“Easier?” Anita supplied, holding back tears.
Mom shook her head, her own eyes filling. “More like me.” She gave Anita a watery smile. “I guess they were easier too. They did everything I suggested they do, and they never fought back.”
Anita slipped onto the stool next to her. “Who am I like?”
“Mymother, believe it or not. Maybe that’s why we butt heads so much.”
“Grandma had learning disabilities?”
“Not that I know of. But back then she didn’t have the educational opportunities I had, and you and your siblings had. She also never understood why I wanted to go to college. She believed the highest calling was to be a wife and mother.” Mom touched Anita’s hand. “She wasn’t wrong about that, even though I thought so at the time. I had to prove to her that I could do it all—get married, have children, and have a career. No, scratch that. I had to prove it to myself.”
“You did,” Anita said. This was the first time she and her mother had talked like this, and she was savoring every second of their conversation. “You succeeded with everything... except for me.”
“That’s not true.” Mom sighed. “All that education in psychology, and I didn’t apply it to my own parenting.” She turned on the stool until she was facing Anita. “I’ve always been proud of you. How you persevered in school eventhough it was so difficult. You might not have the academic prowess of your siblings, but you are smart. I should have told you this much sooner. That’s a failure on my part.”
“No, it’s not.”
“Don’t let me off the hook, even though it’s your nature to do so. Don’t tell your father this, but Paisley and I have been having arguments too.”
“You have?” That was a surprise. She’d never seen either of them raise their voice to the other.
“She tells me I’m micromanaging her wedding,” her mom huffed. “Imagine that—me micromanaging.” She shrugged. “I suppose she’s right. I did get upset when she said she wanted ecru napkins instead of the cream ones at her bridal shower in August. I told her ecru looked old fashioned, but she insisted.”
Anita wasn’t surprised that her mother would be nitpicky about shades of off-white, but she was stunned that Paisley had held her ground.
“I’m starting to realize that you three have to live your own lives. It’s hard for me to let go of being your mother.” Mom gave Anita a sad smile. “Your father and I want to help you, so you really don’t have to go into debt. But if you’re determined to make this café happen your way, then tell us how we can be supportive.”
Anita smiled. “I could use some interior decorating advice. You know I’m not good at that kind of stuff.”
“Done! I have just the style in mind too.” Her mother’s hands moved in an arc. “Think minimalist meets small town.”
“Sounds good.” She had no idea what that meant, andright now she didn’t care. They would undoubtedly have some differences of opinion over décor. And most other things. But right now she felt closer to her mother than she had since she was a little girl.
Mom got up from the chair and hugged Anita. “I love you,” she said. “And I’ll try to respect your boundaries more.”
“That sounds like psychology,” Anita said as she wrapped her arms around her mother’s waist.
“It is, but it’s also good parenting.”
“Dad already wants to know if there’s any liverwurst left,” Kingston said, walking into the kitchen. He stopped and looked at the two of them embracing before he broke out into a grin. “Looks like everything is settled, then?”
Mom looked at Anita. “Is it?”
Anita nodded.For now.
“Group hug!” Mom waved Kingston over.
“Anything to get me out of watching golf.”
But as her brother embraced them both, Anita knew she was loved.
Chapter17
“You didn’t have to bring me lunch, Tanner.” Hayden looked at the gigantic serving of liver and onions in the carryout container in front of him.
“This is kind of an IOU. When we both have some time freed up, I’m taking you out for a steak.” They were sitting in Hayden’s office at Price Hardware, Tanner balancing his burger and fries on his knee. He handed Hayden the plastic knife and spork he’d brought. “I can’t thank you enough for Wednesday. That was a record-setting day for us at the diner.”
“You’re welcome.” Hayden rubbed his hands together. “I haven’t had liver and onions in forever.”
