“Separate,” Serena said at the same time Cecily answer, “Together.”
He had an idea but didn’t want to present it unless Serena gave the okay first. “Can I have a minute alone with your mom?”
Cecily nodded and left the room without a fuss.
He stood up and gathered their trash, replaced the empty cups in the holder. “Would you mind if Cecily rode along with me, and we’ll meet you there?”
“That would be fine.” She took the trash from him. “Thank you for asking.”
“I don’t want to step on your toes. It’s clear you’ve done an exceptional job raising her.”
“Thank you.” An odd array of emotions flickered across her eyes before she jutted her chin toward the living room. “I guarantee you she’s listening from in there.”
“What kid hasn’t eavesdropped on their parents?” The poignancy of the statement struck with more force than he could have expected. How long would it be until he got over the shock of being a parent? He wasn’t sure he’d ever lose the awe of it, nor was he certain he wanted to.
“You and your brothers probably had an entire Styrofoam cup spying device set up, didn’t you?”
“I’ll never tell.” He winked, then gestured for them to go. “I believe our daughter is waiting.”
Chapter Ten
Serena stared at her reflection in the mirror. The royal blue dress with matching bolero complemented her complexion. It was appropriate for work or church, the latter of which was were she’d wear it today.
Other than for ceremonies she worked, she hadn’t stepped foot in church in years. Last week Cecily had asked her to attend with her, Pawpaw, and Lucas, but Serena hadn’t been able to summon the courage. She’d justified her absence by saying Lucas needed time alone with Cecily, and while that may have been true, it also made a convenient excuse.
She had to move forward, but she couldn’t do that until she put the past behind her. That meant dealing with the scars her father and his church had left on her spirit. Free from the grip of an extremist father, she was able to see how God had worked in her life. It wasn’t until this last week, however, when His grace and mercy was put in her face, that she began longing for that restored relationship.
A knock sounded on her bedroom door. “You ready, Mom?”
“Do I look okay? Is it too dressy for church? I know it’s more casual these days.”
Cecily smiled. “You look great as always. Some people come in jeans, some come in dresses. You’ll be fine.”
She smoothed her dress along her hips. “And you promise there’s no screaming, red-faced preacher shouting about hellfire and brimstone?”
“Well, he doesn’t not talk about it, but he doesn’t scream and shout and condemn the world.” Cecily came into the room and sat down in the bed. “Pastor Dale and his wife had their first child out of wedlock. That was years ago before they were Christians, but I thought you’d like to know. They aren’t the type to judge anyone for past mistakes.”
Serena’s nerves eased a smidgen. “I don’t think Daddy would have liked them very much.”
“From what you’ve told me, I don’t think my grandfather liked many people too much before he got sick.”
It was a sad truth, but Serena chuckled. “Is your father meeting us here or there?”
“There.” Cecily squirmed. “We weren’t sure if you’d be comfortable riding in a car with him.”
The innocent statement hit her hard. She had to do a better job of navigating this change in their lives. “It’s fine. We can all ride together next week, if you’d like.”
Cecily’s eyes widened. “Does that mean you’ll go two weeks in a row?”
Afraid to commit before knowing what the service would be like she hesitated, then answered affirmatively. Pawpaw had attended that church since he’d married Mawmaw, and he would never tolerate a church like Daddy’s. “Yes, it’s time.”
“I’m so happy.” Cecily jumped to her feet and threw her hands around Serena’s neck. “You’ll love it there. I know you will.”
She wished she had Cecily’s confidence. They left the house, but not before she grabbed the single Bible she owned from a box in her closet. It had a pink imitation leather cover and gold edging. Mom had given it to her several months before passing, and Serena had never been able to part with it.
Pawpaw had plans after church and drove separately. When she’d asked him where he was going, he’d answered vaguely. He’d also blushed which Pawpaw never did, and that made her wonder if he’d found a lady friend. If so, she was happy for him. He’d been alone a long time and deserved to find love again.
When they arrived at church, Serena gripped the steering wheel until her knuckles turned white. She looked at Cecily in the passenger seat. Her daughter had been strong for her more than any daughter should have to, and Serena wouldn’t put her own weakness on Cecily’s shoulders. If she could see Pawpaw, or even Lucas, she’d feel better.
