Page 36 of More Than Anything

Just talking about it seemed to make Rodney weary, and Avery was sad for his role in that.“That’s what I’d been told. What I knew of Sirus gave me a high opinion of him, but I have to say, that’s been tarnished in recent weeks.”

“Oh, he was nice to everybody, as long as they weren’t related to him.”

Avery nodded. “As I was told.” He stood and extended a hand to Rodney, who stood with him and shook it. “I just wanted you to know what was going on from my perspective. Thank you for taking the time to talk to me.”

“You’re welcome, and thank you for coming to talk to me. Let me take you home and I’ll go down and see about Lydia.”

“Sure thing.” In minutes they were in Lydia’s car and headed back to the farm. They chatted as Rodney drove along.

“You know, I’m from Tennessee. This is very different from where I grew up,” Avery offered.

“Yeah, Texas has its own culture, have to say.” Avery nodded in agreement. “You got folks up there?”

“My mom and my brother. My dad died a few years back, and I had a little brother who drowned when he was six.” Avery hated talking about it. “Is Lydia your only child?”

“No, no. Our son Josh is two years younger. We tried for years and nothing happened, and then all of a sudden, we had two babies in two years. We sure were happy. But we tried real hard to keep them from being spoiled, you know? Didn’t want that.”

“You can’t spoil a child with love,” Avery pointed out.

Rodney smiled. “You’re so right about that.”

When they pulled up in front of the house, Rodney let out a long, low whistle. “Wow. You’ve done wonders with this place!”

Avery smiled. “Come inside for a second and look around. You’ll be surprised.”

Unlocking the door and motioning for Rodney to enter, Avery smiled as the older man said, “Holy cow! This place looks great!”

“Thanks. I wasn’t expecting company so I didn’t make the bed, but come up here and see what I’ve done.” He showed Rodney the new bathroom and closet, as well as the other bathroom, remodeled and gleaming. “In addition to what was already done, I’ve had another six hundred acres of pasture fenced. Look out here,” Avery said, opening the balcony doors.

There, in the distance, were a good number of the cows, grazing in the lazy Texas sunlight, and his heart swelled with pride. Rodney stepped up and gazed out over the property. “Oh, lord, that’s pretty out there. Look at those cows! Very nice.”

“Thanks. I feel very at home here,” Avery told him as he led the way back downstairs. When they stopped at the front door, he gave Rodney his warmest smile. “I don’t want any harm to come to Lydia. Not at all. But I’m not giving up this farm, and I shouldn’t be harassed constantly because I bought it fair and square.”

“I understand. I’ll try to talk to her, but she’s usually pretty hard-headed once she makes up her mind.”

Avery nodded. “I can see that! Thanks for bringing me home.”

“Thank you for everything, Avery. I hope this all works out for you.”

“Thank you. Hope to run into you soon,” Avery said as he closed the front door behind Rodney and watched Lydia’s father return to the white BMW.

He’d been home about an hour when the phone rang, a local number he didn’t recognize. He answered with a hesitant “Hello?”

“Mr.Holcomb?”

“Yes?”

“This is JudgeBennett.”

“Yes, sir! What can I do for you?”

“Got a minute?”

“For you? Of course. Please.”

The judge cleared his throat before he spoke. “So I’ve got LydiaKinsey down here.”

Avery tried hard not to snicker. “Yes. I bet you do. And, boy, do I feel sorry for you.”

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