State of Grace
Chapter
27
On the way home,
Annie insisted that they stop and pick up ice from the
supermarket. Ryan and their mother agreed without hesitation.
Grace knew full well that they had three bags at home. When they
arrived at their house, the Taylors and the Watsons were all
waiting their arrival.
“Sorry,” Grace said to May, “We had to get ice
for some god forsaken time when ice runs out.” They soon
were called inside for brunch. Everyone wished Grace a happy
birthday before they sat down. Luke, Grace, and May were wedged
up against each other in the corner of the dining room. Teddy, as
they decided to call him, was fast asleep in his mother’s
arms. Everyone else was seated comfortably around the table.
Grace’s father was still missing.
“I’m sure he’ll be here soon,” repeated
her momma. He showed up eventually and they got to eating.
When they were done, Grace’s dad slid the blue box across
the table to her. She opened it and found a personalized key.
“Is this a key to the house or attic..?” asked Grace,
confused. Her dad shook his head. Luke and May pulled Grace up by
the elbows and pulled her outside. Parked in the middle of the
drive way was a brand new red Ford ranger. Grace’s mouth
dropped open. May yelled, “She loves it!” and Luke
pulled her into a bear hug. Everyone who had followed them grew
silent. Luke dropped Grace on the ground and shuffled a few feet
away from her. May grabbed her hand and pulled her closed to the
truck. She got in the passenger seat as Grace got in the
driver’s seat. Grace spent the day driving everyone from
little Teddy to her momma around in the truck.
When night came, the Taylors and Watsons had been long gone. Luke
was out in the yard talking to her father. Grace was enjoying the
night, rocking Teddy to sleep in her arms. Annie and Ryan opened
the front door, the light from the house spilling onto the lawn.
Ryan took his son from his sister’s arms and went to put
him in the car. Annie hugged Grace good bye before following
Ryan. They waved as they pulled out of the yard. Her dad and Luke
rounded the corner and her dad went inside. Luke leaned against
the railings of the porch.
“Can you give me a ride home?” he asked.
“Why not?” said Grace as they started off towards the
new truck.
“So can you believe you got a truck for your
birthday?”
“No, it was such a surprise!” replied Grace, smiling.
She felt easy and comfortable with Luke. He seemed comfortable
too.
They talked and joked the entire trip. Luke’s smile faded
as they pulled up to his house. “Uh oh,” he said and
he was right. Ashley was sitting on his front steps; arms crossed
and looking ready to attack. Grace wished him good luck and
backed out before anything bad
happened.
