Page 41 of The Secrets We Treasure

“That’s your excuse and you’re sticking to it, huh?” His eyes brimmed with mischief.

“You betcha,” Effie chimed as she winked at Treasure.

Treasure grinned, loving the banter between Talon and Effie. The two were a beautiful couple, inside and out. “Tell Lexi I said hello.”

“Will do.”

It was great to see Talon so happy, especially after all the turmoil he’d been through with his first wife, Lina. Talon was living proof that happily-ever-after does, in fact, exist. Oh, how Treasure wanted her own happily-ever-after with the man who’d claimed her heart from the beginning.

The three chatted for a few minutes until Talon and Effie moved on, leaving Treasure alone. She was making her way over to Greer and Laci when someone grabbed her arm, pressing fingers into her flesh. She turned, her blood running cold when she saw Francie.

“What’re you doing here?” Francie demanded. Her features were pulled so tight that she looked like a prune.

In Treasure’s memory, Francie was young and vivacious. Her hair had once been the same color as Greer’s, but it was now solid silver. The lines around her eyes and mouth were more pronounced. When she was a teenager, Treasure had considered Francie as an imposing figure. She realized with a jolt that Francie was frail—the type of person who would be easily manipulated by a crafty snake like Josette. Treasure straightened to her full height, using her extra three or four inches to her advantage as she looked down at Francie. “I beg your pardon.”

“You have no right to be here,” Francie hissed in a whiny tone. “We had an agreement.” Her eyes darted around like she was afraid someone would overhear.

“What’re you so afraid of, Francie? That Greer will find out what you did?” She’d dreaded this moment for so long. Now that the worst was upon her, she was grateful to have the intestinal fortitude to face it head-on.

Fire flashed in Francie’s eyes. “Maybe you should be more worried about how he’ll react when he finds out what you did.”

“About that,” Treasure replied. “I never took the money.”

Francie blinked in shock. “Do you really expect me to believe that?”

Treasure held her gaze. “I’m beyond caring what you think, but the truth will speak for itself. I have it all. All one-hundred-thousand dollars. In fact, it’s still in the same dark green duffle bag that you handed over to me. I never touched a single bill.”

“You’re lying,” Francie stammered, her face going ashen.

“No, I’m not.” As Treasure looked at the mother of the man she loved more than life, something interesting happened. Her anger drained away. “Look, Francie. I don’t think you’re a bad person. You simply took advice from the wrong person. I get that you wanted what was best for Greer. You lost Jordan and put all your hopes into Greer. I’m sure you were thrilled beyond words when he became an engineer for NASA and married Aimee Hamlin. I’m truly sorry for the loss of your daughter-in-law.”

Francie’s lower lip trembled. “What do you want?” There was an undercurrent of fear lurking beneath her outrage.

“My intent is not to hurt you. It never was.” Her voice trembled with intensity. “The sad part about all of this is that you and I could have been wonderful allies. We share something of great importance—the love of your son.” She took in a quick breath. “Despite what you’ve done, I’m willing to turn the other cheek … for Greer’s sake.” Treasure’s words had the effect of a battering ram on Francie. Her lower jaw trembled, tears glistening in her eyes. The press of Francie’s fingers was hurting Treasure’s arm. “Now, kindly remove your hand.”

Francie immediately released Treasure’s arm. Her startled expression suggested that she’d been so caught up in the heat of the conversation that she hadn’t realized she was still clutching Treasure’s arm. Francie blinked back her tears, her expression going stoic as if placing her emotions in a box that she never planned to reopen. Disappointment swept through Treasure. For one small moment, she’d felt like she was getting through to Francie. She’d done something she never thought she’d have the capacity to do—extend an olive branch to someone who’d hurt her so deeply and, in doing so, reshaped the framework of Treasure’s life.

“Would ya look at that,” Greer drawled as he pranced up to them, wearing a large smile. “My two favorite women in the same spot.” He kissed his mother on the cheek before turning to Treasure. “Did you get a piece of cake?”

“Not yet.”

“We’ve got to remedy that. It’s to die for. Laci hired Sadie Thomas, the best caterer around.”

“Is she the blonde who was lighting the candles?”

“Yep, that’s her.” Greer frowned. “Mom, are you okay? You look a little pale.”

Francie gave him a tight smile. “I’m fine, honey. Just tired.” She touched her forehead, grimacing. “I’ve got a splitting headache.” She glanced around. “I should probably find your dad and get him to take me home.”

“If Dad wants to stay a little longer, I can take you,” Greer offered. “Treasure, you should come too.” A wicked glint lit his eyes. “You’re mine, and I’m not letting you out of my sight.”

The look of horror on Francie’s face would have been comical had it not been so heart-wrenching. I’m not a bad person, Treasure’s mind shouted. If only Francie could have found it in her heart to accept Treasure from the beginning, then none of the horrible stuff would’ve happened. She and Greer would have been together all these years and would probably have a house filled with kids. No, Treasure couldn’t think that way. She had Tray and the beautiful memories of her time spent with Ben. And then there were Helen and Kevin. She was a different person because of her experiences. While she didn’t care to relive the tragic parts, she was grateful for everything that she’d learned. She had a strong relationship with God and knew that He was aware of her and interested in the details of her life.

“There’s Cliff.” Francie waved her hand like she was flagging a rescue boat to save her from some impending danger. “Honey,” she called, her voice shrill.

Deep in conversation with Banks Chasing, Cliff turned, the corners of his lips drooping in mild annoyance over having been interrupted. He gave Francie a smile of acknowledgement, holding up a finger that prompted her to be patient, before commencing his discussion with Banks.

Francie sighed in frustration. “Men and their golf stories,” she muttered. “I’ll have to go and drag him out of here.” She gave Greer a weak smile. “Happy birthday, son. I love you.”

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