Page 51 of More Than a Helping Hand

I tap out a text to Primrose.

Me:Just pulled up.

Honey:Bailey is so excited. And she has something to show you.

I follow Bluebonnet and Parker into the house, and Mrs. Fields runs up to greet me. She’s about the same height as Primrose, and I lean down to let her hug me.

“We are so happy you could join us. Bailey talks about you all the time.”

“Thank you for the invitation. I’m happy to be here.” I remember to take my hat off, then glance around for a place to put it.

“You can use the hooks over there. I had Drew hang that when Parker started wearing ball caps and cowboy hats. That was years ago.” Mrs. Fields heads toward the kitchen, then whirls around again. “And don’t forget to call me Sarah. Mrs. Fields makes me feel old.”

Bailey runs up the hall, a Rubik’s cube in her hands. “You’re here!” She throws her arms around my neck, and the accidental smack in the back with the cube doesn’t hurt too much. “I want to show you something. Hi, Aunt Bluebonnet. Hi, Uncle Parker.” As she takes off again, she motions for me to follow.

So I do. Primrose waves but stays on the opposite side of the room.

Bailey holds up the cube. “Watch.” With determination etched on her face, she does a series of twists and turns. And after a couple of minutes, each side of the cube is a solid color.

“You did it!” I give her a high-five. Well for her it’s high. For me, it’s mid-height. “I’m so proud of you. That took a lot of practice.”

Delight shines on her pretty little face. “I’m going to go show my grandpa.”

The front door swings open, and more of Primrose’s family arrives. I rack my brain, trying to remember her brother-in-law’s name. The sister is Paisley. The unique names they chose for their children make them easy to remember.

A second later, he’s walking up, his hand extended. “Forgive me for not remembering your name. I’m Chris.”

“Anderson. It’s good to see you again.”

Paisley comes over and opens her arms. “I’m so glad you could make it.”

Mrs. Fields—Sarah—passed her huggy gene down to this one for sure. Primrose isn’t like that.

After we’ve finished the hugging, I follow Primrose into the kitchen, where her mom is busy at work. “Can I help with anything?”

Mrs. Fields starts shaking her head, but Primrose hands me a stack of plates. “You can help me set the table.”

I could kiss this woman. And I plan to do that later. Many times. But right now, a task is exactly what I need.

While I lay plates on the table, Primrose stays beside me, adding silverware to each spot.

“Was your house like this?” After putting silverware by the last plate, she picks up glasses from the buffet. “Crazy chaos.” She smiles.

“There weren’t as many of us, but there are similarities. But our table was round, not rectangular.” I wink. “One thing is the same for sure. My home was full of love like this one is.”

“I credit Mom and Dad for that. They’ve always shown unconditional love, and this house has always been a safe place.”

“But you don’t feel safe.”

She shoots me a look. “That’s a conversation for another time.”

“Like later or in another lifetime?”

After a sweeping glance, she whispers, “Tonight.”

Mr. Fields pokes his head in the back door. “Hey, Anderson, mind bringing the platter out here for me?”

Primrose gives her dad a look, then points to the kitchen. “It’s on the counter.”

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