Chapter 53

That was until his father said, “Boys, your dad says we can all go out to the Cartwright’s and see Addy on Friday.”

The announcement brought whoops of joy from the boys and a swoop of emotion for Tyler.

“Dad, we hadn’t really set a time to go out to see her,” Tyler said. He hoped they could put off going to the farm until the dust of his situation with Ward had settled a bit and he would be able to handle it better.

“But Dad!” Jack protested. “We ain’t seen her in a long, long time.”

“Yeah,” Eddie chimed in. “Why can’t we go? We all want to.”

“Evelyn called and told me she was starting to housetrain Addy. It could be a couple of weeks before she’s ready to come home, Tyler. The boys should see her. She’s growing up so fast,” Tyler’s mom said.

Tyler hesitated. He was tempted to say that his parents should take the boys—that he had something to do. But what could he have to do that was so important as to keep him from going to the farm with the family? He couldn’t come up with anything that wouldn’t make them suspicious, so he said, “I guess you’re right. We’ll go out Friday after work.”

The boys cheered and high fived each other.

“You’ll let Ward know then so he can warn Evelyn and Eldon that we’re coming?” his mother asked.

Once again Tyler hesitated. This time his hesitancy brought looks of curiosity from both his parents. Seeing this, Tyler forced a smile and said, “Okay.”Chapter 23

Ward got out of his truck and began to walk toward the mill. He saw Tyler’s truck in the lot. He knew he should go to the office to check on his work assignment for the day. But he really didn’t want to see Tyler. Ward had had a hard time sleeping the night before. Tyler’s return of Ward’s dog tags made it seem so permanent. He’d ask Avery to run in and get the assignment.

He was almost to the loading dock when someone called to him. He turned and saw Tyler. Ward felt a surge of hope edged with apprehension. He stopped and waited for Tyler to walk up to him.

“Hi” Ward said, his heart beating so hard against his chest he was sure Tyler must be able to see it even though he was wearing a hoodie sweatshirt.

“Hi,” Tyler returned Ward’s greeting.

Ward waited for him to say something. He looked uncomfortable.

“We’d like to come out to see the puppy tomorrow after work if that’s all right?”

Ward felt as if he’d been stung. Why did Tyler feel the need to ask, like he was some stranger? Tyler should have said, We’re coming to see the puppy. That’s what he would have said before this crap with Hank had happened, Ward thought.

“You know it’s all right,” Ward said. “You don’t need to ask for permission.” We’re family,he almost added but stopped just short of saying it aloud.

“Okay, well, we’ll be out about six-thirty. My mom and dad are coming, too. You might want to let your folks know.” Tyler turned and started back for the office.

“Ty!”

Tyler stopped and turned to Ward.

“Are you coming out to work in the mill?”

“Not today.” Tyler looked like he wanted to say more, but then just turned back and continued on his way.

Ward watched him go. Things were looking darker all the time, and he didn’t have a clue as to what he could do to change that.

When Ward turned toward the mill, he saw Avery sitting on the loading dock. Ward walked over, boosted himself up, and sat beside Avery.

“Not going so well?”

“No, not well at all,” Ward replied.

“I guess I don’t understand. He’s kind of overreacting to this, don’t you think? I mean, there are jerks like Hank all over the place, but most folks nowadays are pretty accepting of us as long as we’re not flaming in their faces.”

Ward, needing to unburden himself, decided to tell Avery the whole story—all the way back to high school and that night ten years earlier when he walked out of Tyler’s life. “So, you see, it’s déjà vu. It’s all happening again and it’s all because Ty’s afraid of being outed.”

“It doesn’t have to play out the same way it did. You just have to find a way to convince Tyler that it isn’t as bad as he imagines.”

Ward sighed. “If it hadn’t been for the fight between Hank’s kid and Eddie that might have been possible. Now—”

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of a customer at the loading dock.