Page 57 of Defensive Indifference

“I wanted you to marry her, not kiss her!”

Lottie laughs and releases Dustin’s hand so he can be enveloped into a hug. Koa lifts him and wraps his arms around us both, a small family with so much potential. My heart falls harder with every laugh, every smile, every moment of eye contact I share with Koa, and for the first time in my life I know everything will be okay.

Epilogue

Koa

One year later…

It’s been a year since my car was taken in the middle of a gas station parking lot. A whole year of trials, tribulations, and outrageous newscasts meant to destroy the Keaton name. A year of Eleanor Dawson moving in and out of our lives to help us navigate public life as a family. The Dawsons have been instrumental in aiding my family in many ways, including ensuring my mother and father got through the hardest time in their lives with grace and support. I could never imagine working for another organization.

With my father’s help, an entire crime family toppled. There were scary moments, times I thought I should skip town and drag my family along with me, but with God and prayer, things always got better.

Through every bit of it, Evalina was by my side.

For the longest time, I thought she needed my help, but I was the one who truly needed something steady, lasting, and loving. Evalina taught me the meaning of loving someone else with your whole heart, even to the point of strengthening my faith.

Since the day she put her trust in me, Tornado has bitten me no less than a hundred times, Dustin has flourished in baseball, and Sparkly’s on Wheels has become a fixture in the food truck industry. From the moment I first saw the glittery metallic-pink van painted with cupcakes, I knew the ladies were on to something. Layne, Sarah Beth, Annie, and Evalina have exploded into something phenomenal.

Now, it seems, all that’s left to finalize the brilliant picture of life is…a dog.

“Dad!” Dustin screams across the house, stopping me in my tracks. Everyone is outside enjoying the pool on one of the hottest days of the summer, ready for the hot dogs on the grill, but the tone my son uses sends a shiver down my spine.

“Dustin? What’s wrong?” I drop the plate of raw hot dogs on the coffee table and rush down the hall.

“He’s all right. Just a little bump,” Mom says.

Since the trial ended, she and Dad have been more present in our lives. Phone calls, visits, and showing up unannounced with gifts for their first grandson have taken their minds from traveling, making the Keaton name famous, and worrying about what society thinks of them.

“What happened?” I meet them in the kitchen and grab a towel to stop the blood oozing from Dustin’s head.

“He found a stray dog and chased it down, tripped on the sidewalk, and bumped it. I don’t think he needs stitches.” Mom brushes Dustin’s hair back and observes while I clean him up.

“Please don’t tell Mom. She’s going to be so mad at me!”

Despite Dustin’s request, I am going to have to tell his mother. “It’s not like she won’t notice. I’m not lying to your mother.”

His face falls and Mom frowns. “Want me to ask your father to get those dogs on the grill?”

“Yeah, that’s fine. Hopefully, this won’t take long. Can you get Lina?”

Mom kisses Dustin’s cheek and smiles. “It’ll be okay, I’m sure it will heal quickly.”

It’s not the wound he’s worried about, without a doubt. His mother probably will be angry, especially since we’ve told him a dozen times not to bother with that dog. I don’t blame him for wanting to help it, but every time we try, it runs off and growls. The last thing we need is for it to bite him.

Evalina comes through the patio door and sighs. “Dustin Keaton, how many times have we told you to leave that dog alone? He’s going to bite you!”

“I know, Mom, but he’s going to starve to death. All he needs is a good home, and I’m positive he’ll be a good boy.” Dustin’s argument falls flat, at least for now. He’ll be lucky if my wife doesn’t scold him for the rest of the day.

“Were you running barefoot down the walkway?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

She sighs again and points down the hallway. “Hold pressure on your head and go get your shoes on.” She sends him off, seemingly okay mood-wise, but her skin is pale and she looks positively sick. “You gonna make it, Lina? It’s just a little blood. Remember, it goes a long way.”

She waves me off and presses her hand to her forehead. “I’m fine. A little tired, I guess. I haven’t been sleeping very well.”

Taking her hands, I encourage her to look at me. “I’ve noticed you tossing and turning a lot. Maybe you should make an appointment just to rule out anything. A virus or something, maybe?”