Chapter 10: Secrets and Pies

“We’re back!”

The travelers stamped the snow off their boots and hauled in their luggage. The younger children were playing with their Christmas gifts in the living room. Clara was helping her mother make dinner.

Dad was at work, and Junior was away with his friends.

“You guys hungry? We made apple and berry pies for dessert.”

“Sure, let’s just get unpacked and we will be back down soon.”

Upstairs: “I’m already missing your special guy. What are we going to do?”

“You have to be patient, Ada. I’m working on some ideas. Just put on some fresh clothes and I will do the same.”

Jared and Junior had returned, so they all assembled, had the blessing, and began eating.

Mom asked, “How was your trip?”

“They were gone?” asked Joel.

Jared gave him a glare and Joel suddenly found his mashed potatoes much more interesting.

“Yes, Mom, everything went well. The town was crowded for the holiday, but the people were nice and friendly to us. The food wasn’t as good as yours, though.”

“Uh, oh, compliments? What happened to our car?”

“It’s fine, Mom,” interjected Roger. “No bumps, no bruises. Did MY car run OK for you?”

Jared rumbled, “There’s nothing wrong with that heap that couldn’t be fixed by crushing it into tiny little pieces. So that’s what we did.”

“Dad, what?”

“My Uncle Benjamin has had to give up driving, so he gave us his pickup truck. It’s only five years old. But there’s only two doors and your mother won’t let me put the kids back in the cargo bed, so I’m recording the title in your name.”

Roger was truly shocked. He squeaked, “My name? Oh, thank you! I don’t believe it!”

Ada spoke up, grinning: “I call shotgun!”

The pies were served out, but Roger barely noticed; he was so wound up. So Ada ate his slices instead.

“Be back in an hour, you two. Here’s the keys.”

Outside, Roger couldn’t believe his eyes. The full-size Ford pickup truck was painted red, and had a matching hard cover with dark windows fitted over the cargo bed.

Best of all, the side mirrors were mounted out wide on the fenders with a view toward the rear, perfect for Roger’s limited vision.

After helping Ada up into the passenger seat, he arranged himself for driving. Seat belted; they were ready.

Roger cranked the engine and then they were off! The cab was surprisingly quiet, and he heard Ada remark, “I’m being replaced!”