AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Tricia’s had a lot going on this past year, Dad, the timing hasn’t been right, that’s all.”
When James made that comment, I had half-expected people to ask what I’d had going on and stood anxiously waiting for someone to press his point.
“Never mind, you’re here now. You must be serious when you haven’t made it down to visit us in Arizona, James,” another female remarked.
I glanced over at Tammy, and unlike the friendly vibe I’d had from her at Billie’s wedding, I saw her narrowed eyes scrutinizing me.
“I know and I’m sorry. But if you want to blame anyone, blame Dad. He’s worked me like a pack horse this last year,” James responded, coming to my rescue.
“True,” their father replied, quickly agreeing with his son. “He’s been a godsend.”
“I’ve only had two weeks off this year in total, and both of those in the past couple of months,” James added.
I felt Tammy’s reluctance to accept what he’d said, but with her father’s endorsement of James’ comments she had little choice but to do anything else.
“Well, I’m very happy to see you both, no matter how long it’s been. I’ve missed you, James,” Caitlin, his middle sister, offered, as she stood from the table and came around to our side of it. She hugged James and then me and her welcome was warm. “Lovely to see you, Tricia. Welcome to the family.”
“Milly?” Colby’s voice came from the hallway and relief washed through me that Sawyer and Billie had arrived. My eyes flitted back to where Tammy was sitting and I caught her still watching me. For most of my life I hadn’t cared how people saw me, but she had managed to make me feel self-conscious. I knew then, Tammy had an issue with me.
The reception Sawyer and Billie received from Tammy was far more enthusiastic than ours, but I told myself there were several reasons for this. First, Billie had been part of the family for a long time, and her three children were also integral members of the family.
Billie came over to me as soon as the family greetings had died down, and I silently thanked her for her loyalty to me.
“Wow, I’ve been waiting so long for this, and now you’re here,” Billie said, excitedly. I knew immediately what she’d referred to. To Billie and Sawyer, I was family in all but name. Not so with Tammy, who had looked as if she’d had a bug up her ass with the idea of me being one of them. I guessed by the look on her face that I’d learn what her problem was sooner or later.
“Thanks,” I replied, smiling.
Before long Ronald led us out to the main patio at the back of the house where an amazing huge buffet of food had been laid out, with a birthday cake for Harriett placed at the center.
As soon as the younger children’s parents had filled up their plates the rest of us plated up ours. I’d noted James hadn’t stood idle. By the time he'd sat down, he’d helped Bethany cut up some steak, grabbed napkins for Belle, and carried Brock’s drink as they took their places at one of the smaller patio tables.
Lorna arrived late and once again there was another upheaval as kids jumped down, kissing and hugging, but as the lunch went on I began to relax in their company and had felt welcomed by all who were there … all apart from Tammy.
With light conversation, banter from the boys, and a few bottles of wine, I soon forgot Tammy’s frosty reception and the rest of the day was fun. The kids swam, ate, and swam again.
Jonathan, Tammy’s husband, and James played a nail-biting game of tennis, and I sat in awe at how fiercely competitive and skilled James was. When he won, his opponent looked pissed, but Sawyer, Billie, and I jumped up and down with excitement. It had been a long active day for the little ones and by 6:00 p.m. Remy had looked exhausted. He climbed up on my lap and had started to fall asleep.
“Would you mind if I showered the little ones and put them to bed?” Billie asked Harriett.
“Of course, sweetheart. My house is your house, Tammy will no doubt be doing the same with Bethany soon.”
“I’ll help you,” I told Billie, and stood up from the comfortable couch in the great room. I followed as Billie led the way to the accommodations they’d been given.
Billie opened the door to a three-bedroom apartment on the ground floor on the west wing of the house.
“Wow, this place is incredible,” I said, gasping in wonder at the sheer size and opulence of the suite of guest rooms.
“Isn’t it just?” she gushed. “I’m always scared to bring the kids here in case they wreck the place. I mean Brynn and all this.” She gestured at the fine furnishings, raw silk drapes, and white deep pile carpet and chuckled. “I feel I should dress the kids in those forensic suits before they come in here. Come on,” she urged, leading me through to the master suite.
“Down, now,” she barked at Remy and Brynn, who both jumped happily on the huge custom-made bed when she entered and saw them.
“Aw,” both whined as they dropped onto their butts and shimmed their way off the custom-built bed.
“Can you grab some pajamas from their luggage over there?” she asked, as she led them both into the bathroom. “I’ll get them clean and dry them while you do that.”
Eyeing the pink Disney Princess weekend bag and the blue Paw Patrol one, I opened them and did as she asked and then waited for her to finish getting the kids ready for bed and bring them back into the bedroom.
* * *
