Chapter 22
"I had to sneak this in while your son wasn't looking," Steffi said, handing her mother in law the familiar KFC snack box the next day. "He'll have a fit if he saw that, but I figure if he can smoke like a forest fire, you can have your chicken."
"You're really asking for a death sentence, Mom if Dad comes in here right now," Heath warned her.
"So is your father with his four pack a day habit, your point?" Steffi looked at her son.
"Four packs?" Barbara asked. "My lord, he's gotten worse."
"You aren't kidding," Audrey said. "Hey, where is Daddy anyway?"
"To finish up back at the house before he cleans up and comes by," Steffi replied.
"Just enough time for Grandma to clean up the evidence," Heath snickered.
"I even brought a large coffee to polish it all off," Steffi added with an evil smile.
"You really didn't have to go through all this trouble," Barbara chuckled, "but I'm glad you did."
"Don't worry; Heath told us you were craving it," Steffi smiled. "I figured since you were going to be stuck here for a few days, I could make it at least a little more tolerable."
"Well, thank you. I'm guessing he's discussed this whole idea of me moving in with you, though?"
"Yes, and at the risk of you biting my head off, I am all for it. We'd love to have you."
"I really don't know what he's worried about, Steffi. The doctor said it was nothing serious."
"This time, Grandma," Audrey cut in. "I think what Daddy's worried about is it might happen again and it will have a worse outcome."
Barbara sighed. "Your dad always was a worrier. Then again, it is par for the course, being he was pretty much the man of the house most of his life."
"And he still wants to take care of you," Heath nodded, "just like he takes good care of Mom and us, because he's just a good guy like that."
His grandmother petted Heath's dark head. "And you're so much like him."
"Indeed he is," Steffi agreed. "He lit up like a Christmas tree when his dad mentioned you moving in with us."
"Really? You mean I won't cramp you kids' style?"
"Not sure about Audi's, but you won't cramp mine in the least," Heath said cheerfully. "It will be kind of fun really. I'll get to hear more of those funny stories about Dad when he was a kid and stuff."
Barbara looked over at Steffi. "And to think most kids that age are bored with most of their grandparents' stories."
Steffi smiled back. "Trust me, when it come to anything pertaining to your son, you'll never have to worry about these two getting bored anytime soon."
"Perhaps this moving in with you all won't be so bad after all. Between the warmer weather and the company, this could be a better change than I initially thought. All right, I will do it. Now we just have to wait for my loving son to get here and give him the good news."
"Better finish that chicken first," Audrey reminded her grandmother. "We still have to destroy the evidence before he arrives."