"Where is Hayden this morning?" Mom asked.
"She's sleeping in. I left her food in the microwave and a note saying I'd be back in time to look at houses. I want her input."
"I’m sure she appreciates being included. She probably felt separate from your life for a long time," Mom said thoughtfully.
"I want her to get to know you and spend more time with everyone." I shoveled in the French toast casserole. It was good, and I'd need to go for extra-long runs to make up for it this week.
"We don't blame you for anything. We're just glad we get to see her now," Dad said practically.
"We'll have her over for breakfast soon," Mom offered.
"She'll love that."
Dad scooped a second helping of the casserole. "What kind of a house are you looking for?"
"I'd love to buy a place on the beach. But I might have to be patient, waiting for the right place to come on the market."
"I'm sure you can stay with one of your brothers once your summer rental is over," Mom said.
"Do you think Hudson will come around?" I didn't have any right to expect it, but I sure hoped things would improve.
"Your best bet with him is to talk to him one-on-one. He's stubborn, but he'll capitulate as soon as you come to him."
"Really?" I thought it would take more than that.
"I think so," Dad said. "He's a softy under all that bluster."
"Okay." I wasn't so sure about that. It seemed like his wound had festered over time, and it wouldn't be so easy to heal.
"We're so proud of you. You had a military career, and now you're coming home to work with us," Mom said.
"Thanks, Mom." It felt good when your parents were proud of you.
We finished eating, and we helped Mom clean up. Then I headed home to get ready to see some houses. I was a lot more excited now that Dad had given me the go-ahead to work with him again. I just had one more possible hurdle—Hudson—and he would be the hardest of them all.
"What are you looking for?" Saylor asked me once we were in my truck and on our way to meet with Ivy.
"I'd love to find something like your grandma's beach house, but there can't be many of those available for sale."
"You might be able to rent one."
"I think I'd like to get something permanent. I've been moving around for so long; it would be nice to have something that's my own."
"I can understand that."
"I want to visit you on the beach," Hayden interjected from the back seat.
Marshall looked at her in the rearview mirror. "So a pool, hot tub, and beach access?"
"Sounds great," Hayden said with a smile.
"We'll see what we can find." I wasn't sure what Ivy had come up with. I'd told her what I wanted, and she said she'd see what she could do.
We pulled up to the first place which was a condominium. It was at the far end of the island and looked more like a resort.
Hayden immediately searched online for the amenities. "This place is cool. It has a restaurant, tennis courts, a huge pool, a spa?—"
"It's like living at a resort," Saylor mused. "Is that what you want?"
