I’m edgy and nervous walking back to Dad’s house with Brandon in tow, and not only because I’m not sure I want him to meet Emmy. There’s more to it than just the obvious stress of letting him into my daughter’s life.
The first problem comes up almost immediately. Kayla comes out onto the porch when she sees us approaching, wide-eyed and clearly confused. I read about a million questions on her face, but of course, she can’t ask any of them, and I can’t answer.
“Where’s Dad?” I say instead.
“Taking a nap.” She glances at Brandon. “Maybe this isn’t the best time for company.”
“I could come back another time,” Brandon says. “I don’t want to bother Vern.”
I shake my head. Kayla’s trying to give me an out, in case there’s something going on here that I don’t want. That’s obvious to me. Dad used to be the kind of wolf who would come alert in an instant, but in his old age, he’s become a very sound sleeper. Having Brandon in the house isn’t going to disturb him, and Kay knows that as well as I do.
“It’s all right,” I tell him. “You can come in. Just keep your voice down.”
I ease the door open and lead the way through the kitchen, back to the bedroom I’ve been sharing with Emmy. I pause outside the door.