Page 20 of When Cardinals Appear

“Whatever doesn’t sell, we can donate,” Steven said as he picked up a chicken wing. “We simply need to keep track of everything for closing out the probate case.”

“Just let me know when the sale is and what time you want me.” Dad lifted another slice of pizza onto his plate.

“You’re coming?” Since he hadn’t been by once while I’d been home, I figured he hadn’t planned on getting involved.

“Steven asked me to help.” Dad shrugged.

“We need the manpower,” Steven said. “We don’t want anyone slipping out without paying for things, and that will give you and me leave to help customers.”

Steven and Rose finished their food and began clearing the table while my father and I lingered. For a while, we glowered at each other in silence, neither wanting to be the first to break it and thus admit defeat. Finally, Dad blew out a long breath.

“Why haven’t you been by to see me?” His conversational tone had an unmistakable edge to it.

“Well, I don’t have a car right now, for one.”

“You couldn’t find a ride?”

“There’s nothing stopping you from coming here.” I took a deep breath, willing myself to remain civil to avoid an argument. “But I’m glad you were able to come over tonight.”

Dad harrumphed. “Good thing I did. Otherwise, I might not have seen you at all.”

“I’m home for at least another month or so, Dad,” I chided. “That’s more than enough time for several visits.” Rose turned from the sink and gave me a thumbs-up. At least my future sister-in-law understood what I was trying to accomplish.

“You could make more of an effort.”

I bristled. Seriously? “I flew three thousand miles to be here. Is it too much to ask that you close the distance by driving a few?”

“I could,” Dad said. “But I wasn’t sure what welcome to expect.”

“I don’t know what to tell you. It didn’t seem like you wanted to hear from me after our last call.”

Dad shook his head. “You’re the one who hung up on me.”

With good reason. I glared at him. “Only after you called me a huge disappointment.”

“You’re twisting my words,” Dad retorted, his eyes flashing. “I meant your decision was a disappointment.”

Unbelievable! “Oh, really? Because that’s not what I remember,” I shot back, my hands shaking.

Dad sipped his soda. “Perhaps I was too harsh with you, but I think you’re making a mistake.”

And here we go. To my father’s credit, he’d lasted much longer than I’d anticipated. Maybe he was mellowing out in his old age. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to avoid the argument entirely.

“So you’ve said, on multiple occasions.” I crossed my arms over my chest.

“And if you’d listen to me, maybe I wouldn’t feel the need to reiterate my point.”

I shoved back from the table. “I don’t want to hear it!”

Dad stood and held up his hands, which might be viewed as a sign of surrender, but I knew better. “We need to talk about this.”

“There’s nothing more to say. You don’t want me to move to California, and I don’t want to move back here. We’re at an impasse!”

“You’re running away.”

Heat crept up my neck as I worked to keep my temper in check. “I’m not running away from anything. I’m progressing, moving toward something. Why can’t you see that?”

“What’s in California that’s so much better than here? Cedar Haven is full of people who love you and want the best for you.” He tapped his hand on the table. “This is your home.”

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