“You’re out of your mind,” answered Rose.
“He’s a really nice guy. I met him yesterday for the first time, and I think you’d like him.”
“You’ve met a guy once and you’re ready to marry me to him? Christ, Owen. Do you know how many things are wrong with what you just said to me?”
“Marry?” Mercy couldn’t stay back any longer. Relief filled Rose’s face as she heard her sister’s voice, and Owen spun around.
“Maybe you can talk some sense into Owen,” Rose said. “He and Dad are desperate to find me a husband.”
“A husband?” Mercy whirled on Owen. “You think she needs a husband?”
Owen’s chin shot up and he squared his stance. “She’s pregnant.”
“So what?”
“It’s the right thing to do.”
“What century are you living in?”
Anger shot from his eyes, and Mercy looked away to Rose. “You’re not having any of this, right?”
“Hell no.”
“She needs someone—”
“Are you listening to yourself?” Mercy said. “Do you know anyone more capable or stronger than Rose? She can do anything!”
“You don’t understand,” he started to say.
“I understand just fine,” Mercy retorted. “You think a woman needs a man to take care of her. Yes, it’s wonderful when two people fall in love and start a life together, but jeez, Owen, you don’t force it to happen!”
“Mom and Dad are getting older. They aren’t going to be able to take care—”
“Stop right there.” Mercy held up a hand. “Who takes care of who? From what I’ve seen, Rose takes care of everyone at that house. The only thing she can’t do is drive.” She looked closely at her brother. “Have you forgotten we grew up together? Did Rose ever let her lack of sight stop her from anything?”
“It’s a different world now,” he argued. “She needs a male protector in her home. We all need to be able to defend ourselves.”
“Then teach her how. Frankly, I don’t know what there is to teach her.” She looked at Rose, surprised she couldn’t see steam coming out of her sister’s ears. “You’ve done every self-defense class you could get your hands on, right?”
“Absolutely.”
“It didn’t keep her safe two months ago!” Owen snapped.
Silence filled the diner.
“See?” Owen lowered his voice. “You know I’m right. She’s vulnerable.”
“Did you forget it was your friend who attacked her?” Mercy hissed. “I wouldn’t trust any man you recommend. Your track record stinks. And you’re recommending a guy you just met? How do you know he’s not a wife-beating asshole? Your protective instinct is screwing with your judgment.” She glared. “Or maybe it’s not. Maybe that’s what you truly believe . . . that any man is better than none.”
“Can I say something?” Sarcasm filled Rose’s tone.
Both Owen and Mercy looked at her.
“You’re both overreacting and both trying to protect me in your own way. Get over it. I’m perfectly capable of speaking for myself. Owen, give it up. Don’t ever talk to me about men again. Mercy, settle down. I can fight my own battles.”
Mercy took a deep breath and pressed her lips together, determined not to speak. Rose was right. It was as if they were children again and Rose were taking her siblings to task for trying to ease her way. She’d always been capable of getting things done; she didn’t need Mercy to defend her.
But sweet Lord above, it’s damn hard to keep my mouth shut.
Mercy eyed Owen and saw he was fighting the same battle. Recognition flowed between their gazes. Rose didn’t need the two of them for anything.
“Sorry, Rose,” Owen mumbled. “I feel like I’m a teenager trying to protect my little sister again.”
“No more husband talk,” she ordered.
“Agreed,” Owen said gruffly, looking as if he’d just agreed to never eat red meat again. “But the baby—”
“Owen!”
He wisely said no more.
“I can’t wait to meet my new niece or nephew,” Mercy said. “You’re going to have more help than you know what to do with.”
Owen said his good-byes and strode out of the diner. Mercy slid into the booth across from Rose, enjoying the flush of color on Rose’s cheeks. She’s going to be an awesome mother. Fear still struck Mercy when she thought about Rose having the baby of her rapist. But the moments of fear were outnumbered by her moments of pride in her sister. She knew people would talk behind Rose’s back, but if Mercy got wind of it, they’d never utter a word again.
If they treated Rose’s innocent child any differently because of who its father had been, they would have Aunt Mercy to deal with. If anything was left after Mother Rose handled them.
“Owen is different,” Rose said. “He’s always been overprotective, but I’ve never heard him so angry before.”
“He was angry with you?”
“No, it’s not directed at me, but I hear it in the way he says his words. It’s like he needs to vent . . . get a million things off his chest. It’s been like that since Levi died. He hasn’t been the same.”
“I know.” But I don’t really know. I didn’t have time to get to know Owen again before Levi died. “I still carry a lot of guilt about that,” Mercy whispered, suddenly overwhelmed by images of her murdered brother.
“Don’t,” ordered Rose. “It had nothing to do with you.”
“I know,” Mercy repeated, lying for the second time. But it will always feel that way.
“Hello, ladies!” Ina Smythe, Barbara Johnson, and Sandy from the bed-and-breakfast greeted the sisters, and Mercy slid over in the huge booth to make room. A few seconds later Pearl showed up and took the last bit of room in the booth. Mercy was silent as she let the conversation flow around her. Rose had invited her to join the small group of women who met every few weeks to chat and gossip. It sounded self-serving, but they also discussed who in the town needed help. The hidden power of the town sat at the table, Mercy suddenly realized. These women knew everyone, knew about their situations, and were driven to help. Since Mercy had joined the group, they’d raised money for school supplies and clothes for a young family. They’d also supplied three weeks of dinners when Sarah Browne’s husband died.
Families were their priority.
“How’s that baby treating you?” Sandy asked with an envious look in her eyes. Mercy didn’t know why the tall redhead wasn’t married and didn’t have children. She had one of the most nurturing personalities Mercy had ever encountered. It was perfect for running her business.
“I’m feeling great,” said Rose with her usual sweet smile. “Lots of energy.”
This answer triggered mutters from Ina, Pearl, and Barbara. “I was exhausted from day one,” said Pearl. “With both kids. And it didn’t go away until they left for school.”
Ina and Barbara nodded emphatically.
Mercy glanced at the time, knowing she couldn’t spare more than just a few minutes with the group before heading back to her office.
“Celie Eckham says her son, Jason, needs a job,” Sandy said. “Anyone have any leads?” She looked around the table hopefully.
“I heard Tom McDonald is hiring,” Barbara said. “But it’s a bit of a drive out to his place.”
Mercy was instantly alert. “I’ve met Tom,” she said casually. “What’s he hiring people to do?”