Page 40 of Paging Dr. VanRyan

“You need to type all these out and save them on the computer,” I mused, looking at the stacks of cards and pieces of paper. “Share them with us.”

“Oh, that’s a good idea,” she replied, peering at one of her recipe cards. “So many of these were Penny’s older recipes.”

I nodded.

“Maybe a good project for after…” Dad’s voice trailed off as Mom shot him a look.

“After what?” I asked, looking between them.

They shared another look, and Dad sighed, pulling on his cowlick the way he did when worried or anxious.

“What’s going on?”

“We weren’t only out for a walk the other day,” he admitted.

I laughed. “Figured that out. You were anxious to meet Maddy.”

“Well, that. Plus—” he took a deep breath “—we looked at a condo close to the wharf.”

“That we really liked,” Mom added.

“So you’re really going to move?” I looked around the room, suddenly nostalgic. I had grown up in the house and always loved it.

“It’s too big for us now,” Dad explained. “We ramble around in it. It’s a lot to take care of.”

“I understand.”

“We want to divide our time between here and Ontario.”

“Why not just move there permanently?” I asked. “Gracie, Heather, all the BAM guys are there. Easy access for flights to see Gavin and Penny.”

Another look flowed between them, and Mom blinked, her eyes glossy. “You’re not,” she stated quietly.

My throat became thick. “But I can visit.”

She shook her head. “But you won’t. Not enough.”

I opened my mouth to argue, but I knew she was right. “I’d try,” I said, sounding lame.

She reached over and grabbed my hand. “We want to spend time here too. We love Victoria, and it’s been our home for a long time. Graham and Laura are here. Jenna, Adrian, and the kids. Ontario would become our new home base, but we would be back a lot.”

“You always loved Port Albany.”

Dad nodded. “It feels like home to us. And I’ve decided to cut back on work. Retire, really.”

“You have? When did you make that decision?”

“The last few weeks. I want more time with your mom. With all the kids. I want to play golf with Maddox. Hang out with the guys. I would help and do consults if needed for The Gavin Group, but I want to enjoy my life.”

“Then you should,” I said firmly. “You don’t have to worry about me.”

“But we will,” Dad said softly. “We always will. And as long as you’re here, we will maintain a residence so we can be part of your life too.”

“Have you told Graham?”

“He knows. We wanted to tell you first, then the other kids.”

“When will the house go up for sale?”