Chapter Thirty-Four
A week later, the memorial people called. The headstone for Joey’s grave was ready. They piled into the diesel dually and went to pick up the marker.
The stone carver showed them the finished piece. Rod inspected the plain marble marker, rounded on the top. He fingered the deeply carved lettering. “It’s perfect.”
Wyl put his arm around Rod’s shoulders. “It’s a great tribute to our great-great uncle.”
“The grave is on our ranch. Can you deliver and install it there?” Wyl handed the carver his credit card.
“Sure. I have a lift on my truck that makes it easier to work on. We’ll dig down about three feet to give it a solid seat. I’ll bring my guys to do that for you.”
“That would be great,” Rod said. “I didn’t realize it would be so heavy.”
* * *
Later that afternoon, they stood by Joseph’s grave. The stone was set, and Joseph’s final resting place was marked correctly.
Wyl wrapped his arms around Rod from behind as they looked in silent reverence at the grave. He whispered in Rod’s ear. “We’re a family tradition, you know.”
“God bless the family.” Rod nodded as he folded his arms tightly over Wyl’s.