Page 132 of Princess of Pride
“You did?” I sat my drink down and turned to her directly. “Lachlan said he talked to Dad.”
She put her hands on her floral skirt covered lap. “And your father came to me. He didn’t put their ashes here without my permission. It didn’t seem right to put the person who gave you life and your dad what I couldn’t anywhere else. Doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt.” She touched my knee. “I did it for you. I meant to tell you all about them, but as time went on, I couldn’t find the words. I’m sorry.” Tears filled Mom’s blue eyes.
I hugged her. We hadn’t had a moment like this maybe ever. “It’s okay. I’m sorry you spent so many years hurting because of me.”
“You?” She pulled back and gave me the happiest sad smile. “You never hurt me. You added to our lives. Pippa got a sister. I got another daughter to love and to try not to screw upas much as I did the first one. I know I wasn’t easy, and I can be… well, I like things the way I like them. It’s how I was raised. It’s what I know.”
The salty breeze flutters a few strands of my hair. The coastline here is much calmer than the cliffside in Scotland. Mom eyes the golden strands like she wants to tame them the way she would have in the past. I see her resist the urge to do just that.
“I could never hate anyone who created someone as beautiful as you.”
She says this sappy stuff all the time now too. We stare at each other teary-eyed.
Once a week, we meet for lunch. I’m going to talk her into moving our dates to the bookstore from now on. She’ll like that. She helped me choose color schemes and lighting for the place along with the designer I hired but hadn’t seen the finished result until last week when I gave the family a private showing.
“We need to switch to waterproof mascara.” I use the napkin I have with my champagne and blot under her eyes.
She takes it and smiles. “I’ll just go clean up.”
I set my flute on a nearby table and watch as she walks toward the house before turning my attention back to the roses blowing in the breeze.
“I hope you like it here,” I say to Elora and Everett.
“I think they already do,” comes a deep English accented voice from behind me.
I glance over my shoulder and beam up at my gorgeous husband—by choice, this time.
“Worried I’ll run off again?” I tease as he stops at my side and slides his arm around my waist, tugging me close.
“Not in the slightest.”
I tsk and roll my eyes.
“You’re addicted to me and my cock. I made sure of it.”
He sure did. I don’t even try to deny it.
“I like you among these roses. The red suits your golden coloring.”
My cheeks heat. Will I ever not feel like a silly girl when he compliments me like this, especially about something I thought made me less than for most of my life? That and my breasts.
Lachlan’s hand slides up to just under my boob as he pulls me even closer and bends to kiss my lips.
“You taste like heaven.” It’s the strawberry mimosa, but I’m fine with taking the credit. “It gives me ideas for tonight and what I’m going to do to you.” He murmurs across my lips and squeezes my underboob.
I squeal.
“God,” Pippa sighs. “You should be embarrassed of yourselves, acting like teenagers in front of your guests.”
Lachlan smirks at me then turns to face my sister. I do the same, as he plays with the strands of my long hair.
“What can we do for you Pippa?” Lachlan’s tone holds as much interest as it would if he were choosing formal dinnerware.
“Huntington wants to see his grandma before we leave.” Meaning Pippa wants to see Mom before she leaves.
“She went in to freshen up. I’m sure she’ll be back in a minute.”
In the past, I would have worried Mom was losing herself in a bottle of wine.
