Page 20 of Coty

That’s one thing she and I agree on. I’ve been telling Jack for over a month to tell Lily that Nina is in Willow Creek and on club property. I understand his argument, too. There’s more at stake than Lily knowing her friend is here.

Plus, this time of year flips Jack out. Once New Year’s Day hits, the day of Ariel’s death looms over his family like a dark cloud. A cloud isn’t the right word. Darkness swallows up the McLeod family. It surrounds the rest of us who try to hold them together. We’ll deal with telling Lily about Nina on another day. I need to find Worley and fast.

“Come on.” I motion toward the back door. I’m not leaving her out here alone. There’s no telling how everyone will take being rushed out of here.

Thankfully, she doesn’t fight me. “Okay. I’ll get Lil Mama and Ross’ wife to help with the families.”

That’s not a bad idea. Quick thinking on her part. I hold the door open and wait for her to enter ahead of me. Kayla goes straight to Lil Mama. With her hand up to cover her mouth, Kayla tells her what’s happening. Bankz’ mother’s eyes widen, and her mouth falls open. She snaps it shut and turns three shades of red. Okay. That might not have been a good idea after all. I can’t help Kayla right now. I have my own mission. It takes a moment to find Worley, Bankz, and Hendrix. As quickly as possible, I weave through the tables to where they’re standing against the wall. We quickly pass the word to as many members as we can. Sadly, I don’t reach Jack’s family in time.

Nanny and Mac have laid the lighter on the table. They stand there, watching the candles burn in memory of their daughter and granddaughter. Mack has his arms around his wife. Nanny cries against his shoulder. Jack, Lily, Jay, and Maci hold Everly and Logan. Granddad has Nana wrapped in his arms. This is the saddest part of these ceremonies. This family has experienced so much loss. Again, I can agree with Harley. I’m not sure how much these ceremonies help.

Pastor Rhodes approaches the microphone with his son at his side before I can reach Jack. My eyes lock with Matthew’s as I move closer to the McLeods. There’s no love lost with that man. He was never the good kid he pretends to be. Well, maybe he’s straightened up. Don’t know. Don’t care right now. The disgust in Matthew’s eyes confirms he knows what his dad is about to do, and he’s not going to try to stop him. That makes him scum in my book, Pastor’s son or not. Pastor Rhodes taps the microphone. Everyone pauses and glances up. “Thank you all for coming out tonight to help us remember Ariel McLeod. It’s a horrible day, indeed.” He slightly shakes his head. “She was a lovely young lady who was taken from us way too soon. Keep her children, parents, and family in your prayers. If you brought food, thank you. You may collect your dishes and head on home. We’ll see you at service in the morning.”

The people on the other side of the room begin gathering their things and cleaning up. Kayla and Lil Mama managed to inform most of our side. They gather their things, too. Jack’s family looks lost. They’re definitely confused.

Finley rushes to her father as he walks down the steps. “Daddy, please don’t do this. They need more time.”

“We’ve had this conversation already, Finley.” He gently pats her arm. “You did a great job tonight.”

Matthew douses the candle flames. Yep. He was in on it. He hasn’t changed a bit. Worley and I finally make it to Jack and his father.

“What’s going on?” Nanny looks around the room.

“You can have the candles. They were made special for your family.” Matthew removes Ariel’s candle and holder from the pedestal.

Finley rushes over and swats her brother’s hands away. “Don’t touch them. I got it.”

“Of course, you do,” he mumbles. One look at Jack and Jay has him hurrying to catch up with his father.

Finley gently wraps a hand towel around the candles and offers them to Nanny and Nana. “I’m so sorry. I tried to change his mind.”

“He’s kicking us out?” Nanny blinks several times.

“I’m so sorry,” Finley apologizes again. “I really thought he’d change his mind.”

Nanny’s eyes lock with the Pastor’s wife’s. “Are you serious?”

Sherry Rhodes clasps her hands together. “Evelyn, it was a lovely ceremony. Finley did an amazing job organizing this. We’re so sorry for your loss. We hope you light the candles often for Ariel.”

Mack gently places a hand on his wife’s shoulder. “We need to go, love.”

What’s happening hits Nanny like a tidal wave, and the hurricane she is unleashes. “Are you insane?” She yells. She draws back and throws the candle at Mrs. Rhodes, hitting her on the shoulder. “Keep your blasted candle! I don’t want anything from you! You feed us, say a few nice words, let us light candles, and then throw us out? You’re fake! You don’t care about our family! You never liked Ariel! I don’teverwant to hear you say her name again!”

“Eve, let’s go, love. Everyone’s going to the Den.” Mack tries to calm her down.

“No!” Nanny pushes away from him, her sights set on the Pastor and his wife. “You’re horrible people. Don’t ever speak to us again. My child and granddaughter were murdered! And you have the gall to play nice and pretend to care? You don’t.” She shakes her head and keeps trying to push Mack’s hands away. “It’s all for show. You’re only doing it because cameras and reporters are here.”

“Jacob, you need to take your wife and leave.” Pastor Rhodes wraps an arm around his wife and lifts his chin. He’s not this brave. Nanny’s right. It’s only for the cameras. And yes, they’re recording everything.

“You’re absolutely right.” Mack scoops Nanny up and carries her out the door as she continues to scream. The rest of their family follows.

Finley wipes tears from her cheeks. “I’m so so sorry, Coty.”

“Not your fault, Fin.”

“Don’t let them hate me,” she whispers.

“The Vikings and McLeods will never hate you,” I assure her. “You’re not like the rest of your family.” She’s not.

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