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His mom looked better than when he had left her a few weeks back. She was still thin, sad-eyed, and docile, unlike the woman he remembered from his youth. She greeted all his friends sweetly and appeared to have a wonderful time at dinner. She didn’t bring up Trista or Treena at all and instead told stories of her cat, which seemed to be her main point of entertainment. She was engaged, lively, and the mom he once remembered as a young boy for a couple of hours.
The evening went by quickly, and the stories of Living River Ranch and his spread back home littered the conversation. He had prayed that this would work and hoped she would agree to come home with him after this trip. He would not keep doing this if that was not the outcome. He deserved to have a life and fully understood that the situation with his sister would probably never resolve. He hated giving up on his mother or asking her to quit looking for Trista, but something had to give.
He walked outside during dessert simply to catch a breath of fresh air. His shoulders were feeling the tension he had been unsuccessfully trying to suppress all night. He was surprised when his mother followed him out. Without a word, they lowered themselves onto a bench that sat facing this fancy fountain in the middle of the courtyard. They were silent for the span of a few moments, both deep in their thoughts.
“I’d like to come back to Michigan with you. I think I will not be in a place to care for myself much longer, and as much as it breaks my heart, Trista is not coming home,” she said, as her voice cracked. “I spoke with Belle, and she thinks maybe being around animals, and some therapy at Living River Ranch might be the best thing for me.”
He turned in silence and wrapped his arms around her. “That would make me so happy, mom. I just want you to see what Dad and I loved about the land, and you will adore Little Bend.”
“I know this was an intervention, how many of those friends are therapists?”
He grinned broadly, “more than one,” he finished, sheepishly.
I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I was in such a dark place for such a long time. I couldn’t even face your father when he passed. I felt like it was my fault that Treena, did what she did. And then when Trista left and wanted nothing more to do with me,” she just sighed, not finishing the thought.
“Mom, you did the best you could under the absolute worst circumstances any human could endure. That shooting, then losing a child. I can’t imagine, but Dad forgave you. I forgive you.”
She sniffled loudly as a tear traveled down her face, “thank you for taking care of your dad as you did.”
“Oh, that’s what kids are supposed to do. Now, it’s my turn to care for you, and make sure you have a little bit of freedom and fun,” he finished, pushing back and leveling a stare into her eyes.
“And maybe I will get me some grandbabies,” she asked, with a brighter smile than he had seen in years.
He laughed, “One thing at a time. I would have to find a wife first, and I’ve had a lot on my plate for these past six years.”
“What about Annalise? She’s young, spunky, and clearly adores you.”
He turned to her with a question in his eyes. How could she possibly know that?
“A mother knows,” she said, inhaling. “I just need to find a way to let Trista know where we are should she ever need to find us.”
Maxwell thought back to the note he had received. Maybe he could have someone track down her location, he thought, and then stopped himself. She asked for peace and to be left alone. Maybe that was how forgiveness worked. You had to let it all go, to let it work.
“When can you be ready?” He asked his mom.
“Maybe I can hire someone to pack everything, and head back with you and your friends. Give me until Monday if you can.”
“We wanted a little downtime so we can wait until Monday,” he promised as she leaned over and kissed his cheek.
As she stood to go back inside, he saw Annalise out of the corner of his eyes. She stood just outside the entrance, a fair distance from them. He waved her over.
“She is coming back to Little Bend,” he said. “I’m so glad you all made the trip.”
“I think she is ready. She is worried after the heart attack about what would happen if she continues living alone,” Annalise said. “I am glad we could be here to support you. I do have another favor to ask of you.”
“Shoot!”
“Can I see the envelope that the letter from your sister came in? I have a friend with mad computer skills, and I thought maybe we could get a message to her. Just letting her know where to find your mom should she ever need a place.”
He looked at her and leaned over to kiss her on the cheek just as his mother had a few minutes before. “Thank you. That will put her mind to rest, should Trista ever need a way back home to find us.”
Annalise nodded as he handed her the letter that he carried with him everywhere. A few shots with her camera later, and she returned the missive to him. They sat in silence for another moment.
“When we finally get my mom settled in Little Bend, I was wondering if you might like to go on a date? The last showing of the drive-in theatre season is in three weeks.”
“I would love that,” Annalise said, enthusiastically.
“Really?”
“Yes, you sound surprised.”
He shrugged. “I realize I’m older, a bit heavier, and probably not your normal type.”
“Glad none of that stopped you,” she said, elbowing him in the side. “I would love the chance to get to know you better.”
“Me too. FYI, you might want to keep it on the down-low, though. My mom is already asking about grandkids.”
“Wow! No pressure,” she giggled out loud.
He was glad that Annalise took everything in stride; she was the happiest soul he had ever met. Just being around her somehow made him believe everything would be better. He was so grateful this evening; his heart felt fuller than it had in quite some time.
