Like Grownups Do Read Online Free PDF Page B

Millie. You’re very sweet.”
    Babe braced himself before being hugged by Madeline Gerard. He learned years ago to be prepared for MG’s hugs; otherwise you were subject to emitting embarrassing noises. Her hugs were intense, like everything she did.
    Babe looked around trying to locate his father-in-law. He saw Jack hug a small elderly lady, shake hands with a young couple and then kneel down to shake hands with two little boys. Jack caught Babe’s eye and smiled. Babe gave a little smile back.
    I know. Me too.
     
    Jordan Blackledge stood at the edge of the group along with his wife, Samantha. Samantha spoke to several different people, many of whom recognized her as their State Senator. But today her primary function was to deflect attention away from her husband. Jordan and Jack were the best of friends and former college roommates. Jordan watched over Jack as if he was a bodyguard or Secret Service Agent. The tall, handsome man had his jaw set to guard against any type of threat to his friend even as his eyes cried out with their own pain.
    Babe caught a glimpse of his father, Robbie Babelton, at the door of his motor home. Robbie was catering to a line of people who were leaving large plastic containers of food.
    In times of grief many people did not know exactly what to say to each other, but most people feel that those in mourning should not have to work to obtain meals.
     
    As the last of the crowd made their way to their vehicles, Jack stepped beside Babe and put an arm around his shoulder.
    “We don’t have to say anything right now. Let’s just breathe for a minute,” Jack said.
    They stood that way for about a minute in front of the headstone that waited to be put in place by the cemetery staff.
    “Babe, I couldn’t be prouder or more pleased that my little girl brought you into our family. I love you, son.” Jack said.
    “I love you too, Jack. You’re the best.”
    “Are you going to need a ride?” Jack asked.
    “No, thank you. I’m riding with Dad. That’s his motor home parked by the next pavilion.”
    “I just saw him a few minutes ago. That has to be the biggest motor home I’ve ever seen.”
    “No, no. The giant one belongs to his brother, Zach. He came in yesterday from Kansas City. Dad’s is half that size. He’s probably getting the grand tour of Zach’s bus and leaving a trail of drool through it.”
     
    “Are you going to keep the house?” asked Jack.
    “I’ve thought about it. I don’t know if I can give it up. When I think about her, it’s in that house— or out in the yard in that goofy hat; digging in the…”
    Babe had no end for this sentence.
    “I understand, son. I just want you to know that you always have a place to stay for as long as you like, no matter what you decide to do. That’s all. There’s no hurry.”
    “Thanks, Jack. She only asked me for one thing.”
    “What was that?”
    “She asked me to stay with you. But she didn’t really need to ask,” Babe said.
    “I’m very glad to hear that,” Jack said.
    “I’m not sure when I’ll be going into the office. We’ll talk about all that soon enough. Goodbye, son.”
    “Bye, Jack.”
     
    The drizzle of a dark New England afternoon had settled into a mist. Babe stood alone with his hands shoved into his pockets as he watched the people leave. The door to his Uncle Zach’s motor home stood open. Robbie was visiting with his older brother until Babe was ready to leave.
     
    The slow swish of wet leaves was overpowered by a rustling in a clump of bushes. Three dogs burst through and ran straight toward Babe. He jumped and started backpedaling but the dogs were as frightened as he was. They turned and ran the opposite direction.
    Jesus, Babe thought . They have to be wild as hell. This cemetery is at least three miles from any homes.
    They were an unlikely group. The two big dogs were all black with thick, bristled hair. The small dog looked like a yellow Labrador puppy, though he was so filthy