Page 56 of A Match Made in Montana

Craig sat back, stared at his dad. For such a long time, he’d envisioned this moment when he’d have a chance to tell his parents exactly how he blamed them for leaving him behind, how angry he was. But looking at both of them now, all he was feeling was regret for not having them around while he was growing up. The anger he’d carried with him for so long had vanished over the last few days.

“We’ve hurt you,” his mom said softly. “We’ve never really talked about how you felt at the time. Can you tell us?”

Craig looked at his mother. She really wanted to know. He wouldn’t have been able to express his feelings in words if it hadn’t been for Annie. She’d helped him to put his hurt and anger into words. “I thought I’d done something wrong. That you didn’t want me.”

“Is that why you don’t think you should get married?”

“I don’t get how you could leave me behind without a backward glance. I don’t want to ever have to leave a kid of mine behind. I was angry and felt guilty because I was angry. You were out in the world, saving lives.”

His mom’s eyes were wet with tears. “You haven’t done anything wrong. We love you. We’re so proud of you. And I’m so sorry we’ve made you feel unwanted and guilty. Do you think you could ever forgive us? And just for the record? You’re clearly your own man. You stepped in when your uncle Sean died. You were helping out, supporting Aiden and Riley when Cara became ill, and after her death, you continued to help your cousins. Riley has told me how you’d moved in with her to help look after Dylan. You’d be a great husband and dad, Craig. You’ve been that for Aiden and Riley over the last few years.”

Staring at his mother, her words reverberated in his heart. She was so right, he was his own man. He’d never do what they’d done and leave anyone he loved behind. He’d protect those he loved with his last breath.

A weight had been lifted off of his chest somehow.

His thoughts racing, he nodded. “I’d like to forgive you and, yes, it would be nice to have you in my life, but we’d have to get to know each other and I have to learn to trust you again. I’ve been angry for a long time, though, so it’ll probably take time.”

Sniffling, his mom reached over to touch him. “We understand that. We’re willing to do the work, Craig. You’re important to us.”

“And just so you know,” his dad said, “every time we left you behind, your mom cried so much, she couldn’t turn around and wave. I know it’s no consolation, but…”

Swallowing against the lump in his throat, Craig cleared his throat. “I don’t know if I’ll ever understand why you did what you did, and I’ll have more questions along the way, but can we now please talk about something else besides feelings?”

“Thank goodness,” his dad said, rubbing his eyes. “I’m getting a headache.”

“Tell me about your trip?” he asked.

His dad was clearly relieved to have something else to talk about and pulled out his phone to show him a map. His mom chipped in and when they stood up to leave half an hour later, everyone was smiling.

Craig walked them out to their car.

His mom gave him a hug. “We’re going to book rooms at Annie’s for the wedding. She’s such a lovely person.”

“She is.”

“I saw her yesterday,” his mom said as she got into the car.

“I was wondering how you know I don’t want to get married.”

His mother grimaced. “Your Annie is very passionate. She didn’t pull any punches and told me exactly what our leaving you behind did to you. Because of her, we’re here today, trying to right our wrongs. Another thing—she told me she’d thought for a while she doesn’t want to get married either.”

Frowning, he softly repeated his mom’s words. “For a while? Is that what she said?”

“That’s what she said. But apparently, she then met someone. Although she hadn’t said it in so many words, it sounded as if she’s now changed her mind.”

His dad started the car and, with a final wave, they drove off. Frowning, his heart beating like crazy, Craig stood staring after them.

The churning inside of him was back, as if something was trying to fall into place.

*

By six o’clockon Saturday night, Annie was finally able to catch her breath. All her guests were going to the dance at the fairgrounds tonight. She’d made a quiche for those who wanted to eat something before they went and had just cleaned the kitchen and prepared everything for tomorrow morning’s breakfast.

As she ran up the stairs to her room, she was smiling. She really loved having people here. The small B and B was alive with chatter and laughter, just the way she’d imagined. Her Instagram account was growing daily—all because of Craig. There wasn’t a minute in a day she didn’t feel like calling him and telling him how much he’d helped her.

And there he was in her thoughts again. She’d been so busy since Wednesday but the problem with cooking and baking and preparing rooms meant her thoughts were free to roam wherever they wanted to. Where they roamed to was Craig. Always Craig. And how much she loved him.

Sleep had been impossible since she’d seen him last. Every time she closed her eyes, she swore she could feel Craig breathing next to her. His scent still lingered in her office even though she’d left the windows wide open for most of Thursday.

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