Page 58 of Skipping Stones
When they ran out of ice on the second day, Linney popped into town for more and added extra marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate.
“You’ve got everyone home this weekend, I hear,” said the woman who cashed her out.
“I do. It’s nice to have them at the lake.” Linney was surprised the news had spread so fast. This town was quite something. She hurried back with the ice and makings of s’mores.
Linney found herself telling her brother about the renovation plans she was drawing up with Danny to update the kitchen and refresh the hardwood floors.
“Are you doing anything big enough to need my help?” he asked.
Linney shook her head. “Nothing structural that would need an architect, but thanks. This is just some simple upgrades—but you’re welcome to have a look.”
“Are you thinking of selling?” Rachael asked with interest. “Both those projects would help your resale value.” Rachael had taken her realtor courses when she’d been downsized from her company a few years ago.
Linney shook her head. “I could never sell this place. No matter where I am, it’s home.”
“Well if you ever change your mind…” Rachael said, trailing off.
“She won’t,” Jake said firmly. “If I know my sister, no matter how infrequently she comes back to Canada, she’ll always want to come to the lake. She grew up here. I just visited.” He had a sad, faraway look in his eyes and Linney knew he was remembering times before their parents’ death, something she had only fleeting memories of.
“I want you guys to be able to visit whenever you want. Even when I’m not here. You know that, right? The renovations will make it more comfortable for you too.”
Jake nodded and gave her a hug. He cleared his throat. “I think it’s a great plan.” He helped Linney put away the last of the lawn chairs.
She waved as all the cars pulled out of the driveway and then collapsed onto the porch swing. It had been a lot of work having the whole family, and she was exhausted.
* * *
The next week, Derek and Linney sat out by the dock one evening watching the fireflies. The night had turned chilly and Linney was thankful for the warmth from the mugs of tea in their hands.
“It’s strange,” he said pensively, one ear tuned into the baby monitor he’d brought down so he could hear if the kids woke up. “All the things I hated as a kid here are the things I appreciate now.”
“What do you mean?” Linney asked with a furrowed brow.
“This town really cares about people. It’s so reassuring to know that if, say Leo ran off at the park, someone would make sure he found me again. Or like when Ivy got sick, and I had to go to court, the KnitWorks ladies took turns rocking her while they knitted until I could get back.
“And you don’t find that stifling?” While she appreciated it more these days, Linney still chafed at the town’s embrace.
Derek laughed. “Not like I used to. You wouldn’t understand. You’re loving your life abroad and you don’t have kids. Things change.”
“They do.” Linney saw an opening. “Olivia’s been gone a long time now. You really should start dating. I can babysit while I’m home. You deserve a night out.”
“Linney.” Derek clenched his jaw. The tone of his voice in that one word gave her pause. “I do not want to talk about this.”
“It’s not working,” Linney reported back to Kirsten and Anna over coffee and treats at the Doughnut Hut. “I can’t get through to him!” She huffed in frustration and sat back in her chair. “He just won’t talk about it.”
Kirsten licked her fingers. “I think we’re just going to have to spring it on him.” She didn’t love the idea, but Derek was being obstinate. “I can bring Will too, so there won’t just be one new person there.” Kirsten was dating an insurance adjuster from Bridgegrove.
Anna snapped to attention. “Wait, is it getting serious with Will?”
“We’re having fun for now, but I don’t think it’s going anywhere.” Kirsten sighed dramatically. “I’m beginning to think your girls will have partners before I do.”
“Don’t even say it!” Anna looked aghast and the women burst into fits of laughter.
“Seriously,” Linney said after a minute, wiping the tears from under her glasses. “I’ll try again, but he gets really annoyed at me when I bring it up.”
“You don’t have much time left,” Anna said. “I’m going to send email invitations about the picnic in a few days.”
Kirsten and Anna lingered after Linney left.