Page 16 of For the Birds

Chapter5

A half hour later,Mike told me that he was going to take Violet and the kids home. “We’ll help load the kids’ things in your car,” Neely Katesaid.

“Thanks,” Mike said. As she walked away, he said, “And thanks for putting this welcome home party together for Violet. I know we were all worried it might be too much, but it really meant a lot toher.”

I pulled him into a hug. “She’s loved. I wanted her to know how much people care about her. But I’d really like to spend some time alone with her. I was hopin’ I could come by and maybe bring y’all some dinner.”

“That’s sweet,” he said. “But the church has that covered. How about you call tomorrow and see if she’s up toit?”

My heart hurt from his words. Had she told him to keep me away? I will not cry. “Oh. I hadn’t heard anything about the dinners. I’m surprised Jonah didn’t mentionit.”

“Not the New Living Hope Revival Church. The Baptist church. The one we went to before we were separated.”

“Oh.” But if they were making another go of being together, I guessed it made sense.

He leaned closer. “Can I ask your help with somethingelse?”

“Of course. Anything I can do to help make her transition home easier.”

“Since Violet’s moving in with me, she wants to sell your mother’s house, but she’s still too weak to take care of it. Can you make the arrangements?”

I blinked. “What?” Then I shook my head as his words sank in. “Momma left it to Violet, notme.”

A hard look filled his eyes. “Are you sayin’ you won’thelp?”

“No, that’s not it at all. But I think this is something Violet and I need to discuss.” What had gotten into him? I’d known Mike since I was a teenager, and he’d never been unkind to me, let alone belligerent. “Have I done something to offend you, Mike?”

He gave me a long look. “It’s been a draining day for Violet. I need to get her home. I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t mention this to her. She’s tired enough as itis.”

Then he turned around and announced to everyone that he was taking his familyhome.

After Violet and Mike left with the kids, Neely Kate and I helped Maeve and Anna clean up. I couldn’t stop stewing about what Mike had said. I was probably making too much out of it, but I planned to talk to Violet about the house the first chance I got. I sent her atext.

Let me know when you’re settled in. I love and missyou.

While we were packing up the leftover cupcakes, Neely Kate got a phone call. After taking a quick look at the screen, she said, “I’ll be right back.” Then she headed out the front door before answering.

This had happened several times since her trip last week. I had a feeling she was talking to Jed, that he was one of her secrets. It fit with the way she’d looked after her longer-than-usual absence this morning, plus the easy way she’d blown off the carnival. I kept waiting for her to tell me of her own volition, but it was starting to look like that wasn’t going to happen. Was it because she didn’t think I’d understand? Jed was amazing, and I couldn’t have picked a better man for her. So why didn’t she want to tellme?

She came back several minutes later, looking happier than she had all day, and I couldn’t help feeling hurt. I wanted to share this withher.

After we got into my truck, I turned to Neely Kate, about to ask her about Jed. She beat me to it. “I have something to tellyou.”

I grabbed her hand. “Neely Kate, I want you to know I’m totally supportive.”

Surprise filled her eyes, and then her face broke out into a beaming smile. “Really? Did you overhear my phone call?” She waved a hand in dismissal. “I don’t care if you were eavesdropping. I just can’t believe you’re okay withthis.”

“Why wouldn’t I be? I wish you’d trustme.”

“It’s just that you’ve been so resistant to starting something in thepast.”

Had I? Carter Hale, her divorce attorney, had made it clear that he was interested in her, and I’d hinted I didn’t approve. Had I not made it clear enough that I just didn’t approve of him? He wasn’t a bad man, but he would have used her and spit her out. Jed, though . . . I’d literally trusted that man with my life, and I’d seen firsthand how much he cared about Neely Kate. He’d sooner cut off his own hand than hurt her. “I’m sorry if I’ve given you that impression,” I said. “But if this makes you happy, how can I not supportit?”

She shook her head in amazement. “I seriously can’t believe this. Since we don’t have any plans this afternoon, why don’t we head over therenow?”

“To the poolhall?”

“The pool hall? Why would we go to the pool hall? We’re headin’ to his office.”

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