“My stupidity?”
“So, you decided to handle it yourself.”
“I thought I was being considerate.”Nica shook her head, sighing softly.
“You thought you were being independent.”Ms.Patti’s tone wasn’t accusatory, just tired.“Just like when you were sixteen and decided to handle Tommy Morrison’s wandering hands by yourself instead of telling your daddy and brothers.”
“That was different.I wanted Tommy to learn a lesson, not end up in a full body cast.”
“You’ve always been my strong-willed girl, Nica.Always determined to fight your own battles and solve your own problems.But marriage isn’t something you handle alone, and neither is family.The two are intertwined, especially with our family.Gabe’s part of this family now, and we’ll respect and honor your marriage.But, Nica, you can’t shut us out again.”
The truth of her mother’s words settled over Nica like a heavy blanket.She’d been so focused on protecting everyone else that she’d forgotten how much being needed meant to the people who loved her.
“I don’t know how to fix this,” she admitted.
“You don’t fix it.”Ms.Patti reached across the table again, taking both of Nica’s hands in hers.“You just move forward.You remember that love isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being present, and trusting the people who love you aren’t going anywhere, even when you mess up.”
“Even when I really mess up?Because I think this one was a doozy.”
“Even then.”Ms.Patti’s smile was real this time, reaching her eyes and transforming her whole face.“You’re stuck with us, baby girl.All of us.Your daddy, your brothers, me—we’re not going anywhere.Not because of a secret wedding, not because of some lunatic making threats, nothing will split this family apart.”
Nica felt the tears she’d been holding back finally spill over.“I love you, Momma.”
“I love you too.”Ms.Patti squeezed her hands.“Now, tell me about Mike Reynolds.Is he as competent as he is handsome?”
Despite everything, Nica laughed.“Momma!”
“What?I’ve got eyes, don’t I?And if he’s going to help keep my daughter safe, I want to know he’s good at his job.”
“He is.Gabe says he’s amazing at his job with the FBI.Works in behavioral analysis, so he’s got an analytical mind, which is what I think we need.Somebody outside the whole situation, who can look at things without emotional involvement.Gabe trusts him, and that’s enough for me.”
“Good.”Ms.Patti sat back, her posture relaxing for the first time since Nica had arrived.“Because I’ve got plans for you, young lady.Grandchildren don’t make themselves, and I’ve been waiting long enough to spoil some more babies.”
“Momma!I just graduated.At least let me figure out what I’m going to do for a living before you have me popping out babies!”
“I’m just saying, now that you’re properly married and once all this unpleasantness gets sorted out, there’s no reason to wait.Your biological clock isn’t getting any younger.”
Nica shook her head, but she was smiling now, the terrible weight that had been pressing on her chest finally beginning to lift.This was her mother—practical, loving, and utterly unafraid to speak her mind.The woman who had raised twelve children, more when you added in the lost boys, and kept a household together through sheer force of will and an endless supply of love.
“We’ll see,” Nica said diplomatically.
“That’s not a no,” Ms.Patti said with satisfaction.“I’ll take it.”
Outside, Deputy Martinez’s car door opened, and he climbed out of his cruiser, stretching, but Nica saw him looking up and down both sides of Main Street.The reality of the situation settled over her like a shadow, but somehow it felt less overwhelming now.Whatever was coming, she and Gabe would face it together—as part of a loving and whole family.
“Promise me something,” Ms.Patti said as they gathered their purses to leave.
“What?”
“Promise me when this is all over, when whoever’s been threatening you and Gabe is behind bars, you’ll let me throw you a proper reception.Nothing fancy, I promise.Just family and close friends.But I want to celebrate your marriage the right way.I know your daddy feels the same.”
Nica felt her throat tighten again, but this time it was with gratitude rather than fear.“I promise.”
“Good.”Ms.Patti stood, every inch the formidable woman who had commanded respect in Shiloh Springs for decades.“Now let’s get you home to that husband of yours.Deputy Martinez looks like he’s about ready to escort us out of here himself.”
As they walked toward the door, Ms.Patti’s arm linked through hers, Nica felt something she hadn’t experienced ever since she and Gabe married and the harassment started; the solid, unshakeable certainty that she wasn’t facing this alone.Whatever came next, she had her family behind her—flawed, complicated, and unbreakable.
She’d never felt more blessed.
