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“No.”Breaking off a piece of the fragrant loaf, she handed it to him. “Hewould have me out on my ass if he did.”
That brought a laughto Silas and he felt his spirits lifting. He liked her andinstinctively knew that she was exactly what his son needed.
“That bad?”
She nodded. “He’stough and when he realized I was getting under his skin, he pushed meaway.”
“Are you goingto let him?”
Her eyes gleamed withmirth as she stared at him. “Not a chance of that happening.”Her expression sobered. “It’s going to take time for himto come around. The hurt and pain go deep and that’s somethingyou have to remember.”
“I do.”He acknowledged bleakly. Digging his spoon into the stew, he broughtit to his mouth. “Hilda has been a blessing.”
“I’d sayshe’s more than that.” A smile crossed her lips as theman’s face reddened.
“She stillcalls me Mr. Silas.”
“Perhaps youcould convince her to drop the mister.”
“I’vebeen trying.” Reaching across the table, he took her hand inhis. “I’m rooting for you, my dear.”
“I’mgoing to need all the help I can get.”
*****
She stopped to checkin on her Mom on her way home.
“Hi.”
“Hi there. Iknow who you are.” Rachel was sitting at the window and lookingout.
“I should hopeso.” Moving into the room, she bent to kiss her on the cheek.
“What’sup?”
“Justthinking.”
“About?”Pulling up a chair, Allison faced her.
“It’s sopretty outside. The snow clinging to the bare branches and turningthem into icing. It looks like icing.” She turned to look ather daughter. “I’d like to see you get married.”
“Where’sthis coming from?”
“I’d liketo see you fall in love with a man who deserves you and start afamily. You’re thirty-“
“Thirty-two.”
Rachel frowned. “Whendid that happen?”
“Over time.”Taking her mother’s hand in hers, she squeezed gently. “Howthe time flies.”
“You’rethirty-two and not seeing anyone. What are you doing with your life?”
“Well,”She began dryly. “I’ve been building my career and Istarted a company that dissolved and now I’m part of a hugecompany where there is scope to grow.”
“And this isenough for you?”
“No.” Sheshook her head. “I need more, and I’m going to get more.”
