Sisters by Choice (Blackberry Island #4)(84)

“I still have a lot to learn. Do you think we could talk about shipping and stuff? I’ve done a lot of research, but that’s not the same as talking to someone who has that as a big part of her business.”

“Of course. Or you could talk to Bear. He’s made some changes in how we do things. He claims it’s more efficient.”

Kristine smiled. “You don’t sound convinced.”

“Oh, he’s right. It’s just change is hard. Even when it’s for the best.”

Kristine knew Sophie was talking about CK Industries, but wondered if there was a message in there for her.

“Jaxsen’s still gone,” she admitted.

“Stupid man.” Sophie touched her arm. “You okay?”

“No, but I’m dealing. I don’t know why he’s being so stubborn. It’s not like I want to burn down the house and force us all to live in tents. I just want to open a business and do something that makes me happy. Why is that wrong?”

“You know it’s not and that I totally support you.”

“Why doesn’t my husband?”

“Have you asked him?”

“I’ve tried. He just keeps telling me that I’m being selfish and not thinking of the family.” She clutched her glass. “He’s not acting like anyone I know. I don’t get this side of him at all. He’s always been a little self-absorbed, but not in a destructive way. Plus, I know I always give in to him. Maybe I should have stood up for myself before.”

“Do not make this your fault. Don’t do it. You’re not the bad guy. Most people only talk about what they want to do, but they never bother to take the steps and do the work. Look at Amber.”

Kristine thought about her cousin. “Please don’t compare me to her. Did she tell you about the apartment she wants to rent? It sounds beautiful, but so expensive.”

“She mentioned it,” Sophie said, pouring them each more champagne. “My point is all she does is talk. ‘I could have gone to college.’ Oh, please. No, she couldn’t. Even if she hadn’t gotten pregnant, she would have had a thousand excuses. You’re not like that. You’ve done the work and now you’re going to do even more work.” Sophie raised her glass. “You are my hero.”

Kristine knew Sophie was being nice, but still, the words made her feel good.

“You’re my hero, too. Plus, now you’re officially a crazy cat lady and I think that makes you slightly less intimidating.”

“I’m not intimidating and I’m not a crazy cat lady.”

“You have what, ten cats?”

“Technically eleven, but nine of them are kittens and when they’re old enough, they’re going to be adopted.”

“What about Lily and Mrs. Bennet?” Kristine grinned. “Sophie, are you keeping the mama cats?”

“Maybe. I don’t know. They really like each other. I’d hate to see them separated just when they’ve become friends. They’re good cats. They’d have to be spayed, but they could have the surgery at the same time and recover together. I’m thinking about it.”

“CK would understand. She would want you to have another cat. A dog would piss her off, but she gets cats.”

Sophie nodded slowly. “I still miss her.”

“Of course you do. But that doesn’t mean you can never have another cat again.”

“I haven’t totally decided, but I’m leaning in that direction.”

“Good for you. And please, call on the boys to hang out with the kittens. They’ll love it and provide plenty of socialization.”

“I will.” Sophie handed her a mason jar. “Try these and tell me what you think. If they’re as good as the reviews say, you should try making something like them yourself.”

“You’re already expanding my product line?”

“Taking you to the big time, cuz.” She passed Kristine a spoon. “We’ll be moguls together.”

Kristine told herself to be grateful for the support. Even without Jaxsen, she was hardly in this alone. She had family and friends and people who would be there for her. Funny how knowing that didn’t take away the tiny knot of fear that had taken up residence in her heart.

  Heather set three bins on the workbench in the garage. She remembered when her stepfather had built the bench. He’d stocked the shelves with his worn tools and had set to fixing all the things that were broken in the house.

George had been such a good guy, she thought, remembering how patient he’d been with her. He’d been excited to be a stepfather and he always talked about all the things they were going to do together.

But he hadn’t stayed. Her happiness had faded as she listened to the fights that had gotten more frequent. She remembered begging her mother to at least get a part-time job to help out financially. But Amber had refused to do anything and eventually George had moved out. Heather was pretty sure she’d missed him more than Amber had.

Now she touched the workbench and hoped the new owners, whoever they might be, would appreciate the solid surface and the storage below, then she pushed away memories of George and opened the first bin.

Inside were a lot of her old toys and books. She wasn’t sure why she’d kept them. She was never going to play with her Barbie or My Little Pony dolls. She quickly sorted through everything, keeping a couple of the books for sentimental reasons, then placed everything else in the giveaway pile she’d started against the far wall.