Free A Father's Promise by Carolyne Aarsen

Thankfully, it seemed Tricia hadn’t suffered any long-term repercussions from a marriage that had been crumbling. And working on the scrapbook seemed to show her that Molly had, at times, been a loving mother.
    Once they received the soup and sandwiches they’d ordered, his father took the tray and wove through the crowded tables to the large French doors open to the patio. “Thought we’d eat outside,” he said as he stepped through the doors. “Not as crowded.”
    Zach didn’t care either way. He just wanted to eat and get back to the office. Saturday he’d taken Tricia out to the ranch to see the horses, and Sunday he’d gone to church with his father. Though weekends off was probably a normal occurrence for his father, Zach was still adjusting to the concept.
    “Doesn’t look like there’s any place to sit here, either,” Zach said, glancing around the crowded tables.
    But his father ignored him, and when Zach realized where his father was headed, he almost groaned aloud.
    Renee sat at a small wooden table, leaning close to her mother, the sunlight glinting on the waves of her caramel-colored hair. Her hands fluttered as she spoke, emphasizing a point she was making. Brenda laughed and Renee joined in, the sound settling in Zach’s soul.
    He couldn’t help but think of the steady litany of complaints that had personified Molly’s relationship with her own mother. He couldn’t ever remember her laughing with her mother, let alone having lunch with her or working with her.
    Or making the sacrifices Renee was willing to make for her own mother.
    As his father drew closer, Renee’s mother looked up, and her smile widened as her hand brushed her hair away from her face. “What a pleasant surprise,” she said, glancing from Zach to his father. “Why don’t you two join us,” she said, pointing to the two empty chairs at their table. “We have lots of room.”
    Zach guessed, from the faintly smug look on Mrs. Albertson’s face and his father’s hasty agreement, that this was a setup.
    What was his father doing?
    As they settled themselves at the table, Zach realized he was far too aware of Renee sitting across from him. Her blue-and-orange-flecked nail polish, a whimsical touch for someone who seemed so practical, sparkled in the sun as her restless fingers fiddled with the locket hanging from her neck.
    His father and her mother were chattering away like old friends, but Zach’s mind went suddenly blank.
    Zach took a spoonful of soup, wishing he didn’t feel so awkward in her presence. Though they had already spent a couple of afternoons together, there existed a curious discomfort between them. He knew part of that unease had to do with the fact that Renee was Tricia’s biological mother.
    Zach would be fooling himself if he didn’t admit that another part of the awkwardness had to do with the struggles he was dealing with. Renee was a beautiful woman, a caring daughter and faithful friend. Where did she fit in his life?
    Then, as he looked over at her, their eyes met. Zach knew he should look away but didn’t want to.
    Her eyes were an intriguing mix of green and brown bordering on hazel. Her lashes were thick, and her eyebrows had an intriguing arch to them, emphasizing her heart-shaped face.
    Just like Tricia’s.
    Reality lumbered into the moment, and Zach dragged his gaze away.
    “And how was your weekend?” she asked, her quiet voice startling him. “I understand you went out to Evangeline’s ranch to ride?”
    “How did you know?” he asked as he sprinkled salt into his soup, trying to keep himself busy.
    “Evangeline told me.” She gave him a self-conscious smile. “I don’t mean for you to think that we were gossiping. It’s just, well, she’s one of my best friends. We talk a lot.”
    “I guess that’s all part of small-town life,” he said. “Gotta get used to that.”
    “And if you’re not careful, whatever you say here will get passed around by way of the Mug Shots