But now that part of her life was over. She had a future that contained Gabriel, and the beginning of a career as a journalist. It was something to look forward to, something to balance her life against the recent death of her father and Roberta’s unexpected passing.

Sara’s plane had been held up due to an electrical fault. She’d phoned Gabriel just before he and Michelle went to the funeral with Carlie, to apologize and give an updated arrival time. Michelle looked forward to meeting her. From what Gabriel had said about his sister, she sounded like a very sweet and comfortable person.

Reverend Blair read the final verses, closed the Bible, bowed his head for prayer. A few minutes later, he paused to speak to Michelle, where she stood with Gabriel and Carlie, thanking the few local citizens who’d taken time to attend. There hadn’t been time for the newspaper to print the obituary, so services had been announced on the local radio station. Everybody listened to it, for the obituaries and the country-western music. They also listened for the school closings when snow came. That didn’t happen often, but Michelle loved the rare times when it did.

“I’m sorry for your loss,” Reverend Blair said, holding Michelle’s hand and smiling gently. “No matter how contrary some people are, we get used to having them in our lives.”

“That’s true,” Michelle said gently. “And my father loved her,” she added. “For a time, she made him happy.” She grimaced. “I just don’t understand how she changed so much, so quickly. Even when she drank too much—” she hesitated, looking around to make sure she wasn’t overheard before she continued “—she was never really mean.”

Gabriel and the minister exchanged enigmatic glances.

Michelle didn’t notice. Her eyes were on the grave. “And she said not to let Bert get away with it,” she added slowly.

“There are some things going on that you’re better off not knowing about,” Reverend Blair said softly. “You can safely assume that Bert will pay a price for what he did. If not in this life, then in the next.”

“But what did he do?” Michelle persisted.

“Bad things.” Reverend Blair smiled.

“My sister will be here in an hour,” Gabriel said, reading the screen of his cell phone, with some difficulty because of the sun’s glare. He grinned at the reverend. “You can have your daughter back tonight.”

Reverend Blair grinned. “I must say, I miss the little touches. Like clean dishes and laundry getting done.” He made a face. “She’s made me lazy.” He smiled with pure affection at his daughter, who grinned.

“I’ll make you fresh rolls for supper,” Carlie promised him.

“Oh, my, and I didn’t get you anything,” he quipped.

She hugged him. “You’re just the best dad in the whole world.”