Page 97 of Smoky Mountain Dreams

“Don’t talk about my kids.” His voice trembled.Fuck, fuck, fuck.He needed to get her out of there.

Ronnie went on as if he hadn’t spoken. “And then it’ll hityou like a ton of bricks, honey, when it’s finally over—because no one livesforever and she will eventually move on her way, with or without your struggleto make it happen sooner.”

“Did your preacher help you come up with all those prettywords? Think that’s going to stop me from filing the appeal? I know what Marcywanted. She didn’t want this.”

“Like I said, that’s what came to me when I was praying tounderstand you better. God always gives what we need, Jesse. Just ask Him andhe’ll help you too.”

She stood, glancing at the clock on the wall. “We’ve got toget to Milton’s parents’ in Townsend by three. They’re eager to see the kids.If you want to file that appeal, go ahead and do it. We both know what thelegal outcome will be. It would be such a waste of energy, Jesse. And money.Your money and my church’s money. It could go to such better things, likehelping the homeless, or to a battered women and children’s shelter. Or to asuicide hotline for gay teens.”

“Oh, spare me. It could go to those things now if you didn’task your church to pay your legal bills so you could continue to fight me.”

“But I’m not fighting you. You’re fightingme.” She kissed Marcy’s forehead and looked down at her. “Loveyou, baby sis. I can still remember when I held you the day you were born. Iwas in awe of your life then, and I’m in awe of your life now. You’rebeautiful. In the name of Christ Jesus, may your soul be blessed on thisThanksgiving Day.”

She smiled tentatively at Jesse. “I don’t suppose you’dallow a hug for the holiday?”

“Hell no.”

Ronnie nodded sadly. “Then Happy Thanksgiving, Jesse. I loveyou. I hope one day we can be friends again like we used to be. May God’s peacebe with you.”

She walked out the door and called a goodbye to the nurses. Jessecollapsed against Marcy’s bed, pressing his nose to the crook of her arm,searching for her scent, tears in his eyes and anger burning in his heart.

Chapter Nineteen

“CHRISTOPHER’SGOT A BOYFRIEND.” LEEthrew the words out in the middle of dinner like ahand grenade and sat there with a smirk on his face, waiting to see just howbig the explosion would be.

How the kid had discovered the info wasn’t hard to guess.Joe must have told Jackie when they were washing their hands together in theguest bathroom sink before sitting down at the dining room table for dinner.

It didn’t matter now. All that mattered was that Christopher’smom, Bob, and Gran were all staring at him, each with completely differentexpressions on their faces. To his shame, he knew if he had something onJackie, some horrible wrong-doing like when they were kids, he’d toss it outright now and try to get away from this shit. But as far as he knew, she wasshiny clean and good, and he was going to go down alone.

Joe busied himself with a second helping of turkey. “Cansomeone pass the gravy? And the rolls. I’d like more rolls.”

“Shh, Joe,” Jackie said, slapping his hand and turningnervous eyes on Christopher. “Is this true?”

Huh. Apparently Joe hadn’t told Jackie after all. That leftGran as the source of Lee’s intel. Christopher sent her a glare, but hergleeful expression just grew even more delighted. Her eyes darted betweenJackie, Bob, and Sammie Mae with more interest than Lee’s.

“What’s this?” Bob asked, his voice low and quiet. It wasthe tone he usually used right before he started railing and praying andpleading for Jesus to mend Christopher’s wicked soul. Immediately Christopher’shackles went up, and he could see that Jackie also bristled.

“Yep, it’s true. I’ve got a boyfriend,” Christopher said,nonchalantly, like it wasn’t the most wonderful thing in his life. “Um, moregreen bean casserole please?”

“Because he’s gay,” Lee added. “As in ‘Christopher lovesother dudes.’”

The little ones stared at Christopher like he was suddenlysuper-fascinating, and not just because if they begged him, he’d let them ridehim like a horse.

“Wait, you want to kissboysandstuff?” Aaron asked, his tiny elfin face creased. “Are you allowed to do that?”

“No!” Bob barked. “No, you arenotallowed to do that.”

Joe nudged Aaron with his elbow and said, “S’okay with me ifyou do.”

Bob’s sputter of outrage was only overshadowed by Gran’sgiggle.

“I actuallyamallowed to dothat, Aaron. Yes. It’s not illegal in any state in the Union.” Other countries?Well, he’d skip that little civics lesson for now.

“It is illegal by God’s law!” Bob countered, slapping hispudgy hand on the table.

“His name’s Jesse Birch,” Gran chirped, a wicked grincurling on her face, and her eyes flashing over to Bob with hateful joy. “Heirto Birch’s Biscuits & Bakeries. Rich assin.Handsome as adevil. And successful too.”

“Gran,no,” Christopherwhispered.