you later.” He reached out and squeezed my hand before heading to his truck. His touches were becoming frequent. A caress of his hand. A hug. A kiss on the cheek that lingered a little longer than was necessary.
Did he realize what he was doing? What his hands were saying even when his mouth was silent?
I watched Kyle pull out of the parking lot before heading into town. I passed the town square and saw that Marla and her committee were starting to set up for the Apple Blossom Carnival, which was scheduled to start two weekends from now. Kyle and his crew had really done an amazing job on the square.
I saw his pride at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. I had stood by his side, happy to share his accomplishment with him. I knew everyone watched us. Wondered about us. The quickness of our marriage was a source of endless speculation. But for once, I hadn’t cared. I was proud to stand beside him. To be his wife, even if it was only temporary.
I walked into Dana’s Deli and immediately saw Mom at the front. She had claimed the two-seater table by the window.
“Hey, Mom.’ I leaned down and kissed her cheek.
“Hi, Sweetheart. How did court go this morning? I already ordered you an iced tea.”
I sat down and took a long drink of the tea.
“It went well. Kyle was awarded temporary physical custody, which was no surprise. Though Josie has been granted visitation, which I doubt she’ll actually follow up on. Katie has been given a guardian ad litem who will be coming around to do a home visit,” I told her, taking a menu and looking it over.
Mom made a face. “Oh, that sounds invasive. How does Kyle feel about all this?”
“He’s worried. And rightly so. It’s all so nerve-wracking. But I can’t imagine a judge on the planet that would look at everything he’s done for Katie and give Josie custody.” I was interrupted by the waitress coming over to take our orders.
When she was gone, Mom frowned. “And how are things with the two of you?”
“Fine. Why wouldn’t they be?” I couldn’t quite make eye contact.
“I know Kyle’s a good man, but it has to be strange living there with him, pretending to be married. It really seems so convoluted.” She shook her head.
“We get along great. And I adore Katie. She’s a great kid,” I said.
“She is a dear little girl. She reminds me a lot of how you were at that age. Smart as a whip and sassy as all get out.” Mom laughed.
“She is definitely sassy. The other night she decided she wanted to try on some of my makeup, so I helped her put on lipstick and blush. She pranced around the house like the queen of Sheba.” I grinned at the memory of the way Katie had sashayed about.
Mom was giving me a shrewd look. “Sounds like you’re getting awfully attached to her.”
I groaned. “Don’t you start too.”
Mom seemed taken aback. “What do you mean?”
I patted my forehead with my napkin, still feeling sweaty even with the air conditioning blasting. It was the hottest May in fifty years. I couldn’t imagine what summer would be like. “Kyle says his mom isn’t too happy about my relationship with Katie, either.”
“What could Gail possibly have a problem with?” Mom sounded indignant. “You’re a wonderful woman and a great role model for that little girl. She should be thankful you’re in Katie’s life.”
I appreciated Mom’s instant defense of me. Even if she had her own misgivings, she got over it quickly in the face of someone else’s disapproval of me. “I think she’s more worried that Katie will become attached to me and that when this is all over, I’ll disappear in a poof, never to be heard from again.” I spoke about it in an offhand way, but Mrs. Webber’s criticism stung.
“I suppose I understand her concerns. We’re talking about a two-year old’s feelings,” Mom said.
“I’m not just going to drop out of Katie’s life like that,” I protested weakly, knowing why people would think that. Hadn’t that been what I did to this town? Hadn’t I disappeared, never to be seen again until I decided it was time to come back?
“I know you wouldn’t, Whitney. You don’t need to convince me.”
I was saved from having to respond by the arrival of our food.
The conversation was less serious after that. We talked about Mom’s garden and the new book club she and Adam’s