“I loved him, damn you!”
Surprised at the anger in her mother's voice, she faced her.
“We lived a happy life, even if you like to believe otherwise.”
“I-I didn't… don't.”
“I know you think me cold and selfish, and perhaps I am, but your father and I loved each other, and you have no right to judge me.”
“I'm sorry, but you always appeared to find Father a burden, Mother. I'm not sure how you expect me to think otherwise.”
“Not everyone carries on with love and roses and speaks of affection, daughter. Your father and I understood each other. We would not have lived together for thirty years had we not.”
She looked at her mother and found the same woman she'd seen since she was old enough to focus, and yet, was she right? Had she and Macy's father loved each other? Had they shown that love in private?
“I miss him very much.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t realize.”
“Well now you do.”
“Thank you for telling me.”
Her mother gave her a stiff nod.
“Now tell me, what is this business between you and Brad Gelderman?”
“Pardon?”
“You should keep that one, if not for his money, then for his strength. He is a man who will care for a woman, and you need that this time round.”
Macy wondered if she'd woken in a parallel universe, because she'd never once had a conversation like this with her mother, and yet there she stood.
“I wanted to, but he… ah, he didn't want me.”
“Of course he does. The man couldn't keep his eyes off you. Be persistent, Macy. For once in your life go after what you what.”
“I wanted Brian,” Macy defended herself.
“No, I wanted Brian for you, and perhaps there I was wrong.”
God, her mother had just said she was wrong. Her father's death must be affecting her more than Macy realized.
“However, that is not the point here. The point is that if you want that boy, then go and get him, and stop being so bloody accommodating.”
“Pardon?”
“Can't stop, I'm leaving in the morning. Now see that you do something about this business before I return, and while I'm gone, think about this too.”
“What?” Macy felt as if the ground was moving beneath her feet.
“I think we should swap houses. I don't want to live in mine without your father, and I like yours, whereas you do not.”
Dear God.
Before she could react, her mother had rounded the counter and hugged her hard. She then sailed from the shop, leaving Macy reeling.
Stumbling sideways, she found a chair and fell into it. She was still sitting there when Katie walked in twenty minutes later.
