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“By resistance you mean they don’t want to attend?”
“Exactly.”
“Which ones?”
“Brice, Dean, and Shaun. I haven’t heard from Logan or Alex yet.”
“Oh, I see the problem. You’re speaking directly to them. If you want anything done, you need to speak to the women in their lives.”
“Are you serious?” It wasn’t something she was used to. In fact, she’d been raised that it’s a man’s world and a woman’s opinion was worthless. Not good when you’re the only female in a house of six males.
“Of course I am.” Sophie’s voice was soft and sincere.
“But you get your family together all the time. They’ve only recently started getting married. How’d you pull it off all these years without them?”
“It wasn’t easy, Zoey. I’ve faced many obstacles and rejections along the way. Thankfully Dale intervenes on my behalf when the boys need some nudging.”
Although Zoey knew the Barrington boys were strong-willed, she’d always pictured the Barrington home running like clockwork.
“And you think if I reach out to Lena, Tessa, and Morgan, the guys will show?”
“I know they will. Why do you think I’m enjoying my daughters-in-law so much?” Sophie let out a soft chuckle. “It’s also good for you. You were the only woman in that family for too long. Now you have women who can be like sisters to you if you let them.”
Zoey had always been leery of letting people get too close. At some point in time, people asked questions she never wanted to face. Having heard her father’s blatant and demeaning lies, suggesting she was nothing but a cheap whore, she’d lost confidence that anyone would ever see her as anything else. It had devastated her soul. He was no longer here to inject more vile insults into her heart, but how could she recover from that? When she was young, she’d tried to make people see who she really was, but after years of verbal abuse, she had no fight left in her.
Her sisters-in-law were amazing women, with such great character. How was she ever going to fit in with them?
“We’ve never had a... normal family.”
Sophie replied tenderly, “I don’t know anyone who has. Even the best families have their problems. Some more visible than others.”
Zoey couldn’t believe Sophie was speaking of her own family, because they were all so tight. She couldn’t remember a holiday going by without them all gathering together. The Hendersons didn’t celebrate anything. One holiday was no different from another. Birthdays meant you were just a year older. If the Barringtons weren’t the normal family everyone wanted to be, they were close to it.
“I guess mine has more than others. But you’re right. I’m starting to see some changes. Maybe I should reach out to my sisters-in-law.” I could use a few allies in this family. Because I can’t hold them all together on my own anymore.
“Good. I hope I was some help.”
“Yes, you’ve been a great support; thank you for your guidance.”
“Zoey, one more thing. Don’t look for perfection, it doesn’t exist. Look for love and happiness.”
Love and happiness. Do I even know what that means? “I will.”
When she disconnected the call she knew she’d made the right choice in calling. She wasn’t sure it’d work as easily as Sophie explained it, but it was worth a shot. Since Dean was the most difficult one, she probably should start with Tessa.
It didn’t take long for Tessa to answer. “Hi, Zoey. How are you?”
“Hi, Tessa. I’m great. Did Dean mention that I’m having a party on Valentine’s Day for the family?”
“No, he didn’t. Good for you, Zoey. That sounds great. When and where? I’ll check the calendar to make sure we’ll be there.”
Zoey rolled her eyes. Oh, Sophie. You were so right. “It’s a last-minute thing, but I’m so happy you guys will be there.”
“Tell me, what can I do to help?”
“If I text you the information, can you reach out to Logan and Alex? I can touch base with Morgan and Lena.”
“You’ve got it. This is going to be great. I was worried Dean would be dragging me to some boring restaurant. I’d much rather spend it with family.”
