Page 99 of The Wish List
“It’s more than that,” Trinity insisted.
“Sometimes.” Freya’s smile was hesitant. “And sometimes people change. We heal.”
“You read the book,” May said, rising from the sofa.
Beth and Freya glanced at each other again, and then Beth nodded. “You took responsibility, Mom. We appreciate that.” She turned her gaze toward Trinity. “You were right, baby sister. We should have listened to you earlier. I’m sorry we upset you.”
Freya sighed and allowed May to pull her close. “I wish the two of you would have just given us the CliffsNotes version. Maybe it would have actually been a Merry Christmas.”
Trinity shook her head. “You needed to read it willingly to appreciate what Mom wrote.”
“I appreciate it now.” Freya placed her head on May’s shoulder.
As Beth moved to May’s other side, Trinity understood that the rift that had plagued their family for so long might finally heal. In the revised edition ofA Woman’s Odyssey, May had taken responsibility for her narcissistic parenting and given advice on how busy and stressed mothers—both single and married—could make sure they took care of themselves in a way that maintained their capacity for loving their children unconditionally.
She’d discussed each of the sisters but only in the most generous terms, giving them credit for meeting their own emotional needs. And apologizing for her role in their self-doubt and troubles with emotional intimacy.
“I wanted you to read the book before I talked about it with you,” May explained, “so that you didn’t feel an obligation to accept my offer of amends out of guilt or misplaced loyalty. You are free to define your relationship with me in whatever way works for you.”
Trinity nodded, but her sisters didn’t look convinced.
“What about the tour?” Beth said.
Freya straightened. “And staying in Magnolia to help?”
May shook her head. “I’m not going on tour. Not yet. I’m staying to be with Trinity and Thomas. I’ll do remote interviews, but that’s all.”
“Are you sure?” Freya looked unconvinced. “You like the limelight even more than me.”
May reached out and brushed a strand of hair off Freya’s shoulder. “Do you truly like it?” She turned to Beth. “Is the nurse practitioner program what you want, or do you feel compelled to leave town so you can finally have your own life?”
Freya drew in a sharp breath then darted a glance at the door. “The minister and guests are probably waiting for us.”
Beth whistled and shook her head. “Yep. Need to go. Right now. I didn’t wear enough waterproof mascara to answer that question.”
“The answers will come,” May said. “You’ll figure them out. Trinity and I will be here to help.”
“That’s right.” Trinity smiled as Beth transferred Thomas to her. The baby had returned to his cherubic serenity, contentedly gazing up at his mother. “I’ve got my life together now, so you two can ask me for advice on yours.” She rolled her eyes. “We should probably start with romantic advice because Declan Murphy and Christopher Greer are good men.”
“Wow, go, Trin,” Freya said with a laugh.
There was a knock at the office door. “We’re ready to begin,” an older male voice called.
“Coming, Reverend,” Trinity answered then wrapped an arm around Freya and leaned her elbow into Beth since she had Thomas in that arm. “Group hug.”
Her sisters and mom complied, and a few moments later, Trinity entered the church feeling more at peace than she had in ages.
Unfortunately, that peace only lasted as long as it took to make it to the edge of the chancel.
“Trinity!” Her heart seemed to freeze at the sound of her ex-boyfriend’s angry shout. She turned around slowly, hugging Thomas more tightly to her chest as Dave Conklin stalked toward her.
He looked the same as Trinity remembered with his lanky build and close-cropped black hair. But he seemed different somehow, not as intimidating or powerful. Had he lost weight? There were dark circles under his eyes, and he needed a shower.
“Sir, this is a private event,” the minister announced, peering from behind rounded glasses at the worst mistake of Trinity’s life.
Dave flashed an oily smile and yanked a knife from his back pocket, flipping it open with a flourish. “Got my invitation right here.”
“No,” Trinity whispered when her two sisters surged forward in the commotion that followed.
