by Tea DeLuca
Her father, still in his grumpy mood, glared at her over his cereal. He pushed aside his breakfast and stormed off the back porch to his flower beds when her mother babbled on about the wedding. She watched him through the sliding glass door and wondered what had provoked him recently.
“Don’t mind him, honey.” Her mother patted her hand. “Mood swings are common in the early stages.”
But this wasn’t a mood swing, because her dad didn’t have happy intervals. He snapped at her and her mother, rarely left the yard, and scowled at Craig when he’d show up to see her. Her mother was on the wedding frequency, and Mags tried to tune her out. She agreed to the chapel, a simple white empire gown for the bride, and a brunch at Chez Noir for about fifty guests. A lot smaller than the first time but still with all the trimmings. It was giving her a headache, and she was going to be late for work. The shop was busy, and Mags helped on the floor till Stacy entered the shop. She looked casually around, but Mags’ radar went off. She slipped out of the store and headed across the street for coffee. She was the boss, damn it, and Sandy and Christine could handle the customers. Her ass had barely connected with the seat when Stacy entered and found her quickly. She set her purse on the seat opposite Mags and spoke softly.
“I want to talk to you, but I need to grab coffee first.”
Mags sipped, trying to carefully calm her beating heart. Did Stacy know who she was, or was this shop business?
“Now,” Stacy hugged her cup of coffee. She glanced over Mags like she had never seen her before, finally resting on her eyes. “I’m sorry. You’re not how I pictured you.”
Mags bit her lip. She could pretend, but it was apparent what Stacy was doing. “You were Mark’s wife.”
“And you were the woman who got away,” she said simply. “The ghost that broke up my marriage and continues to haunt him today.”
Mags’ shoulders straightened. “I don’t know what went on in your marriage, Stacy. I didn’t even know Mark had married, but you made a choice to marry him, and if it didn’t work out, you can’t lay that on me.”
She smiled without malice. “You two really are a fairy tale. After all this time, I’d have thought he was over you. I never would have pushed him to go out with my friend. He told her in Italy about you. Imagine, in that amazing city he couldn’t think of anything but you. You’re pretty lucky.”
Mags set down her cup. “News flash. Mark and I aren’t together. I’m marrying someone else the end of the month.”
Stacy shook her head. “Mark gets it now. I guess you’ll do the same thing to some poor guy till you realize you only want Mark. It’s almost funny, you know, if it weren’t so damn sad.”
Mags felt the tears. She couldn’t tell what Stacy really wanted. “So, how is this any of your business since you and Mark are divorced?”
“Liddy. Anyone who’s with Mark is, by default, in Liddy’s life too. If you hurt my daughter, I’ll kick your ass.”
Mags tried not to smile. Despite everything she kind of liked Stacy. “I won’t hurt Liddy or Mark.”
“Mark is a grown up. If he gets hurt, too bad, but be nice to my sweet pea. Now, did you have something red, white, and blue that I could wear for the fourth? Maybe a shift or maxi or even some shorts?”
Mags nodded. “Check that back rack. I’ll be there in a minute.” She watched Stacy’s eyes brighten at the suit, holding the door for her. Mr. Executive followed her with his eyes right back to her store. Easy to see what Mark had seen in her.
When she returned to the store, Craig had broken their date by text. Too much to finish on his usual late night. Tragically, she was relieved. Exhausted by the end of the work day, she trudged home to her parents in the heat of a quarrel. She needed to move out. She was too old to referee especially when she didn’t understand what they were dealing with. Was it her father’s illness? Or were they just a tired married couple spending too much time together and getting on each other’s nerves?
Dinner was delicious, but none of them ate much. She was clearing the dishes for her mother when the doorbell rang. She ignored it. Probably one of the neighbors, and she wasn’t in the mood to paste on a smile and pretend to listen. Her mother answered the door to a delivery, a smaller narrower white florist box for her.
“Craig certainly likes sending you flowers, Maggie. Such a sweet old-fashion thing.”
Carefully Mags opened the smaller box that held one single perfect red rose. Her heart banged fiercely against her ribs. Red the color of love. One rose that said I love you. Tears flashed in her eyes. This wasn’t from Craig but from her Mark. He hadn’t enclosed a card, knowing she would know, but he enclosed a single slip of paper.
Our love is real. It will find a way.
Before her mother could ask more questions, she found a bud vase and went to her room. She left the rose on the night stand and pinned the note beneath her father’s plaque. Mark had made his point, but this wasn’t about their love. It was about loving him enough to let him find the right woman. She tossed most of the night and awoke more tired than the day before.
The days grew longer and more tense throughout the month. Between her store and Craig’s shop, Ryan’s games, Tammy’s dance, family, friends, and the small but demanding wedding, Mags’ nerves frayed. In addition, Dr. Stratton left several messages, demanding she return her calls with the name of her new doctor which she couldn’t do since she had never gone to another doctor. She blamed the pace of her life and set her medical file in the bottom drawer of her dresser. But each day just after she reached home, the small box showed up. Each day when she thought he had sent his last, another one came. One week, then two, and the third week. Each box with another red rose, no card, and another slip of paper.
Every day I fall in love with you again.
Love is waking to the most beautiful woman beside me and knowing she’s mine.
Search your heart. You’ll find me there.
Some are lucky enough for a second chance. Don’t let ours slip away.
It became the highlight of her day, often dissolving her to tears, but each slip received its honorary place on her wall, and each dug deeper into her heart. Oddly, it was their only contact. Just the slips of paper and the roses, and often late at night, she’d picked up her phone, let her fingers drift over the keys, and almost call him. How she foolishly wanted to hear his voice. The deep husky sleepy tones that sent a chill up her spine and caused an unbearable longing. He was waiting for her to make the first move, to come to him, and put them back together.
She couldn’t eat, lived on coffee and granola bars, and sleep eluded her. That last week the real doubts kicked in. Was she really going through with this wedding?
The day before the wedding she took the day off from work. She lay awake listening to her mother in the kitchen and her father in the yard. After the morning coffee, she and her mother picked up their dresses and celebrated with a shopping trip. The smile, the energy became harder to fake as her mother suggested new clothes, new perfume, maybe new shoes. She wasn’t interested but finally bought a pretty camisole to appease her.
“Craig will love it, honey,” her mother grinned.
He’d love it on the floor, Mags thought grimly. No doubt Craig was ‘up’ for the wedding night. He pushed more than once for the cancellation of their deal, but she stuck to her plan, even teased him that anticipation would make it better. By late afternoon she felt guilty and followed her dad out in the yard. She had been wrapped up in her own problems and hadn’t spent much time with him lately.
“Can I help, Dad?”
“No, just watering. So, wedding is tomorrow?” he grunted.
“It is.” She stuffed her hands in her pockets. “Tuxedo fit all right?”
“Bunch of bull. Yes, it fits fine.” He tossed the hose and settled beside her. “Are you sure you want to marry this man, honey?”
He surprised her. “Of course, Dad.”
He let out his breath impatiently. “Your mother is
a good woman, but she’s wrong. She told me to stay out of your business, but you’re my daughter, and I have every right to butt into your affairs.”
She almost laughed. He was so serious, concerned, and she hugged him tightly. “I’m fine.”
“No, you’re not, young lady. Don’t bullshit me. What happened to Mark?”
Mags was shocked at how lucid the man was. No memory issue, no hesitation, the father whose strength she had always depended on. “It’s nothing to worry about. We didn’t work out.”
His face turned red, and he nearly shouted. “Damn stupidest shit, I have ever heard. You belong with Mark.”
“Mags,” her mother’s voice sharp and insistent at the patio door. Beside her was Mark and Liddy.
Bea brought Liddy back in the house as Mark crossed the yard. He looked upset, unnerved, and turned her away from the house. “Maggie, I hate to ask.”
“What’s wrong?”
“My folks were in a car accident. Both went to the hospital by ambulance. Kim called me. My mother is banged up, but I think okay. We’re not sure about my dad. They’re prepping him for surgery. I have to go to the hospital, and I don’t want to take Liddy.”
“Leave her here, Mark. I’ll watch her.”
“I need a favor. Can you take her back to my place? She’ll be better there. I was going to make her mac and cheese.”
“Mark, look at me. I got this.”
“There’s Rufus, too. Make sure she doesn’t tear up the place.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck, and he pulled her automatically in tight. “Breathe,” she said softly. “Your father is going to be fine. Go to the hospital and leave Liddy and the dog with me. We’ll walk Rufus, eat, and I’ll get her into bed.”
He pushed back to see her face. “I don’t know how long I’ll be.”
“It doesn’t matter. I can stay all night if you need me.”
“Stacy’s out of town with her boyfriend, and I wanted Liddy with you. I trust you, Mags.”
She couldn’t breathe, the tears threatening, but she pushed him towards the door. “Go, call me if you hear anything.”
“And call if you need anything.” He hugged Liddy then left quickly.
“Where’s Daddy going?” Liddy asked.
She smiled at her sweet face. “He’s helping Grandpa Ken tonight, honey. Let’s go back to your place. I haven’t seen Rufus in a long time.”
“Can we take her for a walk?”
“I’m sure we can. I know she likes walks.”
“To the park?”
“Absolutely. I bet we can steal a few sugar cookies from my mom before we go if you say please.”
“Please,” Liddy squealed, racing to the kitchen.
Cookies in her tote, they headed to Mags’ car. Beside it, Mark had left Liddy’s car seat, the stuffed dog, and his apartment key. God, he was good at this parenting thing. Buckled in with her dog, Mags drove to Mark’s apartment with Liddy chatting behind her. She prattled on about the trip to the zoo earlier today, the animals she saw, and the ice cream Mark had bought her. She liked the ice cream in Italy better.
Mags felt a little strange in the apartment, but she busied herself with making mac and cheese and grill cheese sandwiches, cut in four triangles and trimmed of crust. Liddy ate her share and declared “it was better than when Daddy makes it.” Inspired, she cleared the dishes, leashed Rufus, and walked them to the park. She held tightly to Liddy’s hand, concerned that Rufus was misbehaving and tugging her along. Her priority was this child entrusted to her care. Trust, Mark trusted her with Liddy.
When they returned, she helped Liddy with her bath, instigated a small splashing party then settled her to comb and dry her hair. She easily fell in love with the child. Caring for her reminded Mags of her longing to be a mother, a void that Ryan and Tammy had filled a little.
“Can you make a braid?” Liddy asked.
She pulled the brush through her clean silky blond locks. Her hair was certainly long enough. “I used to braid my own hair when it was longer. Have you ever had your hair braided?”
“No, Mommy said it was a lot of trouble, and Daddy said he’d have to watch a video.”
Mags giggled, but Liddy’s blue eyes suddenly teared. “I’m never going to have a braid.”
“You, little girl,” Mags said, tweaking her nose. “are going to have one tonight. Can you sit still?”
“Can I have a cookie, please?”
“Yes, you may if it helps you sit for me.” With Liddy seated in front of her, cookie in hand, Mags sectioned her hair. “I’m going to make it a loose braid so it doesn’t pull while you sleep.”
“Okay. Aunt Melissa was here today.”
Mags stopped, her hand holding the strands of hair. “Did she go to the zoo with you and Daddy?”
“No, she didn’t stay long. She just talked to Daddy and left.”
Mags wondered but pushed the thought away. It was none of her business. Her phone buzzed from Craig. Wanted to come by and say goodnight before the big day tomorrow.
She sighed and returned his text. Sorry, babysitting for a friend. Not home. See you tomorrow.
Liddy’s braid was perfect, and Mags held her in front of the mirror to see. She wrapped her little arms around her neck and hugged her tight. “Will Daddy like it?”
Mags smiled. “Do you like it, honey?”
She pulled it over her shoulder and drew her fingers through the end. “I love it. I think Daddy will like it, too. Thank you, Maggie.”
“You’re welcome. Hop in bed now. How about a story?”
“I’ll get the books.” Books? Mags laughed then surveyed the mess in the bathroom. She could leave it for Mark. Was that fair?
“Maggie.”
“Coming.”
Liddy was on the bed with two books. “Start with this one.” She snuggled against her as Mags started Sleeping Beauty. As the child drifted to sleep, Mags thought about the fairy tale. Her prince wakes her from a deep sleep with a kiss, because their love was magic. What had the slip of paper read today with the single red rose?
I don’t deserve you, but I love you. Don’t marry him. He will never love you like I do.
She slipped out from under Liddy and nestled her in her bear blanket. She set her books back and attacked the bathroom, wiping it down and putting the wet towels in the hamper. She changed Rufus’ water, and still Mark wasn’t home. She hoped his dad was all right. With a cup of tea, she decided to lie down on Mark’s bed. If Liddy woke up, she’d come looking for her daddy in his room. She kept her phone close just in case he called and then dozed off.
Early morning Mags awoke to a gentle kiss on her cheek. “Maggie, honey,” he whispered. “I’m home.”
Half asleep and disoriented, she reached for him. She felt him shudder as he held her tightly, and she remembered his father. “How’s your dad?”
“He’s going to be all right, pulled through the surgery, but he’ll be laid up a while. The accident was bad, and he had a lot of internal bleeding. I talked to him a few minutes after he came out, but he was still sleepy and incoherent. I’ll go back later when he’s more awake. I’m not going to work.”
“And your mom?”
“A trooper,” he smiled. “Giving orders, telling everyone what to do. She broke her arm.”
“Ouch. Won’t be easy for them for the next few weeks.”
“You and Liddy do okay?”
She was inches away from him. Their voices just whispers. He gently brushed back her hair. “We were fine. She’s a great kid, and you’ve raised her well. We took the dog to the park and ate mac and cheese. I gave her a bath and read her a story.”
“You braided her hair?”
Mags smiled. “She asked me. I couldn’t say no, Mark.”
“I know. I peeked in her room when I came in. I don’t know how to thank you.”
“You don’t. It was a pleasure being with her. Look, I don’t have to rush off yet. Why don’t you get some sleep, and
I’ll make breakfast.”
He turned her hand in his and kissed her palm. “Aren’t you getting married today?”
“Later, not till four.” He looked exhausted, dark circles under his eyes, tiny lines on his temples, the slump of his shoulders. Her heart ached. Was he not sleeping either?
“Maggie, I have to ask you something.”
“What?”
“I saw Melissa yesterday. She’s been trying to reach you. Did you find another doctor?”
She stared at their hands and hated life at that moment. It might have been easier to die than to lose Mark. “I will.”
“When?”
“Mark, don’t push me. I promise I’ll find a doctor soon.”
“Okay, okay,” he hesitated. “Did you like the roses?”
She couldn’t stop her hands that involuntarily slid up his chest and settled behind his neck. “I loved them, but…”
“You have one more coming today—early. I made sure.”
“You’ve said it all, Mark.”
“Not yet, not by a long shot. Now, I’m going to lay down with Liddy in case she wakes up.” He wanted her to leave, though his heart wanted her to stay. This felt painfully right, yet she still didn’t see it.
“Are you sure I can’t stay and make you both breakfast?”
“No, hopefully she’ll sleep a little while longer.”
She leaned over and kissed his lips lightly, and he sighed. His hand caught her neck and pulled her back. “I told you I can’t kiss you like that.”
But she pulled away. “Good night.”
After she left, he made coffee. He hadn’t slept for days, wanting her. He would lose her today if she went through with the wedding. He had one rose left. What the hell would he do if she married Craig?
“Daddy, Daddy, you’re home.”
He cuddled her close and stroked her braid. “What’s this? Your tail?”
