a Sunday after church, a hot day much like this one, and Joy had finally handed her one plate and told her where to put it. She wasn’t in school yet, so she must’ve been about five years old, but she remembered feeling very proud of herself.
Today, she was more than a little ashamed. Last week was Mother’s Day. This year, for the first time since her mama had died, she hadn’t put fresh flowers on her grave. She’d always spent time on holidays sitting in front of the tombstone that had both her parents’ names on it. She’d even had a nice concrete bench put out there so she wouldn’t have to sit on the ground, and she had always told her mother everything—when she was angry with her father, when she was mad at the girls at school for making fun of her, even when she lost her virginity.
But she’d never lied to her.
Alana was staring off into space with knives, forks, and spoons still in her hands when Pax came up behind her and slipped his arms around her waist. “Need some help? Maverick and Matt don’t need me to take care of Laela right now, but I see why you’d like for Matt to have known his grandchildren. He’s really good with kids.”
“We’ve pretty well got things under control in here, and Daddy has always loved kids.” She sighed. “This may sound crazy to you, but I need to go to the cemetery this afternoon.”
“Great minds and all that,” he said.
“What does that mean?” She stepped away from him and continued placing the rest of the cutlery around the table.
“I was thinking the same thing in church this morning,” Pax said. “The preacher was talking about how we influence those around us, and his words made me think of Grandpa and my dad. I haven’t been out to their graves since I came back to Daisy. We’ll sneak away and go together.”
Alana had wanted to go alone. She couldn’t very well talk to her mother with Pax right there beside her—at least not out loud.
“That would be great,” she said. “Would you mind if we drive down to Plainview first to get some flowers at Walmart?”
“Not a bit,” he answered.
“Drive to Walmart for what?” Iris brought a basket of fresh scones to the table.
“Flowers to go on Mama’s grave,” Alana answered.
“I’m planning on going out to visit with Tommy and Barton this next week. I’ve ordered a custom-made silk arrangement for your grandpa’s tombstone and one for your dad’s. They’ll be ready on Wednesday, so tell them I’ll be out to see them then,” Iris said.
Paxton nodded and headed back to the living room. “I sure will.”
Iris stopped to give Alana a hug. “I know that my husband and son are dead, but sometimes I like to sit and talk to them. It brings me comfort.”
“I know exactly how you feel.” Alana wrapped her arms around Iris. “I talk to Mama all the time, and I should’ve been out there last weekend.”
“Yep, you should’ve,” Iris agreed. “So go tell her why you weren’t today, and, honey, she will forgive you. I knew Joy well, and she understands how busy you and Pax are with this wedding.”
“I hope so,” Alana said.
* * *
Of all the bad luck, Rachel Freeman was the first person that Pax and Alana saw when they walked into Walmart that afternoon. Pax tried to steer Alana in the opposite direction, but Rachel had already spotted them and was pushing her cart in a beeline toward them.
“Dammit!” Alana swore.
“Guess we kind of had a little dustup, didn’t we?” Rachel smiled and pointed toward the walking boot on her foot. “I’d had way too much to drink, and I apologize for tripping you. I was mad at my ex-husband for too many things to list, and I took it out on you.”
“Apology accepted.” Alana nodded but didn’t smile. Her arm hadn’t really hurt all day, but now it started throbbing. Of course, she knew the pain was psychological, but knowing that didn’t help a lot.
“You could say it like you mean it,” Rachel said through clenched teeth. “I believe you owe me an apology too, for pulling me down on top of you.”
Pax pulled his phone from his pocket and answered it. “Oh, dear! Darlin’, we have to go right now. Seems that Mam needs a ride to the cemetery. See you later, Rachel.” He took Alana by the hand and pulled her toward the