Page 64 of A Vintage of Regret
“But you’re not them,” Kelly said. “And you have support. Don’t forget that.”
“I can’t believe I brought any of this up. I’m so sorry, Kel. You’ve got so much to worry about, right now.” Erin sucked in a deep breath and let it out slowly.
This entire thing was messed up, but in a very real way, it was also what family was all about. Being there no matter what, and Riley wouldn’t turn her back on her siblings now.
Her mother was an entirely different matter. Though currently, her mom wouldn’t even respond to her texts or take her calls. She’d told Erin that she was too disappointed in her youngest child. If she only knew the entire clan had just enjoyed a barbecue at the Boones. Now that would really ignite a bomb.
“Mommy! Mommy!” Willa jumped and waved. “Watch this.”
Erin sat up and covered her eyes, shading them from the afternoon sun. “I’m watching, baby.”
Bryson snagged the football, pointed toward the far corner of the yard, and Willa took off running, glancing over her shoulder, and stretching out her arms. Bryson sent the ball sailing through the air, and Willa caught it.
“Did you see that, Mommy?” Willa yelled as she jumped up and down and pranced in a circle.
“Bravo!” Erin clapped.
“My turn!” Randy snatched the ball and tossed it to Devon.
“I swear, I have no idea how they have that much energy.” Erin slumped back into the chair. “I’m exhausted just watching them.”
“That’s because you’re old,” Kelly teased, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
“Look who’s talking.” Erin rolled her eyes. “Thirty-three is not old. Two kids who think sleep is a government conspiracy… that’s what’s old.”
Riley smiled faintly, letting the much-needed switch to easy banter warm her. She’d missed so much with her sister and Kelly. She wasn’t jealous of their relationship. Not at all. She relished it. However, a sadness settled in her heart. She’d missed so many years, all because she’d been too hung up on past pains that could’ve been cleared up if she’d had the maturity and the courage to come home sooner.
That was on her. Not them.
She reached out and grabbed Erin’s hand. “You’re an amazing mother. I’ve always enjoyed the pictures and the stories, but meeting them? Spending time with them is like seeing the best parts of you,” Riley said, meaning it.
Erin’s dark circles and messy bun told a story of a woman barely able to keep it together, but there was love in every line of her sister’s face when she looked toward the yard.
Bryson caught Riley’s gaze across the lawn, grinned, then took off at a sprint, letting Willa tackle him around the knees. He fell into the grass with exaggerated defeat, Devon cheering the victory like a sideline coach.
Erin sipped her wine, watching them. “You know, for all their gruffness, those Boone boys are really just big kids.”
Kelly laughed. “Makes them perfect uncles, though.”
“One of my children would have to get married, have kids, blah, blah, blah, for that to happen.” Brea waved a finger. “While their lives are not mine, and my purpose in life was as a mother, not necessarily a grandma, I’m always hopeful.” She leaned over and winked at Riley.
“I’ll drink to that.” Kelly raised her glass.
“Me too.” Erin clanked her glass against Kelly’s, then Brea’s.
“You people are crazy.” Riley rolled her eyes. A few days ago, she would’ve boarded a plane so fast it made everyone’s head spin. The mere thought of being with Bryson again seemed like a pipe dream. Absurd at best.
Now? Being in his arms again felt natural. Real. Waking up next to him was like coming back to the place she’d always belonged even though she’d gotten lost along the way. As if being home allowed her to rediscover all the possibilities she’d thought she’d left behind.
A lull settled between them, the hum of conversation drifting from the yard, the sound of kids’ laughter floating up again.
Erin’s cell vibrated on the coffee table. She lifted it and glanced at the screen. “Ugh.”
“Who is it? Riley asked. “Chad?”
“No. But just as bad… It’s Mom.” Erin set the cell back on the table, face down. “She’s been acting so strange lately.” Her tone was careful, neutral in the way someone speaks when they’re afraid of what’s behind the question. “More short-tempered than usual. Distracted. And the way she accused you of stealing was disturbing. And not true. I found that crystal figure and waved it under her nose. She blew it off like I was the one lying. I’m getting tired of defending her to people.”
Kelly let out a dry laugh. “And yet, she’ll be the first to remind you she’s never wrong—even when she is.”
