I’d forgotten Mom’s previous murder accusation not long ago. They’d even arrested her for it. Except that time, she’d been innocent.
“I’m sure they must have made some sort of mistake,” Jane said, wringing her hands. “It has to be a mistake.”
Kitty didn’t seem inclined to argue with them. I ran my palms over my coat, uncertain whether it was wise to shatter their idealistic views of Mom or permit them to stand. Knowing Lizzy, she’d demand every little detail until I’d be forced to give it all. Even the parts I’d sworn not to tell. No, let them believe whatever they wished, for the present.
Besides, I had something else to do tonight.
A knock came at the door.
I hurried to open it. Frank stood there, looking as handsome as ever in a stylish gray sweater and jeans. “Hey.”
“Hey.” Grabbing my purse off the table next to where my sisters sat, I said, “I’m going out.”
“Now?” Lizzy asked.
“Yes,” I responded.
“If I had a hot boyfriend, I’d be getting out of here too,” Lydia muttered. She wasn’t too bad sometimes.
Kitty was the one least surprised by this turn of events. “Enjoy your date.” Our gazes met. She didn’t say anything, and yet I saw the apology in her eyes.
Despite the stress on Lizzy’s face, she nodded, a smile coming to her lips. “Have fun, Mary.”
“Thanks,” I whispered, and after that, I hastened to join my date.
“Was this a bad time?” Frank asked after we’d left the shop and gotten into his car. Inside was already warm, like he’d spent the ride over blasting the heater.
“No, no,” I blurted. “I had to get out of there. Your timing was perfect.”
“I realize this is a challenging time for your family. If you want to postpone—”
I took his arm and snuggled close. “There’s nowhere I’d rather be than with you.” I needed Frank near me to ground me, to take my mind off of the heavy moments.
“I’m here for you.”
“I know.”
He started the car and pulled out onto the street.
“Where are we going this time?” I asked.
A grin spread on his lips. “Some place a bit more public. After all, a girl needs her moment.”
I laughed. We drove out of town and stopped at Willoughby Acres. After leaving the car in a gravel parking lot, we walked in. The pumpkins were lined in rows and rows. Kids in scarves and earmuffs ran around, trying to pick out their favorite ones. One child staggered about carrying a pumpkin twice her size.
“Do you prefer to start with the corn maze or the hayride?” Frank asked.
I smiled. “I like a challenge.” We headed toward the corn maze, but a long line of people caused me to frown. “Maybe not.”
“What about your moment?”
“A girl can have her moment somewhere less crowded.”
His grin grew wider. “As you wish, my Mary.”
A shiver of pleasure ran down my spine. I loved it when he called me that. We moved over and climbed onto the large wagon. Nobody else joined us.
“Seems like only the two of you will be going,” the driver commented.
