“No, I should be getting on back to the house, but thanks for the coffee and the visit. Want to join us for Sunday dinner about noon today?” she asked. “I’ve got a big pot roast in the oven.” And then she wondered if maybe she should have asked April and Flynn about inviting someone to dinner.

Why would I think that? It’s my home as much as theirs, she scolded herself.

“I’d love to. I’ll bring dessert,” he said. “Did you say noon?”

“That’s the plan, but I’ve already got an apple pie ready to go in the oven, so just bring a healthy appetite.” She handed him her empty coffee cup and stood up. “See you then.”

“I’ll be there, and thanks,” he said.

She could feel his eyes watching her as she rounded the end of the porch. April would tease her terribly if she knew that Nessa threw an extra swing into her walk.

Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten

Jackson had been to lots of Sunday dinners at Miz Lucy’s place, both when his uncle D. J. was still alive and even after he had passed on. That first Sunday he’d gone over there after Uncle D. J. died was tough. He and Miz Lucy had played checkers rather than dominoes that afternoon, because they couldn’t bear the memories of D. J.’s love of the game.

“Never been in that house when four people were gathered around the table,” he told Tex as the two of them started down the path. The clouds from the past couple of days had moved on, and there was nothing but clear blue sky above him. A slight breeze ruffled the leaves in the gnarly oak trees on either side of the well-rutted pathway. Over to his left, he could hear the waterfall bubbling over the rocks. All in all, a beautiful day with, most likely, a good Sunday dinner waiting, so why did he feel so antsy about going?

They turned off the trail into the backyard, and Tex ran on ahead. When Jackson got closer, he could see the dog on the front porch with April, his head in her lap. “Traitor,” he mumbled. “You were supposed to stay with me.”

“Hello!” April waved with her free hand. “Is this your dog? If not, I’m going to adopt him.”

Jackson stopped at the bottom of the stairs. “I reckon I’ll claim the mutt. I inherited him when Uncle D. J. passed away. He usually doesn’t take to people so quickly.”

“I like animals,” April said. “D. J. must have gotten him after I left Blossom. I don’t remember him having pets.”

“Tex is eight years old.” Jackson smiled. “He’s been around since I got here.”