My Kind of Christmas (Virgin River #20)(64)

“Feels like you’re doing it....”

“But there’s a fine line. Let’s try looking at it in a role reversal—when you think I’m slipping or sick or hurt and can’t take proper care of myself, will you step in? Will you have a board meeting with your sisters and say, ‘Mom is short of breath and sometimes confused and in denial and Dad is useless with health issues—we have to stage a takeover and do something or we might lose her.’ Will you, Ange? Because I used to talk to my friends about child-raising issues and now we’re talking about looking out for our elderly parents. Things change and yet stay the same. I want to be there for you when you need me, but I also want to be able to rely on you because there’s no question I’m going to need you. We have to make the transition somehow. We have to do it as friends. We have to rebuild our trust.”

“Mom…”

“I know—I’m bossy. It’s been pointed out to me for over fifty years now. It wasn’t easy to be the oldest of five kids or be a working mother with three little girls. I might’ve taken on a few controlling issues. But Jenna and Beth will graduate from college before very long and I desperately want this monkey off my back. I want to learn how to be a good partner to my adult daughters.”

Donna watched Angie as tears came to her eyes.

“Please don’t cry, Ange. I’ll be banished if you cry.”

“Oh, Mom, that’s just so sweet! You’re not exactly known for being sweet....”

Donna rolled her eyes. It was going to be decades before she grew out of that reputation. “Who held you while you cried when that ass**le stood you up on prom night? Who fired MCAT questions at you to help you get ready for the test? I’ve worked on countless science projects and checked over more homework than a sane woman can bear. Please, can you cut me some slack?”

Angie laughed. “Damn Beth and Jenna. I’ll get you all fixed up and they’ll get the benefits.” She wiped at her eyes and that fast Jack was beside their table.

“Donna, did you make her cry?”

“No!”

“No, Jack—we were making up, actually,” Angie said. She took a breath. “I’m going back to the kitchen to get a bowl of soup. Want one, Mom?”

“Thanks, honey.”

As soon as Angie was in the kitchen, Jack bore down on Donna. “What was that?”

“New rules of engagement, Jack. I need my daughter in my life and I’m just arrogant enough to think she still needs me. I threw myself on her mercy. I think she was touched, actually.”

“Is that right? Will you be leaving now?”

She shook her head. “I need to stay awhile. And I’m going to do what I can to be supportive without interfering.”

“Why don’t you get back to the family and leave that to us—me and Mel, Brie and Mike.”

“Because, Jack. My little girl is in love with a fine young man. It’s going to really sting when he goes. And he has to go, we all know that. I want to be here for her if she needs me.”

Chapter Fourteen

Angie introduced her mother to the Riordans, including Maureen and George. They all had dinner together in one of those fantastic gang meals hosted by Jilly, cooked by Kelly. And the next night, Jack’s was full of family and friends. On both nights she went home alone, convincing Patrick that if his mother called or dropped by, she wanted him to be there. One more night and she’d be going to Davis, so on this night she was back at the cabin early so she’d be able to get up early. When she pulled into the clearing, she burst into laughter.

There sat the Jeep. Smoke curled from the chimney and the Christmas lights were turned on. Now one of the smaller pines wore lights and balls—Patrick had been at it again.

She walked in and found him sitting on the sofa in front of the fire, stocking feet up on the chest, a small glass with some dark amber liquor in it. His travel duffel sat just inside the door.

“You trimmed my tree,” she said.

“That’s right. And I’m going to trim you next.” And then he smiled that lopsided smile and his green eyes glowed in the firelight. “Everyone knows we’re going to bed early so we can get up at 4:00 a.m. to drive to Davis. No one is going to call or come over. It’s just you and me. You’re not getting rid of me this time.”

She shrugged out of her jacket and kicked off her boots. “What have you got there?” she asked, indicating the glass.

“I little brandy to warm your mood and help you snuggle up next to me, which by the way I want to do every night until that black day comes when we have to go back to reality.”

She saw the brandy and a glass sitting on the counter, waiting for her. She poured herself a small amount and went to sit with him. “What did you do with yourself today? Besides trimming my tree?”

“I spent plenty of time with Maureen, George and my brothers so we’d be left alone tonight. And I copped a container of Kelly’s duck soup for when we’re hungry later. I borrowed a thermos from Jilly for coffee for the drive.”

She touched his beautiful face. “You’re doing a very good job of making yourself unforgettable, Paddy.”

“You’ll forget me in no time, babe.”

Angie knew better, but she wasn’t going to show her weak side. She opted in this relationship knowing the facts.