Page 114 of Second Chance at Sunshine Inn

You’re better off without her here.

But for some irritating reason, a twinge of disappointment mocked him.

He read the clock. Mom and Dad would be here soon, and he still had to make the gravy, green bean casserole, and mashed potatoes.

Cade buried his confusion in cooking and then set the dining room table with Alana’s china. He tried to forget the last time he’d eaten there—with Everleigh.

Stop thinking about her!

He did his best to concentrate on the meal. By the time his father’s sedan parked in the driveway, he had the turkey and all the fixings ready.

“The inn smells heavenly,” Mom said as Cade took her coat.

Cade hung his parents’ coats in the closet by the front door. “I hope you brought your appetites with you.”

“We did.” Dad balanced two pies in his hands. “And plenty of dessert.”

“Everything’s ready.” Cade led them into the kitchen and then pointed to the dining room. He set the pies on the counter while his parents took their seats. Then he stood in the doorway and waited for his mother to react to the two extra place settings. It was time to put his plan into motion.

“Are you expecting someone else?” Dad asked.

Mom seemed hopeful. “Is Everleigh joining us?”

“Nope.” Cade sat down across from them and beside the two extra seats. He steepled his hands and took in their confused expressions.

Mom’s eyes bounced between Cade and Dad. “What am I missing?”

Dad held his hands up. “Don’t look at me. I have no idea.”

“You insisted I not invite Declan and Stephanie for Thanksgiving, but I set two places for them. This way, we can be reminded of who’s missing from our family today,” Cade explained.

Shock flittered over his mother’s face as it contorted with a frown. Dad brushed his hands over his mouth before shooting Cade a pointed look. The room was mortuary quiet, and Cade waited for his mother to speak.

“Cade,” she finally said. “This isn’t going to change my mind.”

He sat forward in his chair. “Then what will, Mom? I understand that you need time, but I’ve already lost an entire lifetime with my brother. I want to get to know him and his family, and I want to do it now.” He pointed to the table.

“Why does this mean so much to you, Cade?” Mom asked.

He took a deep breath. “I appreciate everything you did for me when I was a kid and everything you gave me. I had a happy childhoodfull of love and opportunities.” He paused. “But it was lonely growing up an only child. I was always envious of my friends who had siblings to play with, to argue with, to learn from. I had no one to play with when we went on vacation. I had no one to share secrets with or get advice from. I always felt I’d missed out on something important.”

Mom sniffed and wiped her eyes with a napkin, and his heart wrenched.

“I’m not saying this to hurt you, Mom,” he explained. “But I want Declan, Stephanie, and their child in my life, and I don’t want to do it behind your back. I want you and Dad to be a part of this. You kept this secret from me for thirty-three years, but now that I know the truth, I’m not going to act like my brother doesn’t exist. Hedoesexist. He’smyflesh and blood. And he did nothing to deserve to be treated this way.”

Mom pushed her chair back and stood. “I’m not going to sit here and listen to this.” She started for the door. “I’m going home.”

Cade took off after her. “Mom!” he called. “You can’t keep running from the truth.”

The front door opened and then slammed shut.

Cade whirled around toward his father. “Why is she making this so difficult?”

Dad shook his head and started after her.

Cade followed him. “Dad. Don’t tell me you agree with her.”

His father retrieved their coats from the closet. “When you’re married, you have to be a team, a united front no matter what.” He opened the front door. “I’ll call you later,” he said before fleeing out the door.

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