“You were two. Cutest baby I had ever seen.” Hope had a faraway look in her eyes. “You ever wish you could do things over? Fix the mistakes you made, take away the hurt you caused.”

  Gracie had never seen this side of her sister. “Honestly, I don’t really have any regrets. Yet. Who knows? I’m sure I’ve made some stupid mistakes, but that’s all they were. So what if you did a little partying when you were young. Isn’t that what teenagers are supposed to do?”

  Hope reached for her hand, placed hers on top. “I guess it is, but I felt guilty leaving Mother here to do everything. I still do. I wish I had paid more attention to her.”

  “Dang, Hope, you were a kid! It wasn’t your responsibility to take care of Dad. Why didn’t Mother hire help? It’s not like she couldn’t afford to. Maybe taking care of Dad’s needs was her way of letting him know she still loved him, in spite of his illness.”

  “After he died, you know what I felt?”

  Gracie shook her head.

  “I was glad. I felt so much relief. Then I started feeling guilty. Mom changed. For the better. She had cared for him so many years, I think that when he died, she was relieved. Not just for herself, but for him, too. I know she would never admit it, but she knew he was better off. They were young, had no life together; at least if they did, I didn’t know about it.”

  Gracie didn’t want to say what she was about to say, but Hope needed to hear this. “They had to have a little fun now and then. How else would you explain Mom’s getting pregnant? Dad must’ve shared a few private moments with Mom once in a while.”

  Hope didn’t say anything for a minute. “Now that, I wouldn’t know.”

  “I wouldn’t expect you to know something so intimate,” Gracie stated. “Hope, when you spoke to Mom about the end of all you’ve accomplished, can you tell me what you were referring to?”

  “It was just a stupid comment, a figure of speech. We disagree sometimes. We’ve been known to get a bit hot and heavy at times, but it isn’t anything you should concern yourself with. As I said, Mom and I have our moments; you’re just not here to witness them.”

  Gracie gave a half laugh. “I suppose I should be glad I’m not around much. It’s odd that I’ve never heard you two in a shouting match before.”

  Hope removed her hand, stood up, and stared out the window that overlooked the gardens. “You’re lucky to have this view,” she said, staring out the window. She continued to speak. “Gracie, we don’t have ‘shouting matches,’ as you seem to think. Once in a while, we just knock heads. Mom is honest to a fault. She has her opinion, and I have mine. Don’t let our disagreements ruin your stay. I don’t want a dark cloud hanging over you or Mom. We’re fine.”

  Gracie wanted to believe Hope, just as much as she wanted to believe that her mother hadn’t lied to her. Not being naïve, she had questions she wanted to ask, but she held back. It wasn’t the time. Tomorrow was Mother’s Day. Having disagreements with the two people she loved most in the world would have to wait.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Saturday evenings had always been game time at home. But Gracie wasn’t in the mood that night. As far as she knew, there were no plans for the evening, so she decided to take advantage of the new soaker tub. She took her book and the new nightgown and robe her mother had given her to prepare for a relaxing soak. Maybe they all needed a bit of privacy that night. It had been so long since they had spent quality time together, maybe all they needed was to find a new rhythm, a new way to bond. She didn’t think a game of Monopoly would be in the works that evening.

  Just as she went to the bathroom, her mom came up the stairs. “Gracie, come with me. Please don’t ask any questions. Get your purse, your phone, and a fresh change of casual clothes.” Before Gracie could absorb her words, her mother raced downstairs. Clueless, she did as her mother asked, but she wouldn’t leave the house without having some idea where it was that she wanted to take her, if that was even a remote possibility this late in the evening.

  In the kitchen, Hope was sitting at the island, a small travel bag in her lap. Her mother was opening and closing the kitchen drawers in search of who knows what.

  “Are you two going to tell me what’s going on? This is beyond weird.”

  Apparently, her mother had found what she was looking for. “My watch.” She dangled the Timex she’d had forever for them to see. “I take it off when I’m washing dishes and couldn’t remember what drawer I’d put it in.”

  “That’s a relief,” Hope said, her voice laced with sarcasm.

  “What are we doing, Mom?” Gracie held up the small tote bag with her change of clothes.

  “I wanted this to be a surprise. Given the day, I can’t keep this to myself. In about”—she looked at her watch, now fastened on her wrist—“ten minutes, we are going to have a spa day, or evening. This is my gift to both of you. We need a bit of pampering, don’t you agree?”

  Gracie couldn’t help herself; she burst out laughing. “Mom, you certainly surprised me; I thought we were . . . I don’t know what I thought. Hope, did you know Mom had planned this?”

  “No, of course not. I’m as shocked as you are,” Hope told her. “Truly, I had no clue.”

  “I’ve ordered a limousine to drive us to Salon Susannah’s. After that, we’re going to the Ale House for a late-night dinner. That’s why I asked you both to bring clothes.”

  The Ale House was a local, family-owned business, their menu upscale, their service top-of-the-line. Reservations had to be made weeks in advance.

  “I’m impressed,” Hope told her. “You must have been planning this for a while.”

  “Actually, it was just a few weeks ago. I touched base with the spa, and they were open, happy to arrange a special evening for us. So many local businesses were closed for so long, now that they’re open, people are getting back to work. I’m proud of our city, its ability to bounce back. I want to make sure I do my part helping these good folks stay in business. I made a few calls, and here we are. So, are you two ready to go? I told the folks at Luxurious Limos we would be waiting in the back drive.”

  Gracie imagined that a limo trying to park might have a hard time maneuvering, what with three cars in back taking up most of the space, but this wasn’t her gig.

  The limousine’s lights shone in the kitchen window as soon as the limo turned into the drive.

  “Our carriage awaits, girls.”

  Gracie and Hope looked at one another, each rolling their eyes at their mom’s corniness. “Come on, Cinderella.” Hope raised her voice several octaves. “Our prince is waiting.”

  Their driver introduced himself. “I’m José, and I’ll be escorting you lovely ladies tonight.”

  José was dark-skinned and had a trace of a Spanish accent. He wore his black hair in a modern cut, along with the five-o’clock shadow that seemed to be in style. Tall, with broad shoulders and a slim waist, he was a handsome man. He held the door for them and winked at Gracie when he saw her scoping him out. He was beyond sexy, his dark eyes flickering with amusement. He held the door for them. “Please make yourselves comfortable. Mrs. Walden, nice to see you again.”

  The inside of the limo was very upscale. White leather seats, soft lighting, relaxing music playing. A chilled bottle of champagne awaited them.

  Gracie took a moment to take in all the luxury. “I’m impressed, Mom. You getting all fancy on us, or what?”

  Ella laughed. “No, just wanted us to enjoy being together. I don’t know about you, Gracie, those Zoom calls are great, but having you both here with me, I thought we could all use a little extra pampering.”

  “And I was just about to have a soak in the tub with your favorite author,” Gracie said. “But I think this is worth the sacrifice.”

  “Barbara Taylor Bradford?” Ella asked.

  “A Woman of Substance. I was hooked on the first page, but I can read anytime. I would much rather be here with you and Hope.”

  “I’m going to have a glass of that champagne. You two want to join me?” Hope asked, taking the bottle and reading the label. “Cristal—you really are spoiling us, Mom. I know this stuff is very expensive.”

  “Absolutely,” Gracie said. “It wouldn’t be a girls’ night out without Cristal. Mom, you do know your champagne. Who would’ve known? Do you want a glass?”

  “You said it’s not a girls’ night out without champagne, so of course I’ll have a glass.”

  Hope filled each flute of champagne. “Let’s make a toast.”

  “Do you mind?” their mother asked. “I would like to.”

  “Go for it,” Hope said.

  “To my best friends, my daughters, may you each continue to follow your own paths to happiness and have an excellent massage tonight.” Ella held her champagne flute high; Gracie and Hope clinked their glasses together, then their mother’s.

  “I can’t believe you pulled this off without either of us finding out. You do have a way of keeping secrets,” Hope said.

  Gracie chuckled. “That she does. Well done, Mama.” Gracie’s eyes pooled with tears. Such an extravagant gesture, when she should be the recipient of so much more. Raising two girls on her own, keeping the Walden family together. “Mom, do you ever regret not getting remarried? Having someone in your life?” She took a sip of her champagne.

  “I think she’s had a few dates,” Hope said, a grin on her face. “You’re not here all the time.”

  “Hope, it’s not your place to discuss my private life, but if you must know, Gracie, I’ve been seeing a gentleman for a while.”

  Gracie finished her drink and poured herself another. Hope held her flute for a refill, followed by Ella. “So who is this gentleman? Someone we know? Have you met him, Hope? I assume you have, since you know about him.”

  Hope sipped her champagne. “Like Mom said, this is her news. Not mine to tell, and no, I haven’t met him.”

  Gracie focused her attention on her mother. “So, are you going to give us a hint who the lucky guy is?”

  “We can discuss this later.” Ella nodded toward the front of the limo. “We may have ears.”

  “Mother, have you ever ridden in a limo?” Hope asked.

  “No, I haven’t.”

  “They have a window that separates us. Yes, they can hear us if we call, but I don’t think José cares what we’re saying. Limo drivers are kind of like doctors in the sense that they have a code of ethics that prevents them from discussing what they may or may not hear.”

  “Yes, I think that’s the case, too,” Gracie added, when in reality, she didn’t know if what Hope said had any merit. “So, tell us who the lucky guy is,” she encouraged.

  “I will later, I promise. Let’s forget about everything for a few hours, please? I want to relax. Both of you need to take this time and enjoy it. Let’s leave our troubles behind, just for a little while. Can we agree on that just for tonight?”

  “Sure, Mom,” Hope said. “Let’s forget about everything.” She placed extra emphasis on her last word.

  Gracie just nodded. It had been so long since she had consumed alcohol that the champagne had left her feeling slightly woozy.

  Five minutes later, the limo stopped in front of the spa. José parked, then opened the door for them. “Ladies.” He held out a hand to each of them, making sure they were steady on their feet. “Enjoy your evening, Mrs. Walden. I’ll be waiting to take you to your next destination.”

  “Thank you, dear. I’m really happy you’re driving tonight. I’ll send for you when we finish.”

  Gracie had a major buzz and hoped that she didn’t pass out too soon. She wanted to enjoy the spa experience.

  Inside, they were greeted by a stunning woman, whose long blond hair reached all the way to her waist. She was dressed in a smart, black, skintight dress, and her heels were so high that it was obvious she practically stood on her tiptoes.

  “Welcome to Susannah’s, ladies. I’m Kelsey, your hostess. We have a few requirements we like to attend to before sending you on the most soothing experience we have to offer. Please, have a seat. I’ll be right back.”

  They sat in plush pale green chairs. In front of them was a small table. A plate of strawberries, sliced pineapple, and several other fruits sat on it. Another platter held several varieties of cheese, olives, an assortment of crackers, and tiny little cakes. A pitcher of sparkling water, filled with slices of lemon and oranges, was there if they wanted a drink. “I don’t think I could eat before a massage,” Gracie said, eyeing the snacks.

  “Me either,” Hope added. “But this is part of the deal, right, Mom? I guess you forgot to tell them we had dinner plans?”

  “Yes, it’s part of the package I chose, but you don’t have to eat this. I do think I’ll have some water, though. They say you should be hydrated before getting a massage.” She filled a glass and took a few sips, then sat back in the plush chair.

  Kelsey reappeared with three clipboards. “If you all would look over this form and sign at the bottom, we can get started.”

  “Of course,” Ella said.

  The form asked if they had any known allergies, any issues with latex, and if they were on any medication. Kelsey took the forms, looked them over, and said, “You all check out perfectly. Now we’ve prepared the salt room for your massage. We have dividers in the room for your privacy, but if you want them removed to chitchat, we’ll do that now.” Kelsey looked at them.

  “Keep the dividers,” Hope said. “No way am I stripping down to my birthday suit in front of those two.” She laughed. “Seriously, whatever works, I’m good.”

  “Then we’ll leave them as they are,” Kelsey said. “Now, if you ladies are ready, please follow me.”

  Kelsey led them to a locker room, where they could undress and store their belongings. “Robes and slippers are in the lockers. As soon as you all are ready, Catherine will take you to the salt room. Enjoy.”

  As soon as they had changed into robes and slippers that would fit a giant, Catherine appeared. She wore light green scrubs, her brown hair in a high ponytail. “Good evening, ladies, if you will follow me, we can get started.”

  “I guess it’s now or never,” Hope said.

  Gracie just nodded. She wasn’t feeling too hot after having had two glasses of champagne.

  They followed Catherine down a long hallway, the dim lights making it difficult to see. Twice, Gracie had to grab onto Hope to prevent herself from tripping. As soon as they entered the salt room, which looked more like a cave, Gracie relaxed. The walls gave off a pinkish golden glow, which must be the Himalayan salt, as the form they filled out had stated.

  The room was divided into three sections by partitions. Massage tables were set up, and each area had a small table that held supplies for the masseuse.

  Catherine continued her spiel. “Just choose a table, get comfortable, and we’ll get started. If there is anything else you all might need, just tell your therapist, and she’ll let me know. Bathroom, a drink—we’ll see to your every need. Enjoy your massage.”

  Finally alone, Hope spoke up. “Shall we have a coin toss for the beds?”

  Ella shook her head. “I swear, you are the most competitive woman I know. Just pick one.”

  “I think Mom should have the first pick. After all, it’s her treat; plus, tomorrow is Mother’s Day,” Gracie said.

  “Yep, you’re right. Mom, hop to it,” Hope directed.

  As soon as they were settled on their chosen tables, three women entered, each introducing herself in soft tones not much more than a whisper. Gracie thought this all part of the spa experience.

  As soon as they went over what type of massage they wanted, they relaxed. No one spoke or cracked jokes as the magic hands of the masseuses soothed knotted muscles and stiff necks. Next, each had a facial. From there, they were led to another room, where they had a manicure and a pedicure. When they were finished with their treatments, they showered and spiffed up, and Ella called José.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  As promised, José was waiting for them as soon as they exited the spa. They each glowed after their massages and facials, with their nails and toes painted in bright spring colors.

  Gracie wore a pair of Seven jeans and a Danise satin top in emerald green with a scooped back, her creamy skin showing. She wore the soft leather shoes from Jessica, not caring that they didn’t match. She was so much taller than Hope and their mom that if she had chosen heels, she would have towered over them. She wore her hair loose around her shoulders.

  Hope had brought a simple red sundress that highlighted her shapely arms and tanned skin. She wore beige flat sandals. Her dark brown hair had a just-washed shine, as they had all showered after their massages. The oil softened their skin but also did a number on their hair. Gracie had washed and dried hers again, using the blow-dryer the spa had provided.

  Ella was dressed in a pair of black slacks and peach shell top. She had dried her hair, and her style was a shorter version of Hope’s. Gracie thought they must see the same stylist. They looked more like sisters than mother and daughter. And she stood out like a sore thumb. Sadly, she wished she had had the opportunity to know her father, to see herself in him as her mother did. Photos just weren’t the same.

  José held the door for them as they climbed inside the luxury vehicle. Gracie saw another bottle of Cristal on ice. She was just starting to feel like herself and decided not to partake in any more toasts that night.

  Of course, Hope took the bottle and opened it with the expertise she showed in everything she did. “Gracie?”

  “No thanks.”

  “Mom?”

  “Just a little,” she said. “I don’t want to get too inebriated.”

  Gracie laughed at her mother’s use of the old-fashioned word for drunk ; at least, she thought it old-fashioned. Like Gracie, her mom rarely indulged, so Gracie was surprised when she agreed to another flute of the fancy champagne.