Page 19 of When Cardinals Appear

The warm scent of jasmine filled my nostrils as we embraced. Rose had been a godsend during those last few months of caring for Mom. A nurse herself, Rose had managed to coordinate home care to give me periods of respite, and at my request, she translated the medical jargon the oncologist used.

As we stepped back from each other, Rose grasped my hands and gave a sympathetic smile. Her thick black hair fell in sheets on either side of her face, and her dark-brown eyes were hooded with long lashes.

“Rose, it’s so good to see you. How have you been?”

“Busy!” Rose shrugged out of her coat before handing it to Steven. “I’ve been doing a lot of the wedding planning on my own while this one”—she nudged Steven with her elbow—“has been dealing with everything here.”

“Well, the house will be on the market soon, and then I’ll be all yours,” Steven exclaimed, throwing his arm around his fiancée. “Though I thought my only job was to show up and say ‘I do.’”

Rose rolled her eyes. “Men.”

The doorbell rang, and Steven released Rose and went to answer it. I led the way to the kitchen and began setting the table with plates.

“How’s it been, being home?” Rose asked as she got out glasses.

“It’s been… difficult.” I turned and leaned against the counter. “Did Steven tell you we had lunch with my ex today?”

“He did,” Rose replied, her tone hesitant. “But he also said he thought it went well.”

Before I could respond, Steven came into the kitchen, carrying multiple boxes. He set them on the table and opened every box. There were two pizzas, breadsticks, and chicken wings.

“Why did you order so much?” I asked. “It’s just the three of us.”

“There might be one more,” Steven said cryptically.

“You didn’t!” I cried out. Had he invited Nate for dinner too? I didn’t think I could handle another awkward meal with him.

The front door opened, followed by heavy footsteps coming down the hall. Something about the sound was familiar, but I couldn’t quite place it. I didn’t have to wait long, however, before Max McAllister himself entered the room.

My father had always been a forbidding presence, earning the nickname The Intimidator from a few of his work buddies who were also avid NASCAR fans. He stood six foot four with broad shoulders and strong arms. Beyond his imposing physique, his bushy black eyebrows seemed to be permanently fixed into a grimace, so even when he smiled, he never quite gave off a happy disposition.

“Hey, Dad.” Steven clapped our father on the back. “Glad you could make it.”

Dad grunted in response as his brown eyes met mine. His expression darkened, but he allowed Steven to usher him to the table. Neither of us spoke to the other, but the tension between us was palpable.

How long till he brings up California? I snuck another glance at Dad’s face. Based on his expression, I would bet about five minutes.

“Lanie, why don’t you sit here?” Rose directed me to a seat away from Dad. I shot her a look of gratitude. While there was no avoiding him, I would take all the distance I could get.

Everyone took their seats and filled their plates. The room was silent save the rustling of boxes being moved or a chair scraping against the floor. My heart pounded painfully against my rib cage as the scent of pizza turned my stomach. I couldn’t believe Steven had invited Dad to dinner without telling me. As if I hadn’t had enough uncomfortable encounters for one day.

“So, what’s the plan?” Rose asked.

“I’ve been calling around to movers, but so far, they’re all either too expensive or not available,” I began. “But Steven found an appraiser who can be here next week.”

“You’re going to pay for movers?” Dad frowned. “I’m sure the good people of Cedar Haven would be willing to pitch in.”

“I already asked Nate if he and some of his guys could help.” Steven shot a pointed look at me. “But someone didn’t want to go that route.”

Rose elbowed Steven, but Dad’s frown only deepened, if that was possible. I bit back a sigh as I picked at my food.

“I don’t know that Nate would have been my first choice either,” Dad said.

My head shot up. As far as I was aware, only Mom had issues with Nate. Dad had never been anything but kind to my ex.

“Regardless of who we use, we need to get someone in soon,” Steven said. “If we’re going to have an estate sale, we should do that within the next month so we can get the house cleared out and on the market.”

“What happens if some of Mom’s things don’t sell?” I asked.

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