Page 128 of Carson

“Well, I think we need to get her out of there. Make her at least come downstairs.”

“I promised her I wouldn’t make her leave, and I’m sticking to that. She needs to know she can trust me not to let her down. I can give her that. It’s the least I can do for that girl. She’s been nothing but a blessing to your mother.”

“Carson misses her.”

“I know, son, and I hate that.”

We finish our beer in silence. I look over my childhood home, my attention settling on the basketball hoop.

“How is Mom doing?”

“She’s better. Not her hearing, but how she’s dealing with it. Luna and she sit up there for hours, yakking at each other. Mom’s getting pretty good at signing, and honestly, it’s been nice having Luna here for her to talk to.” He chuckles, rubbing his belly. “It’s the cutest damn thing to see her and Mom helping Khloe learn to sign.”

“That’s good. Carver said Natalie is back at the warehouse teaching the club.”

“Yeah, she stopped over here yesterday to see Luna and spent some time with us. Nice girl.”

“I think she’s got a crush on one of the new prospects.”

Dad laughs. “I think all the ladies do.”

“Even Mom?”

“Everyone but Mom.”

I laugh lightly. “You’re probably right there. She’s a good woman.”

Dad smiles. “The best.”

“I guess Carson found a pretty good one too.” I rub my hands down the front of my jeans, still a little unsure about all of this.

“She is, son. She really is.”

“I was probably a little hard on her when she got here.”

“I wouldn’t feel too bad; she didn’t take offense.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m positive.”

“She talked to you about it?”

“She did. She wants you and your brother to have a good relationship.”

“I want them to have a good relationship too.” I slap my hat against my leg. “I guess.”

Dad laughs, and as he does, an idea pops up in my head.

“What time is supper?” I ask him.

“Whenever you come over here and cook it.”

I give him a big smile and jump from my seat, hugging him. “Carson and I will be over after a bit.”

I run home, bursting through the front door. Carson turns to look at me. “What did he say?”

“He’s not making her leave. Ever.” I plop down beside him. “But I have an idea. If she doesn’t want to come here, we go there.”