Brit made sure that they were facing each other at the table. She smiled around the vegetables and lined the snap peas around her plate like a frame. “They’re my favorite, so I eat them last.”
“I’m partial to the mini corn.”
Brit stabbed one onto her fork and bit into it. “It’s good. Uncle Ben makes the best sauce. My dad tries to make it, but he’s better off with one of those meals in a bag.”
Brit kept up a steady stream of chattering as Darcy picked at her food.
She answered her and ignored any conversation starters that Ben tried to initiate. The door opened again and Ben groaned as John filled the entryway.
“I thought you were going to be late.”
John looked to Ben, then to Darcy, then back to Ben. Brittany cleared her plate and put it in the sink. “Thanks, Uncle Ben. I’m tired, so we’re going to go home now.”
John stammered out an okay and grabbed Brittany’s jacket from the closet. He cleared his throat. “We have an early appointment with the doctor.”
Brittany smiled and hopped in a circle to get her arm in the hole of her jacket. “I can’t wait to get this stupid thing off.”
Her dad smoothed a hand down her hair. “I know, kiddo. It’s still going to be sore though.”
“I know, but at least I can move and tie my shoes.”
John leaned down and kissed her forehead. “Let’s get moving. Thanks for taking care of her, Ben.”
“Bye, Uncle Ben. Remember what I said.”
He bent down for his hug. “I got it, squirt.”
She hooked her arm around his neck. “If you break up with her I’m gonna be mad.”
“You’re not the only one.”
“Good. Bye, Darcy! Nice meeting you. I can’t wait to hang out again.”
He stood to see Darcy in the doorway to the living room. “I had a great day with you too, Brittany.”
Darcy came farther into the room. “John?”
John stopped at the door. His shoulders straightened before he turned around. “Yes?”
“You have a beautiful daughter. Remember that the next time you lose your temper.”
John nodded and ushered Brittany out the door.
Ben turned around. “That’s it?”
“What am I supposed to say, Ben? It’s been weeks since he wrecked the Blackstone’s tree.”
“Yeah, weeks, not years. You can still press charges.”
“I could. But what good would that do?”
Ben sat down on the couch. “I don’t get it.”
Darcy sat next to him, hugging her clasped hands between her knees. “I like your niece. And seeing what she’s been able to do with that awful strap thing that holds her chest so tight, there’s no way I can be mad.”
There was three inches between them and he wasn’t sure how to bridge the gap. “I didn’t know, I swear. I wondered when you told me about it. And when Jaime gave me the details when I was doing the tree, but I didn’t know for sure.”
“Until?”