“I really don’t know why Roman chose me, now, do I?” Charlotte’s voice shook with uncertainty. A good omen, Raina hoped.
“I think you know more than you want to admit.” Raina leaned forward and squeezed Charlotte’s hand. “I realize I’m probably the last person you want advice from, but please let me say one thing.”
Charlotte inclined her head. “I don’t blame you, Raina.”
Perhaps the young woman should. Maybe then she and Roman wouldn’t be miserable. “If you’ve found true love, don’t let anything stand in your way. One day, just twenty-four hours, could be one day lost in a lifetime that’s way too short.”
Raina thought she heard a strangled sound come from Charlotte, and she rose quickly, not wanting to intrude a minute longer. Besides, she needed to be alone to deal with herself and decide what she intended to do about the pain and havoc she hadn’t meant to cause.
“Take care.” Leaving Charlotte sitting in silence, Raina walked out. She exited the store and stepped into the sunshine, feeling anything but warm and happy. She was at a complete loss, not knowing how to fix things.
Considering what a disaster her great plan had been so far, she was probably better off staying out of everyone’s lives and concentrating on living her own. Eric had been right all along, but he wouldn’t be pleased to know Raina’s enlightenment had come at everyone else’s expense.
Still, as much as she’d like to withdraw and take the hands-off route, she and her sons had some serious business to discuss. She sighed. What happened to Roman and Charlotte after that was anyone’s guess.
* * *
Charlotte hadn’t called. Hadn’t returned his calls, to be accurate. At this point he wasn’t sure the distinction mattered.
He raised the hammer and swung at the same moment his mother’s shrill voice reached his ears. “Front and center, Roman.”
The hammer smacked his fingers dead-on. “Son of a bitch.” He stalked out of the garage, shaking his hand to ease the throbbing pain. He met his mother on the driveway, where she was pacing back and forth. “What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Everything. And as much as I blame myself, I still need answers.”
He wiped his arm across his sweaty forehead. “I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about, but you look upset and it can’t be good for your heart.”
“Forget my heart. It’s yours I’m worried about. A coin toss? Loser gets married and has children? What in heaven’s name did your father and I do wrong that turned you boys against marriage?” His mother’s hazel eyes filled with moisture.
“Dammit, Mom, don’t cry.” He was a sucker for her tears. Always had been, which he thought now was a partial answer to her question. “Who told you?” He put an arm around her and led her to the patio chairs out back.
She narrowed her gaze. “That’s not the point, is it? Now answer me.”
“I don’t want you to end up back in the hospital. That’s the point.”
“It won’t happen. Now talk.”
He let out a groan but noticed she seemed stronger than she’d been since his arrival back home.
“The coin toss, Roman. I’m waiting,” she said when he didn’t respond fast enough for her. She tapped one foot against the patio.
He shrugged. “What can I say? It seemed like the best solution at the time.”
“Idiots. I raised idiots.” She rolled her eyes heavenwards. “Nix that. I just raised real men.”
She was right. He was a typical man, and as a proud, card-carrying member of the species, he wasn’t comfortable discussing his feelings or emotions. But he owed it to the woman who raised him the best she could on her own to explain. He had a hunch he’d have to do the same with Charlotte—if he wanted a second chance.
And he did.
“You and I started talking about this the other day.” Roman leaned forward in his seat. “I was eleven when Dad died. And watching you in so much pain, well, I realized this trip home, it made me want to withdraw from anything that close to me. Being a journalist, by nature of the job, let me remain detached. I couldn’t be detached here at home. Not with you and not with Charlotte.”
Raina expelled some of the obvious anger, fears, and frustration with one long breath. “I’m sorry. For everything.”
“You can’t hold yourself responsible for fate. Or someone else’s reaction to it.”
She met his gaze. “You really don’t understand.”
“I do. And I love you for your concern, but don’t stress over it.” He rose. “If you do, I’ll report straight back to your doctor.” Eric or his associate would give his mother a good talking-to if she risked her health in any way.
Roman narrowed his gaze and took a good look at his mother. Dark rings circled her eyes, little makeup coated her cheeks. She’d put less time into her appearance. Because she tired more easily? he wondered. Worry about him and Charlotte couldn’t help the situation and he tried to set her mind at ease. “You’ve done your job incredibly well. Chase, Rick, and I can take care of ourselves. I promise.” He brushed a kiss over her cheek.
She stood and walked along with him back to the garage. “I love you, son.”
“Same here, Mom. You’ve got a good heart and—”
“Roman, speaking of my heart …”
He shook his head. “No more talk,” he said in a drill-sergeant, no-nonsense tone. “I want you upstairs and resting. Draw the shades and take a nap. Watch Netflix. Something, anything as long as you’re off your feet and not overthinking about your sons.”
“Is it me or did you put a fast end to this conversation about your stupid coin toss?”
He laughed. “Never could put one over on you, but no, I’m not trying to distract you, just keep you healthy. I answered your question about why we got into the coin toss. Now I’ll tell you another truth that’ll help you sleep well. I’m grateful for it. I no longer look at marriage as punishment. Not to
