Anna's Secret

by Blossom Turner

  “It can’t be that bad?” Anna questioned.

  “You’ll see.”

  Shaking his head, he said. “Enough about my parents. The engagement party is not about them but more about my friends. I care about them, and over time, I want to introduce them to the Lord. I want you by my side from the beginning. We need to establish relationships as a couple, so you’ll feel comfortable having them over.

  “They’ll be a challenge as most are atheists, agnostics, or intellectual snobs.” He laughed. “I know because I was one of them.”

  Anna sped up keeping a step or two ahead. She didn’t want him to see evidence of the fear that gripped her. A quiver turned into a quake, and panic took hold.

  “I want you to stand beside me and love them as God loves them. We’ll be the only Christian example most of them see, and I don’t want to abandon them.”

  “And you shouldn’t, Matt.” She tried to force assurance and confidence into her voice.

  “Well, that’s great to hear.” He quickened his pace to come alongside her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

  “And the only thing left to discuss is … my past. The stories you may hear from my friends are better heard from me.” He paused. “You may have second thoughts.”

  “What, so it’s okay that you forgive the fact I lived a lie and would’ve kept your daughter from you given the chance, but I can’t forgive your past that has been forgiven by God? Are you kidding me?” She stopped and placed her hands on her hips.

  “Do you really think I’m naïve enough to think that you don’t have a history, Matt? We all have a story. Some things we’re proud of, and some we’re not. Now I won’t hear another word about it.”

  Anna could see the vehicle in the distance. “Race you to the car.”

  “But … but I haven’t told you about Tamara.”

  Anna shot away. His last set of buts … lost to the wind.

  Anna’s gut twisted. In two short days, the engagement party would be hosted at Matt’s home with arrangements made easy by a caterer and party planner, but the thought of a room full of strangers was what had her on edge. Matt had embraced her circle of friends as if they had known each other for years, but she could barely muster up a smile at the thought of this party.

  “What is it?” Matt questioned. “Every time I bring up the party, you clam up.”

  “I don’t know. I’m just not much of a social butterfly. And as for formal social gatherings … well, my experience is limited. As in … none.”

  “Ahhh, come on, Anna, you sell yourself short. You’ve nothing to worry about. I’ve watched you at church and your work, you don’t come across as backwards or shy.”

  “Yeah, that’s because it’s familiar … and I ease into things. Group settings are just not my thing.”

  His eyes twinkled, and he laughed. “Anna, you’re bright, you’re beautiful, and you’re mine.” He grabbed her in hug and whirled her around the kitchen floor.

  “I just want to show off my beautiful bride-to-be. Is that too much to ask?” He did not wait for an answer but lowered his lips to hers.

  “That’s not fair,” she giggled pulling back. “When you kiss me, I turn into a marshmallow and find myself agreeing to everything you want.”

  He laughed. “Oh, sweetheart, you never should’ve admitted that.” His lips found hers in a searing kiss. “I’ll just have to plant a lot of kisses on your beautiful lips during the party, and all will be well.”

  She playfully smacked him and tucked her fears in the back pocket of her heart for another day.

  That day came all too quickly.

  Anna grabbed her cell and answered Matt’s call.

  “Hi, honey, I’m on the way to the airport to pick up my parents. I hate to admit it, but there’s nothing about their visit I’m looking forward to.”

  “Seriously, Matt. Take a deep breath. I’ve never heard you like this.”

  “Well, quite frankly, I regret inviting them. I swear, Anna, if my mom talks down to you—”

  “Matt, relax. Honestly, your parents are the one part of this party that doesn’t scare me. For whatever reason, I’ve prayed for them and feel peaceful.”

  Matt muttered. “I hope you can keep that peace when you meet her.”

  “It’ll be fine.”

  “Don’t say I didn’t warn you if things go sideways. And not that I expect my mom’s maternal instincts to kick in or that she’d actually want to hold a baby, but she was asking to meet Melody. Thankfully, Melody isn’t fussy about meeting strangers. A crying baby would do my mom in.”

  “Matt, don’t worry, we’ll manage. Now put a smile on that grumpy-pants attitude of yours, and I’ll do the same tonight.” They both laughed and rang off.

  “Anna, we’re here.”

  Matt’s voice carried down the hallway as Anna smoothed her hand over her curls one more time and excited her bedroom.

  A short couple stood beside Matt. Matt’s dad was a good foot shorter than he was, balder than a coffee bean, and sported a 70s-era pencil-thin mustache. His mom had to be five-foot-nothing. Her plump hourglass figure flared out to very large hips. Anna could tell by looking at her that she had been quite attractive at one time. Her thick curly waves pinned in a chic updo were clearly where Matt got his wonderful head of hair.

  Anna towered over them both as she moved forward to meet them.

  “Anna, this is my mom, Faye, and my dad, Darren.”

  “Mom, Dad, this is the love of my life, Anna.”

  Anna had prayed and asked God to lead her. So when she heard the Spirit whisper to give them both a hug, she did just that.

  Faye stood stiffly in Anna’s arms with her hands at her side, but Anna gave a good squeeze anyhow, and then turned to Matt’s father and embraced him with a quick hug and a smile.

  “I’m so happy to meet you, come in, come in.” She waved them forward.

  “Matt, I hear Melody, she’s just waking up from her nap, will you go get her?” He nodded and disappeared down the hall.

  Faye entered with a haughty jut to her chin. She looked around with a lifted brow at the humble abode before she sat gingerly on the edge of the sofa as if she was afraid of catching fleas. “How very … quaint,” she said. “I bet you’re looking forward to moving into Matt’s lovely home.”

  Anna chose a smile. “We’re thinking of selling his big house. He says he feels more at home here.”

  Faye harrumphed as if she did not believe a word.

  Darren plunked himself in the chair across the room and leaned back. “Anna, I noticed you were surprised by us two shorties. I bet you’re wondering where Matt gets his height and good looks from. I’ve been saying for years that the mailman must’ve been a tall good-looking dude.

  “Oh, Darren, as if I was the first to have an affair. Back in that day, I actually thought you cared.”

  “Oh, don’t start whining, Faye. You’ve more than made up for any indiscretions I had.”

  Anna felt awkward as the two glared at each other, clearly not caring who heard them. She prayed for wisdom.

  “Are you looking forward to the party tonight?” Anna cut into the tension. “I’m not so good with crowds, but I’ll do my best. Matt on the other hand is such an extrovert—the polar opposite of me. You know what they say, opposites attract.” Anna knew she was babbling but didn’t care. Babble was better than war.

  Faye turned toward Anna. “Yes, but for how long, my dear? Now that’s the question.

  A muscle in Darren’s jaw clenched, and his voice turned edgy. “Sour doesn’t look good on anyone, Faye. I know you can’t resist throwing a dig my way at every opportunity, but not everything is about you. Do you think you can manage a few happy moments for our only son’s engagement party?”

  A stormy scowl settled on Faye’s expression, and she pursed her
lips as if she had just tasted a bitter lemon. She pivoted away from her husband.

  Turning toward Anna she said, “So, Matt tells me you’re a widow? How long has your husband been gone?”

  Anna blanched at the question but was not about to start lying again. “About fifteen months.”

  Faye raised her eyebrows. “Oh, I see the apple does not fall too far from the tree. Like father, like son.”

  “Now what exactly do you mean by that, Faye?” Darren huffed.

  “Do the math, sweetie. Matt said their baby was six months old, that means they were dipping in the sunshine before her husband was cold in the grave! Obviously, they had a relationship while the poor man was on his death bed.”

  Anna looked toward the nursery and wondered why Matt was taking so long. What could she say? A defense would only strengthen the accusation.

  “Aren’t you religious?” Faye badgered. “Matt said something about going to your church and finding Jesus. Yup,” she said, nodding her head, “it’s always the religious ones you have to watch the most.”

  Anna felt heat swallow her face.

  “I made a huge mistake, Faye, by not honoring my husband’s memory as long as he deserved, but whether you believe me or not, I was not unfaithful to him.” She sat up straight as if someone had put starch in her spine. “You’re right, I didn’t live according to my beliefs when I entered into a physical relationship with Matt before marriage. But I’ve asked God to forgive me and make no excuses for my failure. And this one thing I know” she said with a genuine gentleness. “Though I’m far from innocent, I know I’m forgiven.”

  A glint of respect flickered in Faye’s eyes at Anna’s honest answer.

  “Now can I interest you in tea or coffee?” Anna stood and headed to the kitchen, glad the open concept design allowed them to stay put while she busied herself.

  “Faye, Matt told me that your favorite cookie is shortbread. I just happen to have the best recipe ever, and I baked them just for you. Let me know what you think?”

  Anna moved about the kitchen as if nothing unpleasant had just transpired.

  “And Darren, not to forget you, I baked an apple pie. Matt wasn’t sure if it was your favorite or not, but he knows you like pie.”

  Darren smiled in response. “Why, I don’t know the last time I had a home-baked pie, and boy, do I like apple. He turned without thinking to his wife. “Faye, you used to make the best one ever.”

  He missed the look of shock on his wife’s face at the compliment, as he asked. “Which way to the restroom?”

  Anna pointed, “First room on the left. When you’re done, check out the next room and see what’s keeping Matt and Melody.”

  Faye turned to Anna and said. “Well, that’s a first. Who knew I made the best apple pie ever?”

  Anna chuckled. “I’m going to put salt under the crust of the piece I give him. Don’t want you to lose that title.”

  Faye smiled her first genuine smile. Anna was surprised how that simple gesture transformed her face from plain into pretty.

  A comfortable silence filled the room as Anna made the tea. Faye got up and slid onto a bar stool at the island.

  “You really spent time baking our favorites? Who does that anymore?”

  Anna nodded. “I love to bake and to run, both are therapy for me.”

  Faye chuckled, “Well I like to eat and to eat, and that’s therapy for me.”

  They shared a laugh.

  Matt entered the kitchen with Melody in his arms and his dad in tow. “Is that laughter I hear? What did I miss?”

  Anna grinned. “Girl talk, Matt, just girl talk.”

  He looked from his mother to Anna and shook his head. “Okay, I’m not even going to ask, but Mom, come meet your granddaughter. Sorry it took so long to get her out here, but she made a big mess in her pants, and I had to give her a bath and change everything.”

  Melody gurgled and smacked her hands playfully against Matt’s cheeks. He reached down and blew a big bubble on her tummy.

  A tear slid down Faye’s cheek. She brushed it off quickly and flushed red. Anna pretended not to notice.

  Matt placed Melody in his mother’s arms and stayed nearby. He had warned Anna that his mom would last but a second before the discomfort set in and she’d make some excuse to hand the baby back.

  Melody cooed sweetly and gave Faye a winning smile.

  “Oh, look, Darren, she has Matt’s dimple and on the same side too.” Darren closed the gap, and the two of them stared down in wonder at their granddaughter. They shared a smile before looking down again and began to engage in baby talk, each trying to make her smile.

  Anna smiled at Matt with a knowing look as he mouthed the words. “I don’t believe it.”

  All fell into place as planned. Matt took Melody over to Lorena’s house before the party. They’d keep her overnight. And his parents were dropped off at his house for a short rest before the party. Anna expected Matt any moment, but she was far from ready.

  Frantically trying on one outfit after another, she ripped the latest one over her head and threw it on the floor. The static caused by all the changing turned her hair to frizz. She groaned looking into the mirror. Her hair stood on end like a dandelion gone to seed. Tears blurred her vision.

  The afternoon had turned out well in spite of the rocky start. Baby Melody and Anna’s baking had saved the day. Somehow, that tiny act of kindness had calmed Matt’s mom and delighted his dad. For the rest of the visit, they’d been civil to each other and to her.

  Anna kept reminding herself that God had helped her with Matt’s parents and would help her tonight, but still the party had her tied in knots. Uneasiness nibbled at the back of her mind like a mouse on a piece of cheese. A foreboding loomed large, and she couldn’t shake the gloom.

  Come on, Anna, this party is important to Matt. You can do this.

  Anna shook off the doldrums and held up the sleek, black dress she had purchased for the night. Its simple, elegant flow perfectly suited her personality, yet she’d thrown it aside in search of something more fun. She slipped it back on, and turned before the mirror. Thin spaghetti straps covered in shimmering sequins with a single band of sparkle around the neckline were the only bit of glitz. The dress fit like a glove and showed off her slim, model-like figure. The length stopped just about the knee revealing long shapely legs. Her high heels with a splash of glimmer completed the look, giving a touch of class … but oh, how uncomfortable.

  What a chore it will be to keep them on all night. She kicked them off in frustration. The things women have to do to look attractive. They’ll be the last thing I put on.

  She twisted the locks of unruly hair and pulled the sides into an elegant knot at the back of her crown. A glittering comb fit neatly into place. She smiled into the mirror and whispered a prayer of thanks. Miraculously she had tamed the mess and found a way to allow her long thick curls to flow free. Matt loved her hair down, and she wanted him to be proud of her tonight.

  She heard the front door open and Matt call out as she finished her last touch of makeup.

  “Are you ready, Anna dear?”

  “No, I’ll never be ready,” she whispered into the mirror, “but here I go anyway.”

  “Be right there, Matt.”

  She slipped into her heels and headed down the hall.

  With a confidence Anna didn’t feel, she turned in a pirouette. “Will I do, Doctor Carmichael?”

  He moved close and pulled her into his arms. His eyes darkened from blue to black. They smoldered in the shadow of desire. “Oh, Anna, you look absolutely gorgeous, and if I don’t get you out of here, I won’t be responsible for the consequences.”

  She smiled at the paradox, amazed at what a little bit of makeup and clothing could do to convey confidence when a frightened woman lived on the inside. She felt like a bir
d trapped in a thicket fluttering wildly to get free, but Matt didn’t have a clue.

  His dancing dimple and snapping blue eyes twinkled above a ready smile. How could she say no to a face like that?

  Anna gathered her courage, locked her arm in the crook of his and declared. “Well, Dr. Carmichael, we have an engagement party to attend. Shall we?”

  Anna followed Matt as they floated from group to group. She smiled until her face ached. Matt kept her close and introduced her to far too many people to remember. Her nerves settled to a tolerable level, but she wondered if anyone picked up on her discomfort?

  Anna shuddered at the display of pomp and circumstance at a simple engagement party. From the tiny little canapés and hors d’oeuvres that did nothing to feed a crowd, to the bubbly in the punch bowl that made far too many tipsy and hard to converse with, to the loud music that made it hard to hear what people were saying—all of it felt like a scene from a Hollywood movie. Anna felt out of her element.

  Memories tiptoed up the steps of her mind at all the ways Matt had embraced her world. She wondered how she would ever fit into this life. Despair crawled up her spine.

  “Come, Anna, my buddy Justin is going to make our engagement announcement.”

  She whipped around to face Matt. “What?”

  Matt gave her shoulders a squeeze. “It’s okay, Anna, I’m right here.” He kissed the side of her cheek.

  Matt couldn’t possibly understand how being in the limelight gripped her with fear. Surely everyone knew the reason for their celebration. Did their engagement have to be formally announced in front of everyone? She zipped her mouth shut and prayed for strength. This was Matt’s world not hers, and she owed it to him to give her best. She pasted on a smile and gripped his strong arm. Her knuckles turned white.

  “Ladies and gentlemen. Thanks for coming tonight and sharing in this never expected—didn’t see it coming—altogether shocking turn of events. The greatly esteemed Doctor Carmichael—the heart throb of the hospital—bachelor-of-the-year for the past ten years has finally been—not only caught, but tamed by the gorgeous, mysterious Anna Clarke, soon to be Mrs. Carmichael.”