“Yes, and let me tell you, we have had our share of ups and downs, inside-outs, but I wouldn’t trade one minute of our life together. Forget the money, the airplanes, the cars, houses. None of that matters if you’re not truly and madly in love with your partner.”

“My parents are like that, though they’re beyond old-fashioned. Dad doesn’t have the Internet or a cell phone. We still use a credit-card machine that requires a swipe of the card; remember the ones with the carbon paper?”

Sandra Marie nodded.

“That’s what we use at Razzle Dazzle. Dad’s against online shopping. If he can’t see it, touch it, or smell it, he says, why buy it. It’s worked for a while, but between us, the store is just a few months away from having to declare bankruptcy. He’d have a fit if he knew I was telling this to a stranger.” Lauren held her hand out. “I didn’t mean it that way. A stranger to him. I’ve added funds to cover the place for a couple of months just because that store is his life, his father’s life, so on and so forth. I would hate to see it fail, but his stubbornness will most likely be its downfall.”

Sandra Marie didn’t say anything. Lauren had let herself get too relaxed and revealed too many details that should have remained in the family. They were out now, and she wished she could take them back. She’d made her father sound backward and ignorant.

“We need to get G down there, talk to him. Show him the ropes. Get some of your merchandise online. Do you think he’d be willing to listen to G? Sometimes, men don’t want to hear or see what’s right in their face. Family traditions are very important to G and me; John, too. I’m sure G wouldn’t mind sharing a few tricks of the trade, though your dad would have to be willing to hear him out. G’s a talker, a wheeler and dealer, in a good way. He’s as honest as they come. I think you should ask him to step in, help your family.”

Lauren hated that sappy tears were rivering down her cheeks. Her makeup was ruined. Sandra Marie handed her a tissue. “Don’t cry, sweetie. I’m sure there’s something we can do to help out.”