Chapter 56

A mixture of collard greens and red Vidalia onions sizzled in butter on the stove, infusing the air with delectable smells.

I stared down at my cell phone on the countertop. No new calls from Mom. I watched Philip from the kitchen window set up the Martha Stewart table and chair set in the backyard. Through the slit in the opened window, I inhaled a billow of smoke from the grill. I yelled to Philip to check the fish and steaks.

He nodded, tossing me a thumbs-up.

Eating outdoors during the summer months was a venerable past time. I had no plans to tour with a new book this year, and the prospect of taking a few weeks off from writing and spending quiet time alone with my husband was inviting.

Darth, too, I thought, bending down to scratch the dog’s floppy ears. Even in his golden years, Darth was still compliant and ready for the next adventure in his life.

Energetic and happy, his tail thumping the floor, he stared up at me, his eyes begging for table scraps.