The Christmas Clock and A Song For My Mother - Kat Martin Page 0,76

Reed held up her car keys. “I dug them out of your purse.” Which she had forgotten in her rush to reach Timmy.

Reed put the handbag on the seat beside her while she and Timmy settled themselves in the back of the Sheriff’s car. With the heater blasting, the hot air felt incredibly good.

She leaned down and kissed the top of her little boy’s head. He was already asleep against her shoulder.

Patrick put the car in gear and started driving away. Through the rear window, she saw the people of Dreyerville waving, wishing them well. Tears burned her eyes, blurring her vision. Emily waved back, a silent thank-you for all of their help.

As the patrol car drove past where Reed stood next to Marly Hanson, Emily raised a hand in thanks for the words Marly had said.

A mother just does the best she can.

Emily looked down at the son she loved so much and through her tears, she smiled.

13

Tired from a night of uneasy sleep, Marly walked into the kitchen Sunday morning. With the oven on, the kitchen felt warm and inviting. Her mother stood at the window, looking out at a day far more cheerful than the day before.

“Katie’s out front talking to Megan Jeffries,” her mother said, drawing her attention. “She lives three houses down. They met yesterday during the search and seemed to hit it off. Megan is really a sweet little girl.”

Marly walked over to the window and looked out into the front yard. Katie was there, talking to a little girl with chin-length, silver-blond hair. Both of them were smiling, laughing as if they were already friends.

Marly’s chest constricted. It was so good to see her daughter happy. After the illness, Katie hadn't seemed to know real joy until she got to Dreyerville.

“Are you ready for a cup of coffee, dearest?”

Marly thought of the decision she had made sometime during the night. “More than ready.”

As Winnie walked over to pour them each a cup, Marly steeled herself for the conversation she was determined to have. It was past time she talked to her mother. There were things Marly needed to know. Things she needed to say.

It was time to set the past aside so both of them could move on with their lives.

Her mother filled two mugs and handed one of them over. Marly blew on the surface of the coffee to cool it but mostly to give herself some time. She took a sip of the rich, dark brew, felt the warmth of it sliding into her stomach. Not sure how to start, she just jumped in.

“It’s been a long time since we really talked, Mom. I need to know... why did you stay with Daddy all those years?”

Caught off guard, Winnie raised her eyes to meet Marly’s.

“I know you loved him,” Marly persisted. “But now I realize you loved me, too.”

Winnie’s expression softened. “Of course I loved you, sweetheart. You were my child. My greatest joy. I would have given my life for you.”

“You say that now but what about then? Virgil was a drunk and an abuser. He hurt you time and again. I begged you to leave him. Every time the subject came up, we fought about it and you refused to go. You let him ruin both of our lives.”

Winnie smiled softly. “But your life isn't ruined. Look at you. You've put yourself through college. You've become a teacher. You have a wonderful little girl. I knew that about you, Marly. I knew how strong you were. I believed you would make it, no matter what it took. But your father was weak. He needed me. Desperately.”

“That's what you always said. He needed you. No matter what he did, you always came to his defense. You always protected him.”

Her mother carried their cups over to the kitchen table and sat down. She looked as if she were trying to make a difficult decision.

“I swore I would never tell you this. I made a vow to your father. But Virgil's gone and it's time I made amends for the mistake I made not telling you all those years ago.”

A little chill slid through her. Marly set her coffee mug on one of the round blue knit coasters her mother had sewn. “What was it, Mother? I really need to know.”

"Virgil told me about his childhood. He said if I was going to marry him, it was only fair I knew the truth. You see, his mother—your grandmother—was... Rose Maddox sold herself