Mason climbs up front and sits between them to stare at the sight before him. “Oh!” he gasps. “It’s so beautiful, Mr. Tucker.”
Tucker smiles and helps Mason climb up front. Then he wraps an arm around them, “Welcome home,” he says and flicks the reins.
Chapter 51
The windows glow beckoning to them to come home and excitement flutters between them. Mason is staring in awe a little bit overwhelmed by all he’s seeing.
As they ride down the bumpy path to the house, Abbie realizes that the house shouldn’t be lit up. He said he lives alone. Two familiar figures step out onto the porch and Abbie’s breath catches in her throat.
“Tucker, you didn’t?” Hope filled eyes look at him, shining with gratitude. “My parents?” she gasps and struggles not to cry and scare Mason.
“I did. I sent a message to my parents to bring them early, to settle in and open the house up. I hope that’s alright?” he asks.
Mason looks between them and smiles as Abbie swipes away her tears. “Oh, Tucker,” she sniffs and laughs at her parents waving at them.
He pulls in by the barn and jumps down to help Abbie and Mason.
Abbie’s father is quick to help, and Tucker jumps in surprise when his own parents surprise him by stepping out of the house.
Mason is quiet as Abbie reaches up for him and lifts him to the ground. “It’s going to be fine, Mason.” She holds his hand and guides him around the back of the wagon where she meets Tucker’s parents and her own.
“Abbie! I’ve been so worried, welcome home,” her Mother says, pulling her into a quick hug. Her eyes drop to Mason and she beams. “You must be Mason. I’m your Grandma,” she says. “Do you think I could have a hug?” she asks reaching for him.
Mason looks at Abbie and nods, before reaching for her. She swoops him up and presses a kiss to both cheeks.
“Where’s my grandson?” Abbie’s father calls out.
Mason’s eyes grow big when the large man comes around the wagon and steps in front of his wife. “Let me have a look at you,” he says.
Mason reaches out and touches his whiskered cheek. “Are you really my Grandpa?” Mason asks softly.
“Yes, I am,” he replies hoarsely.
“I never had that before,” Mason says and scrubs his nose with his hand.
“Now you do,” he plucks him from his wife with a laugh. “Mason, are you hungry? These lovely ladies have been baking all day.”
“Yes, Sir! I’m always hungry,” Mason says dramatically, and everyone laughs.
Abbie looks at Tucker and nods at the wagon. He disappears in the back and jumps down with a bundle in his arms.
While her parents introduce Mason to Tucker’s parents, Abbie reaches for Coralie and takes a deep breath. “Here we go, sugar,” she whispers, and the baby chooses that moment to scream in excitement.
All the adult’s swivel to look at her and no one moves for a minute. Abbie laughs at their shock. “That’s one way to do it,” she quips, patting the baby.
Mason takes his Grandmother’s face and turns it to look at him. “That’s my baby sister, Coralie. She needs you too.”
Abbie’s mother buries her face in his neck and tries to control the emotions rolling through her. Her father gasps and wells up with tears.
“Well, you’ve got us Mason, for as long as the Lord sees fit.”
Tucker steps to his parents and they hug him tight. The emotions are running strong as Abbie steps closer to them.
“Mom, Dad, I have so much to tell you,” she says with a laugh and jumps when Coralie squeals again.
Abbilene glows with joy and when she glances at Tucker. He laughs and takes the baby from her. “Let’s take this inside before she startles all the horses.” He blows on Coralie’s neck, causing her to squeal in excitement.
Mason laughs and squirms to be put down. He runs to Tucker and takes his free hand before reaching up and tugging Abbie to him.
No one speaks for a minute as they stare at them. “Well, I’ll be…” Tucker’s Dad whispers. His mother nudges him and they all start moving at once.
“I’ll get the horses put away,” Abbie’s father suggests, and her father offers to help.
“Time to go inside,” Tucker’s mother suggests.
“Mason, I hope you like cookies, we’ve made a lot of them,” his new Grandma teases.
Mason skips ahead to run up the porch. “I never had any, but I liked pie.”
Both ladies stare at her and Tucker as they walk up onto the porch and Abbie nods. “Later I will explain everything.”
Coralie starts to fuss, and Abbie takes her from Tucker. Before she can ask, he lifts a hand. “I’ll make her bottle while you get her nappy changed.”
“Thank you,” she sighs and hurries to grab the bag he’s holding out.
Tucker’s mother follows him into the kitchen while Abbie’s mother shows her into a bedroom on the main floor, not too far from the kitchen.
“Tucker Manning, I never dreamed I’d see you making a bottle!” his mother says with a laugh as she plates two cookies and calls to Mason.
The large kitchen is outfitted with the most modern conveniences, including a large wooden table and chairs.
Mason munches on his cookies and sips the milk she gives him while he watches Tucker make the bottle.
