A Turn in the Road

A Turn in the Road by Debbie Macomber Page B

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Authors: Debbie Macomber
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simply can’t allow my mother—”
    â€œI didn’t ask your permission,” Ruth told her daughter stiffly. She raised her chin to signal that she wouldn’t be browbeaten, nor would she change her mind. Robin could disapprove all she liked.
    â€œMother, for once be sensible.”
    â€œSensible?” Ruth repeated. “I’ve been nothing but sensible. It’s my life, and at sixty-eight I should be able to do what I want, when I want. If I choose to drive to Florida, then I will.”
    â€œAnd I’m accompanying her.” Now might not be the best time to mention that Annie was tagging along, so she held back that information. “You don’t have a thing to worry about. We’ll be fine.”
    Robin looked up at the ceiling as though her patience hadreached its limit. “I can’t believe I’m hearing this.” Then, turning to Grant, she added, “A little help from you certainly wouldn’t hurt.”
    â€œI figured you were doing well enough without me,” he said, grinning at Bethanne and his mother.
    Ruth and Bethanne stood side by side, with their arms linked.
    Ruth looked at her children. “Really, there’s no reason to worry. I have the route planned out, I joined AAA and I’ve made hotel reservations. I’ve rented a car, which I’m dropping off in Florida, and we’re flying back. I’m sure I’ve thought of everything.”
    â€œDo you have a list of your medications?”
    Ruth frowned. “I take one blood-pressure pill and that’s it—oh, and I have eyedrops. It isn’t like I need a permission slip from my physician to travel. You’re grasping at straws. Furthermore, you’re treating me like a child. I can take care of myself.”
    â€œThe roads aren’t safe,” Robin insisted, “especially for two women traveling alone.”
    Again Ruth frowned. “If someone does kidnap and murder me, as you seem to expect, you can rest assured that I died happy.”
    â€œOh, honestly, Mother.”
    â€œWhat about Bethanne?” Grant asked. “If she’s kidnapped and murdered, how would you feel then?”
    â€œI’ve had three karate lessons,” Ruth said facetiously. “I’ll defend her.”
    Grant burst out laughing. Robin, however, didn’t seem to find anything her mother said the least bit amusing.
    â€œFine.” Robin pointed an accusing finger at Bethanne. “Just know that if anything happens to my mother because you were foolish enough to fall in with this crazy scheme of hers, I’m holding you directly responsible.”
    Bethanne tightened her hold on Ruth’s arm. “I accept full responsibility for your mother.”
    â€œNo, you don’t,” Ruth protested. “I’m responsible for myself. Besides, if anything did happen, it would be just like my daughter to file a lawsuit against you.”
    â€œNo, she won’t,” Grant said, glaring across the room at his sister.
    â€œDon’t count on it,” Robin said, glaring right back. She crossed her arms as if waiting for them to capitulate. In that case, Bethanne hoped Robin was a patient woman because she had no intention of backing down. And she was sure Ruth wouldn’t, either.
    After a tense moment, Robin dropped her arms. “Okay, fine. Risk your life. Grant, if you weren’t going to support me in this, you should never have come.”
    â€œActually, I think I should be the one to drive them,” he said.
    â€œNo way.” If Ruth agreed to that, Bethanne was counting herself out right then and there. She wanted to get away, reflect, consider the possibility of a future with Grant. She could only do that if he wasn’t trying to influence her. Having him along was out of the question.
    Ruth looked from one to the other. “You’d do that, son?”
    â€œI’d need to make arrangements with the office and

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