Page 38 of Unexpected Gifts

“Come on, I’ll show you how much.” Abby gestured for him to follow her down the hall to the laundry room, where she’d put a plastic container of his kibble the day before. “You just use the scooper in here.” She held it aloft to show Jack. “And give him one scoop. Be sure to push the top down on the container, though, or he’ll help himself to all of it, which will make him sick.”

“I promise.” Jack got up on the footstool that Ramona had kept under the utility sink and dutifully used the scoop to measure the right amount.

Rufus, wagging his tail as if he hadn’t eaten in days, lunged for his bowl and began gobbling it all up.

“He was hungry,” Jack said, sounding satisfied.

“After he’s done, I want you to put your jacket on and take him out for a potty break.”

Jack beamed with obvious pride at being asked. “Sure.”

“Let him run around a bit—he likes to choose the exact right spot.” She tugged a plastic bag for Rufus’s offerings and handed it to Jack. “Do you know how to scoop poop?”

Jack shook his head.

“Okay, what you do is you turn the bag inside out and then put your hand inside, so you’re protected from any mess.” She demonstrated, then showed him how to tie the bag so nothing escaped. “See how I did that?”

He nodded, but she had him practice just in case. When she was satisfied he would not come back with anything nasty on his hand or any other body part, she sent him off to the mudroom.

Sophie was still in the kitchen, her nose back in her book.

“There’s something else I wanted to talk to you about.” She told Sophie about the house repairs and to expect to see the Hayes brothers and Walter visiting often. “They’re going to do some remodeling for us and make sure this old place is in tip-top shape for the upcoming winter.”

“Will they be in my room?” Sophie asked.

“I’m not sure. Why do you ask?”

“Because my mom decorated it for me, and I don’t want it changed.” Sophie ducked her chin, avoiding Abby’s gaze.

“Then I’ll tell them to leave it be.” Abby’s chest ached, thinking of Ramona lovingly putting together her daughter’s room.

“Are you sure?” Sophie looked up at her from under her lashes.

“I’m sure. If you like it as is, then that’s how it’ll be.”

Sophie breathed out, her slender shoulders rising and falling in obvious relief.

Abby went on to say, “They’re going to help repair our roof and some rotting boards. That kind of thing. But there will be a few changes. They’re going to give us a new kitchen, but not until after Christmas.”

“What’s wrong with the way it is now?” Sophie asked.

“It needs some updates. New countertops and cabinets. Kind of like what they did to Grace’s kitchen. Do you remember what it looked like before compared to now?” Abby set aside her empty mug and reached for the box of cereal to pour herself a bowl.

“Yeah, I remember. It’s way better now,” Sophie said. “That’s what they’re going to do in here?”

“Correct,” Abby said. “We’ll get to pick out cabinets and countertops. If you want, you can help me.”

“Okay, sure. I’d like that.”

Sophie didn’t ask any further questions, but Abby could see her working things out in her mind, perhaps reconciling all the changes. Ones she and Jack hadn’t asked for and didn’t want.

“Does it feel like everything’s changing?” Abby asked softly.

“Everythingischanging.” Sophie got up from the island to rinse her bowl and put it in the dishwasher.

Abby followed her to the sink and took Sophie’s hands in hers. “Not everything. But I do understand. A lot’s different for me, too.”

“Yeah, I know. You gave up your dream job.”

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