CHAPTER 19
The group gathered around a fire. Jude, who had become confident with his crutch, took the girls to relieve themselves in the orchard. “How ‘bout we play a game before bed.”
“Need help?” Margo called after him.
“No. Got it handled. Thanks.”
Abigail rose from her seat as well. “Jude? Are you certain? I can take the girls, if you’d prefer.”
“Mom, I’m all right. It’s fine.”
Margo rose from her seat and dusted off her rear. “Rocky, let’s me and you take a little stroll. We ain’t spent time together jist talkin’ in ages.”
The couple walked together into the orchard.
When Abigail, Russell, and Chaco were left to themselves, the older man opened up to Chaco. “I don’t know you. You lived in our guest house for years, but I…don’t… know… you.”
“What do you mean?” Chaco said.
“Wh
