Page 137 of Healed
“No, I’m going by Brandt’s on my way out of town, though.”
“That takes care of home, but what about there? You should call before you get on the road,” Daniel said. “I know it’ll be no problem, but it’s just a matter of respect.”
“Yes, sir. I might. I don’t want to be turned away before I get there, though.”
“There is that chance. But you can always head that way anyway,” Daniel said.
“Remi?” Angelle said from the doorway.
“Hey, come tell me goodbye,” Remi said.
Angelle ran over to him and threw herself in his arms. “I’m going to miss you. I’ve always had you to depend on.”
“I’m going to miss you, too. And you can still depend on me. I’ll come back and shake some things up if you want me to,” Remi said. “And you can call me anytime you want. I’ll always answer your calls.”
Angelle laughed. “Okay.”
“Besides, you have somebody else to depend on now. I kind of think he’s more than capable of handling the job.”
“Who?” she asked.
“Boon! He’s been here twice since Elijah was born! I don’t think he’s that excited about the baby. It’s you.”
“Don’t rush her,” Daniel said.
Remi laughed. “Angelle knows better than you or me what she wants. She’s a lot stronger than anybody gives her credit for.”
“I’m sure you’re right,” Avaleigh said. “But I can only lose one of you a month.”
“You hear me, Angelle? Don’t forget how strong you are. Don’t let fear stop you from reaching for what makes you happy,” Remi said. “Momma taught me that a long, long time ago. And I know she told you the same thing. Don’t forget it.”
“I won’t,” Angelle said.
“When’s your boyfriend coming back to see you?” Remi asked.
“I don’t know,” Angelle said. “And he’s just a friend.”
“Don’t you believe that for a second,” Remi said. “I’ve seen the way he looks at you.”
Angelle blushed, but didn’t answer. Instead she hugged Remi again. “I’ll miss you.”
“I’ll miss you, too. Take care of Mom and Dad for me.”
“I will,” Angelle said.
Remi hugged Avaleigh and Daniel. “I love you. I’ll keep in touch.”
“See that you do. I love you more than anything,” Avaleigh said.
“Me, too,” Daniel said, hugging him tightly. “I love you, son. We’ll see you soon.”
“Let me know when you get there,” Avaleigh said, as Remi got in his car.
“I will. I’ll call. Love you guys!”
Remi put his car in gear and backed away from the house, then turned his car toward the gravel drive. He followed it to the highway, crossed over and drove straight to Brandt’s house. He noticed Daisy’s jeep outside and smiled to himself. Ever since Elijah had been born, she’d been spending a lot of time at Brandt’s with the new baby.
He knocked on the door, and waited. He’d not told anybody he was stopping by.
