The Promise in Poppies by Rachael Bloome

Author:Rachael Bloome
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rachael Bloome

CHAPTER 19

CASSIE

Cassie refilled her cup of Colombian decaf, stifling a yawn. Most of their guests had gone home for the evening, but a few friends lingered around the long table. Colt and Jack playfully argued over which one of them would be the favorite uncle, while Lucy told Penny and Kat about her latest YouTube video series featuring the upcoming Founders Day Festival. Today’s video gave background information on Poppy Creek’s conservation group and their efforts to protect the local monarch butterfly population, which led to the beloved tradition, the Butterfly Stroll. Cassie tried to listen in, curious about the history, but she found her thoughts wandering.

Tonight’s gathering had been special. She’d never felt more loved, and she’d once again been reminded that she and Luke wouldn’t be raising their child alone. They literally had an entire village of support. But something was missing. Or rather, someone.

During every conversation, each shared laugh, smile, and embrace, she couldn’t shake a lingering, deep-seated desire: She wanted her mother to be there with her. Despite everything they’d been through—the years of heartache, disappointment, and dysfunction—she wanted her mother to be a part of the life she’d built in Poppy Creek. Permanently.

She knew there were people in the world who would consider her foolish. Too forgiving. Too naive. Her ex-boyfriend, Derek, had tried to convince her to cut her mother out of her life completely. He’d called her toxic and a lost cause, claiming no good could come from staying in contact.

To be fair, he wasn’t entirely wrong. Her mother had been toxic at times. And there probably were situations similar to hers where it would be healthier for the family members of an addict to keep their distance. But in her case, that had never felt like the right decision—for herself or her mother. Almost as if part of her could glimpse a tiny window to the other side of her mother’s addiction. To a world where the prison doors swung open and she could finally walk through them, free and unencumbered. Free to experience a more whole and fulfilling life.

The vision had been vivid enough to keep her hope alive, even in their bleakest moments. And despite the odds, it had come to fruition right before her eyes. Although, there were still occasions she wondered if she’d wake up and realize it was all a dream.

“It’s a shame your mom couldn’t be here tonight,” Kat said with uncanny timing. She lifted the insulated carafe of decaf, refilling her mug.

“It is. I was just thinking about how much I missed her tonight. And Kat, I’ve been meaning to thank you.”

“For what?”

“For inviting my mom to stay at the inn as your guest.” When Kat opened the Whispering Winds Inn with Jack’s help, she’d vowed to reserve one suite for a woman in need. Most of the referrals came from Hope Hideaway, the women’s shelter where Kat grew up, although a few had come from other connections. Kat loved providing a place of calm,

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