Page 22 of Best Kept Vows

“Thank you. I’m excited to learn.”

“Wonderful! Welcome to Savannah Lace.”

“Can you walk her to Nova so we can get the ball rolling on the hiring process?” Nina requested Luna.

My new boss took me around the office, introducing me to women I’d known only vaguely from Savannah’s curated social circles. But here, they were authentic and vibrant, nothing like the carefully manicured wives I usually encountered at charity luncheons.

“This is Mira Bodine,” Luna said, gesturing toward a younger woman with luminous dark eyes who managed the bright, airy café area. “She keeps us alive with coffee and amazing food.”

Mira laughed softly. “Come by whenever. We keep snacks stocked to avoid workplace meltdowns.”

Next, Luna introduced me to Aurora Rhodes, whom I’d only met in passing before. Aurora was elegant, composed, and effortlessly sophisticated. I knew the power she wielded socially—Betsy Rhodes was Savannah royalty—but Aurora herself was refreshingly down-to-earth.

“Nice to officially meet you, Lia,” Aurora said with genuine warmth.

Luna took me to Stella Carter’s office. I knew of her and her stunning landscape designs at the Savannah Historical Museum. “Glad you’re here, Lia. New blood always brings afresh perspective. I can’t wait for you to do your internship round with the landscaping team.”

Finally, Luna left me with Nova King Larue, the vivacious office manager, whose energy radiated outward as she squeezed my hands with delight. “I heard you were joining us. So excited. What did you think of everyone?”

Walking among these women, I felt an awakening inside of me. My life had been limited for so long, surrounded by Dolly and Coco’s empty society gossip and my sister’s quiet homemaking. These women were living life on their terms, unapologetically ambitious, even while juggling families and responsibilities.

I wondered if I’d have gone back to school sooner had I known women like this—if I’d have claimed my independence earlier rather than waiting until now.

“I think I’m going to be learning a lot,” I told her.

“Oh, yes, you will.”

The paperwork took another half an hour to complete, and I would start Monday at nine a.m. with a welcome breakfast.

I was literally bopping with excitement by the time I called Ada and Tristan from the car, fingers tapping impatiently on the steering wheel.

“I got it!” I exclaimed before they could even say hello.

“Mama! That’s amazing!” Tristan’s voice burst through, genuine delight clear. “We knew you would.”

Ada laughed. “Mama, I’m so proud of you.”

I felt my throat tighten slightly. My children’s unwavering belief in me brought sudden tears to my eyes. Iquickly blinked them away. “It feels like I’m finally doing somethingreal.”

“You deserve this,” Tristan said firmly.

I hesitated, suddenly nervous. “Sunday dinner with Dolly and Coco might be tricky. You know how they’ll react when they hear I’m working with Nina Davenport.”

Ada sighed audibly. “Do you want me to come with you?”

“No, sweetheart.” I did not want to pull my kid into the ugly Boone household drama. “I’ll handle it.”

“Mama,” Tristan’s voice cut in sharply, protective now. “Maybe you don’t need to go for these Sunday dinners at all. Why go if they’re not going to support you and your choices?”

“Yeah. Dad can go alone,” Ada agreed with her brother.

Part of me recognized my kids were right—why subject myself to the subtle cruelty, to the criticism wrapped in silk and pearls? Yet, I wasn’t quite ready to take that step. Breaking with tradition felt dangerous, even though it was probably long overdue.

“I’m not ready to burn that bridge yet,” I acknowledged softly. “But…maybe soon.”

They went quiet, understanding but frustrated for me. The silence lingered, and I knew it was a sign:my children saw my worth more clearly than I ever did.

“I love you both very much. Thank you for being there for me, for being my champions.”