Heather walkedinto Aunt Donna’s house the next evening and saw her mother sitting at the table with papers spread before her, a pen in hand.
“Mother, what are you doing?”
“I’m signing the divorce papers.”Her mother looked up with a determined set to her lips.
“But why? I thought you were going to stall after Father ordered you to sign them?”
“I was…but then I realized…Idowant to sign them. I’m done being married to him. I want it all over. To move on. I’m just over it.”
“But he’ll get what he wants, and he’s not giving you anything. Nothing at all.”Heather frowned, not understanding this move her mother was making. She thought her mother would fight, would push back, demand some kind of settlement. Not just…give up.
“But Iamgetting something.”Her mother’s eyes flashed.“I’m getting my freedom. And I don’t plan on ever letting anyone tell me what to do or how to live my life, ever again.”
Heather turned at the sound of Donna and Livy entering the kitchen.“Hey, what are you two up to?”Livy asked.
“Mother is signing the divorce papers.”
Donna’s eyebrows rose.“Are you, Evie?”Donna crossed over and sat down beside her sister.“Are you sure that’s what you want to do?”
“I’m positive.”
Donna paused, then nodded.“Then sign away. I’m one hundred percent behind any decision you make.”
Evelyn hugged Donna.“Thank you. I appreciate that.”
Livy came to stand beside Heather.“You okay with this?”she whispered.
“I am if Mother is.”Or at least she thought she was. If this is what her mother truly wanted, it was the right thing to do. It did irritate her that it meant that her father was getting what he’d commanded. But if it was what her mother wanted, that was what was important.
Donna lookedup from where Evelyn was signing the papers and saw their mother standing in the doorway to the kitchen. She groaned inwardly. The timing couldn’t be any worse. The last thing Evelyn needed was her mother’s criticism right now.
“So, you’re all here.”Patricia walked into the room.
“What are doing here, Grandmother?”Olivia stepped up, partially hiding the kitchen table.
“I had my driver bring me to town to see that new retirement complex. As you know, I’ve been very upset at the lack of upkeep at the complex I’m at in Naples. They just aren’t keeping things as nice as they should. Some of the ladies are considering Sunrise Village here in Moonbeam.”
“So you toured it? Did you like it?”Donna rose and stood beside Olivia. She could hear Evelyn gathering the papers behind her. Good plan. No use letting their mother know what was going on.
“It was beautifully kept up. The rooms are fairly nice, especially if you get one of their upgraded suites, which of course I would.”
“So, you’re moving back to Moonbeam?”Heather walked over until they had a solid three-woman hedge blocking Evelyn and her papers from Patricia.
“I’m not certain. But possibly. I’m going to talk to some of my friends back at our place in Naples. But I just cannot stay where I am. It’s just not…good enough anymore.”A frown creased Patricia’s face.“Such a shame. It was supposed to be the best of the best. And really, Moonbeam doesn’t have the social activities and cultural opportunities that Naples has.”
Evelyn came around from behind the table.“I’m sure you’ll make the right decision, whatever you decide.”
“I’m sure I will.”Their mother looked surprised that anyone would even question whether she’d make a wrong decision. Which was kind of rich, considering how often their mother questioned their decisions.
“So, what’s this I heard about that man coming back to town?”
“What man?”Olivia asked nervously.
“Your man. That man that got you pregnant. Is it even proper for him to be back in town? It’s just going to bring up all the old gossip.”
“Grandmother, he’s Emily’s father. He has every right to move here to be by her.”
Donna looked over at her daughter, proud of the way she was standing up to her grandmother.
