Page 27 of Loving Decker

Decker hurried to her side, grabbing the box she carried. “You alright there?”

She nodded, a small smile illuminating her face. “I’m real good, Deck.”

Mrs. Walton looked from one to the other and then frowned at something over Decker’s shoulder.

“Now, Mrs. Walton, there’s no need to be unhappy with me.” Randall’s semi-smug tone bristled Decker’s skin.

“What are you doing here with these nice folks?”

Faith gasped. But Decker laughed.

Mrs. Walton winked at him and then shook her head. “I don’t even know how you can show your face around here, knowing how much Mr. Walton would have been unhappy with you taking that job.”

“Now, now, Mrs. Walton. We don’t know if he’d be unhappy. What if he would have wised up himself and seen that change was needed?”

She sighed then waved him closer. “I know, son. I’m mostly just teasing you. You know you’re always welcome here. I used to substitute teach you in the fifth grade. Back then you were the shortest kid in the whole school and sometimes you’d come crying to me.” She clucked. “I could never turn you out, you know that.”

“Thank you, ma’am. I appreciate that.”

She waved them all inside. “Come in, come in. I’ve got tea on. I have something y’all might find interesting.”

They followed her in. Faith had expected this lengthened visit, which is why they’d come to her last. She and Decker had a lot of respect for Mrs. Walton. She’d been around as long as his dad, as long as any of the Haws, as long as any of the town members. And she knew more than most about Willow Creek. She lived alone, and visits were a cheerful part of her day. At least that’s what she said whenever anyone came.

The house smelled of peppermint and cinnamon. “I’ve got a new tea to try.”

“Smells delicious.” Faith followed her into the kitchen, waving Decker and Randall back to the couches.

“I’m really liking this new tea. Now, let’s get that tray down, and we need to serve that cake over there, see it?”

Faith smiled. “Yes, ma’am.” She gathered everything as directed, busying herself happily in the woman’s kitchen until she felt Mrs. Walton’s hand on her arm.

“Are you going to sell?” Mrs. Walton’s direct question took Faith completely by surprise.

“Well, now, that’s the question we’re all trying to answer.” She paused, maybe she should just be direct with the dear woman. “I think so.” She sighed. “I don’t have much of a choice.”

“I know, you sweet thing. How’s your grandpa?”

“Last time I held his hand, he squeezed, at least I thought he did. The nurse at the hospital said sometimes they twitch.” Her voice caught, and before she knew it, her lips were trembling. “Oh, I am sorry.” Suddenly the tenderness and hope of that moment, dashed by the nurse, struck her.

“Oh that’s hard, real hard. One thing I know, if that man is aware at all while you’re visiting him, he’s trying to let you know how much he cares. That’s for certain.”

Faith’s tears welled up again. And she felt the truth of Mrs. Walton’s words. Of course he was. She waved a hand in front of her face. “And now I must regain control.”

“Cry it out. You’re with friends.”

“It’s true. I am.” She lifted the tray. “Are you gonna sell?”

“I’m sure I will. Who wants to live next door to a movie theater?”

She shook her head. “Not me.”

“But I’m going to hold out as long as possible just to worry that Randall.”

Faith laughed. “I support that.”

“Now you go on. I’ve got to grab something.”

Faith moved out toward the family room where Decker and Randall had situated themselves.

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