Chapter 7
CHAPTER SEVEN
Finn
“I shouldn’t be gone more than a couple hours.” My mother hugs my father for the tenth time in less than five minutes. “It’s lunch,” she adds, almost frantic as she worries her hands before her. “Maybe a stop in at the craft store.”
I knew different and so did my dad, but we let her ramble on.
“Are you sure I don’t need to get you anything?”
“Mama.” My father finally grabs hold of her shoulders and locks her stare.
“I’m a grown ass man that can make his own snack if I need one.
I’ve got plans with Finn, and you need to stop fussing.
Go have fun with the ladies, enjoy lunch, and crafting, hell dinner and a midnight show.
” She tilts her head and arches her brow.
“I mean it, get on outta here.” He kisses her and I don’t look away.
Shit like that used to gross me out but seeing how much the two of them still love one another after all these years warms my heart.
I never want to forget the connection they share.
After a few more hugs, and practically walking my mother to the door, she goes out to meet Anita and Marnie who are waiting in the driveway. My father and I watch as she climbs up in the backseat and they back out of the driveway.
“They have the entire afternoon and into the evening planned right?”
“They do,” I assure him and his smile widens. “Fishing on Hudson Lake for us?”
“The truck is loaded and the cooler is packed.” I’d been looking forward to it all week. “Buck and the guys are all meeting us there,” I add. “He’s bringing the grill, insists on it. So we got our own day planned.”
This is one of his good days, not only is he up moving around well, but his spirit seems to be lifted. I know it’s more because of my mother than him. He lives for her smile and getting her out of the house to do something for herself for a change is the best medicine.
After checking over everything to confirm we’ve not forgotten things we need, we load up and head east toward Hudson Lake.
All the guys are already there waiting with everything set up. The clearing looks like a campground with a tent up, and tables and chairs inside for eating. Wood is piled for a fire and all the trucks are backed up, tailgates down and fishing gear ready.
I find myself getting choked up and I pull into the empty spot next to Buck’s.
A man that I refer to as my second father.
Bennett and Brantley’s parents have always been there for me, even when I didn’t ask, they came running.
For my parents too, they were the first people to show up after my father’s diagnosis and the first to offer rides to treatments and appointments.
Not only them but everyone who turns when they hear the sound of my father’s truck.
Each one waves and welcomes us, rushing over to help with the unloading.
They may be my blood, but damnit they are each my family.
I need to be better about accepting their help and stop thinking I can handle it all on my own.
It’s what family does.