I was almost home before I realized I still didn’t know why Cam was here. But if he was sticking around, my safe little existence was going to get shaken up like a snow globe if I couldn’t keep my feelings to myself.

Chapter Five

Chapter Five

Camden

“Gutters,” I muttered, writing the word in the notebook I’d brought with me. “Siding.” I’d been standing in front of Dad’s house for the last twenty minutes, making a list of all the things the house needed and procrastinating knocking, if I had to be honest.

In my defense, it had been less than forty-eight hours since he’d kicked me out. But I’d given up the life I’d made for myself to be here, which meant I couldn’t exactly lick my wounds if I wanted to get shit done.

“Replace banister on front steps.” Another item to the list.

The front door creaked, and my fingers paused on the last word.

“I’ve seen a lot of things in my life,” Dorothy said from the porch, her footsteps heavy as she approached where I stood at the bottom of the steps. “But I’ve never seen a man so big try to hide behind a notebook so small.”

“Not hiding,” I corrected her as I finished. “Just avoiding.”

“Uh-huh.” She folded her arms and gave me a knowing look. “I see you got your shoes back.”

“I did.” Thanks to Willow. I had more than just my shoes thanks to her.

“Why don’t you come on in? I’m sure you’ll find plenty for your list.”

“He kicked me out.”

“And yet here you are.”

I’d never won a stare-down with Dorothy Powers, and something told me today still wasn’t the day it would happen.

“I don’t want to upset him,” I admitted. “I came home to help, not to get him all worked up.”

“Well, he’s not sure who he is today, so I don’t think he’ll care that you’re here. Besides, it’s Wednesday, so Walter Robinson is in there keeping him occupied. Now, get in this house.” She waved me up the steps like I was eight years old.

I went.

“How is Walt?” I asked as she led me in the front door.

“Stubborn, opinionated, and loud.”

“So basically the same.” I kicked off my shoes and lined them up against the wall, promising myself that I’d remember them this time.

“People don’t tend to change without good reason, and the Lord’s never given Walter one, that’s for sure. Plus he’s still as good-looking as ever, which doesn’t exactly seem fair. Now, let’s get you something to drink and have us a little chat.”

I followed Dorothy down the hallway I’d taken my first steps in, pausing when I noticed Xander’s and Sullivan’s senior pictures hanging in the hallway.