For Love of a Dog

by Janice Carter

  Apparently, her mother wasn’t going to wait for an explanation until they got inside. Kai unlocked the walker and pushed it toward Harry, whose expression matched his wife’s for concern.

  “Luca has gone to see the family of the man who was killed in that IED incident I told you about. But Thomas and I are hoping he’ll be back soon so you both can meet him.”

  “You and Thomas?”

  “They made a connection. You can see for yourself how much Thomas has changed.”

  “And all due to this...Luca?”

  Kai ignored the incredulity in her mother’s tone. “And to Amigo, too.”

  Margaret thought about that for a second before adding, “I guess he’ll have to come back for his dog.”

  “Let’s get going!” Harry’s complaint shifted the talk to the logistics of moving him as well as their luggage into the bungalow.

  Getting her parents settled into what would be their new home was painstaking. Not just the process but the emotional reactions to the place where their son and his wife had lived during their brief marriage. It was Harry’s first time in the bungalow since the accident, and he rolled his walker through the rooms in a daze. Margaret silently followed him while Kai made coffee in the kitchen. They lingered in the master bedroom the longest, and Kai was grateful that all evidence of Luca was gone.

  She’d made up the bed for them, and when Margaret finally came into the kitchen to say that Harry was napping, Kai was relieved. Filtering information through her mother had always been a prudent strategy when dealing with her dad, and one she’d used since she was a teenager.

  “Thank you, dear, for getting the place ready for us. We can take our time deciding what we’ll need to move over here.”

  “Have you thought about making some changes to the farmhouse for Dad? Maybe getting a ramp built for the kitchen door?”

  “Certainly a ramp for here and maybe the farmhouse.”

  Kai took their coffees to the table and sat opposite her mother. “Will his walking improve at all?”

  Margaret shook her head. “Not according to the doctors. They said he’d get used to this new way of moving around, but you know your father. Change doesn’t go down well with him.”

  They sipped their coffees, digesting that last comment. Finally, Margaret plunked her mug onto the table. “All right, dear. Tell me about this Luca Rossi and why he’s had such an effect on both you and Thomas.”

  Kai thought of Amigo and how much she wanted him to be able to stay on the farm. She decided to make Thomas the focus, a sure path to her mother’s heart. When she got to the part where Luca called him “Tommy,” Margaret gasped.

  “What was his reaction?”

  “Basically nothing. I think he was surprised, but he accepted it right away.”

  “David was the only one who called him Tommy. Not even Annie did.”

  “I know. I remember how David used to say no way he was going to call an infant Thomas. I think Luca started using that name instinctively. It was affectionate.”

  “Affectionate?”

  “Luca’s childhood wasn’t like mine and David’s. He spent most of it in boarding schools and summer camps. I think he felt an immediate connection to Thomas.”

  “How, if their childhoods were so different?”

  Kai searched for the right words. “Luca felt like an outsider, and I think that’s how Thomas feels.”

  Margaret paused to consider that, then asked, “So you think he’ll be coming back here?”

  “Yes.”

  Her mother’s eyes probed hers. Kai shifted in her chair and toyed with her coffee mug, waiting for the follow-up.

  “And does affectionate also sum up your own feelings for this man?”

  “Yes.” Her answer was instant and, she realized in an overwhelming flash, so very true.

  After a long moment, Margaret said, “This may not be the best time to tell you, but your father and I have decided to sell the farm and move to Lima.”

  * * *

  THE FAMILY ATE in the farmhouse that night. Harry managed the few steps at the side door, using his cane and holding on to the railing, but Kai saw that a ramp would be safer and easier for him. There’d been an enthusiastic reception from Thomas, in spite of Amigo being tied up outside while they ate.

  Surprisingly, Harry had accepted the dog’s presence without the fuss Kai had been expecting. In fact, he watched the interactions between dog and boy intently, and when Kai caught his glance, he smiled.

  When Kai brought Amigo into the kitchen for his own dinner after they’d finished theirs, no one objected. Margaret cast anxious looks in Harry’s direction at first, but soon relaxed. Not a word was uttered when Amigo casually followed Thomas upstairs at bedtime.

  These small gifts helped Kai process her mother’s news about the sale. She understood the logic behind the move, but worried about its effect on her father. Three generations of Westfields had owned the farm and the fourth—Kai’s—wasn’t going to be part of that legacy. Some part of her was sad about that, but there was no way she’d be able to—or even want to—run the farm.

  * * *

  LUCA PHONED HER the evening after he’d returned to Newark from his visit to the Lopez family. He could tell from the way her voice perked up after he spoke that his impromptu call was exactly what she needed. “How’s it going?” he asked. “Your parents settled in okay?”

  “Yes, they’re in the bungalow. Probably asleep by now. It was a long couple days for them.”

  “And Thomas?”

  “Very happy. He insisted on taking my mother up to the shelter to show off his handiwork. And yours, too, of course.”

  Luca smiled, picturing the boy’s excitement and pride. He remembered the suspicion and resentment in that young face the day he’d shown up to claim Amigo. So much had changed since then.

  “And how did your visit go with the Lopezes?” Kai’s soft question brought him back to the reason for his call.

  “They were so warm and welcoming, treating me like one of their own. I can’t explain how that affected me. These people, still grieving, took such pains to make me feel better! And they told me so much about Lopez—his dream of going back to college, his struggle to get more visitation rights with his son.” He had to stop then, to slow down the rush of emotion.

  Kai let him take his time, confirming another thing he liked about her. Sensitivity. She always seemed to know precisely what to say and when to say it.

  Finally, she said in a low voice, “It must have been very painful for you. But clearly the family understands what happened. They don’t blame you. Their son...what was his name again?”

  Luca had to clear his throat. “Rick.”

  “Rick must have told them so much about you, and with such respect and affection, that they were able to bring you into their home exactly the way he would have himself.”

  Luca swallowed hard. “Thank you for that, Kai.”

  She took charge of the talk then, giving him a moment to compose himself, and recounted her parents’ arrival. She told him they seemed to be accepting Amigo seeing how much Thomas cared for him. Her account reinforced his plan to leave Amigo with the boy, assuming Kai’s parents would agree.

  When she paused, he blurted, “Listen, I have to tell you something.”

  “Yes?”

  “On the drive back to my mother’s after seeing the Lopezes, I realized I needed to get a grip on things.”

  “What sort of things?”

  “Well, basically on what I want to do with my life.”

  “That sounds like a lot of thinking,” she quipped.

  “Yeah,” he agreed with a small laugh, “and I’d be a liar if I said I’ve figured everything out. I’ve been thinking about Lopez and how he never got a chance to
realize any of his dreams. What I’m trying to say is that I want to keep you, and Thomas, too, in my life...if that’s possible.”

  “Thomas and Amigo will be thrilled to see you again,” was all she said.

  Luca waited for her to go on. “And you?” he eventually asked.

  “Of course.”

  But she sounded unsure. He couldn’t figure out what was going on. Hadn’t they agreed to discuss a future together when he got back? Was she having second thoughts? No, he refused to go there.

  “Are you sure? I mean, I took all my things. I can just...you know...stay here in New Jersey. I’ve decided to leave Amigo with Thomas anyway, if that worked out with your folks. We could meet later, either here or in Brooklyn.”

  He was beginning to think this reverse psychology idea had been a complete mistake when she murmured, “I’d like to see you, Luca. Come and meet my parents.”

  He sagged against his headboard, relief leaving him limp and exhausted. “I’ll be there soon,” he promised.

  When he hung up, he decided he still had a lot to learn about Kai Westfield.

  * * *

  LUCA SLOWED DOWN on the curve leading to the Westfield driveway and as he rounded it, braked hard. There was a For Sale sign right next to the mailbox and bus shelter. The SUV idled for a few minutes while he stared in disbelief. Kai hadn’t mentioned her parents selling the farm when they’d spoken last night. Though to be fair, most of the conversation had centered on his visit to the Lopezes.

  He’d known his return would be a visit with a time limit. He doubted the Westfields would appreciate having a virtual stranger hanging around, and he’d used the drive from Newark to think about the future he planned to discuss with Kai. He realized he might have to amend some of his ideas now that the farm was for sale. What would that mean for Thomas? And Amigo?

  Luca took his foot off the brake and slowly made his way down to the farmhouse. It was a hot, sultry day, and the place was quiet midafternoon. The red pickup was parked in its usual place, but there was no sign of Kai’s parents’ car, unless it was in the garage. Thomas would be in school, and as for Amigo, he was smart enough to be napping in a cool place.

  Luca hesitated, wondering if he ought to go up to the front door, rather than the kitchen. He was a guest now. The thought saddened him, puncturing his illusions about being part of this rural homestead.

  So he chose the main entrance, and as he walked toward it, he realized there was a man sitting in one of the wicker chairs on the veranda, watching him.

  “Good afternoon,” Luca said as he reached the steps. “Mr. Westfield?”

  “That’s right.”

  “I’m Luca Rossi—a friend of your daughter’s.”

  “Thought you might be.”

  “Nice to meet you, sir.” Luca extended his right hand, and after a slight hesitation, Harry shook it.

  Luca sat in the other wicker chair. “Hot day.”

  “Yup.”

  Luca stared straight ahead, feeling Harry sizing him up. After a long moment, he asked, “Is Kai here?”

  “Hope so.” Then Harry added, “Likely inside somewhere.”

  Luca nodded but didn’t get out of the chair. “I was wondering...”

  “Yes?” Harry leaned forward, his eyes narrowing in on Luca.

  Luca heard the wariness in the question and hastily improvised. “How long will it be before we see the soybeans come up?”

  “Come up? You mean when they’ve turned?”

  “Turned?”

  “Ready to harvest.”

  “Oh, well, maybe even before?”

  “You planted them—what—a week ago?”

  “Give or take.”

  “It’ll be a while before they reach full canopy—when they get some cover. Likely they’re already sprouted. You got some rain, Kai said.”

  “We did. A couple days or so.”

  “Well, then. Could have sprouted. Want to see?”

  “I sure do.” Luca got to his feet and realized at once that Harry meant to come, too. He waited as the older man struggled to his feet, reached for his cane and headed for the stairs. “Can I help you, sir?”

  Harry placed a shaky hand on the porch railing. “Need to get used to doing things on my own. But thanks anyway,” he added.

  As they made their way across the yard, Luca scanned the area for signs of Kai. When they reached the edge of the fields behind the barn, Harry placed a hand on the fence post to steady himself. Then he pointed with his free hand. “See those tiny stems? That’s the sprout. In a few days they’ll get a leaf, then another and so on. They should be ready to harvest in a couple of months, maybe less. Depends if we decide to harvest them fresh or dry.”

  “Dry?”

  “Yes, we can dry them right on the stalk.”

  Luca leaned over, stroking the small leaves on the plant. He grabbed a handful of soil, sifting it through his fingers and thinking how much he’d like to see these plants full-grown. No chance of that now that the farm’s for sale.

  He stood, turning at Harry’s question. “Did you enjoy planting?”

  Luca thought for a minute. “It was a challenge getting used to towing the seed drill. You’ll probably notice the beginning sections have rows that aren’t quite perfect. But once I got the hang of it, yes, I did enjoy it. I liked being outside doing physical work.”

  “Don’t think I’ve ever done a perfect field myself. We used to have a contest, David and I, to see whose fields were better.” Harry stared into the rows of seedlings. “He usually won.”

  “Maybe you could get Kai to send me a photo of the fields if you’re here when the beans mature. I’d like that.”

  Harry turned back to Luca. “Are you in love with my daughter?”

  Luca was beginning to see there was no predicting where the talk would go with Harry Westfield. He paused. Was he? Were those feelings she’d aroused in him love?

  Harry kept his gaze fixed on Luca, waiting for an answer.

  “I might be.”

  “Might be?”

  Luca winced. “I know I like being with her. I like the person she is and how she thinks. I want to get to know her better. When I was away, I missed her a lot. I’m not sure if that answers your question, sir. But I can say that I do want Kai to be in my life.”

  Harry nodded. “Then you answered my question. And maybe you oughta call me Harry.” He pointed his cane at the farmhouse. “Let’s see if we can find my daughter.”

  As they rounded the barn, the kitchen door flung open. Kai waved and strode toward them. Luca’s spirits lifted. What more could he possibly want than to see this woman coming his way?

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  MARGARET’S BUOYANT MOOD carried her and Thomas all the way home. She stopped at a local bakery to pick up a fresh rhubarb pie—Harry’s favorite—and a chocolate cupcake for Thomas. Dr. Sorensen, Thomas’s psychologist, had observed a big change in Thomas since he’d last seen him.

  No, he’d reported, Thomas hadn’t spoken yet, but he’d listened. Even more, he’d made eye contact while listening. Lost in thought, Margaret didn’t notice the strange car parked outside the garage until Thomas sat up sharply and pointed. She’d scarcely parked the Buick when he hopped out and ran to the kitchen door. Margaret took her time retrieving the pastries and her bag of groceries from the back seat. The rush of humidity as she got out of the car was overwhelming. She glanced up at the sky. A thick blanket of gray cloud was moving up from the southeast, and she hoped it was bringing rain or even some relief from the heat.

  She’d told Kai salad and cold cuts would be best for supper, considering the temperature, and that she’d purchase something in Lima. Besides, she’d seen no sign of interest from her daughter in helping to prepare a more elaborate meal. Kai ha
d been moody all morning. Margaret appreciated what Kai had done for them, leaving her job to care for Thomas and the farm all these weeks. Kai had even organized and planted—with the help of this Luca Rossi—their fifty acres and surprisingly, Harry had had no gripes about the results. No, Margaret had no complaints about Kai’s efforts these past few weeks.

  But Kai had a career to return to and Margaret knew, from the pride in her face as she showed them her wonderful Memorial Day photos in the Columbus Dispatch, that she was eager to do so. Who could blame her? Anyway, soon there’d be no farm at all.

  The decision to sell had arisen after a long discussion with Harry, who’d resisted for days. The clinching argument had been Thomas. He needed more exposure to other kids his age, she’d asserted, especially when he was a teenager. Harry had come around, but the sadness in his face pained her still.

  Voices and a dog’s barking welcomed her home. Her curiosity about the car and Thomas’s reaction to it was cleared up when she saw a tall, dark-haired man rise from a kitchen chair as she entered. Kai rushed to help her with her packages, and Margaret noted the high color in her daughter’s cheeks and the glow in her eyes. So this must be Luca Rossi.

  Later, as they finished supper in the dining room and she was doling out pieces of pie in the kitchen, Margaret thought about how easily Luca Rossi had already fit into the Westfield family. Harry’s mood was almost mellow. Thomas had tended to the dog’s supper and had taken him for a run around the yard before eating, all without prompting.

  Because the next day, Friday, was a teacher’s conference day, Thomas stayed up later than usual. After he went to bed, they hung on every word Luca uttered about his visit to the Lopez family. The story was touching and confirmed Margaret’s growing sense that Luca Rossi was a man of depth and character, though first impressions could be deceiving. Yet as the evening progressed, she couldn’t help thinking how familiar the scene was—lingering at the table over coffee and dessert. Small talk. Sighs of contentment. For the first time in almost a year, she was filled with the memories of what made a family.

  * * *