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“I yelled at everyone and they saw sense,” I replied.
“Whatreallyhappened?”
“That is what really happened. I told Kerry she was wrong. She tried to argue about Cain. And then me and a few other people told her she was out of line and needed to respect people’s boundaries.”
“And thatworked?”
“In the end, everyone here wants to be there for others. That’s sometimes enough.”
“Wow,” Dad said. “I didn’t know people still cared about each other these days.”
“I wish it had happened like that for me,” Mom added.
“About that . . . the people involved feel bad, if that helps.”
“It’s fine. I’m over it,” Mom said. She didn’t sound over it at all. “So, what have you been doing?”
“Finishing up a custody battle, driving to Nashville because a child was in danger?—”
“What?”
“What kind of town is that?” Dad asked.
“This happened in Nashville,” I reminded him. “And trust me, everyone was mad about it.”
“Is the kid okay?”
“You mean Eric? He’s great. Better than that, even. And since all of that got fixed, I’ve been getting ready to open.”
“To open the farm? Already?” Mom asked.
“When did you have the time?” Dad added.
“I planted the strawberries last fall. That’s what I was so busy with. I have three fields made. Next year, I’ll have more. Right now, I’m making a new paymentstand.”
“And it’s going well?” Dad asked. “You like it?”
“I do.”
“Then I’m happy for you,” he said.
“I know this might be a stretch, but I’d love if you guys could come on my opening weekend.”
“Me? Come to Strawberry Springs?” Mom laughed. “I don’t think I could.”
“I wasn’t kidding when I said that people feel bad. Things are different now. You might be surprised.”
“Still, honey. I don’t think it’s for me.”
My stomach sank in disappointment. “Okay,” I said. “But all the information will be on Facebook if you change your mind.”
“Thank you, Mollie-bear,” Dad said. “I bet it’ll do great.”
“Yeah, I think so too.”
I told them I loved them before saying goodbye. I wished Mom had been open to at least seeing the farm, but I wouldn’t push. I could show her pictures the next time I visited.
I worked late into the afternoon as I painted the new stand and sign. Cain had told me I needed to be done by dinner so we could all eat together, and I was determined to make it happen.