Page 90 of Rough

I glanced at each of them, then grinned. It was pretty obvious we’d both been set up to have a Sunday dinner all together without either of us knowing.

I was completely fine eating whatever it was she’d prepared, it smelled marvelous.

“Shall we wash our hands?” I asked.

“If we don’t we’ll get in trouble,” he said.

We walked to the bathroom together. He looked at me over his shoulder as he dried his hands.

“Sneaky old fucker told me to be here at 6:00 to move mom’s bed.”

I turned off the water. “He told me he had personal business all day, and to come at 5:30.”

He smiled. “I’m sure it’ll be good.”

“Smells good.”

“I’ll get your father in his wheelchair,” I said. “I’m the one getting paid.”

He knew better than to argue. “Fine.”

Brad went to the kitchen, and I got Bradley loaded in his wheelchair. After wheeling him up to his spot at the table, I sat down across from Brad.

“Say grace, Bradley,” Deann said.

He met my gaze, rolled his eyes lightly, and then closed them.

I grinned, looked at Brad, and then closed mine.

“Heavenly father, we thank you for giving us the ability to gather here today as one. We thank you for our guest, Tegan, and for all that she offers this family in body, and in spirit. We thank you for the meal that’s prepared and before us, and we humbly ask that you bless it, so that it may strengthen and nourish our bodies and allow us to serve you further. In your precious name we pray. Amen.”

“Amen.”

“Amen.

“Amen.”

“What is it?” Brad asked.

Deann pulled the lid off the serving dish. “Swedish meatballs,” she said. “Pass it to Tegan.”

I glanced at Bradley, but I couldn’t look at him. I couldn’t look at anyone. At that instant, I was so filled with emotion that I couldn’t do much but accept the dish as he handed it to me.

“Thank you.”

I filled my plate with meatballs, potatoes, peas, and a little bread and jam.

Deann raised her eyebrows. “Do you like Swedish meatballs, hun?”

I glanced at Bradley. He smiled. I looked at Deann. “Yes, ma’am. As a matter of fact, I do.”

“Good. Bradley asked for them, and I was hoping you’d like it. It’s an old family recipe.”

After everyone had their food, I took an anxious bite.

Oh my.

I glanced looked around the table. Everyone was eating quietly.