Page 89 of The Challenge

I held my hand over my heart, feeling it beat rapidly. “It’s certainly a surprise.”

“Even if it wasn’t my original intention when I bought the place, I’m happy you’ll be able to go there whenever you miss it.”

“What was your intention in buying it?” I asked.

“I didn’t know you were coming to town when I purchased it. I bought it because quite frankly, it was a good deal, and I worried it might never be on the market again. It was probably my only opportunity to own something that means a lot to me personally. Honestly, that house is the perfect place for Effie to grow up. And the memories I have there made me want it more than anything.”

My mouth must have been practically on the floor. “I can’t believe this.”

Evan looked into my eyes. “You’re not upset, are you?”

“No. I just… I don’t know what to think. I never expected this in a million years.”

“The kitchen is almost done, but I can put a stop to further renovations for now so you can move in with your mom, if that’s what you want.”

I looked away as I considered his offer. “I can’t ask you to do that.”

“Okay, then don’t ask me. I’m telling you that I plan to put a stop to further work for now and let you move in there with Judy. Or at least bring her to visit. Whatever you decide is best.”

A sense of overwhelm hung over me. “I have to think about it. I mean, I can’t just take her home unless I get some help. I need to look into what she’d be eligible for in terms of home health care.”

He nodded. “There’s no rush. I just wanted to let you know that it’s an option. You can have the house, if you want it.”

“Thank you for giving me the choice, Evan. It means more than you could ever know.”

“Of course.”

Tears sprang to my eyes. “I can’t believe you bought it.”

“Please tell me those are happy tears.”

I wiped my eyes. “They are.”

“Wanna stop by the house before we get Effie?”

“Really?”

“Why not?”

“The workers aren’t there?”

“I don’t know. They go in and out. But it doesn’t matter. It’s my house.”

I sniffled. “I would love that.”

We returned to Mom’s room and sat with her a little while longer. Fortunately, she didn’t demand to go home again, and a peace came over me, knowing that bringing her back to our old house was now an option, once I sorted through the logistics. It felt like a gift I’d never imagined possible.

***

As Evan and I drove down the long gravel driveway leading to my family home, I got chills.

There it was, the two-story farmhouse where most of my best memories had been built. There was a wide, wraparound porch where Mom and I would sit and talk for hours. The light gray paint on the detached garage was peeling, but that was probably the only thing that looked much different. Everything else seemed the same as it had been decades ago.

When we got out of his truck, I just stood there a moment, peering up at the house. I was swept back in time. My parents were inside, Mom preparing dinner while Dad sat at the table with a scotch, telling her about his day. Fawn was upstairs in her room, listening to music so loudly that she wouldn’t hear the call for dinner. And Evan had just given me a ride home from the high school because he’d happened to be driving home from college and passed by after my cheerleading practice.

Evan stood behind me and rested his chin on my head. “What are you thinking about?”

“Just taking a little trip down memory lane.”