Chapter Thirty Two
Reid
After a long week of research, Caroline was able to help me out with locating some hospital resources to find care for my dad.
We all collectively landed on a townhome in a nearby community that allowed my parents to have their independence with less maintenance.
I was able to get pre-approved for a mortgage on the house, despite my student loans and was working on the contract details to purchase my childhood home.
Caroline’s hospitality brain had the bright idea to turn it into a bed and breakfast. Since there aren’t many options for visitors to stay in the town and they are trying to grow the tourist business around here.
That may be a ways down the road, but I like the idea of keeping the home in the family, and still being able to make some money back on the space that I can’t fill by myself yet.
We had fallen into a comfortable rhythm of helping each other out, lately.
I attended a couple more of her doctor’s appointments to say hello to the staff and give her a hand, as her doctor’s visits became more frequent as her belly grows.
Her parents seemed to be coming around to accepting the idea of their daughter having a baby on her own, though they’re certainly not advertising the situation.
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“Alright, I think this is the last of it,” I say, setting another box down on the table.
“Thanks son, take a break and sit down. You’ve worked hard today,” my dad says in his hearty, deep Midwestern accent.
“Don’t mind if I do,” I respond, making my way to the fridge and cracking open a crisp can of Diet Coke as I head back to kick my feet up on the couch.
“Pretty nice place ya got here.” My parent’s condo had come pretty much fully furnished, so all we had to do was pack up their personal belongings. They had a unit ready to go by the time he got discharged, so I picked up the keys to meet them here this weekend.
The physical therapists and home healthcare providers will be able to come to him a few times a week and majority of it is being covered by his insurance.
I’m grateful that a good deal of pressure has been lifted off of my mom and we all feel relieved that he’s in good hands.
She’s already making herself at home and making this place their own with her knick-knacks and decorating skills.
Just as I get comfy with the remote, I hear a knock on the door. I pause and look at my dad with a look that says, ‘Are you expecting someone?’ But I am met with a puzzling look in return that I think means, ‘Not me, do you know who it could be?’
Before either of us make a move, my mom comes prancing out of the bedroom past us to answer the door.
She is quite chipper as she opens it and says “Oh come in, sweetie!” and I still don’t know who it could be.
But as soon as I see the golden blonde locks enter through the doorway, I am greeted by a familiar bright smile.
Her pink glossy lips reveal beautiful white straight teeth and sparkling eyes that ooze joy and happiness.
“Hey guys! Thought you could use a treat as you get settled in.” I glance down to see she’s holding a white plate above her round belly. Setting it down on the counter and pulling back the plastic wrap, I am consumed by the smell of sweet homemade cookies.
“I attempted to replicate my grandmother’s chocolate chip cookie recipe. I could just be really pregnant and hungry, but I think they turned out pretty well,” Caroline explains.
“They look delicious, thank you,” I say, standing up to greet her. “How did you know we were here, though?”
“Oh, your mom invited me.” They slyly grin at each other.
“And since when are you two in cahoots?” My dad chimes in, snapping his hand out awaiting a cookie to be placed in his open palm.
“Since forever,” my mom snaps back, like we are asking dumb questions. I’m just going to happily accept this friendship and move on. I think they could both use this mother-daughter type relationship right now.
“Alright well I could use a real meal, do you want to go grab some Waffle House?” I ask, hoping I can get her out of here. Not to mention, I really am starving after helping my parents move.
“Ooh fancy. Don’t have to ask me twice.” Caroline responds with a wink. “I hope you all enjoy the cookies and get settled in. Let me know if you need anything!” She gives a friendly wave to my parents.
“You too dear, take care!” Mom yells back and we sneak out the front door.