Page 46 of Love in Riverbend
“Is your book good?” I ask.
“Yes, but this author mostly writes series, and her cliffhangers will be the death of me.”
I grin. “Then don’t read her.”
“Are you kidding? I love everything she writes.”
Shaking my head, I take a seat at the table and blurt out what I’ve been thinking. “I don’t want to get hurt again, and I don’t want Molly hurt.”
Mom reaches over and lays her hand over mine. “From the moment you were born, all your dad and I have ever wanted is for you to be healthy and happy. If I could have wrapped you in Bubble Wrap or kept you here in this house forever, I would have.”
I nod, knowing I feel the same way about Molly.
“I don’t want to see you hurt, Kandace. Your tears hurt more than my own. I also want you to be happy. Sometimes we have to take a risk to achieve happiness.”
“What if Molly learns the truth and he leaves?” I sigh. “I know he’ll leave. His life is in Chicago.”
“What did he say?”
I lift one foot to the seat of the chair and hug my knee. “He said he wants to know her, to be part of her life. He said he’s missed five years, and he doesn’t want to miss more.”
Mom gets up and places a pod of herbal tea in the coffee maker. When she turns to me, she grins. “Would you like tea, or is tonight another wine night?”
“No more wine—ever. Besides, I think you’re out.”
She winks. “I have a secret stash.”
“Keep it a secret. This morning was rough.”
“Then tea it is.” When she hands me the first cup, Mom says, “I’m glad you told Dax about Molly.”
“I didn’t. I did, but he already knew.”
Mom’s eyes open wide. “Who told him?”
“Ruth.” I smirk. “Not before she died. She kept her promise.” I remember what Dax said. “Apparently, she had a box in a closet at the house filled with pictures. Dax found them and put two and two together.”
“He did but so did you. You put one and one together and made three.”
Warmth fills my cheeks. “That wasn’t what I meant.”
Mom’s smile grows. “So…sweet Ruth Richards had a plan.”
I wrap my fingers around the warm mug. “Dax said he’ll sign over the store. He also said that Ruth had an additional stipulation that must be done before he can sign.”
“What?”
“He has to work two days at Quintessential Treasures with me.”
Mom shakes her head. “How do you feel about that?”
“Scared. I’m worried.”
“Do you think he’ll change his mind about the store?”
“No,” I answer honestly. “I’m afraid my resolve isn’t strong enough.” I peer down into the tea and back up at Mom. “He asked if I hate him. I told him the truth—it’s the opposite. And seeing him, being near him, I don’t want to still love him.”
“Funny thing about love…we don’t choose it. It chooses us.”
