“Fine, Andy Williams, it is.” Bethanne was gratified by Ruth’s reaction. “It might take me a couple of days to clear my desk,” she warned. Thankfully, Julia was more than capable of filling in for her.
“I don’t plan to leave until after Memorial Day,” Ruth said, eyes bright with unshed tears. “Oh, Bethanne, you don’t know how happy this makes me.”
“I’m happy, too,” she said, and she was. This spontaneous decision felt incredibly right. She needed time away to think about Grant’s recent overtures. She didn’t know if it was possible or even desirable for them to reconnect; after everything she’d been through, she could hardly imagine him in her life again. And yet … She couldn’t help wondering whether her feelings for Grant, the love that had survived the divorce, would be enough to sustain a second attempt at marriage. Could the woman she’d become find a place for him in the very different life she’d created?
“You’re sure about this?” Ruth pressed.
“Positive.”
Ruth studied her, frowning slightly. “You aren’t doing it out of pity, are you?”
“No.” Bethanne tried to hold back a smile.
“Well, I don’t care if it’s pity or not. I’m just grateful to have you along.”
And then she clapped her hands like a schoolgirl.
“Mom,” Annie cried the instant Bethanne walked into Parties’ Queen Ann Hill headquarters. The retail store was her very first location, and she’d quickly taken over the offices on the second floor. “Where have you been? Julia’s been waiting for half an hour, and the other managers are arriving in fifteen minutes!” “Sorry, sorry …” Bethannemumbled. “You didn’t answer your cell.” Annie was pacing Bethanne’s office like afretful cat. “I was with Grandma Hamlin.” Annie stopped pacing. “She’s okay, isn’t she?” “Never better.” Bethanne went into the supply cabinet and grabbed a yellow pad. Although Julia was already in the conference room, she picked up the messages on her desk and shuffled through them. She paused when she saw Grant’s name.
“Dad phoned,” Annie said from behind her. “I talked to him.”
Bethanne turned to face her daughter. To her relief, Annie and Grant had mended fences in the past couple of years; their once-close relationship had reemerged. Father and daughter had always been so much alike, both of them charmers, both of them stubborn to the point of inflexibility. Their reconciliation had really begun when Tiffany left Grant. Annie certainly hadn’t shed any tears over the breakup of that marriage. In fact, she’d had difficulty hiding her joy.
“I feel like Dad’s himself again these days,” Annie said earnestly.
“I’m glad,” Bethanne responded, returning her attention to the stack of phone messages.
“He’s working really hard to make it up to Andrew and me.”
Bethanne met her daughter’s gaze squarely. “He’s your father, and you two are the most precious things on earth to him.” She doubted Grant understood how close he’d come to losing his children during the years he’d made Tiffany his priority.
“Are you going to call him back?” Annie asked.
The slip was at the bottom of her pile. “I’ll do it when I have time,” Bethanne said firmly. “Now, I can’t keep Julia waiting any longer.”
As they hurried down the hallway, Annie said breathlessly, “Vance called this afternoon.”
Vance was her daughter’s college boyfriend. They’d dated on and off for almost three years. Bethanne knew Annie was serious about him, but she felt they were both too immature to even think about marriage. Despite her age and accomplishments, Annie still seemed so young to Bethanne. Perhaps it was a result of the divorce, but Annie’s attachment to both her and Grant struck her as a bit excessive—seeking them out for advice and approval at every turn. Bethanne wondered if she’d been that dependent on her parents when she was Annie’s age. She didn’t think so. However, she hadn’t had to cope with the disintegration of her family or the anger and grief it caused.
“Vance calls or texts at least six times a day,” Bethanne said. That might be an exaggeration but they seemed to be in constant communication.
“He asked me to dinner at the Space Needle!” Annie was practically vibrating with excitement.
Bethanne arched an eyebrow. “Are you two celebrating a special anniversary?”
“Not that I remember. And trust me, if anyone would remember, it’s me.”
Bethanne agreed. Like her father, Annie had extraordinary recall when it came to dates, facts and figures; she’d always been a top student in math and history. Bethanne thought of the endless memory games Annie and Grant loved to play on long car trips, egging each other on to greater and greater feats of recall.
“Then what’s the occasion?”
Her daughter’s eyes were wide. “I’m pretty sure he’s going to ask me to marry him,” she whispered.
Bethanne did an admirable job of hiding her dismay. “Really?”
Annie nodded. “When I mentioned something last week about Andrew and Courtney’s wedding, he told me he’s a big believer in marriage and family.”
“Family is important,” Bethanne said noncommittally.
“Yes, and we agree on practically everything—family, church, politics. Those are the important subjects, don’t you think?” Annie searched Bethanne’s face for confirmation.
“I do, but a single comment on the subject doesn’t mean Vance is ready to propose, Annie.” Bethanne’s voice was gentle, but inside she marveled at her daughter’s naiveté. She didn’t want Annie to set herself up for disappointment. A mother never outgrew her protective instincts, she realized.
“Oh, I know, but Nicole saw him at a jewelry store in the University District. It only makes sense that he was looking at engagement rings. Why else does a guy go to a jeweler?”
For any number of reasons, but Bethanne couldn’t bring herself to burst her daughter’s bubble. “When’s the hot date?”
“Friday night.”
“Fabulous. I hope everything works out.” Either way—engagement or not—she had concerns, but this wasn’t the time to discuss them.
“Thanks, Mom.” Annie just about skipped down the hall toward her own office.
“Annie,” Bethanne called out, stopping her. “I have a bit of news myself.”
Her daughter turned back, anxiety clouding her eyes.
“When I saw your grandma, she told me she’s planning to drive to Florida next week. I’ve decided to go with her.”
Annie’s mouth sagged open. “You and Grandma are driving to Florida?”
Bethanne laughed. “Don’t say it like that. We’re two mature women who can look after ourselves. Your grandmother’s wanted to make a road trip across the country nearly her entire adult life, and for one reason or another it’s always been put off. She’s determined to go—and I can’t let her go alone.”
“What about Aunt Robin?” As soon as the words were out, Annie shook her head. “Never mind. Aunt Robin wouldn’t take the time for that.”
Bethanne nodded. “It was a … sudden decision.”
“What about the business?” Annie nodded in the direction of the conference room, where the various store managers would soon be gathering.
“Julia can handle whatever comes up in the next few weeks,” Bethanne said calmly. “I’ll be accessible by phone and email, if she really needs me.”