Page 70 of Sensing Selma
“I’m glad. It’s important to me that you approve.”
“Me? Why?”
“I know I don’t tell you often enough, but I do truly value your opinion, Susan. You’re the wise and sensible one...I mean, you saw Damen coming a mile away. You knew he’d hurt me, and you were right.”
I shrugged.
“But now it’s your turn.” She grabbed my hand, and we stopped walking. “I mean it, Susan. I fully intend to take responsibility for Mother. I want you to have more freedom, to find your own happiness. It’s time you put yourself first.”
I wasn’t sure I knew how to do that. I’d always put others first.
“A strange man came out of Mother’s room this morning,” I said, wanting to change the subject.
She burst out laughing. “Are you serious? Mum has found a mate?”
I shrugged. “She insisted there’s nothing going on between them, but...She claims he was there to help her with this surprise she has for us.”
Still laughing, she put her hand to my shoulder. “Whatever it is, let Mum have her fun.”
We resumed walking, slowly heading down to the house.
“Have you two set a date yet?”I said.
“Not yet,” she said with a knowing smile. “We still have a few things to get settled. We’ve started shopping around for a place large enough to hold the type of wedding we really want.”
“You want the whole big shebang, I suppose.”
A car pulled up behind us and we moved over to the side to let it pass, but it stopped at our side.
“Major Cooper,” I said as he put down his window.
“Good morning, Susan. I take it Holly has spread the good news.”
“Indeed. Congratulations. I’m very happy for the two of you.”
“Hi, honey,” Holly said, her grin as wide as could be.
He, too, pulled his car to the side of the drive and got out. He immediately went to Holly and pulled her in for a tender kiss.
He looked at me. “Do you mind if I borrow her for a moment. I have an idea for the wedding that I’d like to share with her.”
I nodded, leaving them to walk off. Then I heard the passenger door open and close shut. A shiver ran up my spine and dared not look back.
“Hello, Susan.”
I slowly turned to him, bracing myself. He looked tired and he might have lost a few pounds, but he looked wonderful all the same. His eyes were as warm and kind as I’d always known them to be, though with a touch more concern.
“Have I just been tricked?”I said, trying to find levity in this difficult moment.
“I just wanted to be sure I could see you. I feared that if I just showed up...well...you’d refuse to see me.”
I nodded.
“I have news about Selma Sanctuary.”
Again, I nodded. “Fine. What news?”
“Jeremy is having second thoughts.”
