"And you're staying where?"

"Jack's guesthouse, of course." She nodded at Patrick. "h.e.l.lo again."

Now everyone but Donna and Patrick were startled. In fact, typical of this bar, the din quieted so that every word could be overheard. People actually moved or at least leaned closer.

"Again?" Angie asked.

"My car battery went out in the grocery store lot in Fortuna. This lovely young man not only got me going again, he helped me buy and install a new battery."

"Having no idea this could be your mother," he said. Then he grinned and added, "I would have helped her, anyway. In fact, I think she liked me."

Donna lifted her chin in agreement. "I had no idea that when you said you were *taken,' the person who has taken you could possibly be my daughter. She never mentioned a young man in her life."

"For very good reason," Angie said.

Jack began wiping water spots out of gla.s.ses, an action that always occupied him when he didn't know what else to do. Donna might wisely let Angie off the hook for not telling about Patrick, but Jack didn't expect to get off so easily. "Did you call Mel or Brie? Let them know you were coming?" he asked.

Donna shook her head. "I didn't mean to sneak into town, really. I woke up this morning feeling kind of down, missing Angie and everyone so much. If I promise not to be any trouble, can I get a pa.s.s?"

"If you're no trouble, it might be the first time," Jack said.

"Patrick, excuse me a minute," Angie said. "Mom, we need to have a word. Let's just step outside for a minute." And without waiting for her to follow, Angie headed for the door. Donna followed, leaving Jack and Patrick at the bar.

Jack leveled Patrick with a narrowed gaze. "You know, I actually feel kind of sorry for you."

Patrick took a drink of his beer. "Yeah, right."

Angie stepped onto the porch, the collar of her jacket turned up and her hands buried deep in her pockets. She stared up at the beautiful tree, the bright star crowning its top. She heard the door open and close behind her and she turned around, shaking her head at her mother. "You have some explaining to do," she said sternly.

"It's exactly as I said-I wanted to see you, Ange."

"You vowed to let me have a little s.p.a.ce, Mom."

"And I will, I promise. I had no idea what I was walking into, but I'll tell you this-I just couldn't stand the idea of us being at each other, estranged, angry. Especially with you bound and determined to move on to some new, strange life far, far away." Angie opened her mouth to speak and Donna lifted her hand. "I don't blame you, I don't. In fact, this sounds like exactly something I would have done at your age if I could have. I guess my worry comes from the fact that it's so soon after nearly losing you. Angie, I just want us to try to put our relationship back together before you head off to a new life. I realize I made a mistake in being so controlling. I made many mistakes. I'm sorry, I really am."

Angie put her hands on her hips. "Okay, who are you and what have you done with my mother?"

Donna's hands went to her hips also. "You know, I'm getting real tired of everyone acting like I'm impossible to deal with all the time! I'm trying. Don't I get credit for really trying?"

"Where's Dad?"

"He wanted no part of this. He's convinced we're going to fight."

"I'm not convinced we won't. Yet."

Donna relaxed her stance. "Well, we'll just have to see about that. Now, Ange, tell me about him. About Patrick."

"He's just a Navy guy on leave. He has to head back to Charleston before Christmas. I've been...dating him. As much as one dates in Virgin River. The fact that he happens to be the most wonderful man who ever drew breath is just a bonus. I've been working on arranging Megan's surgery, but we spend evenings together."

"Evenings?" Donna asked. And at Angie's angry look and renewed stiff posture, she said, "All right, all right-not my business. You're an adult. It was a slip. Lighten up. My G.o.d, you'd think I was the worst mother imaginable!"

Angie thought back to all her mom had done for her, especially since her accident. "You're a wonderful mother and I love you. But it would probably be best if you turned around and went right back home before we clash. Big-time."

"Give me a chance, Ange. I won't crowd you and, if I do, call me on it. But play fair, sweetheart. You haven't been all that easy on me, either."

"Agreed. But this is different. I only have a little time left with Patrick and I like him. I like him so much-and he's special. It's understood we have to go our separate ways-he has a military commitment and I have goals of my own. But who knows? If you don't totally screw this up, maybe we'll stay in touch or something. Now, what do you mean by not crowding me?"

"Are you busy tomorrow?"

"Yes, I'll be at the clinic during the day and I hope that I'll spend the evening with Patrick as usual. But I can spare a little time. Just a little."

"Lunch at your favorite bar and grill?"

"I can do that," Angie said. "Now let's go inside. I'll finish my wine, you can have something to drink with us. Then we'll be leaving and you'll be headed to Jack's. I'll be at the clinic at nine in the morning. Seriously, Mother, if you mess this up for me, it'll be a long time before we're speaking again."

"You certainly found your mettle," Donna mumbled. "All right, all right. Consider the message received."

"Good," Angie said. She opened the door to the bar and held it for her mother to enter. They sat back at the bar.

"Something to drink, Donna?" Jack asked her.

"Merlot?"

"Coming up. How was the drive up?"

"Uneventful, until the grocery store parking lot."

"That new battery working out for you?" Patrick asked.

"Perfect. You really were sweet to go out of your way like that."

"It was no trouble."

"And what are you two doing this evening?" she asked.

"Well, I have something in the Crock-Pot-since Angie was busy all day, I cooked. You're welcome to join us...."

"I'm afraid my mother has plans, Patrick." Angie took a sip of her wine, then left it on the bar and stood. "And we should probably get going." She gave her mother a kiss on the cheek. "I'll see you tomorrow. Don't pick on Jack."

Angie and Patrick stood on the porch for a second to regroup.

"That was awkward," he said.

"My mother. There's a reason all her siblings call her a force of nature."

He laughed. "You haven't met my mother. Nature calls her a force of nature."