Eva was meant to be his family.
He had to find her. He could read every expression she had by now. Her eyes could mask nothing from him. Let her tell him face to face she didn’t need him.
Cole set Pip back on the ground as they reached the rose garden. He ran to Liv, waving his daisy through the air in his excitement. “I want to give this to Mampa!”
“You will. You will, honey,” Liv reassured him.
There was a platform in front of the greenhouse where everyone could give their thoughts on Momma and place their flowers and artwork in a basket that already overflowed with gifts and flowers. Rows of chairs had been set in the courtyard under a green canopy warmed with space heaters. The tables and chairs were arranged to make this look more like a garden party than a funeral.
It was exactly as Momma wanted.
Cadence stood at the front of the greenhouse near the plaque that said: “Consider the Lilies of the Field.”
Oh, Momma. God will always be watching out for you.
Cole’s sister-in-law wore a pink cardigan with a sweetheart collar that seemed so delicate against her golden brown skin. Mimi’s dress was red. Her hair was just as brilliant against her pale cheeks spattered with freckles. Emily had on a soft blue sweater. She plucked at the strings of her guitar, tuning her instrument. As soon as River entered the garden, he pulled his guitar out of the case to join his sister. He was dressed to the nines just like Cole’s brothers were. All were in their best boots, jackets, slacks, and Stetsons.
They looked good. Momma would clap her hands together with joy at how well-turned-out her family had become, if even just for her celebration of life.
Cole wouldn’t be shy about sharing his feelings with the group of well-wishers drifting into the rose garden. He was among those who loved her most. The Bridges took a table near the front. Kris was Momma’s best friend. Her husband Merritt clasped her hand tightly while she admired the grandchildren she shared with Momma.
The twins came up behind Liv’s mother and wrapped their arms around her, each taking a cheek to kiss like they used to do to Momma. Kris wiped at her eyes, crying and laughing at once.
Cole swallowed.
Funches, their normally grumpy neighbor, sat subdued to the side. He met eyes with Cole and stood, scraping off his hat in deference. He’d taken the time to slick down his sparse hair and part it down the middle. “Your momma was a good woman,” he got out gruffly.
That meant a lot coming from the crusty old man. He was always free with his criticism, but he kept his flattery to a minimum. He was one of those truth tellers, and he looked broken up at the loss of his neighbor.
Cole took his hand in a firm handshake. “We sure appreciate you coming to pay tribute.”
“Of course,” Funches said. “Your family has come to mean a lot to me.” He looked over at Hudson as he came near. Cole’s oldest brother was barely holding himself together. He was more sensitive than he always let on, but then again, he was the one who’d accidentally started a sick house for wounded animals, so it wasn’t like it was a surprise or anything.
Mimi squeezed Hudson tightly around his middle, a fiery sprite comforting the giant. He rested his chin against the top of her head.
What Cole would do to have Eva here with him, and have things be the way that they were.
Everyone else who meant anything to them had come. Even the Morningstars were in attendance. Their family had been their rivals in everything growing up, but as these things usually went, petty differences were laid aside. The sweet scent of spiced nuts and hot chocolate permeated the air—Momma’s favorite treats in winter.
Kylee would be the saint behind those. Her bright gaze met his, and he nodded to her in greeting. He couldn’t bring himself to face her energy-sapping condolences yet, but he promised himself to thank her for everything that she’d done for his momma. She really was a sweet girl… even if Eva thought that she had ulterior motives.
All of their neighbors and friends in Harvest Ranch had gone above and beyond in their service to Momma during this past year. The Westbrook family was there—William, Bridgett, Wynn and Judd. Allie and Jocelyne Ward had also come. The twins had gone to school with Nash and Porter, and they’d been up to more than their share of fun together throughout the years.
Nash and Porter greeted them warmly. Allie leaned against her husband, Brandon. Each of them cradled a twin daughter while they shared stories about Momma. Jo had brought Cash. Riele joined the circle with her husband. Swayzie and Lucky wandered in, chatting with Grey and Sky. More and more of their friends crowded into the rose garden.
Momma was pulling off the party of all parties!
The kindly faces blended into one as they celebrated Momma while also mourning with those who mourned.
Stepping back from the noise of their celebration, Cole saw his father standing under the arches of the rose garden. Jase Slade was in his best suit. Somehow, miraculously, he’d pressed it without Momma’s help. His bolo tie was perhaps a little off center, but his hair was combed and he’d brought his cleanest Stetson.
His hands clasped tightly to the broad-brimmed hat as he studied the hordes of friends and family swarming inside the iron gates, all of them there to celebrate Momma.
Emily set down her guitar and let out a cry when she saw her father-in-law. She broke from her brother to get to him.
She wrapped her arms around his neck.
It was exactly what their father needed. His face crumpled in grief and gratitude. Mimi and Hudson were quick to claim a hug from him, too, and somehow he seemed less lonely in the face of his loving family.