That evening, after a yet another memorable dinner lovingly prepared by Ted and Sally, Becky decided to relive a cherished childhood pastime – a spot of night reading on the front porch. It was a tradition she held dear, especially during the warmer months when the days seemed to stretch a little longer, and the schoolwork wasn't as relentless.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with a kaleidoscope of colors, Becky settled onto the old teak bench. Her mom's crocheted cushions provided a familiar comfort as she leaned against them, her legs stretched out along the bench. The sounds of summer filled the air, a symphony of crickets and a gentle breeze rustling the leaves. It was the perfect ambiance for a night of literary escape.

During those days, her dad would sometimes make some ice tea using the tin of black tea that he kept in the pantry. It was a recipe and tradition leftover from Ted's own father, one of the very few habits that Ted had found remotely endearing enough to keep alive.

The book that Becky had chosen for tonight's reading was a gritty three-part novel about a rural Minnesotan private investigator. It centered around a missing family heirloom – a strange relic that purported to be the horn of a fabled unicorn cow, a creature steeped in local farmer folklore. While the story lacked the whimsy and fantastical elements she usually sought, the gripping tension between the characters which even included an unexpected murder, held her spellbound, making it difficult to tear her eyes away from the pages.

Back in the house, Ted had just finished the last of the dishes. With a sense of accomplishment, he wiped his hands dry and gazed out the kitchen window, observing the moon's journey across the sky. Ted too also cherished the occasional night reading session after dinner, though it depended on whether a Major League game on TV piqued his interest. But today, his body ached from a long day at the grocery store. He yearned for some much needed rest.

As he moved through the house, Ted methodically shut windows and turned off lights, a ritual he likened to closing up the grocery store. A soft glow from the front porch light caught his attention. Curious, he approached the front window, wondering if the neighbor's cat had triggered the sensor light. He missed seeing the feline. The cat had a penchant for curling up next to their terracotta planters, basking in the warmth that the planters retained from the afternoon sun.

With a smile of expectation, Ted glanced beside the planters, expecting to see the familiar silhouette of their feline visitor. However, tonight the porch was empty, devoid of the endearing presence he had come to miss.

Breathing out with a little disappointment, Ted flicked off the porch light from inside the house. Just as the darkness embraced the front porch, Becky's voice called out, filled with surprise and amusement. Realizing his mistake, Ted quickly turned the light back on and opened the front door, revealing Becky sitting on the bench with a book in hand and a look of mild annoyance on her face.

"Sorry about that. I thought it was a cat lazing around on our front porch." Ted said apologetically.

Becky responded with an impish meow, her playful grin breaking through her momentary irritation. Ted couldn't contain his own smile, savoring the sight of his daughter's disarming playfulness that he had missed dearly.

"Mind if I join you on the bench? It looks mighty comfortable and I could do with a bit of rest." Ted asked.

"Well, I am a generous cat. I might be convinced to share my cozy little reading spot."

Ted grinned, an idea crossing his mind. "Actually wait right there, I'll be right back," he said as he disappeared back into the house.

A moment later, Ted returned with two bottles of beer in his hands. Becky's eyes lit up as Ted handed her one of the bottles. She takes a refreshing swig, letting out an exaggerated "ahhh" sound that brings another smile to Ted's face with its kindred familiarity.

Ted sits down on the other side of the bench, the night breeze cooling the sweat upon his brow bringing with it a second wind of energy.

"I was worried you might have turned into a wine drinker after living so long in California," Ted teased.

Becky cleared her throat, preparing herself for a performance.

"Sommerfield has been and always will be brewski country," she bellowed, flawlessly capturing Ted's version of the classic midwest accent. She burst into a fit of tear filled laughter shortly after.

Ted playfully shook his head, recalling with embarrassment some of the things he had said during the recent lunch at the Fentons. "Well, I hope your mom didn't tell you everything that I had said," Ted said meekly.

Becky grinned mischievously.

"Just the highlights," she replied, her smile warm and affectionate. "But you'll be heartened to know that apart from acing my classes at university, I also managed to come second place in the beer chugging contest at the end-of-year Vet Medicine freshman party."

Ted raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise.

"You did? Well, you should have written home about it."

Becky laughed, her eyes shining with joy.

"I actually lost by a lot to the girl who won, but I still did Minnesota proud," she said with a wink.

"It's comforting to know you're getting a proper education," he said with a hint of humor, "learning all the important skills at university. Like chugging beer." Ted nodded, a glimmer of sentiment in his eyes. "If I went to university I bet I'd ace it too. I would have definitely spent time revising for important subjects like beer-drinking."

Becky and Ted share a hearty laugh, clinking their beers in agreement. Taking a sip of the cold beer, Becky recalled the conversation she had with her mother earlier in the day.

"Hey dad. I was talking to mom today and I found out another amazing thing about mom that I never knew about. Guess what it is." she said, her voice filled with anticipation.

Ted raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his daughter's enthusiasm.

"Does mom have another family that she's hiding from us?" a mischievous smile dancing on his lips.

"No dad! I'm serious," she urged Ted.

Ted grinned, thoroughly enjoying the mystery. Content to allow Becky to reveal the mystery to him, he shrugged his shoulders.

Becky glanced over her shoulder, as if to ensure that Sally wasn't within hearing range before leaning in to whisper.

"Did you know that mom wrote an amazing story called 'The Reefmaker' when she was in high school?" Becky revealed, her eyes shining with excitement.

Ted scrunched up his face, furrowing his brows in thought.

"'The Reefmaker,' you say? I can't say I've heard about it before," he admitted. "But I wouldn't be surprised if your mom has written a good tale. She's a very talented person, after all," he said with adoration.

Becky nodded in agreement.

"You're right, dad. Mom has always had a way with words, but I'm surprised you didn't know about this one," she said.

Ted smiled affectionately at the thought. "Your mom has her reasons for keeping certain things to herself," he said. "She doesn't normally seek attention for her accomplishments. But that doesn't make her talents any less remarkable."

Becky listened intently, appreciating her dad's insight into her mom's character.

Ted smiled, enjoying the conversation with Becky, "Tell me about this story that mom wrote," Ted urged, eager to uncover this hidden gem from Sally's past.

Becky continued to share the story with her father, her eyes filled with admiration for her mother's hidden talent.

"The story is a local folklore about an imaginary creature called 'The Reefmaker.' It's not just incredible due to its creativity, but it has such emotional depth that it has become very close to my heart," she explained.

"You've read the story your mom wrote?" he asked, taken aback by the revelation.

Becky nodded, her mind traveling back to her childhood.

"Yes, I read it when I was twelve. It was so well written, and little did I know that Mom had penned it in high school. Imagine how well she can write now with so much more experience." she replied.

Ted couldn't help but marvel at the eerie coincidence.

"You only learned about Mom's authorship today?" he asked, astonished by the timing.

Becky nodded again, a shiver running down her spine.

"I had no idea back then that Mom was the author. It's just mind-blowing to think about it now," she admitted.

The realization sank in for Ted as he contemplated Sally's undeniable talent. He thought about how she must have set aside her passion for writing to support him and their family. Guilt washed over him for not fully grasping the sacrifices she had made.

Married a few years after high school, Sally had set aside her passion for writing and her expectation of taking over the Berenson farm to support their life together, taking over the grocery store when Ted's father had unexpectedly passed away. A few years later she became a devoted mother while continuing to work tirelessly at the store. Guilt washed over Ted, realizing how much Sally had sacrificed. Her dreams and untapped talents had been buried beneath the responsibilities of their life together.

In a moment of vulnerability, Ted confided in Becky, "I can't help but feel grateful for everything your mom has done for us. But at the same time, I can't help but wonder if I've held her back from pursuing her dreams and using her talents, working a dead end job at the grocery store."

Becky could see her father's turmoil and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Working at the store is hardly a dead end. I can tell that mom really loves it even if it can be a bit physically demanding some of the days. Dad, don't blame yourself. Mom made those choices willingly because she loves you and wanted to build a life together with you," she said reassuringly.

Ted let out another heavy sigh, taking another sip of his beer.

"I know, all my life I've been so caught up with my arguments with my father and the fate of his grocery store. I've selfishly paid little attention to what your mother must have been thinking at the time, her own needs that she may have kept quiet." Ted's sad eyes searched Becky's for consolation, "I can't help but wonder what her life would have been like if she had stayed with Paul," he admitted, his thoughts consumed by what-ifs.

"If mom had stayed with Paul, she would be with a man who could hit a sweet home run," Becky quipped, a mischievous grin on her face. She attempted to take a drink from her bottle, but the thought of teasing her dad made her splutter and laugh.

"I guess I walked right into that one." Ted couldn't help but grimace in acknowledgment, "I'm never going to hear the end of that baseball thing, am I?" he asked, feigning exasperation.

Becky playfully nodded. "Yep, thanks for giving us conversational fodder for at least the next thirty years," she said, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"But to be serious, It's no use dwelling on the past," Becky continued, her voice filled with wisdom beyond her years. "All you can do now is to encourage mom to follow her passion. I think I've managed to convince her to try her hand at writing again. I would love to read a sequel to 'The Reefmaker'."

Ted smiled at his daughter's determination and enthusiasm. "You're right." he said, nodding in agreement. "You have a way of putting things into perspective. I know what I should do, but hearing it from you makes it all the more clear."

Ted's mind wandered back to the lunch at the Fentons, a memory he had been reluctant to revisit. Paul Fenton had made an off hand suggestion about expanding their grocery store. As much as Ted didn't want to admit it, the idea had sparked something in him, rather it reminded him of what Sally had said in response, that they needed hired help to expand the store. Ted considered the hired help, but as a means to lessening Sally's burden rather than to increase it.

Enjoying the cool evening breeze, Ted leaned back on the bench, feeling the stress of the day slowly melt away.

"To start with, we could maybe hire someone to look after the store for a few hours each week, that would free up your mom to have more time to write," Ted suggested, looking over at Becky.

Becky nodded, understanding the wisdom behind her father's idea.

"That may work, but dad, you should take a break too," she said, concern evident in her voice. "I've noticed how tired you look some days when you return from a long day at the store."

Ted acknowledged her observation with a few agreeing nods.

"You're right, Becky. It's a gradual change, but I'm definitely not as fit as I used to be," he admitted. "It takes longer for me to bounce back from long days at the store. Your mom always says that we should take time to do the things that we want before our bodies fail us completely."

Ted sat up straight, his eyes lighting up with excitement as a thought crossed his mind.

"It would be nice if we could visit you in California." he said, his enthusiasm contagious.

"Oh, I would love that, dad! There are so many places I want to show you. I may even take you to a few wineries, I know you'd love that." She smiled mischievously.

Ted nudged her playfully, but his imagination could not be stopped.

"Maybe your mom and I could consider an even more ambitious trip," he continued. "I've always dreamed of going on a road trip to see Hemingway's house in Key West."

As Ted spoke, his body language came alive, and Becky could see the anticipation in his eyes. She couldn't help but get caught up in his enthusiasm. "That sounds totally amazing," she said. "Mom would love that, you know she's always dreamed of visiting somewhere warm!"

Looking around as if searching for a pad and paper, Ted's smile grew like that of a child.

"I need to start planning this. After all, failing to plan is...you know how the saying goes." he says with a sense of urgency. "But, we need to find someone we can trust completely to mind the store for that extended period of time. The road trip is going to take at least a few months."

Ted spelled out his requirements quickly. "The ideal candidate must be multi-talented and able to wear many hats," he said, thinking aloud. "And physically fit, able to handle a day full of heavy lifting without complaint."

Ted looks at Becky with an expectant smile.

Becky returns a confused look before realizing what Ted was implying. She smiles back, appreciating that her father thought her worthy of the task.

"I'm honored that you think I can be trusted with such an important responsibility," she said sincerely. "But my first love is still working with animals."

Ted's disappointment was quickly replaced by a deep sense of pride for his daughter's passion and dedication. "I completely understand." he said, his smile filled with love. "It was worth a try."

Becky thought for a short moment before offering a suggestion to Ted.

"I may have a possible candidate that could fulfill all of your requirements," Becky said with a confident smile.

"Dad, what do you think about having Dan help out around the store?" Becky asked, her eyes shining with excitement. "It's possible that he may be looking at opportunities to move back to Sommerfield. Since that lunch at the Fentons, the tension between Dan and his dad has eased a little."

The smile on Ted's face slowly evaporated as he seriously considered Becky's suggestion. He was unsure of how others might perceive such a decision.

"Paul may think I'm being too forward if I bring in Dan to look after the store," Ted voiced his concern. He preferred to be cautious around Paul, not wishing to accidentally antagonize him any further.

"I think Paul would be okay with it, he may even be grateful that Dan has a reason to come back to Sommerfield," Becky reasoned, her conviction unwavering. "Even though Paul may not admit it himself, I believe that baseball thing you did at the lunch buttered him up enough to accept Dan working at the grocery store."

Becky laughed again, thinking about her dad's shocked face as Paul hit Ted's pitch over the back fence. The memory brought an amusement to Ted's eyes as well

"You can position it as a business opportunity." Becky suggested.

"A business opportunity?" Ted asked, seeking further clarification.

Becky nodded with enthusiasm. "Yes! It's genius, really," her cheeks immediately turning slightly pink as she became aware of her own smugness. "Paul is a transactional kind of guy. He would understand with Dan working at the grocery store, that Dan may be working towards a part ownership of the grocery store."

"But wait a minute," he interjected. "I have no intention of giving up the store." Ted frowned, contemplating the implications of such a strategy.

"You don't need to sell it unless you want to. Dan wouldn't assume or expect anything beyond a fair wage for his work. However, Paul can imagine whatever reasons he wishes to make himself feel comfortable with the situation."

Ted appeared to be slowly coming around, though he still had reservations.

"You really think Paul would go for this?" he asked.

Becky nodded confidently. "Yes, dad."

As Ted contemplated the idea further, Becky continued to make her case.

"You and Mom can interview Dan if you want to do your due diligence," she said. "But I assure you, he's more than qualified for the job. He's been doing similar work at the deli he currently works at—inventory management, dealing with suppliers and customers, and getting hands-on with deliveries and moving stock between the storeroom and the shop floor. Plus, those strong arms of his could handle all the cleaning and shelving all day without needing a break."

Ted looks at Becky with a hint of surprise at how enthusiastically she seemed about Dan.

"When did you become president of the Dan Fenton fan club?" he asked, seeing the blush rise on Becky's cheeks.

Becky laughed nervously. "I'm not purposely looking out for him or anything like that," she replied. "If there's another deserving candidate, you should consider them too."

Ted nodded thoughtfully, taking in Becky's words. "You have a point, though. Your mom and I both trust Dan completely," he admitted. "I've missed having Dan over for dinner and the conversations about baseball. The boy's got a good handle on the finer points of the game."

He glanced at his watch noting the late hour and finished the last of his beer. "It's worth thinking about," Ted said. "I'm not sure if I can offer Dan a full-time position at the store just yet. A casual role might not be enough for him financially. But it's definitely worth exploring."

Ted extended his hand, offering to take Becky's bottle. She took one last drink and handed it to him.

"Dad, I'll put some feelers out there for you. Just a casual chat with Dan, see what his thoughts and ideas are." Becky said.

"Just don't make it too obvious and forceful." Ted advised.

Becky grinned. "Don't worry dad, I won't make you sound too desperate,"

Ted chuckled, enjoying the banter with Becky. "Alright then, I better hit the hay. Don't stay up too late yourself, I might need you in the morning to chop and load some firewood at the store."

Becky nodded.

Ted leaned down and kissed Becky on the top of her head before heading back into the house. Becky watched him go, feeling grateful for the trust her dad placed in her.

As the night grew colder, Becky wrapped a blanket around herself and picked up the book that was sitting on the bench beside her. The cicadas hummed in the background as she lost herself in the pages of the story, enjoying the peacefulness of the evening and a final chapter before she too called it a night.