With everything settled, Thursday morning, Liz started back for Fool’s Gold. She and Ethan had an appointment with the judge the next day. With her settling in town and with plans to co-parent Tyler, they could meet the judge’s requirements and both avoid jail.
After picking up the kids, they went out to the Fox and Hound for lunch.
“School starts on Tuesday,” Melissa said as soon as they’d slid into the booth. “We all need clothes and supplies. We’re really behind on our shopping.”
Liz laughed. “Are we?”
“There’s three of us now, Mom,” Tyler indicated. “It’s gonna take longer.”
“You’re right. When we get home, you can all make lists of what you need. We’ll head out later and start the shopping. We’ll do clothes tonight, then school supplies tomorrow. I have to be in court at nine, but it shouldn’t take long.”
Tyler grinned. “Are you going to talk to the judge and tell her that you’re staying in town?”
“Yes. That should make her happy.”
Melissa’s phone chirped, indicating she had a text message. She glanced at the screen, then slid the phone back into her pocket before Liz could remind her no phones were allowed at the table.
“Are you staying in Fool’s Gold because of us?” Abby asked quietly.
“Maybe a little. And so Tyler can be near his dad.”
Abby bit her lower lip. “You’ve been really good to us.” She glanced at her lap, then up at Liz. “Can I call you Mom?”
The unexpected question slammed into Liz like a warm, gooey feel-good truck. Tears filled her eyes and she found it really hard to speak.
“I asked Tyler if he minded,” Abby added quickly. “He said it was fine.”
Liz put her arm around the girl and hugged her. “I’d like that,” she said. “And saying it doesn’t take away from your real mom. I know you love her.”
Abby snuggled close.
Liz glanced at Melissa who was staring out the window. “It’s okay. You don’t have to.”
The teen flushed. “Sometimes I want to, but…” She swallowed. “I don’t know.”
“‘Liz’ is fine.”
“Maybe, you know. Later.”
“Whatever makes you comfortable.”
The waitress came by and they ordered. The kids started talking about the End-of-Summer festival that weekend and how they had to get all the back-to-school shopping finished so they could go.
Liz listened and smiled, feeling content. She might always miss Ethan, always love him, but as far as the rest of her family went-it was perfect. Maybe doing the right thing wasn’t such a bad idea after all.
LIZ MET ETHAN OUTSIDE OF THE courthouse. He looked good, she thought, trying not to stare. Too good. Maybe with time she would get used to seeing him and her body would stop reacting to his presence. Maybe things would get easier between them. A girl could hope.
“Hi,” he greeted as she approached. “How was your trip to San Francisco?”
“Good. Everything’s underway. I sold the house.”
He held open the door to the courthouse and they walked inside. “That’s fast. You’re going to look for something here?”
She nodded, hoping she didn’t look as disappointed as she felt.
She’d thought he might bring up their last meeting. Say something, hint that he’d meant what he said. If only he
Instead they walked in silence toward the judge’s chambers.
Fifteen minutes later, Judge Powers announced she was pleased with their decision to co-parent Tyler, warned them not to waste her time again and excused them.
“Tyler said you’re going to the summer festival tomorrow,” Ethan said.
“All the kids want to go. There’s some band playing at noon. Apparently it’s a big deal. I have no idea who they are and that makes me feel old.”
“You’re not old.”
“Thanks.”
They walked out into the sunny morning and headed for the parking lot. Ethan paused by her SUV.
“I want you to be happy, Liz,” he said. “You’ve given up a lot to be here.”
“Not that much,” she countered. “It’s important to take care of the kids and keep them happy. That’s what I’m doing.”
“Who takes care of you?”
His dark eyes seemed to see inside her. She wanted to squirm, to look away so he couldn’t tell how much she loved him. Concern was one thing, but pity was just too sad.
“I’m pretty tough.”
“Because you had to be,” he commented. “I want to help any way I can.”
But he didn’t say the words and she didn’t have the courage to ask him to.
They looked at each other, then he turned and walked away.
THE END OF SUMMER FESTIVAL was part county fair, part farmer’s market, part party for the parents at the thought of school starting in a few days.
Liz arrived with all three kids by ten Saturday morning and by ten-fifteen, she found herself alone. Melissa went off with a group of her girlfriends, while Tyler and Abby met up with kids from camp. Liz purchased ride tickets for the younger two and made them all promise to meet her at eleven-thirty for lunch. Then she stood in the center of the crowd, wondering what to do next.
She explored the booths in the makeshift marketplace. There were crafts for sale, including some printed T- shirts she bought for the kids.
Denise Hendrix found her looking at candles.
“The jasmine scented ones are great,” Ethan’s mother said with a smile. “I have them all over my bathroom. How’s it going?”
“Good.” She held up the bag of T-shirts. “I’m doing my bit for the economy.”
“And the economy thanks you.” Denise pointed to a shaved ice stand. “Come on. I’m buying.”
They walked to the stand and got in line. “You doing all right?”
“I’m fine. I’m starting house hunting next week.”
Denise sighed. “My son’s an idiot.”
“Why?”
“Because it’s obvious the two of you are crazy about each other. You should be together.”
“Ethan’s not in love with me. He’s interested in duty rather than love and I’m not interested in settling.”
“Not even if walking away breaks your heart?”
Liz sighed. “You loved Ethan’s dad, right?”
“Constantly and to this day.”
“Would you have settled for anything less than all he had?”
“No.” Denise smiled sadly. “You’re making the right decision. My head tells me that. My heart wants you to have a happy ending.”
“I’m happy. Or I will be. I have three great kids, a job I love and hey, I’m staying in Fool’s Gold. Won’t that be perfect.”
Denise laughed. “Are you still worried about the town?”
“No. I don’t like that people are so free with their opinions, but the good really outweighs the bad. I know that if I’m attacked by a crazed stalker, everyone will come to my rescue. The kids are safe here. We can all be happy. That’s what matters.”
There was a crackling noise, as if someone had flipped on the sound system. Liz and Denise both turned
