Her mother nodded. “It was his wish that none of you found out so you wouldn’t have worried about him.”
Well, that did sound like him.
Anne came through the doors at that time carrying a tray of tea. She set it on a table against the wall and began pouring cups and handing them out. Tammy thought she really was a gem.
She took her cup and thanked her. Anne gave her a warm reassuring smile. Lance declined but thanked her also.
Over the next hour Ed and Peter discussed her father’s wishes. Her mother was very particular about some things that she wanted and Peter said he would make it happen. The service would be the day after tomorrow. Her father wanted it quick and sweet, but her mother insisted that all his friends be notified. Her uncle was away on business and couldn’t get home until tomorrow.
After Ed and Peter left, her mother took her aside. “You look tired.”
“So do you.” Tammy smiled.
She looked past her to Lance for a moment. “I’m fine Tamara. You should go home and get some rest.”
She knew her mother was addressing Lance so he would make sure.
“Okay.” She turned to leave when her mother said her name again.
“I wanted—I meant, I heard about Richard. I’m sorry Tamara. I didn’t know.” She studied her daughter’s cheek.
Tammy knew then she could see the faint outline of a bruise. She could see the shame in her mother’s expression. “Who told you?”
“Richard told Melanie. She told me. She’s really sorry. We all are.”
“It wasn’t that bad mother. He was remorseful.”
“It’s not just that Tamara. It’s when you were younger. I mean, I didn’t believe you and I should have. I never thought he was capable of such a thing because he was always so charming. He always reassured your father and I that he was deeply in love with you and would take care of you.”
“Some people are really good at acting. Richard was one of them.”
“Melanie is so ashamed of his behavior. She broke the engagement.”
Tammy instantly felt horrible for her sister. She never said a word through the entire discussion, and she just realized, wouldn’t even look in her direction.
“Tell her, I’m fine and the last person I could possibly be angry with is her.” Even though Melanie did some terrible things to her when she was younger, like sleeping with Richard when he was engaged to her, she was certain the pain she was feeling now didn’t need anything added to.
Elizabeth smiled. “I’ll do that.”
Tammy hugged her mother again before they said their goodbyes.
“How do you feel?” Lance asked once they were back in the car.
“Like a thousand pounds were lifted off my shoulders.” She smiled at him.
“Where to sir?” Vern asked from the front.
“225 Court Street.”
“Very good sir.” Vern smiled.
Tammy tilted her head at him. “Where?”
“You’ll see.”
The car pulled up in front of a quaint building. She leaned over and read the sign on the storefront. Her eyes went to Lance in question.
“I would like to get married in September when the leaves start to turn orange and gold. I would like for it to be at the ranch.”
