Page 40 of Love, Lies and Sleigh Rides
“That’s Jed Clevelle, the one that wants to buy the property,” Tim said quietly out the side of his mouth after he’d turned around again.
The man backed up his truck and pulled forward again, this time onto the shoulder. Seconds later, he got out of his truck and came over.
“I’ve been meaning to check in with you guys. Haven’t seen you in a while,” Jed said as he got closer. He was a younger guy than Pops, but slightly older than Kade. A brush cut sprinkled with silver partially hid underneath a buffalo checked hat with ear flaps. He stepped up to Kade, extending a hand gloved in tanned leather.
“I don’t believe we’ve met. Jed Clevelle.” He raised his chin, waiting for a name.
“Kade Behar. Nice to meet you.”
Jed looked over at Tim, who wore a smile pasted on his mouth like a plastic doll.
“You didn’t tell me you had another brother,” Jed said to Tim. “Or am I mistaking you for another relative? Sorry, but the resemblance is a bit uncanny.”
“Brothers,” said Tim.
“You live here too?” Jed asked.
Kade thrust his hands into his pockets. “Yes, for the time being. Just retired from active duty.”
“Army?”
“Marines.”
Jed took a step back and saluted with a wry grin. “I won’t hold that against you. Thank you for your service, son.”
Kade blinked.Who does this guy think he is?And he’s calling me “son” when he’s closer in age to be a brother.
Jed lobbed more questions at him about his rank, job, and where he’d been stationed. To his credit, Jed seemed to sense when Kade grew tired of being grilled and stopped with the questions. Jed backed toward his truck after a few minutes.
“Tell your father I said hello. Don’t be strangers,” he said.
They waited until the truck engine came to life again and Jed sped down the hill toward town. Red taillights blinked intermittently through the trees until they finally disappeared altogether.
“I can see why he rubbed Pops the wrong way. He got up in my business way too fast.”
Tim huffed, a cloud of condensation hanging in front of his face before dissipating. “Yeah, he’s a pushy guy. His wife isn’t so bad though. Makes some mean cinnamon rolls.”
“I’m sure that got Mom’s —
“Kade! Tim! Your father!”
Kade wheeled around, searching for his mother. In front of him, Tim dropped the drill, his eyes round with thinly veiled panic.
Elaine stood on the porch, waving her arms frantically. At her feet, Pops sat on the top step of the porch, leaning against a post.
He and Tim took off running at the same time, charging up the drive until they got to the house. The closer they got to Pops, the more obvious it became he was in distress. His coloring had changed. His normally ruddy complexion was noticeably pale. But even as he and Tim got closer, Pops was already shaking his head in denial. He put his hand up to ward off their worry.
“I’m just a little winded is all. There’s nothing wrong.” But even his words sounded strained.
“That’s it, Pops.” He took him by one arm, Tim the other. “We’re going to the ER.”
“It’s not necessary. Really.”
“Should we call an ambulance?” asked Elaine.
“If you do, I won’t get in it,” Pops said as he grew more agitated. That was the last thing he needed.
“No ambulance then, Pops. We’ll take the truck.”
