Faith hugged her. “How is everything?”
Beth smiled and rolled her eyes. “We’re fine. He said he just had to remind me who I belonged to and how much he loved me.”
“I can see how deeply he feels for you.”
“Sometimes it’s hard to see past the hurt,” Beth said.
“That’s true. Beth, I want you to meet my sister, Hope.”
Beth smiled and shook her sister’s hand. “It’s so nice to meet you.”
“You, too. You’re beautiful,” Hope said.
Beth chuckled. “I was about to say that to you.”
“Graham wants us to stay here with you,” Faith said.
“Sure. Let’s sit on the sofa,” Beth said.
“Do you know what they’re talking about?” Faith asked.
“They’re going over all of the possibilities that could happen when they go for the rest of your family.”
“I just hope it’s soon,” Hope said. “Dad was eager for me to go to that bastard. I’m terrified he’ll try to send Angelica next.”
“I know they’re doing everything in their power to prevent that from happening.”
“Why can’t they just go and take them?” Hope asked.
“Because it could start a war between them and several families. Angus is talking to them, so they know what’s going on. A few have already agreed to stand down and keep out of it.”
“Who’s Angus?” Hope asked.
“It’s the men’s father,” Faith said. “He’s the one in the wheelchair.”
“Oh, no. What happened?”
“It’s a long story I’ll have to tell you later, but a family member caused him to have a stroke because she wanted to spend more time with her,” Beth said.
“Oh, Jesus,” Faith said. “Where is she?”
“She’s gone.”
Beth didn’t need to elaborate because both girls knew what that meant. The woman was dead and buried.
“I’d like to hear the whole story,” Faith said.
“Absolutely. When we’re alone. The men don’t like to be reminded of it.”
“I don’t blame them,” Faith said and changed the subject. The meeting went on for another hour before the girls could go out into the garden.
They hadn’t been told what the discussion was about, and they didn’t ask. The sisters had grown up being told they were to be kept out of family business and only told what they needed to know.
The women enjoyed a relaxing lunch outside by themselves. The sun and the birds made them mellow, and their talk kept them entertained for hours. It helped Faith relax and she tried to let go of some of the tension she’d held for so long. The only time she’d feel truly happy was when she had the whole family with her.