Page 2 of Firecracker

An ache of loss and regret bloomed inside her.

She’d sold nearly everything else of value they had. She’d resisted selling the rings, even though she had no daughter to pass them on to and her marriage had been a shell, because at one time they had meant something. They’d meant so very much.

Her throat thickened as she slowly pulled the rings off. “I’d like to sell these.”

* * *

Two weeks later, she stood in the kitchen surveying the boxes of household items, trying to decide what to pack and what to get rid of. It was painful to contemplate giving up the Lagostina cookware, Henkel knives, and KitchenAid mixer. Even more than it had been to decide which designer shoes to keep and which to send to consignment.

The doorbell rang.

Her head jerked around. Who could that be? Frowning, she headed to the front door to see her mother standing on the doorstep.

She threw open the door. “Mom! What are you doing here?”

Mom smiled and opened her arms for a hug. “I came to help.”

Arden moved into her mom’s embrace, and as her mother’s arms closed around her, emotion surged into her throat painfully. She hugged her mom back, and they stood together for a moment. Then she drew in a shaky breath and pulled back.

“I told you not to come.”

“I know you did.”

Arden stepped back, and Mom picked up her small suitcase and followed her inside. “Nice and cool in here,” Mom said, fanning herself. “I had to come, honey. You’re all on your own, trying to pack up things in this huge house all by yourself.”

“I can handle it.” She’d been determined to be strong and self-reliant, but now her mom was here, she was actually…grateful. She’d been feeling overwhelmed. She still wasn’t sleeping well, tired both physically and mentally, and that didn’t help.

“I know you can.” Mom touched her cheek. “But you don’t have to. That’s what family is for.”

Arden wanted to cry but fought back the tears. “You’re right,” she managed to choke out. Her brother was taking her in and helping out, and now her mom was here to help and even though she wanted to be a grown-up and take responsibility for everything…she was so glad she had family. She’d do the same if they needed help.

She met her mom’s eyes. “Thanks, Mom.”

Mom clasped her upper arms gently and held her gaze. “You’re going to be fine. Youarefine. This will be a good change for you.”

Arden nodded. “A new start. I agree.” She smiled. “Jamie’s been great, letting me stay at his place.”

“Of course. I’d be giving him hell if he didn’t.” She smiled ruefully. “You two…” She shook her head. “I don’t know what happened to you.”

“What do you mean?” Arden strolled to the kitchen, ready to make her mom a cup of coffee or iced tea. She paused at the big granite island and set her hands on the cool stone, facing her mom as she followed.

“You both lead such different lives…it kind of blows my mind.”

Arden laughed. “What?”

“Well, look at Jamie…making so much money he doesn’t know what to do with it, buying real estate and renovating it, and making even more money. And you…married to a famous football player, hobnobbing with celebrities, hosting fancy dinner parties…” She chuckles. “That’s not how you grew up. That’s not who your father and I are. We’re just regular mid-westerners—”

“Who retired to Florida.”

“Well, yes, but we’re not living in some super luxurious retirement resort. We wanted to give you both a good life and encourage you to be the best you can be, but we sure as heck never envisioned what you’ve both done. Your worlds are so different than ours.”

“Not anymore,” Arden muttered, aware that she hadn’t really done anything with her life. “Would you like coffee? Or something cold?”

“A cold drink would be wonderful.”

Arden opened the fridge and grabbed a pitcher of tea, then poured two glasses.

“So, where should I start?” Mom looked around the kitchen. “You know I love organizing things.”

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