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Allye’s cheeks burned as she took a seat at the new table. If they hadn’t already ordered dessert, she’d be tempted to toss a couple of twenties on the table and make a beeline for the door.

Her mom laughed, not seeming to share her embarrassment. “That wasn’t the reaction I expected you to have.”

Oh. That.

She wanted to deny the admission had anything to do with her clumsiness, but it had. Twenty minutes ago, it wouldn’t have bothered her. She’d have been happy for them. Now ... now she was so confused. She tried to pull her thoughts together. Her mom was still waiting for a response. “I guess I didn’t realize you two were getting so serious. You really think he might propose?”

“I have no way of knowing for certain, but like I said, it wouldn’t shock me.”

“If he does, what will you say?”

Her mom either didn’t notice or pretended not to notice the slight edge to her voice. Her shoulders lifted in a graceful shrug. “I think I’d accept.”

Allye’s stomach bottomed out.

Her mom studied her, likely taking in the alarm that had to be splayed across her face. “I’m lonely, Allye. When your dad first died, I had you and your brothers. The last few years since you moved out, I’ve busied myself in church work and the housing market. Now that things are slowing down, I’m beginning to notice how quiet the house is.”

“I could visit more.” Allye knew as soon as the words left her mouth how oblivious she sounded. Game nights with the daughter weren’t a replacement for a husband.

Her mom reached across the table and patted her hand. “I’d love that, but I’m ready to move forward when he is.”

She swallowed. “Are you sure about him?”

“He’s a good friend. I’ve always thought highly of him. Your dad did too.”

So had Allye before all this started. Maybe she still should.

“Do you have a problem with Raymond?”

Yes. Maybe. She wasn’t sure. And she certainly couldn’t go intothe details of her concerns without owning up to what she’d been facing lately. She wasn’t about to open that can of sardines right now, especially not in public.

The waiter deposited their tiramisu and a fresh glass of tea. Allye picked up a spoon, grateful to have something to occupy her hands. She stole a glance at her mom, who was still waiting for an answer to her question.

Allye sighed. “I don’t know. I’ve always looked up to him, thought he was good for this town. But ...” How did she say what she was thinking without giving too much away? “Do you think he’s changed lately?”

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t know. He just seems different.”

Mom took a bite and thought for a moment. “Well, he has seemed a bit distracted. But like I mentioned earlier, the campaign has kept him busy. Running for state senator is much more involved than running for mayor in a small town. I think he thrives on the excitement and challenge, but it’s taken a toll on him too. I think it would on anyone.”

True enough. Allye dug her spoon into the tiramisu. “For the record, I’m not opposed to you getting married again if you choose to. I just don’t want you to get hurt.”

Her mom gave her a sad smile. “I appreciate that. And ‘for the record,’ I’m not planning on getting hurt, but hurt is a part of life. Our family has seen more of that than most.” She blinked against a sheen of tears. “But I refuse to live in fear.”

Allye nodded, swallowing back her own tears. They finished off their tiramisu in companionable silence, but Allye hardly tasted the creamy dessert. She had a lot to process, and her headache had progressed from teasing to a boxing match.

The waiter returned with the check and exchanged it for the empty plate. “I’ll leave this for whenever you’re ready, but take your time.”

Allye reached for it, but her mom got to it first.

“I’ve got this one.” She placed several bills in the black book and handed it back to the waiter. “Keep the change.”

Allye took one last sip of her tea, and they rose to leave together. Once in the parking lot, Mom pulled her into a tight hug.

She returned it full force. As they pulled away, she couldn’t help whispering, “Do you love him?”

Mom met her gaze, a smile tugging at her lips. “Yes, I believe I do.”