The Desert Flowers--Willow by Judith Keim

Author:Judith Keim
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wild Quail Publishing

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

ROSE

Exiting the church, Rose held tight to Hank’s hand. His silent encouragement as she’d spoken in the church had kept her from breaking down and crying. She loved that about him—how his presence steadied her, made her believe that she could do most anything.

She saw Willow leave and relaxed, knowing she’d make sure everything was being taken care of at the inn. Alec had been very specific about making the reception a happy one, a classy experience for those he cared about. In the meantime, her role was to see that everyone was invited to the gathering.

Lily was mixing with the crowd, standing next to Brian, as they both spoke to people they knew or were meeting for the first time.

Mitchell and a pretty Asian woman approached her with Trace. Introductions were exchanged. Rose observed their faces, seeing their genuine care, and thought of Willow. They seemed like nice people. Her good humor wavered when Duncan and Brent joined them. But even they seemed saddened by Alec’s lost battle with the cancer he’d fought so hard.

“Please join us at the inn,” said Rose. She turned as Juanita came over to her.

Placing an arm around her shoulder, Rose introduced Juanita to them, noting the surprise on Duncan’s face. What a jerk.

“Alec always talked about you and your husband in glowing terms,” said Mitchell, shaking Juanita’s hand. “Especially your cooking.”

Juanita laughed. “You know what they say, ‘A way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.’”

Mitchell chuckled. “What will you do now that Alec is gone?”

“It’s a little premature to talk about it, but Alec, Pedro, and I have a plan.”

“I’ll see you at the reception,” said Duncan to Rose. “I have to go speak to Bennett Williams.”

Rose turned as Simon Nickerson, the attorney for the Blaise Group approached.

After giving his condolences to her, Simon addressed Mitchell and Suzi. Trace had wandered off.

Rose left them to their conversation and went over to Lily and Brian. “Nice service,” Lily said, giving her a hug. “Thank you for speaking on our behalf, sharing our thoughts and love for Alec. It went well.”

“Thank heavens, Hank was facing me, cheering me on. I’ve never done that kind of thing before and didn’t realize how difficult it would be.”

“Willow is handling things at the hotel, but we better join her,” said Lily.

“Yes, the crowd is leaving here and heading there,” Rose said, searching for Hank. He was talking to Duncan and didn’t look very happy.

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