“I gave up a partnership in a big vet firm in Tulsa, to move back here.” Stevie laid her head on his shoulder, glad for even that much human touch. “When I talked to her on the phone last spring, Mama said she wasn’t feeling so well. I started making arrangements to move at that time, but I didn’t know until I got here that she had terminal cancer. When I fussed at her, she said that she didn’t want to worry me, and she didn’t want me to change my life because of her.”

“I remember Ruth being a kind, sweet person. She and my mama were on that historical planning committee together, right?” Cody asked.

“She loved to volunteer both on city projects and at the hospital, just wherever she was needed, after she retired from teaching at the elementary school,” Stevie said.

“Have you talked to anyone about how you’re feeling?” Cody asked.

“What good is talking?” Stevie sighed. “It won’t bring her back. If she would have told me when she was first diagnosed, I could have been home six months before and spent more time with her.”

“No, it won’t bring her back, but talking to someone like a therapist might help you find some measure of closure,” Cody said.

“Maybe,” Stevie agreed. “Just talking to you has helped. I heard that Sonny had to be taken off that trial medication he was on. Is that why you came home?”

“I felt so helpless sitting there, waiting four hours before I could catch a plane, and that seemed like the longest trip I’ve ever taken,” Cody answered. “My heart was heavy, and I kept asking myself why in the hell I hadn’t just gone to ranching. Dad raised all us three, and not a one of us stayed on the ranch.”

“But he was and is so proud of all of you,” Stevie said.

“I know, but…” Cody sighed. “He was already out of the hospital when I got home, but it could have gone the other way. I understand how you feel, Stevie, and I’m so sorry.”

“Thank you.” She managed a little bit of a smile.

“Tell me your earliest memory of your mother.” He removed his arm and went back to the stove.

“Only if you’ll tell me your first memory of Pearl.” Stevie missed the warmth of his arm lying softly around her shoulders. “But first I’m going to brush my teeth and put on fresh clothes.” She stood up and headed to the bathroom.

“How do you like your steak?”

“Medium rare.” She picked up her bag and closed the bathroom door behind her.

Once inside the tiny restroom, Stevie put the lid down on the toilet and then sat down. She leaned forward, covered her eyes with her hands, and let the tears come.