Chapter 22Althea was just withdrawing a cardboard box from the SUV’s trunk when Laurie and Wheat approached.
“Let me help you with that,” Laurie said.
She stopped and raised an eyebrow. “You do know I can manage this, don’t you?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She raised both eyebrows, and he groaned and covered his face with his palm.
“I’m sorry.”
She chuckled. “Just as long as you know.” She let him take the box. “Thanks.”
“Where are my parents?” Wheat asked.
“Jo’s helping your mom get your dad settled,” she told him.
“That’s kind of her.” Wheat sent a rueful smile Laurie’s way when Laurie twined the fingers of his free hand with his boyfriend’s.
“What’s in the box?” Laurie asked Althea, hoping his question might distract Wheat.
“Dinner.” Althea smiled wryly. “At least I hope so. There’s freez
