“What would be best is for Trevor to leave us alone and let us get on with our lives.”
“Yes, that’s what we’d all love to see happen, but clearly, Trevor’s not going to give up his ploy to see her.” Mom placed her cup down on the counter, then reached over and put her hand on mine. “Maybe you should go back to the prison and talk some sense into him.”
“I already tried that, and a week later, his mother kidnapped Cat.” I dropped my head into my hands and groaned. “There’s no telling what he’ll pull next.”
“You’ll just have to stay one step ahead of him.”
“I have no idea how to do that.”
“You’ll figure it out. You always do.”
“I don’t know.” I got up and started to carry my cup over to the sink but stopped when I noticed Cat standing in the doorway. “Cat! What are you doing in here? I thought you were outside with Pawpaw.”
“I was thirsty.” The expression on her face left no doubt that she’d overheard my conversation with Mom, but she tried her best to hide the fact as she headed for the fridge. “Pawpaw wants a water bottle, too.”
Mom got up and opened the fridge to help her and asked, “What are you two up to out there?”
“Burning branches.”
“Your pawpaw and those old branches.” Mom shook her head as she handed Cat two cold bottles. “You be careful out there.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Cat glanced over at me with a worried look, then scampered out the back door. As soon as it closed behind her, I turned to Mom and said, “So much for keeping Trevor’s letter a secret from Cat.”
“You think she heard us?”
“Pretty sure.”
“Well, you should probably talk to her about it when you get home.”
“I will.”
Mom sat down beside me and gave me one of her knowing smiles. “For now, why don't we put the whole Trevor thing aside and tell me a little about your new friend?”
“My new friend?”
“I believe his name is Thatch.”
“And how do you know about him?”
A mischievous spark flashed through her eyes. “A little birdie might’ve mentioned him.”
“Ahhh, Cat.”
“Mm-hmm. She seems to have taken a liking to him.”
“Yes, she has.” I should’ve known my precious daughter would tell my folks about Thatch, especially since the two of them hit it off so well. I just had no idea what she’d actually told Mom, so I decided to tread lightly. “He’s not like anyone I’ve ever known. He’s very handsome, smart, kind, and charming.”
“And he rides a motorcycle, has tattoos, wears a leather jacket, and drinks warm milk. I believe he’s in a motorcycle club of some sort. Isn’t that right?”
“Oh, wow. She’s been talking a lot about him, huh?”
“He’s made quite an impression on her.” Mom reached over and brushed a strand of hair from my eyes. “And from the look on your face, he’s made quite an impression on you. too.”
“He really is great, Mom.”
“Well, I hope I get to meet him soon.”
“Maybe, but it’s still kind of early. I don’t want to scare him off by forcing him to meet the parents.”
“I get the feeling that he’d understand that your family is important to you. Just like his family is important to him.”
“I’m sure you’re right. I’ll talk to him, and maybe we’ll stop by soon.”
“Maybe we could all get together for Cat’s birthday.”
“We’ll see.” I stood up, then reached over and hugged her. “I’ve gotta get going. Cat has homework, and I need to call into work and check on my new patient.”
“Okay, sweetie. I’m so glad you stopped by.”
“Me, too.”
I walked out of the kitchen and then outside to find Cat and my father, which wasn’t difficult. I just had to follow the smoke billowing from the far corner of the backyard. My father looked disappointed when I said, “All right, Ms. Firefly. It’s time for us to get going.”
“Okay, Momma.” Cat gave Dad a big hug. “Bye, Pawpaw.”
“Bye, sweetie. See you this weekend.”
When she rushed off to the car, I walked over to him and hugged him, too. “Bye, Dad. I’ll see ya later.”
“Be careful getting home.”
“I will!”
When I got in the car, Cat wouldn’t even look at me. She simply stared silently out the window—something she only did when she was upset. Knowing she needed a little time, I didn’t say anything as I turned on the engine and headed towards home. We hadn’t been riding long when she asked, “Do I have to go see Daddy again?”
“No, sweetheart. You don’t have to see him again. Why would you think that?”
She didn’t answer but instead shrugged half-heartedly and continued to gaze out the window. “You’re worried because you heard your grandmother and me talking about the letter your father wrote.”
She nodded.
“I’m sorry he sent that. I’m not sure what he was thinking, but I don’t want you to worry about it. You don’t have to talk to him until you’re ready, and if you’re never ready, that’s fine. It’s up to you.”