we get to the beach house, I am caught up on all the happenings in Walton since I was back in Texas for Grandpa Locke’s funeral.
Pulling in, the place is dark except for the motion lights and one on the third level. I regret not sending a message to Gwendolyn to give her a heads-up. Then again, I’m not supposed to speak.
“I forgot about these stairs, Larry. Do you think you can make it?” Mom asks as I hit the garage door opener and pull in.
“We have an elevator, remember?” I ask, turning off the vehicle and hitting the button to close the door.
The lower level is half a garage, and the other is a game room and bar. It also has a kitchenette and a bedroom, but I rarely have company, so they go unused by me. When I start renting it out, it will certainly be appreciated.
The second level has six bedrooms with full baths and French doors leading to the deck. But it’s the upper level that sold me on this place. The entire east side has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the dunes, with no obstructions as you look out over the Atlantic. Like the second and first floors, composite decking runs from one side to the other, with stairs to the lower levels. The floor plan is entirely open. I can cook and still interact with anyone in the kitchen, dining room, and living room, or just watch the waves roll in. There are two master suites—one on the north and one on the south side—with million-dollar views.
Laughing, she throws her hands in the air. “Oh my, how did I forget that? It has just been too long now, hasn’t it?”
“A week is too long, Mom.”
Dad gives me an approving wink.
“I think Dad and I should take the downstairs, just in case. Is that okay with you?”
“You choose wherever you’re most comfortable.”
“Let’s start down here and revisit tomorrow,” she says as I open the door for her and Dad, then follow them in. “Breathtaking, isn’t it, Larry?”
“Sure is.”
“This one might be my favorite,” Mom says as I walk into the bedroom, set their suitcases inside, flip on the light, and ensure the beds are made up. Thank God they are.
Yawning, I turn around and head to the fridge, hoping it has something for them to eat or drink if they get hungry. Sure enough, it’s packed.
“Were you expecting us?” Mom asks.
“It—”
“Don’t lie to your Mama Leland.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.”
“Was it Deborah or Annie who told you we were coming?”
I smile. “Neither.” But I’m sure glad they knew ahead of time. “I had the housekeeping service stock the place. They did good, didn’t they?”
She wraps her arms around me. “You need your sleep.” She kisses my cheek. “We’ll catch up tomorrow.”
“What time do you have to leave for your game?” Dad asks.
