Reverend Somers sat outside on the stone steps. He smiled at her warmly. "Good morning, Molly."
"Morning."
The sun shone between the clouds, sending shards of light skipping across the lush green grass. Growing up, she'd attended this church every Sunday. As she'd gotten older and had the freedom to make her own choices, she'd understood that her grandmother had a heavier hand than god in forming her.
"Erma was proud of you," the reverend said softly.
Molly faced him. "I know. But as she'd raised me not to brag, I have a hard time believing she'd boast to you, Reverend."
"You're right. She wasn't one to boast. Especially not in mixed company. But whenever she invited me for supper, we talked for hours. That's when she spoke of you. I will miss her."
Tears sparked in her eyes. "I'll miss her too."
Uncle Bob pulled up in his boat of a Cadillac. Jennifer exited on the passenger side and Brandi from the back.
Reverend Somers stood and unlocked the church door. They filed inside after him, falling into silence.
In the parish office, Molly settled in the lone chair off to the side of the reverend's desk. As much as it dismayed her to imagine Grams discussing particulars of her funeral with her pastor, it made planning the service easier. It also indicated that her death wasn't as unexpected as Molly had believed. Had she been so wrapped up in her own life she hadn't recognized the signs of her grandmother's failing health?
Guilt rolled over her.
Molly was preoccupied when they left the reverend's office an hour later.
But when Jennifer grabbed the back of her arm above her elbow-a move she'd been doing since they were kids-and squeezed with enough force to leave a bruise, Molly reacted. She twisted her arm free, grabbing Jennifer's wrist, stepping sideways, and jerking Jennifer's arm behind her back.
"Fuck. Ow. Jesus. Let go," Jennifer complained.
"Don't. Ever. Touch. Me. Again. Understand?"
"Fine. Whatever, you stupid cow."
Molly dropped her arm.
Jennifer rubbed her wrist. "You have turned into a real head case."
"You'd know all about that," Molly said sweetly.
Jennifer leaned in and whispered, "I hate you. I've always hated how you were Grandma's spoiled, fat, favorite grandkid."
"Jennifer Marie, stop badgering Molly and get moving," Uncle Bob warned.
Jennifer muttered something to Brandi and stormed down the hallway, Brandi on her heels.
Molly exited the church and allowed herself a moment to breathe in the fresh air.
Jennifer and Brandi lounged against the hand railing, ensuring Molly had to pass by them.
"You should've seen her last night, Jen. Throwing herself at both Marcus and Alan. As if she'd ever have a shot at either of them. It was embarrassing for her."
"Didn't you accuse me of being a lesbian last night?" Molly said. "Then why would I care about the guys you're so desperate to impress?"
"You think you're so smart," Brandi sneered.
Doesn't take a whole lot to be smarter than you, dumb-ass.
Molly had reached the bottom step when she glanced up and saw Deacon leaning against her car.
It took every bit of resolve not to break into a run.
When she reached him, he pulled her into his arms and softly kissed her lips. "Hey."
"Hey. How'd you know where I was?"
"Only so many churches in this town, babe." His gaze searched hers. "You okay?"
"Not really. This sucks. But I'm better now that you're here."
"You ready to hit the grocery store?"
"I'm ready to hit something," she muttered.
Footsteps sounded behind them, and Deacon's gaze moved over her shoulder.
"Who's your friend, Molly?"
Molly turned, and Deacon stood beside her, keeping his left hand on the small of her back. "This is my boyfriend, Deacon McConnell. Deacon, this is my uncle, Bob Calloway."
Deacon offered his hand and Bob shook it.
Jennifer slunk forward. "Molly didn't tell us she had a boyfriend." She held out her hand. "Jennifer Calloway. Molly's cousin."
He lifted his chin and ignored her outstretched hand.
Then Brandi horned her way between her father and sister. "Molly did mention a boyfriend, but I didn't take her seriously."
Deacon cocked an eyebrow at Brandi. "Why not?"
"Because she was flirting her ass off at the bar last night." Brandi sent her a triumphant look.
"I let you outta my sight one day and other guys are already sniffing around you. Will I have to bust some heads?"
"You know you have nothing to worry about. Save your head busting for the ring."