5. Mark #2
A low laugh escapes as I think about my daughters and the chaos their families bring. “All four of them, along with their husbands and gaggle of kids.”
“Wow…” Faye whispers. “The last time I visited your mom, she told me a story about teaching your youngest to drive.” Her eyes go wide as saucers as she says, “Are you telling me she’s already married?”
I can’t help the low laugh that escapes. Faye’s shocked expression is adorable.
“Yep.” I nod proudly. “Lizzy’s not only married but has three kids.”
My revelation makes her jaw drop in disbelief. “You’re. A. Grandpa?” The words come out as if each one is its own sentence, and it takes everything in me not to laugh at the dumbfounded expression on her beautiful face.
Shrugging, I admit, “They call me Papa, but same difference.”
“Wow… I didn’t see that coming.” She’s quiet for a moment, then adds, “You already have three grandkids?”
“Actually…” I puff out my chest in pride. “I’ve got nine.”
“Holy shit… I really stepped in it this time,” Faye mutters just barely loud enough to hear.
Her eyes look anywhere but at me, then they close for the briefest of seconds before she takes a deep breath and adds, “I am so sorry for presuming anything. I never had any kids, and I don’t feel old…
But…” she pauses and exaggeratedly looks me over, then quickly adds, “you really don’t look like a grandpa. Hell, you’re not even fifty.”
Amusement washes over me as I watch her attempt to dig herself out of a hole.
To save her from herself, I quickly point out, “I started early… Remember. Add in four daughters and the fact that twins run in our family, and they multiply quickly.”
Nodding slowly, she sighs heavily. “I can imagine…. And they all live here?”
“Yep.” I smile with delight. “Two of them even married locals.”
And apparently, I’m just full of surprises for Faye.
“You’re kidding me. What are the odds of your daughters settling in the one town you couldn’t wait to leave?”
“Mom had everything to do with it, I’m certain.” I chuckle at the memory. “Before she passed, she made arrangements for her home to be renovated without bothering to enlighten anyone of said plans.”
“Your mom would do something like that,” Faye muses. “She always was a planner.”
“You can say that again.” I chuckle at the memory.
“Lanie, my oldest, got quite a surprise when the poor, unsuspecting contractor showed up. He was just doing the job he’d been paid for, but he scared the hell out of her…
And in true Lancaster fashion, she went ten toes down with him without a second thought, even though she’s nearly a foot shorter than him.
” She’s still indignant about the situation, but to hear her husband tell it, it had to have been quite the sight.
“Between you and Jane, I’m certain your girls can stand on their own. She never let anyone get away with anything.”
“No, she didn’t,” I agree on a sigh. “But we got Ryan out of her meddling, so I’m grateful for it.”
“Ryan… Wait… are you talking about Jack Murdock’s son?”
“Yeah, why?” How would she know that?
“He and his dad are the ones who helped install the ramp at my parents’ house when Dad was forced to use a walker after his heart attack last year.
Jack and Dad have coffee together most mornings, so when he’d heard Dad was coming home, he had the entire ramp installed within hours of getting the call.
I’d never been more grateful. It was a Sunday, and they insisted on only being paid for materials.
It was such a blessing to be able to get Dad safely into the house. ”
“How’s your dad doing now?” I ask hesitantly.
“He’s doing fantastic. He’s back to walking three miles every day, tinkering around the house, and driving Mom nuts with his never-ending ambitions.”
I can’t help the chortle that escapes. “That sounds like Herb. He never was one to sit and watch paint dry.”
A beautiful smile lights up her face. “Nope. Mom and I are always after him for doing too much.”
“I’ll probably be accused of the same things by my daughters when I’m that age. We only get so many hours in a day, ya gotta make ‘em count.”
Shaking her head, she gasps, “Oh, God, you’re still like that?”
“Uh… You’ve met my mom. I’m certain that thirty years in the Air Force has only perpetuated it. How else do you think I moved up through the ranks as quickly as I did?”
Reaching out, she touches my hand. “Ambition is a good thing, Mark. I just thought now that you’ve retired, things might have calmed down a bit.”
Locking eyes with hers, I deadpan, “I may be drawing benefits from the government, but I’m far from hanging up my hat, Faye. Have you not seen the improvements I’ve made on the house next door?”
“The place does look good,” she admits. “Though I’m surprised you’re not living at your mom’s.”
“Mom always insisted I keep it for the girls.” I shrug, then point out the obvious. “It’s special to them. It’s truly the only place they’ve ever called home for any length of time, and I’d never take those memories from them. Besides, that place is way too big for just me.”
“So…” Faye draws out as if she’s piecing things together, “all of your girls live there now?”
“They did… Until each of them got married. Now, it’s just Lanie and her family.”
Before Faye can make more presumptions, I quickly add, “Sloane bought the house next door, and Raven’s got a place just down the street. Lizzy lives within walking distance—though most everything in this town is technically walking distance, I suppose.”
Faye lets out a low whistle. “Wow, your girls must be doing well for themselves to nab prime real estate like that. Jane always said they were a tight bunch. I’m glad to hear things haven’t changed. Though I can’t imagine living that close to my siblings,” she muses.
Before I can respond, she gasps, drawing my attention. “Wait… If they all live next to one another, how did we end up as neighbors?”
Shrugging, I add, “I looked for a place closer to them, but when the house next to yours came on the market, it was the perfect fit. It’s still relatively close to everyone, and it was in decent shape but needed enough upgrades that it gave me a project to work on now that I’m retired .
” That word still tastes weird on my tongue.
Sure, I still work for Riggs on occasion, but I’m retired as far as the world is concerned.
Faye’s eyes narrow, and her head cocks to the side, “Retired…” Drags from her lips. “Have you actually retired, though?”
Shit. She always did see the bigger picture in things. And she’s worked with the DOD. Surely, she has some idea about retired military and private security firms. “I’m no longer on Uncle Sam’s payroll. I’ve already told you that,” I pointedly remind her.
Her perfectly sculpted brow remains high. “If that’s the story you’re stickin’ to, I’ll let you have it, but if I was a betting woman…”
The waiter chooses this moment to appear with our food. After setting our plates down, he asks, “Can you think of anything else you need?”
Faye glances at me, then shakes her head.
“We’re good, thanks,” I assure him.
My stomach chooses this opportunity to remind me how ravenous I am, and Faye’s face lights up in amusement.
Picking up her fork, she points it at me with a conspiratorial grin.
“Eat, Lancaster. We’ve got plenty of time to catch up when you’re full.
Besides, I’ve been much too on edge these past few days to eat…
. And I want to be firing on all cylinders if I’m going to decipher the double talk you’re giving me. ”
Damn, she’s good.
I fight like hell to keep the smile tugging at my lips at bay.
With a curt nod, “Roger that,” slips out before I can think better of it.