The meanness of the woman, with her airs and better-thans. Kizzie had noticed them when she worked for Mrs. Morgan but never considered standing up to her for fear of losing her job.
And then for the woman to glare at Kizzie's little baby with such disgust?
A child who had no hand in any of the decisions or mess between her and Charles?
Heat rose from Kizzie's stomach into her face, dousing any chill from the wind.
She'd made wrong choices, selfish choices, but she wasn't alone in them. She'd lost her way and didn't know how to plan for the future, but she certainly didn't fit Mrs. Morgan's descriptions.
And she'd never tried to trick Charles Morgan into anything.
Kizzie turned from the steps and marched back to the front door, her fist tightening at her side with each step. With all the tension from the past month fueling her, she slammed her fist against the door.
The door flung open, and Mrs. Morgan's eyes flashed wide. “How dare you—”
“You don't know me.” Kizzie stepped forward, her height matching Mrs. Morgan's, something she'd never noticed before. “And if high-class values are anything like the self-righteous, cruel airs you're puttin’ on, then I'll stick with my poverty morals any day of the week.”
“Why, you insignificant—”
“Your son was old enough to know exactly what he was doing, even more so than me, and you can close your eyes to that all you want. No matter how much you excuse his acts or yours, or turn a blind eye to the truth. And your big house and rich clothes don't cover the fact that your heart is full of meanness and pride with just as much need for healing as mine.”
The woman raised her chin and narrowed her eyes. “I'mnothinglike you.”
“And this baby?” Kizzie raised Charlie up a little into Mrs. Morgan's view. “He's proof positive that God can make something beautiful out of broken things. I know I don't deserve it. I'll readily admit that, but I'm not losing out on the joy of having him in my life. You're the only one losing out by not embracing this grandson of yours.” Kizzie stepped backward onto the porch.
“Are you attempting to blame Charles for your wickedness? Hateful girl!”
“I ain't blamin’ Charles for anything more than I blame myself, but here's one of the differences between you and me, Mrs. Morgan.” Kizzie held the woman's stare. “I admit my own brokenness and the trouble I've caused, which means there's a chance I can make a difference for good and maybe evendogood for other folks who need an understanding soul, but you got your nose so high up in the air, you can't see your own steps and you're bound to fall hard.”
“Foolish girl. Your arrogance is highly misplaced.” She sneered. “Whatever you decide to do, Miss McAdams, it will not be at my expense.” Her words were edged with a growl.
Kizzie drew in a deep breath, a sudden sting coming to her eyes. “If I ever wanted anything from you, it was your kindness. Not your money, or even your son.”
Kizzie's voice gave out on her, the sudden fury dying with the same speed at which it had come. Her body quivered from the spent effort, and as the door slammed behind her for a second time, she rushed down the stairs to her buggy.
Tears blurred her vision as she set the buggy into motion, pushing Daisy into a canter. She'd barely made it a mile when a horseman drew into her periphery. She turned to see Charles, hat pulled low, waving for her to stop.
She pinched her eyes closed. She felt the slightest urge to encourage Daisy into a full-on gallop, but the mare would never outrun Charles’ stallion, especially when attached to a buggy.
She'd barely brought the buggy to a stop when Charles lighted on the step and moved to sit beside her. “What were you thinking, Kizzie? Coming here?”
Perhaps a little of the fire from her confrontation with Mrs. Morgan still hummed beneath her skin, because she didn't so much as flinch at his unfeeling accusation. “I came for help, but I won't make the same mistake again.”
“You can't just show up here.” Charles’ breaths pumped his chest in quick movements. He sighed, his attention falling on Charlie, who stared at him with wide eyes. “It's … it's not a good idea.”
“Yeah, I got that notion plain and clear.”
“It's one of the reasons I tried to keep you away. Her mind will not be altered, and you put both of us at risk to come.”
“Both of us?” Her voice pitched to fighting-high. “Last I looked, I'm the only one alone in a house far from the man who promised to help me.”
His shoulders sagged, but he met her gaze. “If I don't conform to her wishes, Kizzie, I won't have money to take care of you, no matter where you are. You know this.”
“She didn't even know Charlie's name.”
“You … you told her?”
“Yes. But it wasn't my place to tell her. It was yours.” She tugged Charlie closer. “Are you ashamed of him too?”
