Eventide by Shelley Shepard Gray

Author:Shelley Shepard Gray
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-11-19T16:00:00+00:00

chapter eighteen

It was becoming something of a routine, and Landon wasn’t happy about it. After securing his horse’s reins to the hitching post in front of the Keims’ house, he stood with his arms crossed and watched Roman stride toward him.

“Roman, we’re too old to be playing these games,” he chided. “If you have a problem with me seeing your sister, you’re going to have to take it up with her. I don’t particularly enjoy going behind her back.”

“I don’t have a problem. I mean I don’t anymore.”

“Oh, really? What changed?”

His friend looked chagrined. “I’ve got a wife who reminded me that I don’t know what’s best for everyone.”

Bemused, Landon raised a brow. “Is that a fact?”

“Well, there’s a fair chance she might be right.”

“All right. Well, I’m going to pay a call on Elsie now.”

“Wait a moment, wouldja? I actually came out here to ask a favor of you.”

“And what is that?”

“Elsie has an eye doctor appointment tomorrow. My wife, Amanda, is planning to go with her, but . . . I guess I thought if the two of you were really going to make a go at this, perhaps it might be better to have you accompany her.”

The last of Roman’s stubborn attitude drifted away. “I know we’ve all been treating her like she can’t walk across the street by herself anymore.” Rubbing a hand down his short beard, he said, “And I fear Elsie tends to conceal her problems so we won’t worry. Maybe it’s habit?” He shrugged. “Anyway, perhaps for someone to go with her who has fresh eyes and can hear what the doctor says with fresh perspective? Maybe that’d be best for everyone.”

“Have you discussed this with her?”

“I’m only trying to make plans, Landon.”

“Without Elsie, though. And I’m not going to be a part of that, Roman,” Landon said firmly. He already knew he wanted a long relationship with Elsie. There was no way he was going to start “managing” her or sneaking around behind her back.

“So you’re too busy with work? Or you don’t want to get involved?”

“Neither,” Landon said with barely controlled patience. “Neither. Listen, letting someone be independent means that you let them make their own choices.”

“I don’t need a lecture. I’m merely trying to help my sister.”

“Then I suggest you let her do the decision making.”

Roman looked like he fought back a retort, but then his countenance changed. Maybe Landon was finally getting through to him.

“If I go—and I haven’t said I would—I want you to know that I’m doing it for Elsie, not because you came over here and pressured me.”

“That’s fine. Perfectly fine.” Taking a breath, Roman added, “Look, I know you think the lot of us are a bit crazy, and we probably are. But don’t let that work against my sister.”

“I would never do that.”

“We just want to make sure she’s taken care of, you know?”

Landon heard the frustration in his friend’s voice. And he felt for him. Managing family members, especially siblings, was a tricky thing.

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