A Silken Thread - Brenda Jackson [72]
She had driven her mother to the shower and a few hours later was driving her back home. “You’re quiet, Mom,” she said, glancing over at her when the car stopped at a traffic light.
“I was just thinking about how happy you were at the shower. You really love him, don’t you?”
Erica smiled, grateful her mother was finally getting the picture. “Yes, I really love Brian. I know you wanted things to be different but I have to marry for love.”
Karen nodded. “If that’s what you truly want, Erica, then I am happy for you.”
Erica released a deep sigh. She knew what her mother had just said was as close to giving her blessings as Erica would get. “Thanks, Mom.”
“Your father tried to tell me but I refused to listen. I wish he was here now. He would probably get a kick out of hearing me admit at least once that he was right.”
Erica laughed. “Yes, I’m sure that would probably make his day. Where is Dad, anyway?”
“He’s out of the country on another one of those business trips. He’s been taking them a lot lately.”
Erica nodded. “Yes, I noticed, but usually they don’t extend over the weekend. I guess the office is keeping him busy.”
“Yes, I guess so.” Karen paused a minute. “When we get to the house I’d like you to come inside for just a moment. I want to show you what I got your father for his birthday.”
Erica lifted a brow. “Kind of early, aren’t you? His birthday isn’t until November.”
Karen shrugged. “I went shopping one of those days last month when I needed to take my mind off your wedding. You know, forget it was happening.”
Erica shook her head, smiling. At least her mother was being honest.
Karen walked with Erica into the house knowing she had to keep her cool. She needed to convince Erica that, although she still had misgivings about the wedding, she had accepted that her daughter was marrying for love. So far everything was going according to plan. There was no reason for anything to fail at this point. She wouldn’t allow it. Even Dr. Cobb had grudgingly agreed to do his part. He didn’t have a choice if he wanted her to keep quiet about the affair he’d been having with Aggie for years, every since Lester had been confined to a wheelchair.
“Go on into the study and pour glasses of wine for us. I can certainly use one. I just need to slip out of my heels into more comfortable shoes. I’ll be right back.”
“Sure, Mom.” Erica watched her mother hurry up the stairs before moving toward the study. She had just placed her purse on the coffee table when she heard the text alert sounding. Smiling, she figured it was April calling to see how the bridal shower had gone, and lifted a curious brow at the caption that popped up from an unknown caller.
Pictures for Erica’s special day.
She saw the same caption had been sent to the phones of Brian, her mother, his mother and her father, as well. Whoever had sent it knew all of their cell numbers so it had to be someone they knew. She clicked on the text and released a startled gasp at the photo that flashed before her eyes of her father kissing a woman who closely resembled Brian’s mother. A closer look showed that it was Brian’s mother.
It couldn’t be. It had to be some sort of trick photography. She kept scrolling to view all eight photos and each was just as damaging. Her head began spinning at the implications of those pictures.
It was then that she heard the loud scream from upstairs and remembered her mother was one of the recipients of the texted photos. Out of curiosity, had she opened the caption as well? With her heart beating fast and furious in her chest Erica took the stairs two at a time and rushed into her mother’s bedroom.
And there she found Karen passed out in the center of the room with her cell phone beside her on the floor.
“I swear, Brian, ever since you’ve gotten engaged, I’ve yet to beat you at a game of tennis. Erica must be some kind of woman.”
Brian couldn’t help but grin as he glanced over at Matthew Seacrest, a friend from his high school days and currently CEO of his own P.I. firm. Matt was right