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“Josie! We’re here!” Her mother’s voice interrupted the conversation from across the paved lot. She waved once she’d lifted Kimberly’s little guy out of a car seat. “And Davy’s so excited to go play in the sand!”
Jacob’s parents’ car pulled in and parked right next to Josie’s mother. They climbed out, looking happier than he’d seen them in a long time. Time with Addie did that to people. She brought out the best in folks.
Addie hopped out, looked around the parking lot like he’d taught her to do, and headed toward Josie’s mother. “Are you guys here to see Josie? Who is this little guy? This is my Memaw, right here!” She grabbed hold of his mother’s hand and drew her forward, and her excitement put more joy in his mother’s face than he’d seen in a long while. “And my Pawpaw! This is Josie’s mother. I met her the other day!”
She spoke as if excited by life, but while his mother appeared delighted, Josie’s mother was suddenly fighting tears.
Two strange reactions to Addie in one day. Like mother, like daughter?
He started forward, but Josie intercepted her mother quickly. “Mom, I know this whole having-babies thing gets the entire Gallagher clan emotional, and I’m glad you were able to bring Davy over. I see you brought his sand bucket of toys. Perfect!” She stayed matter-of-fact, so Jacob did the same. “Mr. Weatherly. Mrs. Weatherly.” Josie stuck out her hand to his parents in turn. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance. Jacob has talked about you both, and how you inspired him from the time he was little.” She shook their hands, holding his father’s hand for extra beats of the clock. “And while I may have tweaked you on the phone, sir, if you have any advice to offer once you’ve had supper, I’d love to hear it. It isn’t every day I get to chat with one of the great icons in restaurant history.”
“Flattery will get you everywhere, my dear.” Jacob’s father grinned and clapped her on the back gently. “I don’t get the chance to talk business much anymore. I miss it.”
“Retirement isn’t exactly what we thought it would be, that’s for sure.” His mother didn’t look combative; a welcome change. She’d pushed for the Florida move, longing for something with no memories of her lost daughter dogging every step she took, but she clearly wasn’t all that happy with the new reality, either.
“Are you guys going to the beach?” Addie asked. She danced on her toes, excited. “I would love to do that! Can I, Dad? Can I go to the beach with Josie’s mom and the little guy?”
“This is Davy.” Josie palmed the little fellow’s cheek with one tawny hand. “His mom’s having a baby, so he’s staying with my mom for a couple of days.”
“Oh, I want a baby brother or sister someday.” Addie’s eyes went round. She clasped both hands over her heart. “That is my best wish ever, Josie.” Gazing up, imploring, she carried the little-girl drama to the hilt. “To have my dad find someone to marry and we can have little brothers and sisters and be a big, happy family!”
CHAPTER NINE
“Hey.” Jacob pretended to be affronted as he bent to Addie’s level. “Kid. I’m pretty sure we’re happy, right?”
Addie nodded.
“Then let’s leave the wedding thing in God’s hands, okay?”
Addie rolled her eyes. “I guess.”
Josie’s heart didn’t just crumble. It shattered into a million tiny, silent pieces, hearing her daughter’s wishes and dreams.
Addie wanted normal.
Addie longed for a mother, not knowing her mother stood before her.
And here was Cissy Gallagher, about to cry her eyes out because she couldn’t acknowledge her granddaughter while Addie heaped love on Jacob’s parents.
How in the world had she ever thought staying around was a good idea? Dumb, Josie. Plain dumb.
“I’ll walk down with you, if that’s all right?” Sheila motioned toward the beach. “I’d love to have some time to tuck my toes in the sand and watch the kids play.”
Josie’s mother had recovered enough to swipe a hand to her eyes and nod, but would she be all right on the beach with Jacob’s mother while Josie worked? Or would Cissy feel a sudden need to bear her heart and soul to the other woman and possibly incite a new war of northern aggression? Josie had to trust she’d keep her feelings to herself.
