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Dad was already seated at the end of the table, and he folded his arms and shook his head. “Canyon, please pray.”
After we all said “amen,” the quiet of eating began. I always enjoyed that kind of contentment.
Kayla kept side-eyeing me as she munched. What was wrong with her?
My father looked at Jason. “What did you learn from Pastor Jones today?”
“Uh …” The boy pointed at me. “Uncle Noah likes mint gum.”
That got Canyon and McCrae to laugh out loud. Even Kayla and my mother grinned.
Damon cracked a smile, then pinned the boy with a look similar to my father’s. “Okay, but what did you hear Pastor Jones teach us about today?”
As if sensing that his older brother needed saving, Trent said, “Forgiveness.”
Everyone seemed stunned, and I couldn’t help but pat Trent’s cute hand. “Good job, dude.”
Without missing a beat, Trent asked me, “Can I have another piece of gum?”
That got another round of laughter.
“That’s good, Trent.” My father cleared his throat. “Forgiveness is a good topic.”
My mother stared at my father. “It is a good topic.” Her words felt heavy with meaning, but then she smiled at all of us. “Christ is the best example of forgiving those who put Him on the cross. And we should all follow His example.”
My father’s gaze dropped to his food. What had prompted my mother to chastise him? Was something going on between them?
McCrae turned to Damon, though he glanced at me. “Did you see that text that just came?”
Damon looked annoyed. I thought it must be something with the police station, because Damon was the chief and McCrae was an officer. He checked his phone, looked up at me, then grunted and stood. “We’d better go in.”
“Is this about me?” I asked suspiciously.
“No,” they said at the same time.
McCrae pressed his lips tightly together.
“No,” Damon repeated, giving McCrae a warning look. “We don’t talk about police business with anyone.”
That was strange. It felt like it did have something to do with me, but how could that be the case?
Damon turned to my mom. “Can I leave the boys tonight?”
Mom beamed at him. “I would love that. Do you boys want to stay with Grammy?”
Jason and Trent both exuberantly agreed.
“Can we sleep in the treehouse?” Jason asked hopefully.
“Well …” My mother looked uncertain. “I don’t know, boys. Maybe if one of your uncles or your aunt will stay with you.”
“I’m out,” Kayla said flatly. “I have a big-time client tomorrow coming into town to talk about land development on the east side. I need sleep tonight.”
“Not it,” Canyon said. “We’re doing search and rescue drills tomorrow and then a twelve-mile hike.”
My father cocked an eyebrow at me. “If someone wanted to help, then this is a perfect opportunity.”
This was what the old man wanted? Help with the kids? “I’ve never watched these guys. I don’t know if that’s safe.”
