“I never knew.”

Bianca smiled. “You were barely out of diapers. It wasn’t your place to know. But it was a dark time for me, and there were moments I thought about walking away.”

“From Dad?” Angi sat back on her heels. She couldn’t even fathom her devoted parents not being together. “From all of us?” Her mother had been a constant presence in her life, no matter the ups and downs they’d had over the years.

“I don’t know at this point.” Bianca shrugged, looking unsure and unlike herself. “I was desperate, and desperation causes us to do strange things.” She patted Angi’s cheeks. “Things like lying about work and partnerships.” She paused and then added, “About relationships.”

Angi felt color rise to her cheeks. “I have plenty to apologize for,” she said with a grimace.

“I hate that you felt like dishonesty was the best choice.”

“I didn’t want to upset you, Mom. Your heart—”

“Is strong and sure. I’m going to be here a long while. Long enough to see you succeed with your friends at the inn. Watching you in that kitchen was a revelation. Your father’s legacy isn’t Il Rigatone. It’s you, Angela. I saw the same joy in creating and serving food to people in your eyes that I remember in his. That’s what I want for you, and if you’ve found that at the Wildflower Inn, then you have to make it work.”

“I walked away,” Angi said, swiping a hand across her cheek when a tear escaped. “I found someone to take my place.”

“Call Emma tomorrow,” her mother said with a knowing wink. “I think she’ll be expecting to hear from you.”

Angi’s breath caught in her throat. “But you love the restaurant.”

“I do,” Bianca agreed. “And I love the life I had with your father. Things change, though. We’ve had interest from buyers on and off over the years, but now that the town is thriving again, I’ve had solid offers. I want the space to be run by someone who loves it the way your father did. It’s time for both of us to move on, Angela.”

“What about Dom and the rest of the staff?” Angi frowned as the wheels started turning in a different direction. “If Emma stays busy with the events or I expand my catering business, I might be able to hire a couple of the waitresses.”

“If things work out with the offers I have on the table,” Bianca said, “you’ll have a good-sized nest egg to start. Since Dylan Scott owns the building, he’s helping me with negotiations. I much prefer having him as a partner than going up against him.”

“You’re serious about this.” Angi still felt dumbfounded.

“I am.” Her mother looked toward the television. “I wouldn’t worry too much about Dominic if I were you. I’m trying to convince him to take that Florida vacation with me.”

Angi’s jaw dropped open. “Mom. You and Dom?”

“We’re friends,” her mother said, although her cheeks bloomed with color. “At least for now.”