Mind Games

“It’s been … a lot. I was able to donate Granny’s dining room furniture—that was big, and thanks for the help there. A few other things, still have some to go. A bunch to go, in reality, but I’m avoiding too much reality.”

“I often find that helpful myself.”

He glanced back at her. “Having the dog come down for a couple hours in the afternoon’s been a godsend. He really is a damn good dog, and he’s a hell of a babysitter. Plus, Bray’s laid off his pleas for a puppy. That gives me some breathing room in that area.”

He wandered a little. “You’ve got a nice house, outside and in. It looks like you. And I don’t know exactly what that means, but it does.”

“Since I spent a long time planning it, I’d say it’s a compliment.”

Bunk let out a series of joyful barks. When Ty looked out, he saw the big dog running toward the front of the house. And Bray racing after.

He shot out the door after them. Once again, Thea lowered the heat, then hurried out.

“It’s going to be my family,” she began, and when she caught up, Lucy already had the boy on her hip.

“Look what I found.” She sent Ty a reassuring smile. “I don’t suppose you’ll let me keep him.” Still holding the boy. “You’re Leona’s great-grandson. I’m Lucy, Thea’s grandmother, and this is Rem, her brother. It’s nice to meet you.”

“You, too. I’ll take him. Bray, you’re not supposed to run toward the road.”

“I stop. Don’t go in the road. I stop.”

“He did,” Rem confirmed, and offered his hand. “Tyler freaking Brennan. I heard a rumor. Now I’m waiting for Buffy Summers to move to the Hollow and make all my dreams come true. Teenage crush,” Rem told him with a grin. “The Slayer ruined me for anyone else. You were Thea’s.”

“Thank you, Rem, for bringing humiliation to the table.”

“Hey, what are brothers for? And you two staying for dinner means I’m not outnumbered for a change.”

“Oh, we were just heading back.”

“Do you like fried chicken?” Thea asked Ty. “Potato salad, buttermilk biscuits, fried okra?”

“I … I don’t think I’ve ever had fried okra.”

“You’ve got Appalachian blood in your veins, and never had fried okra?” Shaking her head, Lucy hooked her arm in his free one. “You’re in for a treat. My granddaughter’s a very fine cook, seeing as she learned from me.”

“I really don’t want to … Did you say ‘granddaughter’?”

Lucy batted her eyes. “And he’s a charmer. Let’s you and me have a glass of wine.”

As charmers went, Ty figured Lucy Lannigan hit top of the list. After the initial cold sweat jolt of seeing his son in a stranger’s arms, he relaxed so when they sat on the porch and she just plucked Bray onto her knee he didn’t worry.

“Got doggie,” Bray told her. “Got chickens.”

“Yes, she does. Now, you have your daddy walk you down the road a bit to my house. I’ve got chickens, too, and two doggies, two cows, and a goat.”

“Cows go moo.”

“That’s exactly right. I hope you will,” Lucy said to Ty as Bray scrambled down to play with Bunk. “I do enjoy having little ones around. My younger grandchildren come around when they can, but it’s not nearly often enough to suit me.”

Rem brought out wine. “Thea says ten minutes, and it’s nice enough to eat outside. I’m drafted to set the table.”

“You sit.” Lucy patted Ty’s arm as he started to get up. “Keep me company. That boy’s a fountain of energy, isn’t he? And looks just like his daddy.”

“I could say the same about you and your granddaughter. Rem, too. He reminds me of someone though. Can’t quite … well, hell.”

When it struck him, Ty looked over at Rem, then back at Lucy. “Caleb Lannigan.”

“My younger son. Do you know him?”