You Only (Cameron Farms Book 1) - Melanie Jayne Page 0,4

she wasn’t a healthy person. She was a bad mother and Hale carries scars. Maybe it was her addictions, but Lydia could be a royal bitch. She felt entitled and most of this town let her get away with that behavior. She was hateful, selfish, and cruel to our daughter.

“When Hale started seeing those traits come out in herself…well, I can understand why she was scared and worried. This is a problem between Hale, the ghosts from the past and this town. She’s right, in Whitleysburg, she would always be Lydia’s daughter and the princess. There would be people happy to do whatever she asked. That kind of power can tarnish a weak woman’s soul and Hale believes that she is weak.”

“But she left you, too.” Finn had wavered between pain, confusion, and anger for days.

“And I hate it. But Hale needs to go somewhere that she ain’t known. Where she can figure out who she is, and what type of person she wants to be.”

“She could have done that with me. I would’ve helped her.” Finn’s frustration seeped through his tone.

“I know you believe that, but she couldn’t do it here with you.”

Finn stared at the man that he had believed would one day be his family.

“But I love her.” He lowered his eyes at the admission, sounding so forlorn.

“I know. I never doubted that and neither does Hale. But it wasn’t enough. Be sad for a bit, Finn, and then move on. Hale isn’t coming back any time soon, maybe never.”

He had moved on; it had taken time but his heart had healed. To this day, the gossips whispered about their tragic love story, he being the poor heartbroken prince. That reputation had attracted many women willing to help him forget.

****

Damn this town’s unquenchable need for drama and pageantry. Hale and Ashley had quietly joined the other attendees, sitting in the back near the door next to Jasmine. There were four rows of folding chairs set up in the front room and shockingly, most were filled. There had to be thirty people in attendance.

“I think everyone is here, now.” Poppy Wayne made sure that Hale felt her censure for being the last to take a seat. Poppy had grown up with Lydia and Joe. She was the reigning queen of Hale County who took her duties very seriously.

“As you all know, dear Joseph doesn’t have much time here on earth and we need to finalize the plan for his memorial service.”

“Where are you planning to have this event? I’ll need to know the size so I can decide which choir to bring.” A rather large woman sitting in the second row, wearing an unfortunate floral dress, interrupted Poppy.

“Now, Mrs. Evans, I will get to that in a moment.” Poppy glared at the woman. Apparently, poor Mrs. Evans was unaware that this was going to be a Poppy Wayne event and everyone would follow Poppy’s rules.

“I think it is time to hand out the booklet, Poppy.” Moses Benton, Jasmine’s father-in-law, stood and started to pass out a bound booklet. “That way, everyone can see what we are working with.”

Hale touched Jasmine’s arm to get her attention. “A prepared booklet?” she whispered.

Jasmine nodded ruefully. “It has an index and is color coded by pre-event, event, and post event. Mother has been working on this for a week, non-stop. I suggested that Moe find room for her in an office at the firm. I think he said no because he was afraid that she might terrorize the staff.” Jasmine gave Hale an apologetic smile.

Moe had made his way to the back row. “Morning, ladies. Ashley, you take notes for Hale so she can focus on the plans.” He winked at Hale, leaned closer and lowered his voice. “If you have any concerns, I suggest that you call me later and we can discuss.” Moe’s tact was part of the reason his family’s law firm, Benton and Lee, was so successful. Well, that and his son, Israel’s, brilliant mind.

“Thank you, Moe. I see that Poppy is very prepared.” Hale smiled and rolled her eyes.

“That she is, honey. I think this is her way of working through her grief and trying to lighten your load.” Although Poppy had an iron will, she could be generous and loving.

“I’m sure it will be lovely.” Hale adored Moe, they’d become good friends over the years, ever since she had moved away. He had visited her in Tampa once a year for golf and the warm winter