She couldn’t stay focused in school and started skipping classes. At fourteen, she ran away and their mother, Irene, had a hard time disciplining her, especially without the influence of their father, Ted. At sixteen, Delia moved out for good and they’d had no idea where she was. Months later she’d resurface only to leave again. But Delia had always been at the center of Macy’s soft heart.
“She’s eight months pregnant and I don’t know what to do. When I tried to talk to her, she became angry and stormed upstairs to the bedroom.” Her fingers slid through her hair in a nervous gesture.
“Delia’s pregnant?”
Beau sat in an oversized leather chair and Freckles hopped onto his lap. Freckles had half a tail and one ear missing. Stray dogs tried to make a meal of her and Macy had rescued her from the animal shelter. He stroked the cat and she purred at his touch. At least someone missed him.
“Yes.”
“Have you contacted your parents?”
That was a sore subject with Macy. After twenty-five years of marriage, Ted had walked out, moved to Houston, and later remarried. After Delia ran away, Irene sold the house and moved to Denver. She soon remarried, too. Macy’s relationship with both her parents was strained. She didn’t understand how her father could do what he’d done or how her mother could give up on their marriage and Delia.
“Not yet. Not too sure it will do any good. They’re too busy with their new lives to be bothered with her, but I’ll call anyway. They need to know. I don’t understand either one of them and how they can just turn their backs on…” Her words trailed away as she fought to control her emotions. Beau resisted the urge to go to her.
Lucky, hearing the distress in Macy’s voice, crawled into her lap. Lucky had a ring around his neck where his hair wouldn’t grow anymore. Some kids tried to hang him. Once rescued, he was taken to the animal shelter, the rope still around his neck. Macy’s number was on file and whenever they received an abused animal they called her, knowing she would nurture it back to health and find a home for it. The vet had said he was lucky to be alive, so that’s what Macy named him.
She’d found Lefty on the side of the road after a car had hit him. His right paw was so mangled that it had to be amputated. He hobbled on three legs and Macy had had him for years. Both dogs whimpered in her lap and Macy’s face changed completely. The stress disappeared and her face softened. Her animals brought her a peace that no one else could.
“In a way, your parents are right,” he told her. “Delia’s been on her own for a long time and she’s never taken kindly to interference in her life, from them or you.”
“I know, but there’s a baby involved now and she won’t even tell me who the father is. She won’t tell me anything.”
“She probably never will, and come a new day Delia could just as easily be gone again.”
“Yeah.” Macy stroked the dogs.
“Try not to argue with her because it’s not going to make a bit of difference. It never has.”
“You’re right.” She tried to smile and failed. “I always feel better when I talk to you.” She ran her hands through her hair again. “Oh, crap, I should have combed my hair before coming over here. I must look a mess. Or like a Brillo pad.”
You look beautiful.
He grinned. “It is sticking out in different directions.”
“Beau McCain.” She lifted an eyebrow. “You could at least say something flattering.”
I do, but you never hear me.
“I think it’s rather fetching like that.”
Her hand stilled. “You do?” For a moment she paused and he wondered if his opinion of her looks meant something to her, then she came back with one of her usual remarks. “You’re such a diplomatic lawyer and an even better liar.”
He winced. “Ouch.”
“Don’t pretend your feelings are hurt.” She stood with both dogs in her arms. “I better go back to the war zone and see what Delia’s visit is all about.”
Beau walked her to the door. “Let her talk and try not to pressure her. Just be patient.”
“I’ll try. I just worry about her.” At the door, she stopped. “How was your trip?”
“Fine.” He refrained from saying anything else.
“I miss you when you’re not here.”
For a brief second, his heart knocked against his ribs in excitement, then he had to remind himself that they were just words. Nothing else. Now was the time to tell her he was planning on moving, but she was too upset about her sister. He’d do it later.
MACY WALKED BACK to her condo, feeling the dried grass beneath her feet. She’d forgotten to put on her shoes. Oh well. She took a moment to breathe in the crisp February air. Soon spring would arrive, heralding new life and new beginnings. Maybe there was hope for her and Delia to start again.
Delia came down the stairs, her corn-colored hair orange in spots from being bleached so much. Why Delia had to do that to her hair, Macy didn’t understand. She never understood a lot of things about her sister, but she loved her and was going to be patient and listen like Beau had said.
She was so glad he was back. Her world just wasn’t right when he wasn’t around. There weren’t many people in her life she could trust, but Beau was…
Her thoughts stopped as Delia went to the refrigerator and grabbed a Coke, some chips and cookies. “I’m starving,” Delia said, and plopped her large frame into a chair.
“I can fix you something to eat,” Macy offered.
“No, thanks. I live off junk food.”
But it’s so bad for the baby. No, don’t say a word. Be patient.
She took a long breath. “So, how are you?”
“Big as a cow. My back hurts and I can’t sleep. I hate being pregnant.”
Macy sat at the table and stopped herself from running her hands through her hair. “It’ll be over soon.”
“Yeah.” Delia wolfed down two chocolate chip cookies. “The sooner the better because this is hell.”
Macy counted to three. “Have you talked to Mom or Dad lately?”
Delia stopped in the process of stuffing food into her mouth. “How likely is that?”
Macy let that pass. “We worry when we don’t hear from you.”
“Yeah, right.” Delia chuckled in disbelief. “You’re happy when you don’t hear from me. At least I’m not bugging you for money.”
“That’s not true.”
“Well, the last time I visited dear ol’ Mom, I met her new hubby. He has to be ten years younger
