At the mention of Laura’s name, both Hillary and Marie turned their attention back to the other woman. Carrie didn’t know what they wanted, and they seemed to be waiting for her to speak.
Laura sat on the chair arm with her hand resting on Eddie’s shoulder. “I realize all of us started off on the wrong foot, and I want to apologize for the things I said and did that drove a wedge between you and your father. He loves you both very much.”
“Have you apologized to our mother for the things you said and the things you did to her?”
Laura’s cheeks filled with color. “I have, and the classy woman that she is, Julia has forgiven me. It was a stressful time and I behaved badly. I’m hoping you’ll find it in your hearts to forgive me as well. And if you’re willing, I’d like a second chance.”
No one spoke, and Carrie worried what would happen next. Finally, when Carrie was convinced all Julia and Laura’s efforts were to come to naught, Marie spoke.
“I’m willing to try.”
Uncle Eddie looked to Hillary. “And you?” he asked.
Carrie heard the yearning and the angst in his voice, as if he was afraid and hopeful at the same time.
Hillary nodded. “If my mother is willing to let go of the past, then I guess I can, too.”
“Thank you,” Laura whispered.
Carrie wasn’t sure, although she thought she might have seen the other woman blink away tears.
“One thing I want to get straight, though,” Hillary said, her voice stern. “I refuse to have anything to do with your two sons.”
Uncle Eddie barked out a laugh.
“It isn’t funny, Dad.”
“Right. It wouldn’t be if Michael and Adam hadn’t said the same thing about you two.”
Hillary wasn’t amused. “You should know there’s not a snowball’s chance in hell that the four of us will ever be on good terms. No offense, Laura, but your sons are…” She couldn’t seem to find the right word.
“Barbarians,” Marie supplied.
“No offense taken,” Laura said. “When it comes to protecting me, my boys turn into alpha males. Normally they are regular pussycats.”
“You mean alley cats, don’t you? Feral ones.”
Laura was good-natured enough to laugh. “You could say that. No worries, girls, Michael and Adam are as eager to stay away from you as you are of them. Perhaps one day—”
“Don’t count on it,” Hillary said.
Seeing that this line of talk could lead down avenues full of potholes, Carrie asked, “Is there anything I can do to help with dinner?”
“Thank you, Carrie, I have everything ready to serve.”
* * *
—
To her surprise, the meal went well, the conversation centered on Hillary, Marie, and the wedding. Just as dessert was about to be served, Uncle Eddie looked at Hillary.
“If you want to exclude me from your wedding, I understand. What’s important is that you and Blake are happy. I love you and am so very proud to be your dad. My prayer is that now that we’ve broken the ice, so to speak, we can move forward. Laura has promised to help me keep my foot out of my mouth, and I’ll try my hardest to be the best dad, father-in-law, and, hopefully one day, grandpa possible.”
Carrie noticed Hillary struggling to swallow as her eyes filled with tears. “I’d like you to be at my and Blake’s wedding more than anything, Dad.”
Uncle Eddie looked toward Laura.
“And, Laura…” Hillary paused, and Carrie knew how hard this was for her. “You are welcome to attend, if you’d like.”
Laura nodded, and once again Carrie could see the other woman was holding back tears. “Thank you,” Laura whispered, flashing a smile to Eddie.
Carrie knew this was a groundbreaking moment. Sure, Uncle Eddie and Hillary and Marie had a long way to go. The road wasn’t going to always be smooth. Still, she felt confident that her cousins were happy to have their father back in their lives and were willing to give Laura the benefit of the doubt.
Time would tell.
And so would the wedding.
Chapter 31
Today was the long-awaited day of Hillary and Blake’s wedding. Julia had been an emotional mess all day. Now they were in the church, and Hillary was with her sister, Carrie, and the other bridesmaids getting dressed in a room off the side of the sanctuary.
The bridal shop had sent a woman to dress Hillary. With the assorted bridesmaids and everyone else, the room had grown crowded. Seeing they weren’t needed, Julia and Amanda found a quiet corner in the hallway outside and sat down on a bench. Julia struggled to get her tears under control.