“Of course I did,” Addison said, rolling her eyes. “And you should have seen how excited she was about getting herself a laptop. Said she was going to do all this research on contractors and the like. Of course, when I get home I’ll take the steps necessary to get things done properly, but there’s no doubt this is keeping her busy, and that’s exactly what she wanted.”

“What do you mean properly? Didn’t you just say she was getting it fixed?”

“Joanna won’t spend a pound more than she has to. It's not in her nature. Hell, she even bought her dog from the shelter instead of from a breeder.”

“There’s nothing wrong with that.”

“I’m not saying Chauncey isn’t a cute pup, but when you have the money to buy pedigree, why not get one?” Addison said, holding her hands palms up. “Anyway, she’s not used to having money, so I expect she’ll have hired some handyman to glue down whatever slate’s loose instead of getting it done right the first time. So, when I get home, I’ll take care of it.”

“She’s not stupid, Addison,” Fran said through a frown.

“I’m not saying she is, but she’s never hired a contractor or done anything like this, and she’s as frugal as the day is long. I’m telling you right now that when I get home, I’ll have a lot of fires to put out, and she can’t very well ask for my help and stay mad at me at the same time. Now can she?”

“And you’re doing all of this just so you can talk over dinner?”

Addison’s eyes turned to slits as she stared back at Fran. “Shut up and order your food,” she said, looking down at the menu in front of her. “I don’t have all night.”

***

With Chauncey in her arms, Joanna came into the kitchen just as Fiona was placing a roast in the oven. Even though Joanna enjoyed every gourmet meal Noah had ever made, she looked forward to the break from bon vivant on the weekend. Fiona was a simple woman who hadn’t learned how to cook from a culinary institute, but rather from her mother who had learned from her mother and so on. The meals she prepared were hearty, warm, and delicious, and in their own small way, made The Oaks feel more like home.

Putting the anxious pup on the floor, Joanna watched as Chauncey scampered over to his food bowls to finish a few bits and pieces left over from his breakfast.

“Fiona, now that dinner’s in the oven, I think you should be off,” Joanna said.

“Miss?”

Joanna let out a laugh. “You and I both know you don’t want to be here.”