But now I don’t know what to do, and I don’t know how long I can stay here in this house without my heart breaking a little bit every day with the realization that I love my husband, but he’ll never love me back.
The front door opens, and I jerk the blanket over my head. Hopefully, Zane won’t ask too many questions and will believe my excuse that it’s that time of the month. Because I can’t face him.
If he says anything, I’m going to yell, “Cramps!”
There are footsteps, and then a hand grabs the blanket and rips it off me.
Definitely not Zane.
It’s my mother.
I swallow the lump in my throat as I stare up at her. “Mom? What are you doing here?”
She narrows her eyes on me. “Did you marry Zane because you didn’t feel safe and welcome in my home?”
I’ll never speak to Briar again. At least not for a whole week. She had to have immediately hung up the phone and called Mom.
There’s no use lying to Mom. She’ll know. I nod once.
“And now you’re heartbroken because you love Zane, but he doesn’t love you?” She plants her hands on her hips and glares down at me.
I nod twice.
She bends down and grabs my shoulders, pulling me up enough to sit down beside me. She’s strong—I come by my leanness and meanness legitimately.
And then she pulls me into a hug. I didn’t realize just how much I needed my mom’s hug. It’s been a long time since she’s acted like a mom. I think she’s forgotten that adult daughters need their mothers just as much as young daughters.
I break down crying on her shoulder while she lies and tells me it’s going to be okay. I’m not sure how long we sit there, but when I finally sit up and swipe at my eyes, I can see that Mom has been crying too.
“Oh, sweetie. I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have been pressuring you. This is my fault.”
I shake my head. “I made my choices.”
“But I pushed you into that position. You’d better believe Briar chewed me out just now when she found out you were uncomfortable with all the men I’d had around the house. I’m so sorry. You should have felt safe and loved in our home. Here I’vebeen so desperate for grandchildren that I haven’t done the most important thing.”
“What’s that?” I ask in a whisper.
“Be a good mother.” She presses a kiss to the top of my head. “We’re packing your bags, and you’re coming home. No more pressure from me. Nothing. You are safe and welcome in there even if you’re single at seventy.”
“But I’m married to Zane.”
She sighs. “I like Zane. I was so excited when you two started dating. But I’m not going to sit by and watch your spirit wither away. If you decide to stay with Zane, it’s going to be because the two of you love each other and are committed to this marriage.”
Sometimes, my mom’s bluntness can be refreshing. Because it’s the obvious answer. Ican’tthink straight in close proximity to Zane.
“You’re right. I need to get out of here for a while and clear my head.”
Mom smiles. “You should take a trip. Do something fun.” She stands up abruptly and pulls me up with her. “I have one word for you.”
I clutch her hands like the lifeline they are. “What is it?”
“Hawaii.”
The sound I make is a cross between a laugh and a sob.
“You go. You need some time to think. Heal. And know that you can always come home to your father and me.” Mom pulls me in for another big hug. “I’ll take care of your animals while you’re gone. Even those pesky goats.”
“Mom?”
