I glared at him. “Why don’t I believe you? What does that mean exactly?”
The look on Wade’s face made me very nervous. “Why don’t you at least allow our father to explain that to you. Remember, this is our little secret.”
Secret, my ass. Why was it the entire town wasn’t talking about it?
Or maybe they were and I’d been away for far too long.
* * *
“I’m so glad you’re home.” My mother was all smiles as she rushed toward me, taking me into her arms for a hug. “I was so worried about you after Bartholomew told me what happened. Oh, baby girl.”
“It’s fine, Mom. I had a handsome angel on my side.”
“You mean the man who rescued you?”
“Yes, Stephen Beckett.”
“Axe. Of course.” She backed away. “He’s turned into quite the man. I know his father is proud.”
“What do you mean of course? And how do you know his nickname?”
“I do keep up with things around this town, dear girl.” My mother grinned. “You know that man has always been your protector. That’s why I always adored him.”
Hearing my mother mention Axe in a glowing way brought butterflies to my stomach. “He truly risked his life to save mine. That’s why I’m dressed this way. His clothes.”
She snagged my hand, squeezing my fingers. “And you look adorable in them.”
“I’m sure Daddy will have something to say about it.”
“Oh, to hell with him. But you can borrow some of my clothes until we can go shopping. I cannot wait to thank Axe. He kept my baby girl alive.”
“It’s funny how Wade doesn’t care. I wonder why.”
Her sigh was heavy. “They had a falling out. A misunderstanding. Don’t let that bother you.”
“Well, I’m here to talk to Dad about his urgent call. How have you been?”
“I’m sure you’ve heard your father and I are not on speaking terms at the moment.”
“Yes, and I know why.”
She backed away, quickly glancing over her shoulder as if our discussion was a little secret. “Your father just won’t learn. He’sclose to retirement age but continues to get involved in projects. Imagine, a rodeo in town. How long are you in town for?”
“That depends.”
“Don’t let the old buzzard drag you into anything you don’t want. You have a life to live. I’m sorry to hear about your job and about David, but things will look up. When life provides you with lemons, you know what you need to do.”
I laughed. “You’re always so optimistic. I might be better off without both.”
My mother had never been one to mince words, which was how I’d inherited my caustic mouth. “The world provides signs. What you do with them is what creates true karma. Now, if you ask me, David was beneath you.”
“Oh, really? I thought you adored him.” My mother could still surprise me, but I needed to hear her words of wisdom.
“Nope. Not a chance. Only the best for my little girl.”
“Well, maybe one day I’ll find the right guy.”
“You will. Any man would be lucky to have you. Even though I’m pissed at your father, he was the right one.”
