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The previous year, they’d built a barn and a satellite clinic adjacent to Bayou Cottage for Justin’s veterinary practice.
“It was the first chance I’d have until after Epiphany and I owe them.”
“Which is in two days. I’m so sorry I’m not having a party! My first party here was a Twelfth Night Party and it was so much fun.”
“Okay, I’m outta here.”
She watched him greet Bubba and Gloria and their German shepherd Benjie who was Maggie’s dog, Brulee’s relation.
Brulee sat next to Maggie, looking out the door, whimpering to join in the fun.
“Trust me, you don’t want anything to do with that.”
Maggie sat down with Tina and ate breakfast. “Davie is coming for a visit today.”
“Davie?” Tina asked, her eyes wide, brightening right up.
“Yes, ma’am. It’s going to be a wild time at Bayou Cottage.”
She got Tina down from her chair and proceeded to clean up when her phone rang. It was her mother, Rose.
“Good morning. Did my granddaughter sleep in?”
“She did not, and I know that means later there will be hell to pay. She’s okay now, just playing with her horseys. What’s up?”
“My aunt called me this morning. I know you must have heard by now and are furious, so I’m actually surprised you didn’t call me first.”
“Mother, you’re not responsible for Aunt Elizabeth’s big mouth. I’m not sure I’m going to say anything to her, but I can tell you right now, she won’t be invited to any more of my girls’ luncheons.”
“I hope you won’t stop inviting me,” Rose said.
“No, you’ve been lovely lately, Mother, I must say. I’m sorry we’ve had our moments in the past.”
Rose lived with Justin’s father, Vic, and was instrumental in discovering much of the information that they had about Val Amotte and Emily.
“Well, I live to serve,” she said. “And I’m sorry Aunt Elizabeth is being a jackass.”
“I have to go. The girls are coming for their weekly visit and Justin has a patient so I’m already behind.”
“Are you riding today?”
“Of course! As soon as the girls get here, I’m history.”
“Have fun and be safe.”
They said goodbye. Maggie looked at the phone for a while, wondering why her relationship with her mother had been so difficult. They were enjoying a moment of peace and she’d embrace that as long as possible.
***
At Val and Elizabeth Amotte’s, the morning had started out icy. This time, Val was angry. They’d gone to bed after dinner, not speaking.
“I hope you’re proud of yourself. My only son’s children were here for the first time, and you drove them away with your incessant chatter about Annie. Why’d you do it, Elizabeth?”
“I thought they should know, that’s all,” she said, her nose in the air.
“Annie has never, to my knowledge, tried to pretend it was anything else than what it was. She’s even blamed herself for it. That was unnecessary and unfair.”
“I don’t think you’re in any position to criticize me. Do Cindy and the boys know the circumstances of Chris’s birth? I think not.”
