Chapter 39: Chapter 39

David began the conversation first, after Pad grabbed a chair. “How was work?”

Pad waited, looked at Aunt Maddy, waited for her to sit down before grabbing the rolls she placed on the table, the sheen of butter on top adding to the aroma. “Good. I’m officially assigned to the personnel unit at MacDill. Have a few days of orientation still.”

Pad and David looked at Maddy and waited for her to finish scooping the dressing she made to the serving tray when the doorbell rang.

“Are you expecting anyone, Maddy?” David asked.

She turned to put the tray down on the table. “No. Maybe it’s the UPS or FedEx guy.”

“I’ll go check,” Pad said.

Pad saw a shadow through the curtains and something large next to it. He peeked and he saw a bouquet of flowers in the man’s hands. He opened the door and spoke. “Yes, can I help you?”

“Pad McLaughlin?”

“Yes, that’s me. Can I help you?”

“Got a delivery of roses for you. Can you sign this proving I delivered it?”