end up alone, Star,” Destiny said, the words thick with desperation.
“Why not?”
“Because it’s terrifying,” Destiny said, as if Star were an idiot.
“Not for me.”
“That’s because you’re young. Wait until you’re older and facing the end of your life alone.”
“That’s your opinion, Mom. I’m stronger than that. If you and Patsy have taught me anything, you’ve taught me that I want to take care of myself. I’m never going to be kept by any man.”
Destiny shook her head. “You’re pretty self–righteous for a girl who’s never been in love. Love is the ultimate drug, the best high in the world. That’s why I’ve had five husbands. I didn’t marry them so they could take care of me. I married them for love.”
“I don’t see it that way,” Star said. “I’ve watched you go through so much heartache, Mom.”
“And so much bliss.” Destiny gave a short laugh. “I’ll admit it. I’m addicted to love.”
Star would never see eye to eye with her mother when it came to men.
They passed the rest of the drive with small talk. At the hospital, Star watched the reunion between Brandi and her mom, then Star gave baby Will a kiss and made her exit.
Being trapped in the car with Destiny had just about done her in. Star needed a break; even better, she knew just how she wanted to spend it.
* * *
Star’s fingers tightened around the binoculars.
She fixed her sight on the eagle. In awe, she moved to the left, another eagle coming into view. So far she’d counted fifteen. How many times had she stood in this exact spot when she’d been a teenager? Eagle Ridge had been her place, her own private therapy session when she’d needed to remove herself from all things Destiny. Some things never changed.
She glanced at her watch. Almost four o’clock. She’d been at this for three hours. With regret, Star turned away, heading for her car.
After being with the eagles, she felt calmer, ready to face her mother, and she felt pretty sure she’d find Destiny waiting for her at the trailer. Brandi had offered to loan Destiny her car, leaving their mother free to come and go as she pleased.
When Star pulled into the driveway, she found Destiny sitting on the front porch, smoking.
“Star,” Destiny called with a wave of her cigarette. “Finally. Where on earth have you been?”
“Sightseeing.” Star walked up the porch steps and let herself into the house. When her mom moved to follow, she said, “Leave the cigarette outside, okay?”
“Sure, sure, whatever.” Destiny dropped the cigarette and ground it out under the heel of her cheap black boot. “This place is as dismal as I remember it.”
Star set her purse on the counter.
“I never understood how Patsy could live here.”
“Come on, Mom,” Star said with a smirk. “The place was rent–free, remember?”
“Still.” Destiny shook her head and stuck out her tongue.
A knock at the door brought both women around.
“Hey, Finn,” Star said, surprised to see the little boy.
Finn squinted at Destiny. “Who’re you?”
“Finn, this is my mom, Destiny.”
“Hi, Finn,” Destiny said with a smile. “Aren’t you cute?”
“Finn is Cade’s son,” Star told her.
Destiny perked up. “Really? No wonder you’re so handsome.”
Finn looked down at his untied tennis shoes.
“What’s happening?” Star asked, her tone light.
Finn’s lower lip trembled. “Something’s wrong with Trudy.”
“What do you mean?” Star asked.
“She’s sick or something.”
“Is Ron with her?” Star asked, alarmed now.
Finn nodded. “At the hospital.”
“What?” Star reached for her purse. “Come on, Finn. Get in the car. I’ll take you home and find out what’s going on.”
“Who’s Trudy?” her mother asked.
“Ron’s wife.”
“Oh, the other brother,” Destiny said. “You’re not leaving without me. I’ll die of boredom if I have to stay here alone.”
“Fine,” Star said. “Everyone get in the car.”
When they arrived at the O’Briens, the three of them made a beeline for the house. Emma sat on the front porch, Snowbell in her lap.
“Hey, Emma,” Star said gently. “Is your dad inside?”
Emma nodded. “He’s with the guests.”
“Okay.” Star pulled the screen door open. “Mom, stay here with Finn and Emma.”
“But—” Destiny started to protest.
“Please, Mom,” she snapped.
“Oh, all right.” Destiny glanced at the kids, looking at them as if they were from outer space.
Star went inside. “Cade?”
“He’s in the kitchen,” Brad said, as he came down the stairs.
“What’s going on with Trudy?” Star asked.
“I’m not sure. She wasn’t feeling good or something. Uncle Ron took her to the doctor.”
Star didn’t like the sound of that. She’d just been through the ringer with Brandi. She hoped Trudy was