Caroline gave Brady and I each a big hug and then tried to worm her way in between us. Her uncle scooped her up and put her on his lap. “I don’t think so, darlin’, I’m sitting by Miss Ellie today.”
She gave him such a look. She was going to make a fine sassy southern woman someday. She folded her arms in a huff. “I love her too, you know.”
I tried my hardest not to laugh out loud. We were in church after all. I took her tiny hand in mine. “I love you too.”
She smiled at me and then gave her uncle an “I told you so” look. I had never seen her behave in such a way, especially toward him. He took it all in stride and hugged her tight. “But I loved you first.”
She seemed appeased as she sat back against her uncle. Brady put his arm back around me and pulled me as close as he could. I looked at Caroline on his lap and thought someday it would be our little girl on his lap. The thought made me tear up a little.
Brady looked at me with eyes full of concern. “Everything ok?”
“I’m just happy.”
He kissed my head sweetly.
The chapel was still abuzz until the pastor got up. He looked over his congregation and then he zeroed in on Brady and me and started a sermon on love being the defining characteristic of God and why it should be of mankind. He talked about how God didn’t have sides or even football teams and that he loved all of his children equally and unequivocally. While he talked about the beauty of love, he kept looking in our direction. I had a feeling a lot of people were. It was a stirring sermon. I just hoped his parents got the message, but I also hoped that I remembered it too.
I think some people got it because we had a lot of people from both sides of the church come up to us afterward and tell us how happy they were to see us together again. I couldn’t believe it. Maybe I would get my Christmas miracle.
I couldn’t stay for Sunday School. I needed to get to the hospital to spring my aunt. She was more than ready to come home, and I was completely ready to have her there. I said goodbye to Brady’s family, minus his parents of course. They didn’t even approach us, but Benjamin walked over there after he said goodbye to us.
When Kendra hugged me bye, she whispered in my ear, “Don’t let the wicked witch keep you off the yellow brick road. War Eagle.” That confirmed my suspicions that this was a coordinated plan today and that Brady had talked to them about last night. “Let’s have lunch together later in the week,” she offered.
“That’s sound fabulous,” I responded.
Caroline squeezed me tight. “Don’t forget you’re coming to my class on Tuesday,” she reminded me.
“Don’t worry, sugar. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
We were stopped by the pastor’s wife on the way out. “Ella,” she said almost nervously. “The women’s group has set up some meals to be brought in for you and your aunt. You can expect one tonight.”
Normally, I would have said we had it covered, but after the sermon, I felt like I should just be gracious and accept it, which I did. Besides, my aunt deserved something better than I could make, even though there was some cake left over.
Brady drove me home so I could get my own car. He offered to take me to the hospital and pick my aunt up with me, but I felt like baby steps were more appropriate. I wanted her to get settled in at home before I sprung Brady on her again. He still seemed eager to get her approval, so I supposed last night’s events hadn’t made him resentful of her. His eagerness made me feel better. I wanted more than anything to have the two people I loved most to love each other, or to at least like each other. At this point I would settle for tolerance.
Once we were at my house, Brady walked me to my car and kissed me goodbye like he wouldn’t see me in days. “Can I come by later?” he asked.
“Yes …?” I said hesitantly.
He looked disappointed.
“It’s not because I don’t want to see you, more than anything I want to see you. It’s just my aunt,” I immediately responded.
He gave me that look of his and touched my cheek. “Ellie, we’re a couple and we’re adults now. And honestly, darlin’, I’m a little tired of our families trying to get in the way of that.”
I sighed deeply. “You’re right. I’ll see you soon.”
He smiled that smile I loved so much and helped me into my car.
When I arrived at the hospital, my aunt was dressed and waiting impatiently for the doctor to come by and release her. I kissed her cheek. “You look well.” She would forever be a beauty queen, whether she would admit it or not. I just hoped I would have her grace and elegance as I aged. Even sitting in a hospital room, she exuded perfection. I sat next to her and held her hand while we waited. She kept looking at me interestingly. I could guess why. “I suppose you got some phone calls this morning.”
She gave me a wry smile. “You’ve always had a knack for making people talk.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I was offended by the accusation.
“You’re touchy this morning, sugar.”
I wasn’t touchy. I was trying to be amused and not annoyed. That didn’t last long.
“Ella Lu, that isn’t a bad thing. People have talked about you your whole life, how talented and beautiful you are. Of course, you being with that Jackson boy only fans the flames. And having the Jackson boys sit with you at church today. What did you expect?”
“I knew there would be talk, but just for your information, those Jackson boys planned that on their own.”
She gave me a hint of a smile. It gave me some hope.
“Tell me how dinner in hell was last night?” she asked almost hesitantly.
I laughed at her choice of words. Hellish described it perfectly and that’s what I told her. I think that pleased her. I wondered if she was worried I would have enjoyed myself. I knew there wasn’t any chance of that happening. I didn’t mention anything about Brady’s daddy. I could only imagine what that kind of information would do to her.
Dr. Sandstrom finally came in and released her. He was still lying through his teeth for me. He gave me a list of instructions and medications we needed to have filled. He also gave me some dietary guidelines he wanted us to implement. She was not thrilled at all with that. He tried to nicely, but authoritatively, explain to her the importance of changing her diet. I interrupted and said we would follow the plan. She gave me her look. I just smiled.
“Thank you for the books and dolls,” Dr. Sandstrom said as the nurse wheeled my aunt out.
“You’re very welcome. It was well worth it,” I said quietly. I hope I was covert enough. “You don’t know how appreciative I am of the staff here.”
He grinned knowingly. My aunt was not the easiest of patients. He pulled out his card and handed it to me. “If you ever need anything, please call me.”
It was a little odd, but I took the card.
My aunt fussed all the way to the car. She wasn’t happy they wouldn’t let her walk down. I tried to keep my snickering to a minimum. She was visibly relieved when we made it to the car, and as soon as we got into the car, she took a deep breath. I think a week and a half in the hospital was her limit. I could see a change in her countenance almost instantly. I reached over and squeezed her hand.
She squeezed back. “Hurry home,” she almost pled. “I think that doctor was very taken with you,” she said once we reached the highway.
“Really? I thought he was married.”
“No, he’s divorced.” She looked over to me. “So, what did you think of the handsome doctor?”
I smiled over at her. “I think he’s not Brady.”
“No, he’s not,” she said it like it was a good thing.
“Aunt Lu, if you didn’t want Brady and I together, why did you work it out so we would be?”
She paused. “It’s not so much that boy as it is his family.”
“Believe me, we’re in agreement about his family, but Brady isn’t going anywhere. I love him, and I want you to love him too.
”
I could feel her look.
“I’m serious. If you just give him a chance, I know you would. He’s a good guy, actually he’s a great guy, and I think deep down you know that. You wouldn’t have even talked to him in the first place if you didn’t.”
She didn’t respond, but I knew she knew I was right.
When we got home, I pulled around to the back and parked in the garage. I knew she wouldn’t like me parking in the front like I had been. She thought that was tacky.
I got her settled into the family room and went upstairs to change into some more comfortable clothing. I also grabbed the new Christmas puzzle I bought her. Growing up, we always did a puzzle during Christmas break. We hadn’t done one in a while, but it seemed like a good time to start that tradition again. When I came back down with the puzzle in hand, she seemed very pleased, which in turn made me very happy. I finally felt like the holidays could begin.
I turned on some Christmas music on my aunt’s large stereo. It played CD’s, but it was ancient. I put on her favorite, Bing Crosby. Then I set up the puzzle table in front of the couch. We spent a lovely afternoon singing our favorite Christmas tunes and putting the puzzle together. I had a feeling the puzzle was going to take us at least a few days, but that was ok in my book.
When evening came around, I lit the Christmas trees.
“Ella Lu, the trees look lovely this year.”
“Well you can thank Brady and Caroline for that.”
She narrowed her beautiful brown eyes at me. I just smiled in return. About that time, the doorbell rang. I assumed it was someone from church with our dinner.
I assumed correctly, I was just surprised who brought it. There at the door were all my favorite Jacksons: Brady, Kendra, Benjamin and little Miss Caroline. They were all goofily grinning at me as they said, “Surprise!” I laughed and invited them all in.
Brady was the first to get to me. He kissed my cheek. “We thought we could have a family dinner tonight.”
“I hope we aren’t being too presumptuous by inviting ourselves to dinner,” Kendra threw in.
My heart was bursting. I placed my hand over my heart. “Nothing would make me happier.”
I invited them, and the trays of food, back. The food smelled absolutely delicious.
I led them back to the kitchen, which happened to open up to the family room. We had a formal dining room, but I loved eating at the round table in the kitchen’s breakfast nook. It was much more cozy and warm. It matched how I was feeling at the moment. Having them all there meant the world to me. I just hoped my aunt would also find pleasure in it.
She was surprised when we all came back, but she didn’t look unhappy.
Caroline took the lead and went straight up to her and handed her a card. “I drew you a picture so you would feel better.”
She was adorable. I could tell my aunt thought so too. “Well thank you, sugar, I feel better already.”
Caroline giggled. “Miss Ellie, calls me sugar too.”
My aunt looked up at me and smiled. She even smiled despite Brady’s arm being around me. Aunt Lu looked back at Caroline. “It must be because you’re so sweet.”
Caroline liked that. Afterwards Kendra and Benjamin made their way over and sat on the couch and talked to my aunt for a bit. Brady and I took the safer route and set the table and set the food out. It looked like Kendra made grilled chicken, with some type of marinade, and a green salad and homemade rolls again. She was definitely more domesticated than me, but I was just fine with that. Benjamin was sure a lucky guy, though.
While in the kitchen, Brady snuck in a few rated-G type kisses. Apparently he missed me this afternoon. The feeling was mutual.
“Whose idea was it for you to bring dinner over?”
“Kendra, of course. They wanted you to know that she and Benjamin are on our side.”
Their support meant the world to me.
During the dinner prep, I kept looking over at my aunt and Brady’s family. They seemed to be getting along famously. Kendra was soon becoming one of my favorite people, and I really appreciated Benjamin. I couldn’t imagine this was easy for him. He was even gentleman enough to help escort my aunt to the table. My aunt seemed taken aback by it, but she allowed him to do so. I wished I could have taken a picture of it.
I sat next to my aunt, and Brady sat next to me. This was our first meal together. It felt momentous. When we were all seated, we all looked at each other. We were making history in Kaysville, and we all knew it. My aunt asked me to bless the food, and I couldn’t help but get choked up as I thanked God for those that surrounded the table. Funny enough, both my aunt and Brady touched me gently as I tried to get through the prayer without completely losing it. I had a habit of crying when I was happy, and I couldn’t be happier than I was that very moment.
After the blessing was over, Caroline was confused by my show of emotion.
“I just cry when I’m happy, sugar.”
She tilted her head sideways. “That’s just funny.”
Her momma tapped her cute nose. “Someday you’ll understand.”
Caroline just shrugged her shoulders
Once the food was passed and dished, Brady braved talking to my aunt. “How are you feeling this evening, Luanne?”
“I’m happy to be home.” It was stiff, but it was progress.
I kept noticing the covert glances Benjamin was giving Brady. He knew he had his work cut out for him. But seriously, this dinner was far and above better than the previous night’s. This was the way I imagined big family dinners would be, people laughing and talking over one another and hands being held under the table.
One of the best parts was, I got to provide dessert, a homemade dessert at that, and one that tasted like heaven. My aunt couldn’t believe I made it. She knew all too well I lacked skills in the kitchen; it ran in the family. When we were all thoroughly stuffed from Kendra’s wonderful dinner, we retired to the music room. Brady had suggested I play for everyone, and everyone liked the idea, especially my aunt, so I went with it.
Benjamin once again escorted my aunt. I think Brady was a little jealous that his brother had an easier time getting along with her.
“Your time will come,” I whispered in his ear as we walked down the hall.
He kissed my head in response.
Once everyone was situated, I asked Caroline to pick her favorite Christmas song. She was sitting with me on the bench. Brady sat near my aunt. I could tell they both looked uncomfortable, but they were trying, and that meant a lot.
Caroline picked “Jingle Bells”. “Do you want to help me play it?” I asked her. She shook her head vigorously, like I knew she would. I sat her on my lap and took her tiny hand in mine and helped her play the melody. We only played the top line as we sang together.
When we finished, we received a standing ovation, and we stood up to receive it. “We need to bow,” I instructed her.
“That’s silly,” she said.
“That’s how all great pianists do it,” I explained.
We dramatically bowed, and our small audience clapped louder. Brady beamed at me, and I winked at him. My aunt turned and looked at Brady. I think she was trying to figure him out, wondering how this man would fit into our family.
Brady joined me at the piano, and Caroline took his place near my aunt. My aunt enjoyed her more than the previous occupant. I chose “Breath of Heaven” to perform next. I loved the lyrics, and the accompaniment worked well with my range. Most importantly, my aunt loved it.
“Can I sit on your lap?” Brady asked quietly before I began.
“No, but I’ll sit on yours later,” I said for his ears only.
He grinned seductively. “Much better plan.”
“Ok lovebirds, knock it off and start the show,” Benjamin called out. Brady and I both chuckled, but I quickly started the song. I had forgotten how much I missed performing, and this was far and away my favorite crowd.
Brady kissed me on th
e cheek when I was done. I looked over to my aunt; she looked like the proud momma, as always. She would always blow me a kiss after I performed, and tonight was no exception. I loved it. Caroline clapped loudly, as did her parents. Brady and I stood up together, and he pulled me tight to him. I couldn’t have been happier.
Chapter Nineteen
We were on the countdown to Christmas. Ten days away. I still didn’t know what to get Brady. I knew what he wanted, but we had come up empty handed again during our Sunday dinner. My aunt still refused to call him Brady. At least she hadn’t referred to him as that Jackson boy. Her new route seemed to be not to call him any name, but expect that he would just know who she was talking to. I guess it was progress.
My aunt was more than happy to be home, but she didn’t like me fussing over her. She wanted to be independent, and I think she still wanted to feel like she took care of me, not the other way around. So, I basically just let Doris wait on her. That seemed to be ok with her, and it didn’t impinge on her dignity. She and I enjoyed working on our puzzle and writing Christmas cards. She also helped me with my fan mail that I was now having sent to her house. I think it gave her great pleasure to read my treasured notes and to help me respond to them. She signed her letters, Aunt Calliope.
Tuesday was show and tell. Brady was meeting me at Caroline’s school, which was our old grade school. Afterward, I was meeting Kendra for lunch. Brady and I met in the parking lot and walked in together, but not before we snuck in a kiss or two. On the way in, we reminisced about our own days there, the days when we weren’t allowed to speak to each other or be in the same class; it sounded so ridiculous, and it was. We checked in at the front office, and the same receptionist, Mrs. Rhodes, was still there. She gave us an interesting look. I wasn’t sure if it was disapproval or confusion. Either way, we just smiled. I was still trying to follow Brady’s lead and not be annoyed at the never-ending stares and whispers. I guaranteed we were going to be the talk of the teacher’s lounge later that day.
Regardless, we got our name tags and walked hand-in-hand to Caroline’s classroom. As soon as we entered, Caroline excitedly jumped out of her seat and made her way to us. Her teacher, Miss Ferrell, came over as well and greeted us. Caroline wrapped herself around me. I looked up at Brady and winked. He didn’t seem bothered that she came to me first, in fact he looked pleased by her response. It reminded me about his Aunt Ellie comment. I wanted more than anything to make that a reality, but after the past weekend, his momma was out for blood, mine to be exact.
House Divided Page 20
