For A Father's Love by JoAnn A. Grote

Author:JoAnn A. Grote
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2013-03-05T05:00:00+00:00

Thirteen

Anger at Zach’s selfishness surged through Jason’s veins. He crossed the room and cupped his hands about Ellen’s shoulders. “Tell them the truth, at least part of it. Tell them Zach didn’t make it because of business.”

“They’ll wonder why he didn’t call.”

“Say they can call him later. If you want to, that is.”

“Want to?” Ellen gave a shaky imitation of a laugh. “I never want to speak to him again. But I won’t stop the girls from calling him.”

“Shall I go with you to tell the girls?” Mandy asked.

Ellen shook her head. “No. But I’d appreciate it if you’d tell Grandpa Seth and Grandma Tillie.” Ellen gave another shaky laugh. “I’m sure Grandpa Seth is more than ready to eat his Thanksgiving dinner.”

While Ellen spoke with the girls in the living room, Jason and Mandy told Grandpa Seth and Grandma Tillie in the kitchen. Anger and frustration registered on Grandpa Seth’s bearded face. “Some men never realize it’s a privilege to be a father and to spend time with their children.”

Grandma Tillie, her lips tightened into a straight line, patted her husband’s arm.

They’re thinking about Mom, Jason realized. Thinking how they’d give anything for another few minutes with their only child. I’d give anything for a few minutes with Mom too. The remembrance made Zach’s behavior appear even crueler.

“Guess it’s time to get dinner on the table.” Grandma Tillie picked up quilted, scorched hotpads. “Expect your heart won’t keep you from carving the turkey, Seth.” At the oven she turned around. “Those young-uns will be upset enough without lookin’ at any more long faces. Let’s try to keep things cheerful for them.”

By the time the serving pieces were all on the table, Bonnie had cried herself out, though her eyes appeared swollen and red-rimmed. Beth’s eyes looked suspiciously bright, but Jason doubted she’d allowed herself to cry over her father’s change in plans. She carried the I-don’t-care-what-my-Dad-does-he-can’t-hurt-me look with which Jason had become familiar. She was one tough little kid. On the outside anyway.

“I’m sorry if your dinner’s ruined,” Ellen apologized to Grandma Tillie while everyone seated themselves.

“Don’t you worry yourself about it. A little gravy and a lot of love makes anything taste good,” Gram assured.

Mandy sat beside Jason, and when everyone held hands and repeated grace together, it gave Jason special pleasure to hear her sweet voice join with his in thanksgiving. It also brought back memories of holidays past he and Mandy had spent with Gram and Gramps, and a painful lump filled his throat when he acknowledged that today he and Mandy weren’t here as a couple. He tried to push the pain away. He and Mandy had at least formed a tentative friendship in the last few weeks. He should be satisfied with that and grateful for it.

Gramps’s mildly outraged voice broke into Jason’s thoughts.

“What are you doing, Woman? I can dish up my own food. Been doing it since I was old enough to hold a fork.”

Gram, seated beside Gramps, put a tablespoon of mashed potatoes on his plate.

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