"I know." Lifting their joined hands, she placed it against her cheek. "Thank God."
Tearing her eyes away from him, she turned to the woman seated across from them. "Why now?" She asked quietly. This was something she had been waiting for her entire life and now it seemed insignificant.
"Up to two weeks ago when I spoke to you regarding my wedding, which you stated unequivocally that you would not attend, you were very hostile. So, forgive me for wondering about your motive."
Violet's eyes lifted to the man who was staring at her like a hawk.
"Could I speak to you privately?" She asked stiffly.
"Not a chance." The voice was pleasant, deceptively so, the tone implacable. "Whatever you have to say to my wife will be said with me present or not at all."
"All right." Violet held up a hand. "I deserve that." Taking a deep breath, she plunged on. "I need a place to stay. Not here." She added hastily seeing the look on their faces.
"As I understand, you still have not sold your home. I don't need your money." She cast a resentful look towards Christos. "My husband's insurance is almost finished and the lease from the old place is all but up. All I need is a place to live."
"I have my baking as well as my crocheting. I can make a decent living from them. I know you have no reason to help me, but I'm asking just the same."
The silence in the room lengthened after her speech and had her nerves screaming.
"The house is unoccupied and empty. Of course, it's yours."
Violet let out a whoosh of breath and closed her eyes in relief.
"Thank you."
"Is that all?"
Her eyes flew to the man staring at her stonily.
"No." She shook her head. "I want to be part of... of your children's lives."
Silence again and she waited.
"That depends."
"On?" She asked her daughter.
"I will not have my children going through the nonsense you put me through. I won't have them beat over the head with the Bible and insisting on them praying every second of the day."
"No." Violet shook her head wildly. "I promise that will not happen. I just want a chance..."
"We'll have to think about it and get back to you. In the meantime, my wife needs her rest." Christos rose, a clear indication the conversation was at an end.
"Of course." Violet rose as well and by magic, the housekeeper materialized.
"Please see Ms. Wilcox to the door." Christos instructed the woman.
"Where are you staying?" Leanne asked as she headed out.
"With a church sister."
"Just let me know the address and I'll send the keys to you. The place has been cleaned up and is ready for occupancy. I've only taken a few personal items. Everything else is there."
She nodded, eyes straying to the man who stood like a sentinel guarding her daughter.
"I'm really sorry." Turning away, she followed the housekeeper out.
*****
