Page 74 of Renewal After Dark

“Oh, I know. I grew up in North Kingstown.”

“Ah, okay. We probably played each other in sports.”

“Maybe. I did basketball and lacrosse. How about you?”

“Soccer.”

“I bet you were good at that,” Duke said.

“I did okay.” When Jax started to get fussy, she put some new toys on the table for him.

Duke stood to greet an older couple with a handshake for the man and a hug for the woman. “Big Mac and Linda McCarthy, meet McKenzie Martin, Rosemary’s granddaughter, and her son, Jax.”

McKenzie, who’d also stood, was surprised when Linda hugged her.

“It’s so lovely to meet you. MK, right?”

“That’s me.”

“Rosemary talked about you all the time. You were the light of her life.”

“Thank you for telling me that.”

“Of course. She’d be delighted to know you’re here.”

“I hope so. She’d be upset about the cabin, though.”

“That can be fixed. I understand you’ve spoken to our Mac about that.”

“I have, and he’s wonderful.”

“He’d better be.”

“He’ll fix you right up,” Big Mac added.

“Everyone has been so nice and helpful here, especially Duke. He’s given us a place to stay while the cabin is repaired.”

“Duke’s one of the good guys,” Big Mac said with a warm smile for Duke. “We love him around here.”

“Aw shucks,” Duke said, seeming embarrassed.

“I only speak the truth.”

“Heard they took Abby to the mainland today,” Duke said. “Any word on how she’s doing?”

“She and the babies are stable and in the best place they could be right now.”

“I’m so glad to hear that.”

“We’ve got their Liam for the time being,” Linda said. “He’s with our daughters-in-law Grace and Stephanie. We should probably rescue them. It was such a pleasure to meet you, McKenzie and Jax.”

“You, too. My grandmother spoke so highly of you and your family. Now I see why.”

“We live in that white house at the top of the hill.” Linda pointed to it. “If you ever need anything, our door is always open.”

“Thank you so much.”

They returned to their seats at the table.

---