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“The thing is, love is fleeting. Just as quickly as you find it, it could be yanked away. Your father was a wonderful man when I met him. He swept me off my feet, and I loved every second of it.”
Considering the man had split after her mother got pregnant, Crystal asked, “What happened?”
“When I found out I was pregnant with you, it was the happiest day of my life. I thought he’d be happy, too. We’d get married and have more children.” She shook her head. “I was a fool. The minute he found out about the baby, he was gone. Wanted nothing to do with either of us.”
Crystal could hear the pain in her mom’s voice even after all these years. “I’m sorry,” she said, wishing she could take her pain away.
“I’m not. He would’ve been a horrible father. You and I were better off without him.” She patted Crystal’s hand. “I suppose that’s why I wanted your marriage to work so badly. I wanted you to have what I never did. A man who was willing to go the extra mile. For richer or poorer and all that.”
“Richard wanted a puppy. Something to train to be obedient and well-behaved. That was never going to be me.”
“He’s a horrible man and I’m glad you’re far away from him.”
Crystal didn’t bother to tell her about Richard’s latest visit. “Me too,” she replied. As she thought of Trent and Mac, she added, “I do believe there’s someone out there for me, though.”
She smiled at Crystal and said, “From what I hear, you’re already seeing someone. A couple of someones, in fact.”
Crystal was shocked, to say the least. She hadn’t expected Mollie to tell her mother about Trent and Mac. What’s more, she never dreamed her mother would have approved. “Uh, well, yeah. I suppose I am.”
Her mom smiled and asked, “So, when do I get to meet them?”
Mortified at the idea, Crystal blushed a bright pink. “Soon,” she said, not willing to commit to anything.
“Take a leap, daughter. You’re only young once, take it from me.” Her mom winked over at her. “Besides, the good ones get snatched up fast. Best grab ’em while you can.”
A laugh burst out and soon her mom was joining in. They sat talking for hours. After Mollie came home, the three of them went out to eat. As her mom was getting ready to head home, she took Crystal in her arms and said, “I love you with all my heart. I hope you’ll forgive my foolishness.”
Crystal hugged her back and let the tears flow. “Already done,” she replied in a shaky voice. “I love you, too, Mom.”
A chirping sound woke Crystal. “What the hell?” She glanced at her phone and realized someone was calling. “Hello?”
“Crystal?”
She was tired and wanted badly to sleep, but Mac’s voice had the effect of a strong cup of coffee. “Mac, is something wrong?”
“No, just wanted to hear your voice. Did I wake you?”
She chuckled. “Um, it’s three in the morning. Yes, you woke me.”
“Sorry,” he said.
“You don’t sound sorry,” she replied.
“I’m not really,” he admitted, his voice rough. “I was lying here all lonely. You wouldn’t want that, would you?”
“I ought to hang up on you.”
“You won’t, though.”
“Don’t push your luck, Mac.”
Mac relaxed the instant he heard her voice. He wasn’t sure what was up with himself lately. It was like he couldn’t get his mind off Crystal. “I could just come over there. Slip inside your room and kiss every inch of your body. Would you kick me out, Crystal?”
“I wouldn’t have the energy,” she said, her voice sounding breathless.
Mac was gentle and warm in his response. “I’ll love you real slow, angel, then tuck you in next to me. We’d both be able to sleep then.”
“You are a tempting man, for sure.”
