Chapter 34 Molly
MOLLY
Later that night, while the kids are upstairs rearranging the bedroom they’re once again sharing now that Linda is back, I sit at the kitchen table with my mother-in-law, who surprised us by returning several days earlier than scheduled.
Did she call to let me know about her change in plans?
Of course not. Instead, the kids and I got home to find her unpacking in the bedroom.
Luckily, I had most of the house cleaned, which is how I’ve been dealing with my mood and missing Chase.
While Linda told the kids about her trip, I quickly changed the sheets, packed up the clothes I had in her room—plus anything else that belonged to me—and moved it into Laurel’s bedroom.
I waited until they went downstairs to move the locked box from the nightstand.
The last thing I need is to have to explain the box to my mother-in-law. Talk about mortified.
She didn’t seem too interested in hearing about what’s been going on here, but the kids regaled her with stories of Fancy, Gumdrop, and Princess anyway. I don’t think I misinterpreted the look of surprise on Linda’s face when she realized how close my kids have become to their late father’s friend.
“Was it necessary for Chase to park his Airstream on the property? The kids take the bus to and from school, and I know you set up grocery deliveries, so there couldn’t have been that much for him to do.”
“He was helping us,” I remind her. “You arranged for him to be here.”
“Not full-time,” she counters. “You were supposed to be winding down your flower operation during my trip. From everything I saw in the fields and the greenhouse, you’re ramping things up.”
“I did ramp it up,” I tell her, not bothering to hide the pride in my voice. “In fact, I hosted a wedding reception here.”
“Excuse me?” Linda looks stunned. “Why in the world—?”
“I wanted to make enough money for a down payment on the farm by the end of the summer.”
“Part of the agreement was if Chase helped you, I’d sell him the farm.”
I exhale a slow breath. “I know that now, but I didn’t at first. Even after I found out, I thought that if I could make it work, you’d sell the property to me rather than Chase or some stranger.”
“Why would I do that when you and the kids are moving to Albuquerque?”
“We’re not, Linda,” I say quietly.
Her eyes narrow and her nostrils flare. “You promised…” she begins.
I shake my head. “I didn’t promise anything. You told me how it would be, and I went along even though it wasn’t best for us. That’s on me. I’m sorry I didn’t speak up sooner.”
“After everything I did for you—”
“Skylark is my home.” I sit up straighter and hold her gaze, no longer willing to be the mouse people expect. “It’s where my kids feel at home.”
After all this time and worry over how to talk to my mother-in-law about this decision, the nerves I once felt are completely gone. Because I know I’m doing the right thing. It’s as if the hold she had over me has faded away these past few weeks.
“Chase has offered to subdivide the property so we can stay,” I inform her. In case he didn’t mention it to her. I want all the cards on the table now. “And I’m going to take him up on it.” If he’s still willing after how I reacted.
“What if I don’t sell it to him? The closing isn’t until next week.” She shakes her head, clearly frustrated by my change of heart. “There’s a developer willing to pay enough that I could recoup my losses from breaking the deal with Chase.”
“I heard about the East Coast developer,” I tell her, hoping I’m right that she’s bluffing. “But you made a promise, and Chase lived up to his end of the bargain.”
“But if I did, you won’t have a reason to stay.”
“This town is my home,” I repeat. “That’s the only reason I need. It’s not about Chase or the land. Of course I want it. I’ve invested in it, and the kids love it here. And I’d like to have your blessing. But no matter what happens, we’re staying.”
She drums her fingernails on the table as she studies me, then reaches across the table.
For a moment, I think she might actually slap me, which tells you how well I can read my mother-in-law. Because instead, she pats my hand. Not exactly a gentle touch, but it’s a big gesture for Linda.
“It’s about time,” she says, looking both resigned and a little relieved.
I blink. “Time for what?”
“Time that you stand on your own two feet. I wondered if you were ever going to manage it.”
Maybe I should be offended, but I’m not. “That makes two of us. To be honest, I didn’t think you were interested in me standing on my own two feet because of what it would mean for you.”
“I wanted you to move with me to keep my grandkids close, but I also understand why you want to stay. I’m ready for a change, but Skylark will always have a place in my heart.”
“I need to do what’s best for the kids.” It’s still easier to be strong for them than for myself.
Linda bites down on her lower lip then whispers, “My son was a good man.”
I’m not sure where that comment came from, but it’s clear she needed to say it. “He was. I loved Teddy.”
“He was my whole world.” She exhales what appears to be a painful breath.
“He was also reckless and selfish. I blame myself. I know what it’s like to be a single mom.
The stigma and pressure and loneliness. I thought if I indulged every wish and whim Teddy had as a boy, it would make up for him not having a father.
But I couldn’t fill that gaping hole. Instead…
” She clasps her hands tightly together.
“Teddy never knew his father, but he turned out a lot like him, which is not a compliment.”
It’s my turn to reach across the table and squeeze her hands. “I know how much you loved him.”
“And I see how much you love your kids. Being happy is the best thing you can do for them. I didn’t support this flower farming business at the start, but I’ve seen the changes in you. They’re important.”
Emotion clogs my throat, and I have to look away for a moment. I didn’t expect any sort of validation from my typically fault-finding mother-in-law, but her words resonate deep in my soul. “They feel important.”
“Do you want me to back out of the contract with Chase?”
I pull my hand back, closing my fingers into a fist. “And sell to the developer?”
She shakes her head. “I don’t want somebody to bulldoze this house and subdivide the land into postage-stamp-sized properties. I would have waited for the right buyer, and I’m confident in Chase’s commitment to stewarding our family’s legacy.”
I open my mouth to agree, but she holds up a finger to silence me.
“I’m also confident in your commitment to building a life in this town for you and the twins.
If you want me to break the contract, I will.
We’ll come up with terms that work for you to buy the farm.
Even if it takes a couple of years or you do a lease-to-own or…
” She waves a hand like the details aren’t important right now. “We’ll figure out something.”
“Why would you do that now? To be honest, Linda, I didn’t think you liked me, let alone believed in me.”
“You were an easy scapegoat for my frustration over Teddy’s unwillingness to—let’s call it what it is—grow up, and then for my grief.
My son knew better than to take a raft out on the river when it was running so high and fast. He should have been wearing a helmet and a life vest. He was always impulsive, and he and Chase got into plenty of trouble together.
But Chase also tempered him. Just like you did. And I do mean that in a good way.”
I think about what I want for the future, my feelings for Chase that have been a big part of me changing, and my friends’ advice about letting someone love and take care of me.
“I’m in love with Chase,” I say quietly, done hiding or feeling guilty for my feelings. I want to show up for him the way he’s been showing up for me.
She laughs softly. “I should have thought about that as a possibility when I wrangled him into helping.”
I guess there are worse ways she could have reacted. “I don’t know if he feels the same, but—”
“What does your gut tell you?”
I can’t help my smile. “That we have a chance at something really special. I don’t want to own this land instead of Chase. I want it to be part of our future.” I make a face. “Although I’m still not sure how I feel about Luke’s goal of becoming a cowboy.”
“One way or another, adventure is in his blood.”
“Maybe the greatest adventure is being brave enough to live a full life,” I say, more to myself than her.
“I wish Teddy could see you now.”
Linda’s words hit me right in the chest, but in the best possible way.
“He’d probably tell me to stop overthinking and go do something,” I say with a watery laugh.
“Sounds like Teddy.”
“I need to talk to Chase.” The certainty I feel finally knowing what I want almost catches me off guard, but I’m not backing down now. “He’s staying at Ray’s. Would you mind if I went over there? I don’t want to wait another minute.”
Linda’s expression shifts, a shadow dimming the light in her brown eyes. “Chase is at the rodeo exhibition.”
My stomach drops. “What?”
“My friend Sarah gave me a ride from the airport, and she said it’s the talk of the town. The rumor is Chase Calhoun will be making his comeback tonight. I thought you knew.”
I feel the blood drain from my face. Chase’s words about what the doctor told him play in my mind.
I can’t handle another concussion. My heart starts racing as the pieces click into place.
He’d been so certain about retiring, at least until his dad started goading him into getting back in the ring. And then our argument…
“This can’t happen again,” I whisper, more to myself than Linda.
“What is going on? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“I have to go.” I’m already moving toward the door, panic clawing at my throat. “He’s being reckless, just like...”
The words stick in my throat, but I know Linda understands. She knows Teddy went out on the river that day after a fight with me. History can’t repeat itself. Not with Chase.