AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Excellent.” Celeste smiled warmly toward Molly and said, “So, dear girl, how can we help you?”
“I’m looking for advice. My parents are on the brink of divorce, and I’m pretty sure they’re making a mistake.” She told them about the gifts, then said, “I think this is wrong. I think they still love each other, and I don’t know what to do about it.”
“What happened to bring them to this point?” Sarah asked. “Celeste and I have heard part of it, but why don’t you start at the beginning and give all of us the whole scoop?”
“Okay.” The story poured out of Molly. She told them about her dad and uncle being teammates and how Uncle Frank had been Jared’s best man at his wedding. “Both my folks said that he had a brilliant mind for business. After my Grandpa Stapleton died, they thought bringing Uncle Frank on as the Wildcatter’s business manager was a great idea. Itwasa great idea until Uncle Frank embezzled money from the ranch.”
“Oh, no,” Ali said.
“Yeah. Dad had a horse who could really run, and he got the Wildcatter involved in horse racing. That’s how Uncle Frank caught the gambling bug. Apparently, he lost everything but couldn’t stop gambling, and he eventually stole a lot of money from the Wildcatter accounts. After Dad discovered what was happening, he confronted Uncle Frank. They had a terrible fight, and later that night, my uncle went into the bunkhouse and shot himself.”
Sarah gave Molly a comforting hug. Sage Rafferty said, “Oh, how terrible for your family.”
“It was awful,” Molly said, recalling the phone call she’d received late one winter night. “I was away at school, and my Aunt Shelby called to tell me what happened. My parents were too shaken up. They were devastated, both of them. Dad was furious; my mom was totally brokenhearted. Her parents were already gone, and her brother had been her only living relative.”
“That’s what led to their estrangement?” Nic asked.
“Yes. I think so, anyway. I came home for the funeral, and they acted okay. But it obviously wasn’t okay because they hardly talked to each other the next time I came home. Not long after that, Mom left to go on tour, and she never came back.”
Celeste sipped her coffee, then set down her mug. “But you truly believe they are still in love?”
“I do! I do think they love each other, but neither one has been willing to make the first move to make things right again.”
“I almost hate to ask,” Sarah said, “but what about that gorgeous Italian who came to your graduation with your mother?”
“That’s Nicco. He and Mom aren’t together. He’s engaged to someone else. He is Mom’s manager, that’s all.” When she saw Nic and Ali share a doubting glance, she added, “It’s true. I asked my mom. She said she still considers herself a married woman, and she’s never been unfaithful to Dad. She doesn’t lie to me.”
“What about your dad?” Lori asked. “Does he have a girlfriend?”
“No. He doesn’t do anything but work. I don’t think he’s left the Wildcatter a dozen times since my uncle died. I think they came really close to losing the ranch.”
“Well, then.” Celeste drummed her fingers against the tabletop. “I think we should help this marriage heal, don’t you, my friends?”
“Absolutely,” Ali replied. “I know from personal experience that marriages can survive rough spots and end up stronger and happier than ever.”
“Cool,” Nic said. “Another intervention.” She winked at Molly and added, “They’ve become a habit of ours.”
Sage took a bite of coffee cake, then gestured with her fork as she said, “Since your parents are not spending time together, I guess that would be our task.”
“We could lock them in the basement at Angel’s Rest together,” Sarah suggested. “That worked for Nic and Gabe.”
Nic’s smile went smug. “It was very romantic.”
“I’m afraid we have too many people in residence now,” Celeste said. “Someone would be certain to let them out.”
“Locking them in a room together someplace is a great idea,” Sage agreed.
Molly’s mouth gaped, and she looked at Lori. “Your mom and her friends are awesome.”
“I know,” Lori replied.
“What about your restaurant, Ali?” Sarah asked. “Is your basement a possibility?”
Ali’s teeth nibbled her bottom lip as she thought it over. “As a last resort, maybe. It would depend on the timing. I have a lot of prep work for the food for the wedding reception.”
“I don’t think we’ll need it,” Celeste said, sitting up straight. A delighted smile spread across her face. “I think if our handyman at Angel’s Rest could find time to make a few special arrangements for us, I know the perfect place.”
Sage asked, “What can my husband do to help? I’m volunteering him right now.”
