Chapter 2When he entered the kitchen early the next morning, he found his mom at the stove, making pancakes. He stepped up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder.
“Morning, Mom.”
She reached back and patted his cheek. “Good morning. Pancakes will be ready in a minute.”
His mouth watered. There was nothing better than his mom’s maple pecan pancakes. Still, he offered a small protest as he pulled away. “Mom, I’ve told you, you don’t need to cook for me. I’m thirty-one. Besides, I’m here to help you, remember?”
“Cooking for my family centers me, Isaac. I enjoy it. And you have been a help. More than you know.” She paused to flip the pancakes and then turned to face him. “When I found your father on the ground…” She pressed her lips together and
