Chapter Nine

Sarah's continued. "She left him only a few months after they were married. She said she couldn't tolerate his moods. If it had been anyone else, I would have accepted that, but she liked to control people. I tried to warn Yancey before they were married, but he wouldn't listen. In fact, I think my big mouth made him all the more determined. I always did think he felt more pity for her than love. When she didn't get her way, she'd cry and act like she was afraid of him. She sighed heavily. "I should have stayed out of it. I've learned my lesson, though. Never again will I oppose any woman he wants to marry - but I hope the next time, it's someone like you."

Lisa glanced sharply at Sarah, a slow flush invading her face. "Me?" Who could blame Valorie for shrinking from Yancey's temper? Sarah was his mother, so he would be respectful, and if he wasn't she could always walk away. It would be different with his wife.

Sarah smiled. "You stand up to him."

Was that what Sarah had found so amusing the first day - the fact that she hadn't melted under Yancey's stern gaze? "He does have a formidable temper, you know." She offered tentatively.

Sarah's smile broadened until it crinkled her eyes. "Of course I know, and so does he. With Yancey's kind, there's no such thing as a mild emotion, neither in anger nor in love." She hesitated, gazing down the hallway, and her expression grew solemn. "Since his wife left, he's avoided relationships because he's afraid of giving his heart again only to drive another love away. He's trying to change, but it isn't easy." She glanced back at Lisa and smiled mischievously. "Every time he lashes out at you and gets his nails clipped in the process, it erases a little more of that fear. You're the kind of woman he needs - someone who will stand up to him and yet understand his moods."