“Do you even really know them, Mama? Like really?”

“I know enough.”

“From Mike’s one mistake years ago.”

She huffed. “One mistake? You must be out of your mind to think Mad Mike has only made one mistake.”

“You shouldn’t call him that,” I softly spoke.

“Why? That’s what he is—he’s insane. Since you’ve been gone, he’s been in and out of the jail cell and piss drunk all over town. He’s a pain to this town, and we’d be better off without him and his sinful son.”

“Sinful son? Come on, that’s a bit much.” I didn’t know why, but I felt the way she was judging Jackson was a bit unfair. Yes, he was mean, but could you really blame him for being that way after the town pushed him into that corner?

“Is it? He’s a drug addict.”

“He got clean.”

“Maybe for a minute, but no lowlife like him could ever stay that way. Do you know where women go when they have the devil whispering in their ears about infidelity? Straight into the arms of that disgrace. He has ruined the relationships of many people in this town because of his disgusting habits. He’s pretty much a walking STD, and that’s why it looks awful when you’re seen with him. You are starting rumors that don’t even exist just by being seen with him. It looks appalling to have you talk to that monster. You must stay away from Jackson Emery at all costs.”

“Did he come to you for help years ago? About the townspeople attacking him and his father?” I asked.

She shifted around in her heels. “A lot of people come to me for help. I am, after all, the pastor’s wife.”

“Yes, but did Jackson come to you, asking you to talk to the church about leaving him and his father alone?”

She stuck her nose up in the air. “I don’t recall that.”

“Well, he does.”

“He’s a liar, like his father.”

“Mama,” I whispered, shaking my head. “When did you become so cold? How could you turn your back on him?”

“Those two people didn’t deserve my ear after what Mad Mike did to our place of worship. Thousands of dollars in repairs. Someone could’ve been killed.”

“But what does Mike’s actions have to do with Jackson? He was just a kid, Mama, and he came to you in his time of need.”

“Don’t preach to me about being a good person, Gracelyn Mae. You have no clue the things I’ve been through.”

“You turned your back on a child.”

“They didn’t deserve my help. Not after the mess Mike made. Not after the storm he started.”

“If you turn your back on one, then you turn your back on all,” I said, quoting one of my favorite sermons Dad ever preached.

She knew the words, too.

For a split second, her eyes glassed over as she stared my way, but as soon as she blinked, away went the emotions. “I don’t have to explain myself to you. As long as you’re staying here, you need to listen to me. You must stay obedient, and you must remain graceful, or else more rumors will start about you. I know that’s the last thing you want. Keep your head low and do as you’re told. Do you understand me?”

“I’m not a child, Mama.”

“Then please,” she scolded, “stop acting like one.” A few people walked by, and Mama’s nerves continued to build. She stood tall and smoothed out her outfit. “You’re ruining our name. You’re ruining everything we work to protect.”

Before I could reply, Dad walked up to us. “Everything okay?”

Mama gave him a hard look. “Are you kidding, Samuel? Didn’t you see that scene your daughter made in the church today? Everything is far from okay!”

Dad smiled and shrugged. “I’m sure there will be another scene before the day is over, and people will have already forgotten about that.”

“People don’t forget in this town, Samuel. You should know that better than anyone,” Mama remarked as she smoothed out her dress. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to do damage control because it appears I’m the last sane one in this family.” She hurried away, and Dad moved closer to me.

He placed his glasses on top of his head, as always, and stuffed his hands into his pockets. “You okay, Buttercup?”

I gave him a tight smile. “I’m sorry about all that, Dad. I know me coming home hasn’t been the easiest for anyone.”

“You coming home has been the greatest thing in this world. Don’t ever apologize to me, Grace. You and your sister are my greatest blessings.” He kissed my forehead and pulled me into a hug. “Always and always.”

“Dad?”

“Yes?”

“Don’t let go yet, okay?”

He tightened the hug and placed his chin on top of my head. “Okay.”

15

Grace

In the town of Chester, you saw the same faces every single day. Even when you didn’t want to. I was quick to learn that Jackson not only took Tucker to the park every now and then, but he also carried that big boy into town each day and would sit in the sun with his companion for hours. It seemed to be Tucker’s happy place, and Jackson had no trouble giving his dog that joy.