Colin had about worked up nerve to pull Meadow aside and discuss the potential impending disaster of Thursday’s gig when Flora jumped up, displaying a text. “Let’s go. Our sisters’ flight landed early.”
They left without comment, but the look Meadow sent over her shoulder knocked breath from his chest. Shards of pain and accusation lanced out her eyes. Why? Did she get wind of who would be at that engagement party and suspect it was a setup?
She likely felt the distance he’d just put between them. It hadn’t been intentional. He was in cahoots with himself over knowing his camaraderie with Meadow was about to further upend if he wasn’t careful.
Blythe’s track record suggested she’d likely get mean and mouthy if she saw Meadow, and he hadn’t wanted to tip Blythe off that she might have the chance by asking more questions. He needed to find a way to go to that party to protect Meadow.
Problem was, his only in was Blythe’s invitation as her guest. With Del back, Meadow hadn’t asked him to assist with future caters.
Lord, you knew about this cater centuries ago, maybe even arranged it. Help Meadow through what’s sure to seem like her worst job ever. Things aren’t always as they appear. Look out for her that day and each day after. If I may also ask, please protect her fragile trust in me. Use this gig to strengthen rather than strain our relationship.
Over the next days, Colin grieved not getting to spend time with Meadow. She was curt at church on Sunday and wouldn’t answer or return his calls. Del said to give her time. Flora wasn’t speaking to him either at this point, but she was likely swamped silly with her siblings and nuptials looming.
As he worked on finishing Meadow’s kitchen the day of the engagement party, he wondered. Had he done something wrong, something other than keeping a distance between them that day he’d seen Blythe? He strained his brain. Had she gotten the guest list and seen his name next to Blythe’s? He’d explain, if he ever got ahold of Meadow.
They’d shared a beautiful kiss; one that felt like it brushed and branded their souls as well as their lips, then wham. Her walls went back up. Higher and more formidable than before.
“Lord, if this is my Jericho, help me bring down these walls.”
“Blythe’s out of control,” her cousin told Colin the instant he arrived at the engagement after party. His mother had asked him last minute to take his dad to chemo. Having done so, Colin walked in late, just in time to hear Blythe’s grating voice.
“You know flora’s a bacterium? Oh, I forgot. Your mama mixed her meth up with her birth control pills. Had so many kids, only organic names were left.”
Refusing to stand idle this time, Colin rushed to Meadow, who looked equally hurt and homicidal. Approaching her side, he whispered, “She’s not worth it. Stay calm.”
Blythe’s smirk confirmed she was out to destroy Meadow’s career and business reputation by making her lose her temper during a legally binding job. It heartened Colin to see horror reflected on faces of family and friends close enough to hear. It proved they respected Meadow more than they pledged allegiance to Blythe and her scheme. Colin hoped Meadow saw their support too. Right now she looked like all she could see was red.
Tsking, Blythe vulture-circled Meadow. “Poor Little Miss Misfit, always running away. Never could take up for herself, even when her drugged-up daddy knocked her sister into next week.”
Her self-control at snap point and her body pulsing with anger, Meadow shot forward.
Colin launched in front of her, facing Blythe, pressing Meadow backward with his body. But unleashed anger imbued her with the fierceness of a freight train in transit. She turned, wrapping her arms tightly around her so she couldn’t rip out Blythe’s hair. Colin kissed his mouth to her ear while walking her backward into the adjacent garden room. “Let God deal with her.”
Colin’s heart broke at the trembling beneath him. The depths of hurt inflicted, the guilt wound Blythe’s words reopened. Meadow heaved from unchecked emotion.
He hauled her against him. “It’s not your fault, sweetheart. Your dad made his choices. Had he not been sent up, worse tragedy may’ve befallen your family, your sisters, your brother. You protected them by telling the truth about your abuse.”
No wonder she felt so close to Del, such a responsibility to help her.
Meadow still quaked violently. Now he couldn’t tell if it was all from emotional trauma or also from years of pent-up anger. He held her closer. After a moment, her forehead lowered against his chest.
The click-clack of heels sounded on marble tile.
“Isn’t this cozy? You two look about to make a bunch of little Irish Meadows.”
Colin whirled. “Enough!”
Stunned at his tone, Blythe stumbled backward. Rage surfaced. “How dare y—.”
“I’m not finished.” He faced Blythe down. “I should’ve stood up for her against you years ago, Blythe. Meadow has actually done something noble with her life. Unlike you, still spoiled and living off Daddy’s wealth.”
Blythe gasped, then fled the room wailing.