Read Online A Turn in the Road by Debbie Macomber - Free Book Online

I might have to change the dates, but if this is important to you, Mom, I’d make it work.”
    â€œThen you won’t need me,” Bethanne said, starting to withdraw her arm from Ruth’s.
    Her mother-in-law held her tight. “Check that computer phone thing you always have with you,” Ruth said. “Tell me when you’d be free for two entire weeks to drive me all the way across the country.”
    Grant took out his iPhone and scrolled down the screen. “Like I said, I’d need to make a few phone calls, rearrange some appointments…” he said slowly. “The second and third weeks of August would be manageable.”
    â€œThat’s too late,” Ruth told him. “The class reunion is June 17 and I’m going to be there.” She looked pointedly at Robin. “It doesn’t matter what scare tactics you use. I won’t let tales of renegade truckers and biker gangs intimidate me. Bethanne and I are leaving on schedule and nothing you say is going to change that.”
    â€œNow, Mom, you can fly out for the reunion and we can drive back again in August,” Grant suggested. “That way—”
    Ruth shook her head. “I heard all those promises from your father. Year after year he said we’d drive across the country, but something always interfered. It did with Richard and it will with you. No, Grant, my mind is made up.”
    â€œAnd so is mine,” Bethanne added for emphasis.
    â€œThen I say—” Grant turned to his sister with a shrug “—that we let them go.”
    â€œLike either of them could stop us,” Ruth muttered.
    Bethanne grinned and, leaning close, whispered, “Annie wants to join us.”
    â€œAnnie,” Ruth said aloud. “Why, that’s a wonderful idea!”
    His daughter’s name instantly caught Grant’s attention. “What’s this about Annie?”
    â€œShe phoned last night and asked to come with us.”
    Instead of objecting, as she’d half expected, Grant broke into a wide smile. “I agree with Mom. Bringing Annie with you is a good idea.”
    This was an interesting development. Bethanne had assumed that once he learned Annie intended to accompany them, it would be all the excuse he needed to demand they fly.
    Robin stared at her brother as though he’d taken leave of his senses. “I give up,” she said, grabbing her briefcase and her purse. “I can see I’m fighting a losing battle. I have a meeting, so I won’t waste any more time here.” She stalked toward the door.
    â€œRobin,” Bethanne said, halting her progress.
    â€œYes?” she snapped, whirling around.
    â€œYou might want to wish your mother and me a good trip.”
    But Robin just rolled her eyes and left the house, slamming the screen door on her way out.
    As soon as his sister was gone, Grant started laughing. “Well, she was in rare form, wasn’t she?”
    Bethanne hugged Ruth, who had begun to tremble. “Everything’s okay, Ruth. We’re going on the trip of a lifetime.”
    Grant waited until they’d finished hugging before he spoke. “You didn’t mention this last night when we had dinner.” The comment was filled with accusation.
    â€œWas there any reason I should?”
    â€œYou’re planning to drive across the country with my mother,” he said. “Didn’t you think Robin and I were entitled to know?”
    This was a repeat of the conversation she’d had with Annie. “It was up to Ruth to mention it, not me,” she told him, unwilling to be chastised by her ex-husband.
    Grant’s response was a raised eyebrow, but he didn’t say anything else.
    â€œI was afraid Robin would make a fuss,” Ruth said. “I wish now I’d kept my mouth shut.”
    Bethanne agreed it would’ve been preferable had Ruth waited until they were on the road, but that seemed a