Then I noticed a separate pile beside his elbow. It contained nearly every large chocolate bar the boys had collected.
Richard unwrapped one and took a bite.
“Um… what are you doing?” I asked.
He looked annoyed.
“I walked them around for two hours. At my age, you didn’t think I’d do it for free, did you?”
I stared at him.
“I’m not getting any younger. I’ve earned a little something for my trouble.”
He reached for another chocolate.
“Besides, kids don’t need all that sugar. Relax. They’ve still got plenty left.”
Ethan and Owen stood beside the table, watching him.
Neither said a word.
I wanted to tell Richard to put everything back. But he was my husband’s father, and I’d never seen him behave quite like this.
I was afraid an argument would upset the boys even more.
“Richard, perhaps we should let them sort their own candy,” I suggested.
