Bountiful Harvest

by Darlene Tallman

  Deciding to take the bull by the horns, she said “Hello Miriam, how are you doing today?” “Why, I’m just fine, Dorrie, and you?” Miriam replied. “Heard tell you and Frank are a couple these days. Bet he won’t stay around for long once he realizes how you are!”

  Mentally shaking her head at the venom spewing from Miriam, Dorrie calmly said “Well, as a matter of fact, yes, we are a couple. And, not that it’s any of your business, but he knows exactly ‘how I am’ thank you very much!”

  “Hmmph, I’ll bet. Everyone knows you’re nothing but a cold fish and once he realizes that, then he’ll be gone, that’s for sure!”

  “Miriam Smith Adams! I see the years haven’t tamed your tongue one bit. I wonder how your parents feel knowing that you spew such garbage to anyone who will listen?” Margie stated.

  “Oh! Mrs. Chesterfield, I didn’t see you there. I was just telling Dorrie…” Miriam stuttered. “I heard what you said to my daughter. I thought you were raised better than that. In fact, I know you were raised better!” Margie responded. “Drew was not a good man. Unfortunately, his choices caused his demise; Dorrie had nothing to do with it. Seems to me you would take another woman’s back when the man she was married to was abusive and a cheater.”

  Now looking ashamed, Miriam looked at Dorrie and said “Dorrie, I’m...I’m sorry. I never meant any harm. Will you forgive me?”

  Realizing that her mother, with a few short words, had completely demolished a decades-old animosity, Dorrie replied “Yes. Yes, I will. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have a household of hungry guys to get fed.”

  Leaving the store and heading to the pizza parlor, Dorrie looked over at her mom and chuckling, said “Mom, I’m glad you were with me. She’s always been so so hateful toward me. Ever since we were sophomores in high school!”

  “Honey, that woman is miserable in her own skin and I don’t have a clue why. Her parents are wonderful people, and her siblings sure don’t act that way! I couldn’t stand by while she tore my daughter to shreds, especially after all she did when it came out about how Drew was running around on you.”

  Lost in her own thoughts, Dorrie remembered that dark time in her life. The tears. The inability to understand why and how his actions became her fault. A lot of wine, good friends and her therapist got her through the other side, though, and she realized that her mom was right.

  “Mom? You know I want what you and dad have, that love and respect while honoring God, right?” “I’ve always known that, sweetheart, and I’m sure, if the path you and Frank are on continues, you will get the desires of your heart.”

  “I know, I just have some insecurities in a few areas that I need to work on and through, I guess.” “Well, you know you can ask me anything. Plus, I know you have your girls and your therapist. Not to mention, there’s always Frank. He strikes me as being relatively wise in many ways.”

  “You have no idea! He’s already said we will work through anything that comes up. I just worry about the things that Drew used to say to me, y’know, about being a cold fish. Not that we are going there or anything, but well, it really messed with my head.”

  Margie looked at her daughter and said nothing at first. She knew how devastated she had been when she found out just how cruel Drew had been toward Dorrie. Her girl lost the confidence she always had in herself and while a lot had come back, she knew that in this area, it was going to take a special man to show her that what Drew had said and done was pure hogwash. Saying a quick silent prayer, she finally said “Sweetheart, you’re both adults. If you are abstaining as a way to honor God, He will honor that commitment when the time comes. I don’t think you have anything to worry about being cold toward Frank, and he seems to be the kind of man who will ensure that there will be plenty of passion heating up the place!”

  Now blushing, Dorrie looked at her mom and said “Hmm, maybe I can’t do this with you. How about we get the pizza and head back to the house?”

  Headed back to the house, pizzas sitting on the backseat making the car smell delicious and her stomach growl, Dorrie looked at her mom again and said “Mom, I was kidding earlier. We’ve always talked about everything and anything all my life. You’ve been my biggest cheerleader and defender. I’m just worried about a physically relationship with Frank, no matter when that intimate

  happens, because Drew pounded it in my head that I wasn’t any good in that area and that’s why he stopped sleeping with me. Of course, he failed to mention the fact that he was cheating, but his words killed me inside.”

  “Oh honey, I wasn’t upset. I’m sorry that your first husband was so lacking in his abilities that he was unable to take care of you. As I said earlier, I am quite confident that you and Frank will have no problems.”

  ***

  Saturday Evening Relaxing with her parents on the back deck, she looked around at all that was accomplished in a few short hours by her dad and Frank and the boys, who ended up being quite the little helpers. Frank had left a short time earlier to make sure the sprinklers were working in the fields and feed Lily. She blushed slightly thinking of his sweet kiss before he left. It was pretty safe to say that he had moved into her heart. Hearing her dad’s voice raised in a question, she looked over, saying “What? I’m sorry, I was daydreaming, dad. What did you say again?”

  Her dad started laughing, then calmed and said quietly, “Dorrie, I like your young man. He has an easygoing temperament, was good with the boys, and I can see how he feels about you every time he looks your way. I know this is all kinds of new for you, but your mom and I will be praying that God’s will be done in your relationship. Just wanted you to know that I like Frank. “

  “Thanks, dad. I like him too! Now, with that, I’m headed to bed. Busy day tomorrow before you guys take back off to home. I know I hated it when you moved at first, but I know the boys love your new place and there is so much to do.”

  “Okay, sweetheart. Good night. Love you.”

  “Night y’all. Love you both too.”

  Heading back into the house, she went around and made sure the doors were locked and the outside lights were off. She knew her dad would check as well once they turned in, that was just his way. Putting down fresh water for the dogs, she made sure the puppies were in their crate and gave them each a bone to keep them occupied if they woke up in the middle of the night. “C’mon Maisie girl. Let’s get a shower and head to bed, okay?” The little beagle basset wagged her tail as she followed her down the hall and up the stairs. Peeking into the boys’ room, she saw that they were both out for the count. Going in, she covered DJ back up and picked Tony’s bear up off the floor and put it next to him. “Thank You, God, for these blessings. As much as I love them, I know You love them more.” Now in her room, she gathered clean pajamas and headed into the bathroom for a quick shower while Maisie curled up on the end of the bed.

  While standing under the hot spray, it dawned on her that if things kept going the way she thought they were, some day, Frank might be sharing a shower with her. At that, she blushed even though there was no one to see save the man in the moon outside her frosted bathroom window. Getting out and drying off quickly, she made short work of the rest of her nightly routine, then curled up in the bed and prepared to read for a while. Hearing a chime, she realized she had an incoming text, so she put her Kindle down and grabbed her phone.

  Frank: Dorrie, just wanted to say good night again and tell you to have sweet dreams. I will see you all in the morning, okay?

  Dorrie: Good night Frank. Thank you again for all your help today! My dad said he thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you. Not sure if that’s good or bad, but he was smiling when he said it so I’ll go with “good” …laughing out loud.

  Frank: Your parents really love you and the boys. He put me through the Spanish Inquisition! But, that’s okay. I know it’s out of love.

  Dorrie: Oh dear heavens! Sigh. They don’t realize that I’m not a teenager anymore! Frank: I would like to think that I will b
e the same way with my girls because I love them, not because I think they aren’t grown enough. That’s the place they are coming from, and you didn’t see me running, did you?

  Dorrie: Hahahhaha. No I didn’t, but I can only imagine what you two talked about and how you managed to do so with two little boys under foot!

  Frank: We used the guy code, of course. Other than that, I cannot tell you. Don’t want to lose my man card completely. Dorrie: Wait, what? Lose it completely? I don’t think there’s such a thing.

  Frank: It was close when I was learning how to do the girls’ hair when they were younger! And Cory and Joey have both been ribbing me quite a bit about a certain hairdresser I know.

  Dorrie: I see.

  Frank: Okay, sweetheart, I’m going to let you relax before you head to dreamland. Good night! Dorrie: Good night, Frank. See you in the morning; my mom is planning to cook breakfast before we head to church so come over hungry!

  Frank: Yes, ma’am! Setting her alarm before she put her phone on the nightstand charger, she found herself smiling. On one hand, it seemed so fast, but on the other, it was as if they had known each other forever. While she admired the fact that her parents had been each other’s one and only (something her dad would have a heart attack if he knew her mom had shared), she was more than content to be Frank’s last.

  With her Kindle now in her hands, she curled up and prepared to read until she fell asleep. She had found a bunch of indie authors who were wonderful writers and she now followed many of them on Facebook and Twitter. It was funny that while she wasn’t fully in a relationship according to society’s standards, she could read some of the stuff she read. Eh, ideas for the future with Frank that she was praying she would get.

  Chapter Eleven

  Sunday afternoon “Well Frank, you weren’t kidding about this place! Great food, atmosphere and wait staff for sure,” Dorrie’s dad said. “I sure am glad you talked Cory and Joey and their families into coming along. We haven’t seen them in forever and can remember how all of them used to get into their own brand of trouble when they were teenagers.”

  “Dad! I’m sure Frank doesn’t want to know any of that stuff!” “Now sweet girl, of course he does! He needs to catch up on the history so he knows that you three girls willingly have a huge community yard sale every year. Or that you all can fish but hate baiting your own hooks or cleaning them, but can throw down a fish fry in a nanosecond. As well as the fact that all of you grew up riding ATVs, dirt bikes, bikes, and snowmobiles.”

  Frank looked with interest at the three women, and then at the two men he was proud to call Brothers. “Sounds to me like we have some stuff to catch up on then, yeah? I didn’t know you rode, Dorrie.”

  Looking at him, she said “Yes, I had my own bike before I got married, but he didn’t like it and said it made me look trashy so he sold it when I was out of town with mom after a surgery.”

  Realizing that what he said next could impact many things, especially since she had agreed to be his ol’ lady, he asked gently “Did you feel that way when you were riding, sweetheart?”

  “No. Not at all. I felt free. I loved being able to ride up into the mountains and going on charity rides whenever there was an open one the MC was putting on.”

  “Man could she ride! She had some mad skills, Brother!” yelled Cory.

  “She won a lot of races too,” chimed Joey.

  Now blushing, Dorrie looked at Frank and said “You sure you want to get the history?”

  “Absolutely!”

  Margie chimed in “While I love this trip down memory lane, we need to head out with the boys soon.” Taking that as their cue, the group got up, a slight discussion was held by the men over who was covering the tab, with Frank winning since he made the suggestion, and Cory and Joey covering the tip, and they headed out to the cars.

  Dorrie looked at both of her sons. “Boys, I know you’ll be good and have fun at grandma and grandpa’s house. Make sure to do your chores you do here to help, okay? I’m going to miss you but I look forward to hearing about your adventures when you come home.”

  “Bye Momma.”

  “Bye Momma.”

  This was said by both boys as they engulfed Dorrie in a huge hug. Holding back tears, she kissed them both, then her parents and then stood there with Frank’s arms around her as they pulled away, both boys waving madly through the windows until they couldn’t be seen any more.

  “Alright, man, we’re going to head out and take the kids swimming today,” Cory said. “We’ll catch up with you later at the clubhouse for the BBQ.”

  “Yeah, that sounds good to me. Joey, y’all are going to be there, right?” Frank asked.

  “Absolutely. Wouldn’t dream of missing it.” With that, Frank took Dorrie’s hand as they headed to his truck. Helping her in and reminding her to buckle up, he headed around to his side. He could see she was quieter than normal and he figured he would give her some time this afternoon before the BBQ if she wanted to be alone.

  “Dorrie-girl, do you want some time alone this afternoon? If so, I have some things I can take care of at the house for the market and then come pick you up on my bike.”

  “Yeah, I think so. It’s always so hard to watch them go. I know I’ll be okay once I’m home and get myself turned around. Besides, I have a few things to finish up to bring to the BBQ.”

  “Ah, I forgot about that. How about I meet you at the clubhouse then? You can leave your Jeep there and I’ll bring you home on the bike.”

  “I’d like that a lot, it’s been too many years since I’ve ridden.”

  “Then it’s a plan.” Finding that they were already at her house, Dorrie unbuckled as Frank made his way around to let her out. Man, she loved how solicitous of her he was. She knew he was all man, but he still did the little things that made her feel special and wanted.

  “Okay, sweetheart, going to head back to my place; see you at the BBQ around six?”

  “Sounds good to me, Frank. I’m looking forward to it.” With that, he drew her into his arms and kissed her softly before stepping back and saying “I believe my self-control is going to be getting a major workout. No little guys to keep me straight!”

  Laughing, she looked at him and said “I know, right? Guess we will go to the ‘let’s hang around a lot of people mode’ for the next few weeks, huh?”

  “Yep. That and lots of cold showers for me.” Saying that, turned after giving her a wink and stepped off the porch toward his truck.

  “Frank?”

  Turning slightly, he could see her standing there. “Yeah?”

  “Trust me, I’m in the same boat and I wish I could be different, but I can’t.” “No complaints from me, sweetheart. I understand. Now go fix something delectable that will make every man jealous that you chose me, y’hear?”

  Laughing, she replied “Yes, sir!”

  Chapter Twelve

  Sunday afternoon – before the BBQ at the Clubhouse As Dorrie worked in the kitchen, she thought about the last several months ever since Frank had come into her life. Realizing that he was nothing like her dead husband, she took a deep breath and just let it all go. All the anger and pain of the past that she didn’t know she was holding onto. All the dreams and hopes she had kept hidden that were crushed when Drew kicked her to the curb, choosing other women over the boys and her. Any anxiety that she wasn’t good enough for Frank, or capable of being a good ol’ lady (although she still needed a bit of clarification on what that would entail), or a good friend. Finally, she felt relief.

  She remembered that her therapist had told her that she would someday get to that point and she also recalled how she had agreed even though she secretly doubted it. She knew there were still some insecurities with regard to what her body looked like, but Frank had been married before to a woman who had had children, so it had to be somewhat of a given that he would understand about stretch marks and the like, right? Now humming the song from “Frozen”, she started putting together the po
tato salad and macaroni salad she was making to bring to the BBQ. The cake and cupcakes were cooling; she would get them frosted shortly. Looking at the clock, she realized she had enough time to jump in the shower before she did that, and still get to the clubhouse in plenty of time. She was looking forward to hanging with her guy and her friends and their families; the only thing that would have made it better would have been if the boys had been there too, but she knew how much her parents loved taking the boys on “adventures” and remembering the close relationships she had with her own grandparents, she wanted them to have that in their lives as well. There would be other BBQs.

  With Maisie and the puppies following her around now, she made short work of frosting everything and then getting it all packed up and ready to transport. Putting down the dogs’ food, she watched as they ate and then guided them all outside while she showered and got ready.

  ***

  Frank As he took care of the fields and Lily, he thought about Dorrie. Her cut had come in and he planned to give it to her this evening before she got on his bike for the first time. He shook his head, smiling, because he had ordered it weeks ago before their first date and before he even asked her, knowing that was where they were headed. He knew what it signified; he also knew she wasn’t ready for anything more in-depth than what they had right now. He also knew, deep inside, that waiting wasn’t going to be easy but it was going to be worth it to them both. So wait he would.

  Taking a look at the paperwork for the market, he realized that he was going to have to see if there was someone either in the club or one of the townspeople who would be willing to take over the “books” they had. While there were some residents who paid for items (which were put into a fund to cover seeds and maintenance and the like), the majority of them bartered, and they did it very well. While he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that this was what he was meant to do for this community, he had been a bit concerned that the townspeople’s pride would prevent them from seeing it as the opportunity it could be for all of them. The local supermarket had not suffered despite there being a “free” community market, in fact, it was realizing an upswing in business because they now had a community market section within the store where some of the items of higher value were being sold, again to put back into the market itself. But the Brothers had also voted to start a fund to assist the locals with other things that might be needed like household repairs and such. Seeing the town starting to thrive where once it was slowly stagnating was a wonderful thing and he again thanked God for sending him here to see to the vision he was given.