Joseph cleared his throat. That wasn’t good. Characters in my novels only cleared their throats when something unpleasant was about to roll off their tongues.
I curled my bare legs under me, waiting for the worst, but then thought I should probably be running to get dressed out of Peter’s T-shirt. Showing up half-naked at an accident or hospital would only make the situation worse. This was the way of a writer’s brain.
“Delanie, how are you this morning?”
He wouldn’t ask me that before wrecking my life, right?
“I’m . . . good.” Please let it stay that way.
“Good. Good. Good.”
His nervousness, as well as the dead air that occurred after the brief exchange, was making me nervous.
“How are you?” I thought I should ask.
“Good.”
I should have guessed his response. If this conversation was being typed out, my editor would have redlined the repetitious use of the word good.
It was a shame all our conversations had to be so strained. I didn’t know how to have real conversations with my own father. Ron was good at one-sided conversations, and only called once a quarter when an alarm went off in his phone reminding him to call me. It was sad but true. At least Joseph had asked how I was. Ron would have plowed right into all his magnificent accomplishments or a travel log of a recent trip he and Cat had been on. Our last call consisted of a recap of Venice. It sounded like a lovely place to visit.
Joseph cleared his throat again. This time it didn’t make me plan out Peter’s funeral in my head. That was good, because that scenario mainly consisted of me fighting with his mother after telling her that I was putting World’s Best Lover on his headstone. But that was only after she tried to hijack the arrangements. I was just going to die first. It would be easier that way.
“I had a brief look at your backyard last night and I have some ideas. I was wondering . . . I mean, I was hoping you could come to the office today and we could go next door to the nursery to pick out some plants and trees.”
My feet dropped back to the floor. This was most unexpected. Was Sarah there waiting? A nursery was a good place to bury a body. Not like I had thought about it. But I made a note just in case—you know, for my book.
I was at a loss for words. “Uh . . .”
“Are you busy?”
My editor, Chad, was saying, Del,—everyone in New York called me that—don’t make me get my butt on a plane to come babysit you. You owed me ten chapters yesterday. You may be the darling of the literary world and of my own world, but don’t think I won’t slap you upside the head. Love you.
I was still working on chapter five. You couldn’t and shouldn’t rush creativity. Besides, I had recently moved. Not to mention I had a crazy mother-in-law. And I wasn’t getting pregnant and trying not to think about it. I had more good excuses lined up if needed. Believe me, they would be. I expected a call or an email from Chad any second.
“I would enjoy your company,” Joseph added while I bargained with Chad in my head.
Would he really? “What time should I be there?”
“Would nine work?
“Yes . . .”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes,” I repeated firmly, but I wasn’t as sure as I sounded. This was a new one for me.
“Great. See you then.”
I ended the call and immediately texted Peter. Did you ask your dad to invite me to the nursery this morning? I got up and left Laine waiting for a response from her formidable opponent, Mrs. Black. Neither were happy with me. Mrs. Black was anxious to put Laine in her place and Laine was past caring what she thought and ready to fight back. They had been battling in my head for hours now, but they would have to wait. I had my own war to wage and I needed all the allies I could get. Not that Joseph would choose me over Sarah—I would never expect that—but maybe if we could take our “relationship” out in the open, Sarah might back off some. Maybe? Probably not, but one thing Peter had taught me is that there was hope in this world.
While I was brushing my teeth, Peter texted back. I didn’t. Are you going?
I spit in the sink and rinsed it out before responding. I’m meeting him at nine. Are you sure you didn’t put him up to this?
I promise. His promises were always sure.
In that case, what should I do? I’m not exactly the right person to be picking out foliage that if left in my incapable black thumbs would die a cruel and unusual death. You’ve seen what I’ve done to food.
You’re hilarious and gorgeous.
Thank you, but you’re not helping.
My phone vibrated.
I put my husband on speaker while I threw my hair up. “Hello.”
“Are you getting domesticated on me?”
“I don’t think that’s possible.”
“I don’t know, once you start picking plants it’s all downhill from there. Before you know it, you’ll be throwing dinner parties and baking edible cookies.”
“Excuse me.” I smiled to myself. “You’re not funny.”
“I know you’re smiling and thinking about the time you mistook corn starch for flour.”
“See what you know, I was thinking about the time I tried to make caramel popcorn and the caramel turned out more like molten lava and I forgot to take the plastic wrapper off the microwave popcorn package before nuking it.”
Peter’s gut splitting laughter rang loud and clear. “That was epic. We needed a new pot and microwave anyway.”
“I think it’s safe to say I won’t be turning into the domestic goddesses my sisters-in-law are. Now, please help me.”
“First of all, you can do anything you set your mind to. And second, you’ve got this. You know what looks good together. It’s no different than giving input on a cover design or website. My dad can guide you on what grows best in our area and what plants do well in the shade or sun.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to come? This is our home.”
“Baby, you make it home for me. That’s all I care about.”
I paused doing my hair. I never thought I would enjoy a sappy man, but his sincerity got to me. “I love you, Peter Decker.”
“I know. Enjoy your time with my dad. And maybe go easy on the black flowers.”
“Is that a thing?” I admired my favorite black nail polish on my fingernails.
He chuckled. “Have my dad show you the black pansies and black dahlias.”
“I will.” Now I was a little excited about this excursion.
“I need to get back to work.”
“I’ll see you later, and FYI, if Reed calls, don’t answer.”
“Why?”
“Take my word for it and thank me later.”
“Will do. Love you.”
I took a deep breath and got ready to do something I never thought I would do. I wasn’t talking about buying plants, though that was shocking too.
Chapter Nine
Sam didn’t work on Fridays, so it was only Avery and Joseph in the office. Avery was looking a bit tired when I arrived. The perkiness seemed to have percolated out of her. She gave me a forced smile when I walked through the office entrance to the jangle of the bell.
“Hey there. Dad said to expect you.”
“How are you?”
She straightened up in her chair. Her fake smile grew. “Just dandy.”
I tilted my head and studied her for a moment longer. Her blue eyes had storm clouds in them.
“I’m detecting some sarcasm.”
Her smile added a hint of genuineness. “Using your Jedi mind tricks again?”
“If I had those powers I would probably use them for something more nefarious.”
She laughed. “This is why I like you. I would probably use them to make Jimmy and Matt clean their rooms. James too, for that matter.” When she said her husband’s name she inadvertently tensed up.
“Everything okay with James?”
Avery tucked some hair behind
her ear. “Of course.”
“He seemed out of sorts last night.”
She waved her hand around. “He was just taken aback by Sam and Reed. I mean, crazy, right?” She was trying to evade personal questions. James was acting off well before we knew about the elopement. I could understand the desire to keep things private, so I backed off.
“I would say more like brave.”
Avery gave me a knowing nod. “Right?” She lowered her voice. “Dad looks like he didn’t get any sleep last night. No doubt Mom kept him up last night fuming.”
Avery was much closer to our in-laws and called them Mom and Dad. They, in turn, treated her like a daughter. I think they liked her more than James, honestly. I envied her at times. I wondered what things would be like if Peter was never a priest and we met randomly at the gym like Avery and James. Except I didn’t do gyms—they were like meat markets and I was more of a take a walk with my husband or do some yoga at home kind of a person. But it didn’t matter where Peter and I hypothetically met, the important thing was, would his parents, in particular, Sarah, have been more accepting? My conclusion was always no. If you looked at each member of the Decker family, someone always looked like they didn’t belong, and that person stared back at me in the mirror each day.
My brazen long red hair along with the nose ring and tattoo gave me an aura of unbridled passion. It wasn’t too far from the truth, though I had learned to mostly tame that unbidden passion of mine. I wasn’t as reckless as I used to be unless I was particularly vexed about something, in other words, Sarah.
I didn’t long to be anybody but me. I only wanted to be accepted for who I was.
“I can’t imagine it was a pleasant night for him.” My passion was left out of my response to Avery.
“I can relate,” Avery let slip before trying to recover. “I mean everyone has those kinds of nights.” She smiled uneasily.
My eyebrow quirked, but I didn’t verbally draw attention to her faux pas. “The important thing is Sam is happy.”
Avery took a breath of relief and let it out. “No one is more deserving than her.”
I was going to agree and add that she fell into that same category, but Joseph emerged from his back office scrubbing his hand over his salt-and-pepper stubble. Indeed, he did look haggard, wearing a wrinkled Decker and Sons Landscaping polo and eyes that said he needed a few more hours of sleep.
Avery said, “Hi, Dad,” while I said, “Hi, Joseph.”
Joseph stopped not far from us and looked between us with a crinkled brow as if it was the first time he noted we addressed him differently. His narrowed green eyes rested on me as if he was bothered by my greeting. I didn’t get the feeling that he was upset with me, but perhaps the situation. Or maybe he needed some coffee.
Joseph shook his head and mustered a smile. “Good morning.”
“Good morning,” I returned.
Avery smiled between us as if she knew a secret. “I’ll hold down the fort here, Dad; you two have fun.”
“I appreciate that,” he addressed Avery before falling by my side. “Are you ready?”
I wasn’t sure about that but nodded anyway. “See you later, Avery.”
Some of the twinkle her eyes normally had appeared with the wink she gave me.
I wondered what secrets she was keeping while I walked out into the sultry August air with my father-in-law. Even with a sleeveless sundress on, I wished for some shade. I reminded myself not to complain because soon I would be wishing for warmer days.
We both silently drifted toward the dirt pathway littered with rocks and pebbles between the two businesses. The scenery was pretty with an orchard nearby, though I focused a lot on my sandaled feet, waiting for Joseph to make the first move.
Several paces in he did just that. “Thanks for coming.”
I lifted my head to meet his hopeful eyes. “Peter and I appreciate your help.”
“I’m happy to help. This is fun for me.”
“You should probably know, I have no clue about these types of things.”
Joseph chuckled. “I might know a thing or two.”
“Peter says you could have been a botanist.”
“Maybe there’s still time,” he teased.
“Are you planning on retiring soon?”
He stopped in his tracks. “That is a good question. Sarah . . .” he paused as if he felt guilty for mentioning his wife. “She would like me to.” He ran his hands through his good mane of hair for a man his age. “I wanted to apologize for last night.”
“Is that why you invited me?” I tried to keep any hurt feelings out of my voice.
“Yes and no. I wanted to apologize in person, but . . . I think . . . it’s well past time that I welcomed you into the family.”
I stood blinking at him, not knowing what to say. That was, until visions of an irate Sarah popped into my head. “Are you sure you want to do that?” I was afraid to ask.
Joseph rested his calloused hand on my arm. “You shouldn’t have to ask that. I’m sorry, Delanie, and not only for that. I realized last night how my actions or inaction have made me miss out on some of the most important moments of my children’s lives.”
“You mean Sam and Reed?”
“And you and Peter. We’ve made our children choose between us and their spouses when there has been no good reason for a choice to exist. I, for one, am not okay with that.”
I assumed that meant Sarah was, at least when it came to me.
Joseph rubbed my arm in what I imagined was a fatherly way. It felt nice, whatever it was. “If possible, I would like to start over with you.”
I choked back my tears. I wasn’t one to show emotion in front of those I wasn’t completely comfortable with, so basically anybody besides Peter and occasionally Sam and Avery. On a rare occasion Joan. I recognized the sincerity in his eyes. I had seen it many times reflected in Peter’s eyes. I jumped into the pool of the unknown with a smile. “Hi, I’m Delanie, your daughter-in-law.”
A wide smile appeared on Joseph’s face. “My son’s a lucky man.”
“That’s what he says.”
Joseph’s hand dropped, and he continued walking forward. “I’ve always known him to tell the truth, even if it meant he would get into trouble.”
“That sounds like my husband.” I followed his lead and kept pace with him.
Joseph waved to the owners of the nursery. “We are browsing, if that’s okay,” he called out to them.
They hollered back that we should take our time.
Joseph led me to the rows and rows of trees they had for sale. It smelled kind of like Peter—earthy, real, with maybe a touch of the holidays. We were suddenly surrounded by pine trees.
“What do you think of these white firs?” Joseph delicately touched the blue-green needles of the tree. “I thought they might look nice along the back part of your yard. They grow to about thirty to fifty feet, so they are good for privacy.”
I liked privacy. “They’re nice.” I wasn’t sure what else to say.
“If you don’t like them, they have other varieties.”
“No. No. I think they’ll look great. They kind of remind me of where I grew up.”
“Oregon, right?”
I nodded.
“Douglas firs are most common there,” Joseph said knowledgably. “I think it’s the state tree.”
“That sounds right.”
“Do you miss Oregon?”
I shrugged. “Not necessarily.”
“How about your parents?”
“Not necessarily.”
Joseph gave me a thoughtful grin. He had met Cat and Ron once, and like most family gatherings, it was like listening to someone scratch a chalkboard for hours on end.
“Do you enjoy living here?” Joseph asked.
I thought for a moment. “Peter loves it here and I love him.”
“You didn’t answer the question.”
“It hasn’t been . . . what I hoped for.”
> A pained expression lined his weathered face. “Things can change. People can change.”
I nodded. I believed that to be a mostly true statement. Not sure it applied to Sarah.
“You know, Peter called me after he met you.”
“He did?” I was half worried. I made quite the first impression.
“He said he was afraid.”
“I can be scary.”
Joseph laughed good naturedly. “No, no. That’s not what he meant. He said, ‘I met someone today who I fear could change my life.’”
“I didn’t want to,” I stammered. “I mean, I never would have—”
“Delanie, I know my son, and know he would have never broken his vows. I wasn’t sure he should have taken them in the first place. I fear we pushed him to go to the seminary.”
“Peter was happy being a priest.”
“I’m not sure I would agree with you. He was content. Now he’s happy. I told him when he called that he needed to face his fear. Only then would he know where his heart truly belonged.” Joseph gave me a warm smile. “I’m glad he finally figured it out.”
“Me too,” I whispered.
He tapped my nose. No one but Peter had ever done that before. “I want you to feel like you are a part of this family.”
He had no idea how much I longed for that.
Chapter Ten
“Have I ever let you down before?”
My phone call from Chad had finally come. Actually, several phone calls. He’d left message after message, each getting a little testier, while I shopped for trees and plants with Joseph. I ignored them all and was only now calling him back.
The time I spent with my father-in-law getting to know each other better was far more important to me. I had no idea Joseph was a reader. He spoke of being a boy and reading The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings series. I thought his only hobbies were sports and ice fishing. He was also well versed in world events. He spoke eloquently of his feelings when Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat in 1955. He remembered his mother telling him it was a step in the right direction, but so much more needed to be done.
The Secretive Wife (More Than a Wife Series Book 2) Page 8
