Tammy felt her face heat up with embarrassment. “You both just needed a push.”
“I needed a push all right, right off a cliff. I was blind. I should have seen the signs with her. I loved her too much and was hurt by her actions. I should have fought for her.”
She shook her head not wanting to take credit for their union. They were both just stubborn, but were very much in love with one another. “It would have happened eventually. Elaina loved you so much.” There’s that smile again. She felt herself smile in return.
“Yes, but stubborn as sin.”
“I agree,” piped in Debbie. “And she’s my daughter. She was using me as an excuse not to be with Colton because she didn’t think she deserved that type of happiness and that it wouldn’t last. Just like you.”
“See?” Colt said as if that made all the sense in the world.
“You two are conspiring. Stop.”
Debbie chuckled and Colt just kept smiling like he was right.
Tammy palmed her coffee cup in her hands and stared into it for a moment. “I appreciate you two. I appreciate all of you. I could never brag about having such wonderful friends before I moved here.” She lifted her head and looked at the both of them. “I do really enjoy what I do. I enjoy my good friends and my life. I honestly don’t feel as though I’m missing anything.”
Colt leaned back in his seat and stared at her for a moment contemplating what she’d just said. When he spoke his tone had changed to concern. “Someone really worked you over didn’t they?”
Her jaw clenched.
“A man?”
She never said anything.
He nodded slowly. “Okay Tammy. Obviously this is too personal. We’ll drop it.”
“For now,” Debbie added not willing to let this go. Tammy spent her career looking out for everyone else, now she should have some time for herself.
Tammy felt herself smile slightly. Their concern was moving. She never really had anyone care for her enough to pry into her personal life. Although she was unfamiliar with it, and it was invasive, it made her feel loved.
***
The rest of the morning went quickly. Tammy took Debbie to get her hair done, and then she wanted to shop for the baby that Colt and Elaina were now expecting. Before they knew it they were home before lunch. Tammy helped Debbie into the house before she went back out and got her bag.
Debbie went into the living room and Tammy joined her taking the seat beside while she fished her mail out of her bag. They never went through it at the diner because they spent that time visiting. She sorted through it while Debbie was talking about how excited she was to be a grandmother again. Tammy was listening intently, feeling that same excitement as Debbie was. She was just as eager to meet the baby. Nothing was more rewarding to watch them grow and learn and shelovedbabies. In fact, she really would love one of her own. It saddened her a little that she wasn’t a mother yet. Although she knew she could have children later, she would have to meet a man first. Her heart was already devoted to one man who didn’t seem that intent on settling. It hurt that she was being so stupid and putting her chances of having a baby aside because she pined for one man. She should seek out another, but it just seemed so futile. Debbie was right. She should just tell him and see what his response would be. Then she would know for certain if he was interested in a relationship. Oh, who was she kidding? She was scared—terrified of opening herself up to him.
She flipped absently through her own mail; bills, subscription requests, and then her world stopped. A particular envelope had caught her attention and made her breath hitch.
Debbie’s talking started to muffle into the back of her mind as Tammy stared at familiar handwriting on a plain white envelope. She started to shake.
“Tammy?” Debbie finally noticed that her friend was no longer involved in the conversation.
Colt had strolled in the room to tell them lunch was on the table. Tammy was as white as a sheet, and Debbie was just staring at her.
“Tammy?” he repeated.
She slowly looked up to him. She could feel the blood drain from her face.
“What the hell’s wrong?” He didn’t miss her expression.
“I—I—the letter.” She showed him what she was holding. “It’s in my father’s writing.” The words came out in barely a whisper. He’d hardly heard her.
He looked confused and concerned at the same time. “That didn’t answer the question Tammy. You look like hell so what is going on?”
“I—they don’t write.” She knew her explanation didn’t make any sense, but she was shocked, so his concern was genuine. No one saw her in this state before. She was always lighthearted and cheerful.
“A hell.” Getting no answer from Tammy, he turned and yelled over his shoulder. Though, he really didn’t have to. His bellowing could be heard outside. “Lanie!” It was his nickname for his wife.
