stuff for headaches and plenty of tissues. I come prepared."
Gracie smiled and hugged her. "There's already ice water over on that table. Your presence is enough."
"Do you need me out at the ranch afterward?" Darlene asked.
Gracie shook her head. "No. It won't take long to speak my piece, and then I'll be gone."
"Okay, then," Darlene said. "Just making sure." She glanced up at the clock. "It's after 9:30. They should be arriving soon. Just so you know, there will be no arguing between James and me today. In fact, I intend to do my best to ignore him. This day is for Mama D and you."
And then the door opened, and both women turned.
"Speak of the devil," Darlene mumbled, as James walked in followed by the rest of the family.
Gracie lifted her chin. Their shock in seeing Darlene standing beside her was obvious, and then they were looking at her as if she was a stranger.
She didn't move—didn't speak—and stared each of them down until they all had the grace to look away.
Daphne felt the chill, but she was so shocked by Gracie's appearance that she froze. The tall, thin woman in black, with her long dark hair hanging loose around her face was a female version of their father. And the fact that Darlene was here had undertones of something more. Apparently, their ex-sister-in-law had not abandoned Gracie.
Now she really felt like shit.
Mamie couldn't quit staring. She leaned against Joel, as if she were about to be attacked, and when she realized Gracie was staring at her, she burst into tears.
Gracie rolled her eyes, her focus shifting to James.
James started toward her, his mouth already open, when Gracie held up her hand.
"Save it. You do not get the luxury of unburdening yourself here. We will talk at home afterward and not a moment before. Say what you will to the people you talk to today but understand this. They all know more about Mama and me than you do, so be careful of what you say. You don't want to come off looking like a fool."
Joel blinked.
James gasped.
Mamie's tears miraculously dried.
And Daphne was about to throw up.
Gracie remembered Daphne's penchant for puking, saw the tell-tale white ring around her lips, and pointed, her voice as cold as the look in her eyes.
"Suck it up, sister. You're nearly fifty, for God's sake. Get a drink of water and sit down, but you do not throw up. Mamie always tattled. You always had to puke. And James never stopped talking. But not today, you don't. Not any of you. Not today."
Too shocked to argue, they sat. James got Daphne a glass of water, and Mamie stared at the floor.
Darlene stifled a grin. Gracie was going to be fine.
And then Brother Harp walked in.
"Ah, all of the siblings are together again. I would like to have a moment of prayer before the—"
"Save it for Mama," Gracie said.
Brother Harp was beginning to tune in to the stricken looks on their faces. Something was afoot, but it was obviously not his place to interfere.
"As you wish," he said. "They'll be coming to get the family in minute or so. It's time for the service to begin. There will be food served here for friends and family after you return from the cemetery."
As the preacher walked out, Willis Decker walked in. He nodded to the others but went straight to Gracie.
"It's time. I'll escort you down the aisle to the front pew, where you will all be seated. Your mama's pallbearers are seated on your left. The family will be on the right side. Are you ready, Gracie, or do you need a minute?"
"I'm ready," Gracie said, and reached for Darlene. "This is my sister-in-law, Darlene Dunham. She will be seated beside me, and please seat the women next to her."
Willis nodded. "As you wish. If you'll all follow me," he said, and offered Gracie his arm.
She slipped her hand beneath his elbow, then looked back to make sure Darlene was right behind them.
Darlene winked, and they filed out of the room.
Gracie strode past her brother and sisters with her chin up, and that's when they saw the scars.
She heard them gasp. She heard a few murmurs, and then Darlene's voice.
"Shush it!" she hissed, and they did.
As they neared the sanctuary, Gracie could hear the low murmurs of conversation from the people sitting in the congregation, waiting for the ceremony to start.
Her eyes welled.
Help me through this, Lord.
Willis Decker paused at the doorway.
The pianist struck