Читать книгу A Fool's Gold Novel онлайн

38 страница из 94

“Relax,” her mother told her.

“I’m relaxed. Shrill and relaxed. It’s a great combination.”

Ava smiled with amusement. “So, is Justice coming alone?”

“Yes. He said he wasn’t married.”

“And he doesn’t have kids,” Lillie offered. “He should have a family.”

Patience turned to her mother. “Don’t you start anything.”

“Me? I’m happy to welcome one of your school friends back to town. Nothing more.”

“Uh-huh. Let’s keep it that way.”

“I am curious about his past, though.”

Patience held in a groan. “Please, Mom, you can’t.”

“I’m the mother,” Ava reminded her with a wink. “I can do just about anything.”

* * *

JUSTICE STOOD ON the sidewalk and stared at the familiar house. Very little had changed. The color, maybe the garden, but nothing else. Off to the side, he could see a wheelchair ramp, but it led to the back door rather than the front. For Ava, he thought.

As he walked up the stairs, he braced for what he might find. Patience’s mother had always welcomed him into their home. She’d been kind and motherly. As a kid who’d grown up surrounded by a lot of fear, he’d soaked up the affection she’d offered. She provided an emotional haven and he’d missed her nearly as much as he’d missed Patience when he’d had to leave.