Page 86 of Already Home

Violet signed the credit card receipt. Together they carriedthe bags out to the car.

“I wanted a lot of children,” Beth said as they drove out ofthe parking lot. “I knew at an early age I couldn’t have them. Marshall and Istarted the paperwork to adopt even before we were married. We were delightedthat Serenity chose us. Jenna’s been a blessing.”

Violet knew her mother had never described her in thoseterms.

“Do you want to have children?” Beth asked as she came to astop at a red light.

“Maybe. Someday.”

“Jenna mentioned you’re seeing someone. Is he special?”

“I think so. It’s still pretty new.” And as much as she likedCliff, she couldn’t seem to let go with him and totally be herself. Probablybecause of the secrets she kept. He didn’t strike her as the kind of guy whowould accept her past.

“If he’s not the one, you’ll find him.”

“Like you found Marshall?”

Beth smiled. “Exactly.”

“If I don’t find the right guy, I have my career,” Violetsaid.

“Jenna mentioned she’d made you manager of the store.”

“Uh-huh. I’m pretty excited.”

“You’ve done excellent work. You’re a natural with thecustomers.”

“I like being with people.”

“You’re very patient with Serenity.”

Violet knew this was potentially dangerous ground. “She’sunique.”

Although Jenna had problems with Serenity, Violet found thatshe liked the other woman. Sure, she was unusual, but there was a kindness abouther. She truly cared about people, in a way that asked for nothing back. Violethad seen the longing in Serenity’s eyes when she looked at Jenna. She regrettedhaving lost her daughter.

Violet wanted to feel bad for her, but at the same time sheunderstood that Jenna had been an incredible blessing for Beth. Like many oflife’s complications, the situation was confusing.

“Tom’s back in town,” Beth said. “He and Serenity are comingover to dinner tomorrow. There’s a challenge. We’re barbecuing burgers. Bothkinds. Jenna’s bringing a few sides, as is Serenity.”

“Brace yourself for soy,” Violet teased.

“Don’t I know it. Marshall’s threatened to get takeout on theway home, so he can eat before dinner. I’ve promised him that our burgers aregoing to be the old-fashioned kind, but I think he’s afraid I’ll try to slip himsome tofu.”

Violet laughed. “It’s not as bad as he thinks.”

“I don’t think he wants to test the theory.”

They turned into a strip mall. Beth pointed to the small storeat the end. “It doesn’t look like much, but she can work miracles.”

When they’d parked, Violet turned to the other woman. “Thankyou so much for helping me today.”

“You’re welcome.” Beth patted her arm. “I don’t know much aboutyour past, Violet, but I sense it wasn’t especially happy. If you ever want totalk, I’m here. If you just need a friend, I hope you’ll think of me. Foranything.”

Violet had learned early not to let her emotions show and tonever let them be in charge. But now, she found herself leaning close andhugging Beth.

“Thank you,” she whispered, fighting unexpected tears. “Youhave no idea how much that means to me.”

Beth held on tight. “One day you can tell me.”

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