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“Then I’ll be driving us there as soon as we gather your belongings from Margot’s house.”
Suddenly, Dillon’s stomach growled so loud that everyone stopped talking and looked at him. He grinned self-consciously, before explaining, “I didn’t have any supper ‘cause Granny was mad at me.”
“Why that cranky…” Before more words erupted from Dex, Jasmin put her hand over his mouth to stop the flow, making everyone laugh. “Not in front of the children, she said primly, which made them laugh even more.
Sara finally released Dillon and stood up, making everyone else rise. “I think it’s time to get some food into you, my boy. I’ve done a lot of baking and have more food than I could ever eat myself at my apartment. I’d be happy to have you all come back there with me so we can sort everything out and poor Dillon can get something hot into his tummy.”
Chapter Eighteen
It was decided that Dillon would stay with Sara while Jasmin drove Dex to Margot’s house to pick up Dillon’s things. But not before they’d had time to relax in Sara’s lovely apartment and fill up on a scrumptious breakfast.
Of course, she and Dex called everyone involved to let them know the boy had been found safe… safe but sorry for worrying them all.
Jasmin’s father had been thankful about them finding Dillon, but her mother had come on the other line, questioning about when they could expect Jasmin home. Satisfied with her daughter’s answer of ‘as soon as possible’, she continued, “Do Dex and Dillon have family to be with over Christmas?”
“As far as I know, Dex recently bought a house for them but he hasn’t had much time to set it up.”
“Yes. Your dad knew about it and drove by there yesterday. It looks deserted. Honey, you know tomorrow is Christmas Eve, right? Why not just bring everyone here with you. They can staywith us for the next couple of days until Dex has a chance to get everything squared away.”
Hearing the tone in her mother’s voice had her questioning, “What’s happened?”
Her father cut in to explain. “Honey, we’ve had a power outage for the last fifteen hours. Chances are… his food isn’t safe to eat, and the house will be cold and damp.”
“Right. And you have the solar panels, so you didn’t have any shutdowns.”
“Yep. Knew they’d come in handy.” She heard his bragging tone and had to smile. “Look, your mom has a point, honey. Bring those boys over here for her to spoil, and I’ll give Dexter a hand to get his place ready before they move in there.”
Jasmin laughed. “You’re getting as bad as Mom; you know that right?”
Lester’s chuckles let her know he’d gotten the dig and enjoyed the joke. “Just at Christmas, Jassy. Just at this time of the year. After all these decades together, I guess her holiday spirit’s finally softened this old heart of mine.”
“Actually, it is a good idea. I’ll speak to Dex and let you know. I believe our plans are to leave here just after lunch, so unless something comes up, you can expect a call from me once we reach the turnoff on the highway to the Grove. That way you can gauge how long it should take us.”
“I’ll be waiting and watching for you.”
Barbara piped up, “Me too, honey. I’ve lots of Christmas baking ready, and we defrosted a big ole ham to cook today in honor of your return. I know it’s one of your favorite meals.”
“Yummy. Can’t wait to see you two. Love you guys. Bye for now.”
Feeling cherished in the same way her parents always managed to instil in her, she joined the others in Sara’s kitchen in time to see Dex frying the bacon. The spitting grease caughthis hand, and he grouched a whispered cuss word and sucked his fingers before glancing at the others to see them hiding their grins. His defensive words and funny face made then laugh, and he admitted, “I’m not too good in the kitchen.” Then he asked, “Dillon, can you cook?”
“Ahh… just a few things. Sara started teaching me just before the accident. I can make toast and fry an egg. Oh, and grilled cheese sandwiches too. What else, Sara?”
“Well there, Dillon, you were coming along pretty good at mixing scones and cookie dough. We’d only just begun the lessons.”
Dillon leaned against the stout body of his best ally, and Jasmin watched Sara’s arm bring him in for a hug without a second of hesitation, just the way it should be.
Poor boy, losing his parents was bad enough, but having to give up the one person he’d always had in his world, the one person he relied on to keep him safe, must have been horrendous. No wonder his heart had broken. Then to find himself stuck with Misery; anyone in his position might have run away.
She looked over at Dex to see him smiling at Dillon and Sara and wondered if he thought the same thing.
During their happy meal of burnt bacon, scrambled eggs, piles of toast, scones and a wonderful selection of homemade jams, they shared stories. Dex singled out Sara. “It’s been over a month now since your world blew up. Are you working for another family yet?”
“No. Just couldn’t seem to get myself organized to look for another job. With the money you gave me from your brother, I was able to rent this place and take some time for myself. It’s only been a few weeks since I moved in. Thank goodness it’s furnished so I just needed to bring my personal belongings from the old house.”
Money Dex’s brother left her… hmm. She’d have to ask Dex about that. Her suspicions were that Dex likely provided that bonus from his own big heart.
Looking around, Jasmin had noticed the faded colored pictures attached by magnets to the fridge and the photos of Dillon spread around, spying the largest in Sara’s bedroom next to her bed.
