Chapter 9

I went downstairs and into the laundry room. I was sure I had a few scented plug-ins. It was difficult to rummage through boxes one-handed.

I was still struggling when, after five minutes or so, a soft body pressed against mine from behind. I turned and saw that it was Cassie. She looked freshly scrubbed and was dressed in a nice floral summer frock.

She smelled of my shampoo, the fragrance subtly different from her as well. She leaned against me with her hands around my neck and kissed me softly on my lips.I rubbed her back and she arched and rubbed herself against me like a cat.

“What are you doing?” she whispered. “Trying to find some scented plugins” I chuckled. “The whole house is smelling of fish!” She looked puzzled. “Fish?” she asked. It was a treat to watch her face turn red when she finally got it.

“How can I help?” she asked softly. I directed her to get some boxes down onto the dryer and asked her to open them. Sure enough, we found a half dozen plug-ins.

They were all strawberry scented. I felt a pang when I realized that it was probably Megan who had bought them. That scent was her favorite. Cass squeezed my shoulder sympathetically when she saw my expression.

I asked her to pick up two and install them in my bedroom and the living room. She picked out two and returned to the dining table, tearing open the packaging to install the plug-ins.

Tiff and Sue both clattered down the stairs at about the same time, giggling about something. They too were dressed in similar summer frocks. Both watched Cass assemble the plug-in curiously.

“What’s that for?” asked Tiff as Cass began to assemble the second one. “Fish.” replied Cass impishly. The other two looked at each other flummoxed. Cass leaned forward and whispered something. I almost chuckled aloud as Tiff and Sue blushed as if on cue.

I moved into the living room and sat in my armchair, reluctant to turn on the TV. I did not want to see another rerun of the morning news running Megan’s story again. Cass came in and I pointed to a socket where she plugged in one of the scent dispensers.

“Put the other one in the socket on the left of the bed” I told her. She nodded and ran up the stairs. Sue and Tiff wandered in. Tiff sat on the couch but Sue made a beeline towards me. I was surprised when she grabbed my hand and pulled me up.

Wordlessly she led me to the couch next to Tiff and gently pushed on my shoulders until I sat down. Then, she too sat down to my right, curled up and cuddled against me.

I wrapped my right arm around her, not sure what brought that on. Tiff put her hand around my waist and leaned her head against my left shoulder.

Cass came clattering down the stairs. “All done!” she reported, coming to an abrupt halt when she saw us all on the couch. She just shrugged, walked right up and plonked herself in my lap talking care to support my left hand and cast and then cradle it in her lap.

Linda came downstairs just then and saw the pileup on the couch. She grinned widely. “Lunch will be served in fifteen minutes.” she announced and headed into the kitchen. She was still clad in the same clothes from that morning but, had obviously showered.

Nora came downstairs a few minutes later while Linda was busy in the kitchen. She too was wearing the same outfit that she wore while we were out lemon harvesting. She had a duffel bag hanging from one hand. She raised the bag and said “I ran out of clothes again.”

“The entire left side of my wall closet is empty.” I told her. “Feel free to keep your stuff there.” she nodded. “Also let me know what shampoo and soap you use. I’ll order it online.” I said. “Least I could do.” She smiled “No worries, I already brought mine over.”

She came into the living room to keep her bag under the coffee table and sniffed. “Mmmm! Strawberries! I love that strawberry fragrance.” she remarked. “Good idea Larry.” she said, winking. All three girls giggled.

After stowing her bag, Nora went into the kitchen to help Linda. In just a few minutes, the strawberry scent was replaced by cooking odors. My stomach growled loudly. The three girls burst into laughter. “Mom!” yelled Sue. “Larry’s stomach is growling.”