Page 72 of The Soul Never Forgets

“Sorry but no.”

Dawsey puts his arms around me and squeezes before we enter the front door of his parents’ house. “Deep breath in. Deep breath out.”

People always tell you to breathe, but it does nothing. “I’ve tried that already.”

“You aren’t walking into the lion’s den. My parents are going to be your family. They’re going to welcome you with open arms.”

Mother-in-law.

Father-in-law.

Brother-in-law.

Grandparents and uncle to my children.

Ourchildren.

I want to be loved by the Wescotts so badly.

“Frank’s mother loved Augustina as though she was her own daughter. I hope I can have that kind of relationship with your mother.” I recall the loving relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. It brings me hope and comfort to know that I might share that same love with Diana Wescott.

“My mother always wanted a daughter, and now she’s getting one. She’s going to be thrilled for you to join our family.”

“Your brother isn’t married?”

“No. And likely never will be at the rate he’s going.”

I’m not sure what that means, but now isn’t the time to ask.

Dawsey knocks on the door and opens it, calling out to his mom and dad to let them know we’ve arrived. His mom comes into the foyer, wearing a big smile on her face. “You know you don’t ever have to knock at this house. This will always be your home.”

“I know.”

“Who do we have here?” Mrs. Wescott asks.

“Mom, this is Caroline Beaumont.”

“Oh, Dawsey. She is a beauty.” His mom reaches out to me, bringing me close for a hug, and I’m reminded of the first time Esther Harrison met Augustina. “It’s lovely to meet you, Caroline. Please call me Diana.”

“It’s good to meet you. Thank you for the invitation to dinner.”

“Larry just walked out to check the grill. What temperature do you take your steak?”

“Medium rare.”

“Girl after my own heart. Larry and Dawsey like it to still be mooing.”

“It’s December and Dad is grilling?”

“He wanted grilled steaks.” She lowers her voice. “He wanted to impress Caroline with his grilling skills.”

“They renovated the house a couple of years ago and insisted on putting in this expensive big stove and hood vent so he wouldn’t have to go outside to grill. And he’s outside grilling.”

“He says the meat doesn’t taste as good when it’s cooked inside. He likes the smokey flavor of his old charcoal grill.”

“I tried to tell y’all that.”

“Well, we should have listened. You were right.”

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