by Lydia Rose
“I can tell. Your speech is wonderful.” Katherine came back into the living room with a tray holding the cups and coffee carafe. “Thank you, Kate.”
“I think I’ll go upstairs and change clothes,” Katherine said as she put the tray down.
“Don’t change on our account,” Sybil said smiling at Katherine. “You’re dressed fine for a casual Saturday.”
“That’s what I’m always telling her. Kate’s dressed up five days a week and sometimes more for work.” Katherine took a seat next to Mary. “You aren’t driving back tonight, are you?” Mary asked her parents.
“No. We thought we’d find a hotel for the night.”
Katherine looked at Mary before responding. “That won’t be necessary, Mrs. Rogers. We have a spare room here.”
Sybil looked at her husband who nodded. “Only if you call me Sybil and him Hank.”
Katherine smiled. “Thank you.”
The rest of the day felt strange to Mary and even stranger to Katherine. Mary’s parents were friendly and when it came time to make dinner, Sybil insisted on helping Katherine in the kitchen leaving Mary on the couch to rest. “I’m afraid your daughter is the real chef in this house.”
Sybil smiled. “I’m sure you and I can make something delicious for dinner.” And they did.
“I’m sorry that I couldn’t convince your daughter not to travel alone that weekend when I knew that Patricia was out there. Mary is very stubborn.”
Sybil laughed. “Oh, I know that. Mary would never bend to my will when she was growing up.” She moved closer to Katherine. “I know you would do anything to protect my daughter, but I’m glad that no one was sitting in the passenger seat of that car. I saw the picture in the paper and if one of you had been sitting in that seat, I doubt anyone would have survived.” Sybil touched Katherine’s cheek. “I don’t believe my daughter would have survived you dying.” Katherine could only nod at Sybil’s statement
After dinner, Hank said he was going to turn in since they were leaving early in the morning. Katherine showed him to the guest room.
“I hope you didn’t mind us coming here today?” Sybil asked watching her daughter.
“I’m happy that you both came here.”
“Katherine didn’t mind?” Sybil probed.
“Of course not. It felt strange at first because of how you reacted to my being with Katherine.”
“I’m sorry, Mary. It shouldn’t matter who you are with except for the fact that they treat you right.”
“She does, Mom.”
“I see that, Mary. I can see the love she has for you.”
“I love her too, Mom.”
“I know that. I spent many years seeing you unhappy. I added to your unhappiness by pushing my agenda on you. I’m very sorry for that, Mary.”
“I wish I could say that’s okay, but I can’t.” Mary let out a breath. “Everyone’s attitude kept me deep in the closet while I was at home and that almost killed me.” Mary lowered her eyes. “If Thomas hadn’t gotten me out of there, I don’t know what I would have done.”
A tear escaped Sybil’s eyes, understanding what her daughter was telling her. In her skewed views she almost pushed her daughter to do something to herself. “I would have died if something had happened to you, Mary,” she said sincerely.
“I didn’t think anyone would care; that I would just be out of your hair and not see the disappointment on your face every day of my life.”
Sybil got up and moved over to her daughter. “I’m sorry that you couldn’t come talk to me and tell me what you were feeling. I will always regret that, Mary.” She squeezed her daughter tightly. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too,” Mary said shocked that this was the first time she had ever heard her mother say those words to her.
“I’m sorry for never telling you before. I just wish I could turn back time.”
“It’s okay, Mom. I’m happy now.” Mary watched as Katherine came down the stairs wondering what had happened in the few minutes since she left.
“What’s wrong?” Katherine finally asked.
“Nothing,” Sybil said holding out her hand to Katherine. Once Katherine took Sybil’s hand, she stood up. “Sit with my daughter and she will explain. I’m going to turn in too.” She kissed Mary’s cheek and then turned to Katherine and kissed her cheek also. “Thank you for taking care of my daughter,” she whispered in Katherine’s ear.
Katherine looked at her. “We take care of each other, Sybil.”
Sybil smiled and nodded releasing Katherine’s hand. “I know that.” She disappeared up the stairs.
“What happened? Why are you both crying?”
“She told me she loved me,” Mary said in between sobs. Katherine just held her until the sobs were under control.
EPILOGUE
The Washington Post
The Secretary of Agriculture, Katherine Willow and her longtime girlfriend Mary Rogers were married today. The ceremony took place on the courthouse steps along with five thousand other gay and lesbian couples. The couple’s five-year old daughter was in attendance.
“How do you feel?” the reporter asked.
“I feel wonderful. It’s an historic day for the gay and lesbian community. The right to marry and all the rights that come along with that is a fantastic feeling.” Katherine squeezed Mary’s hand as she spoke. “There are couples here that have been together for more than thirty years. Everyone has been waiting a long time for this day. We couldn’t be happier.” Katherine now took their daughter’s hand. “If you will excuse me, I’d like to go home with my family and celebrate.”
“Mommy, are we going to the party now?” little Emma asked looking at Mary.
“Yes, sweetie, we are.” Mary pointed. “Look, Emma, there’s Nana, Pop, Uncle Thomas and Aunt Pam.” It had taken a few years for Mary to repair her friendship with Thomas, but they were again the best of friends. His marriage to Pam helped repair a situation that could have gone on with hurt feelings too long.
Emma ran toward her grandparents. Thomas picked up Emma in his arms and he was twirling her around. “Are you ready to go home, Mrs. Willow?” Katherine asked.
“Yes I am, Mrs. Willow.”
THE END
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Other Books by Lydia Rose
The Summer of Our Love, Jersey Girls Book 1
What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life? Jersey Girls, Book 2)
Stay With Me
The House on the Lake
The Country Girl
Coming Home
Are You the One?
The Story of Annabelle & Alison
Love Comes to Alaska
Family Ties
The Cruise
My Heart Wants You
Somebody Like You
Lost Memories
Just What the Doctor Ordered
Love Isn’t Always Easy, Jersey Girls Book 3
Return to the Shore, Jersey Girls Book 4
Taking Chances
She Found Me
