Return to Rosewood by Bonnie K. Winn

Author:Bonnie K. Winn
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 2010-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

When all the Conways were at the nursery, it came alive in a way it never did otherwise. Nancy and Janie had come by to choose materials for their seasonal wreaths. While they lingered over dried grapevines and olive branches, Robert tried to ride herd on the kids.

Bret guessed his mother had drafted his father to watch the children so he wouldn’t be left home alone. Robert looked pale, fatigued. Of course, his energetic grandchildren could cause that within a few minutes.

“Hey, Dad. Couldn’t think of an excuse fast enough to get out of rugrat detail?”

Robert plopped down on one of the well-worn wooden stools near the counter. “I know I’m old, but I don’t remember you and Janie flying around so fast.”

Bret grinned. “That’s not age, Dad. Only three of them, but it seems like those kids run in half a dozen directions at once.” Glancing across the counter, he noticed that Herb was trying to help two customers by himself, while Peter fiddled with seed packets. “Be right back.”

Bret assisted the older woman, helping her find the peat moss she was looking for. He was more than ready to trounce Peter, but not while the family was present. His father didn’t need to be upset. Still, Bret couldn’t let the matter completely slide. “Peter, you can’t ignore customers.”

“I thought Herbie had everything in hand.” Peter didn’t look up from the seed packets.

Bret glanced over at his family. “We’ll talk later.”

“Whatever.”

Herb rang up the purchase from the man he’d assisted, then another from a customer who had dashed in for some plant food.

Nancy strolled back to stand beside her husband. “If there’s a minute between customers, I want to talk to you more about the fundraiser for Samantha—well, actually, for her whole family. Imagine how her parents would feel if they come home for Thanksgiving and there’s only part of a kitchen.”

It wouldn’t be a tragedy, but Bret knew his mother wasn’t letting go of this particular bone.

“I’ve talked to a few friends,” Nancy continued. “We could have a yard sale, maybe a baked-goods sale.” Concentrating, she pursed her lips. “Seth’s getting a significant discount on the appliances and materials, but it’ll still all add up. Anyone have other thoughts on the fundraiser?”

Peter strolled by, his voice casual. “Could sell some plants. That ought to raise a bit.”

Since only Herb and Robert knew about the problems with Peter, Nancy and Janie looked at him in confused surprise.

“Mom, why don’t we talk about this over dinner one night?” Bret suggested, shooting Peter a warning glare. “I can brainstorm better when I’m not at work.”

“Whatever you think, dear.”

“I think Dad would probably like a break from kid duty.”

Nancy looked over at Robert, trying to hide the concern in her eyes. But Bret was accustomed to ferreting it out over the years. They’d spent far too many hours in hospitals waiting on news about his dad for her to fool him. “You’re right, of course.”

“You don’t have to head up this fundraiser,” Bret said quietly, so that only his mother could hear.

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