Page 55 of A Match Made in Montana

“Why are we here?” Claire asked wryly.

“No. You should talk to each other. Really talk. Ask Craig how it made him feel when you left him behind.”

Claire swallowed. “I’m not sure I want to know the answer to that one.”

“May I be blunt?” Annie asked. Someone had to tell Craig’s mother how leaving him behind made him feel. She doubted Craig would ever manage to tell them.

Claire’s eyes were filled with tears, but she nodded.

“You probably had your reasons, but leaving Craig with someone else while you joined Doctors without Borders to help others broke his heart and his spirit. Never mind that he was with family and that you were out in the world doing good. At ten, you need your parents. He’s been wondering all this time why you left him. The ten-year-old little boy decided it was because of something he’d done…”

“Of course, it wasn’t!” Claire called out, dabbing at her eyes.

“He was angry and felt guilty because he was angry. You were doing good; you were helping other people.”

Sniffling, Claire took a tissue from her bag. “So, how do we fix this?”

“I don’t know. I just know you have to try. My parents are gone. One ordinary day, they were in the wrong place at the wrong time and were killed. I’d give anything for one more chat with them.”

Claire stepped forward and hugged her. “I like you, Annie. You’ve got spunk.”

“I like you, too.” Annie smiled, returning the hug. “I’m sorry if I was harsh. I just want the best for Craig. If anyone deserves it, it’s him.”

“Thank you, Annie. And thank you for being honest. I hope we see each other soon.”

“Me, too.”

*

The rental carhis parents were using was sitting in front of his aunt’s house when Craig arrived back from a meeting in town Saturday right before lunch. For a moment, he considered turning around. That was not going to help. Besides, they were probably on their way to Yellowstone National Park. He would see them again at the wedding but once he was back at work in Portland, he’d be so busy, he’d have more than enough excuses not to see them.

His parents and his aunt were having tea in Aunt Janice’s small living room.

His aunt put the teapot down when she saw him. “Craig, I’m so glad you’re back.” She gave him a hug. “I was just telling your parents about all the clients you now have in Marietta. How did your meeting go?”

“Fine, thanks, Aunt Janice. I had another call on my way here. I’ve really enjoyed helping business owners around town. It’s very different to being in charge of an account, keeping the client happy, getting the job done within as short a time as possible within a budget. Helping folks around here is a breeze in comparison. Is Riley around?” At least if she and Dylan were there, he wouldn’t have to be alone with his parents.

Aunt Janice shook her head, her eyes filled with sympathy. “They’ve gone to the Graff Hotel. She wants to get the lay of the land for the photo shoot with the bridal couple tomorrow.” Aunt Janice turned to his parents. “Riley is the photographer for Aiden and Vivian’s wedding.”

Aunt Janice’s phone rang. “Will you please excuse me? I’m supposed to help at the fair and I’m already late.”

“Of course,” his mom said. “We’re actually here to talk to Craig. We’re off to Yellowstone tomorrow, but we’ll be back for the wedding.”

“Okay, great—I look forward to seeing you again.” She hugged his mom, leaned against his dad for a moment. “Hopefully, I’ll be able to spend more time with my brother now that you’ve retired.”

“That’s the idea.” His father grinned.

“Enjoy your trip!” And with a wave and her phone against her ear, his aunt disappeared, leaving him alone with his parents.

Craig poured himself a cup of tea. Not that he wanted any, really, but at least it was something to do.

“What time are you leaving?” he asked, taking a seat.

“Early tomorrow morning,” his mom said. “But that’s not why we’re here.”

“Oh?”

“There’s no turning back the clock and changing our decision to leave you behind with your uncle and aunt when you were ten,” his dad said, his eyes on his hands. “At the time, we were sure about what we were doing. Only now…” He looked up, his eyes suspiciously bright. “Only now we’ve come to realize our leaving you behind hurt you. You’re angry with us and rightly so. You’re a fine young man and I’m so sorry I don’t know you… we don’t know you. We’ve missed all the important events along the years while we selfishly focused on our careers. If you can forgive us, we would like to be a part of your life.”

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