His Forever Love. Missy Tippens

it damage my kitchen?”

      “Once it airs out, it’ll be fine.”

      “Oh, dear. Let’s go see.”

      They said goodbye to Sandra and walked back to Granny’s house. Lindsay stood on the back porch with the meals from Minnie’s set out on the picnic table. Hers included.

      “You found it?” he asked.

      “Yes, slung to the side of the front door. It sloshed around a bit, but it’s still edible.” She gestured to the table with a smirk on her face.

      Too bad he couldn’t enjoy the meal with her. Unfortunately, Granny’s food fiasco only strengthened his resolve that she needed to live with him to be safe.

      They ate a nice meal, but beneath the pleasant chatter lay what he knew they needed to discuss. When they had a lull in the conversation, he said, “Granny, we need to talk about the kitchen incident.”

      “It was a simple mistake,” Lindsay said. “An accident that could happen to anyone.”

      He wanted to ask her if she’d ever left something cooking on high then walked next door, but it would be hurtful to Granny. “I know accidents happen, but this could have turned out tragically. What if Granny had gone to take a nap? What if we hadn’t arrived when we did?”

      “It’s the first time it’s ever happened,” Granny said. “I am more forgetful these days, but I’m not usually that bad. I put the beans on and wouldn’t have forgotten, but Sandra called and needed two eggs for a recipe.”

      “And I bet you got sidetracked talking,” Lindsay said. “Could happen to anyone.”

      “Yes. It won’t happen again. I promise I’ll turn burners off before leaving the house again.”

      He wouldn’t push, but he would go ahead and make a call to the adult day-care center near the university. He hated to move Granny against her wishes. But maybe she’d come around soon.

      “I see your brain working,” Lindsay said. She speared him with an intense look. “Don’t make any rash decisions. You’ll see that she’s fine here in Magnolia.”

      He wouldn’t accomplish anything with Lindsay interfering. She would only keep Granny stirred up. “Lindsay, this is between Granny and me. I think maybe you need to leave.”

      She jerked back as if he’d slapped her. Then hurt flashed across her face. “Oh. Well.” She stood and jerkily put her lunch trash in the bag. She smiled at Granny, but it didn’t reach her eyes.

      “Lindsay…” He didn’t know what to say.

      Granny patted her hand. “He didn’t mean it, dear. Sit back down.”

      “No. I should go. I—” Her voice wobbled. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow at church, Granny Bea.” She hurried into the house.

      He’d hurt her. He hadn’t wanted to, but it was his responsibility to protect Granny.

      No matter what it took.

      Lindsay made it to the front of the house, seeking refuge in her car. She was determined not to cry until she closed herself inside.

      Her car wasn’t there. What on earth?

      It’s at Donna Rae’s house. Bill had picked her up.

      She would have to walk to Dad’s, then have him drive her to Donna Rae’s.

      How could Bill have asked her to leave? How dare he imply that she didn’t know what was good for Granny Bea?

      She stormed out of the driveway, walking toward her dad’s house. She was too angry to face Bill at the moment. Maybe tomorrow.

      Tomorrow. Sunday. Church. Oh, brother. Bill would probably show up there and she would have to face him in front of everyone in her family.

      She would have to prepare so she wouldn’t spout off something she’d regret. And she’d also have to come up with a new plan. Apparently, showing him Granny in action wasn’t going to work.