Avalee's Gift

by Linda Apple

  “Hey.” Lexi leaned forward. “I’m liking this.”

  Jema put out her hands. “Wait till you hear this. The ceremony will be timed so that at the first stroke of midnight we will say ‘I do’ and then kiss in the New Year for the other eleven.” She clapped her hands together and fisted them under her chin. “Isn’t that the best thing ever?”

  “Lord have mercy, I’ll have to sleep all day to stay up that late.” Molly Kate buttered her scone. “Stan and I are usually asleep by nine. But we are up by five.”

  “I have faith in you MK. You’ll do just fine. Oh, one other thing. Would you mind keeping the Christmas tree in the library up? That’s where Levi proposed to me and I’d like to be standing there when he first sees me in my wedding gown before we join the party.”

  “The party before the vows.” Lexi patted her hands. “That’s my kind of wedding.”

  “No problem, hon.” Molly Kate made a note.

  My mind went back to the night Ty proposed to me in that very room on the same night. I could still smell leather, lemon oil, dusty books, wood smoke, and cedar. Magical. In the dancing glow of firelight and twinkling LEDs on the Christmas tree, I confessed my secret shame about how I felt responsible for his brother’s death. My confession didn’t faze him. Instead, he asserted his love for me and asked me to be his wife. The thirty years of guilt that had held my heart in its grasp, released its hold, freeing me to love. “Ty proposed to me in that room, too.”

  “Hey,” Molly bobbed her eyebrows. “When I advertise the B&B, I’ll say the library has magical romantic powers.”

  “Great angle.” I thought a minute. “Invent a romantic legend about the house. Maybe even a ghost.”

  “Great idea.” Molly scribbled on her pad.

  “Okay, back to business.” I pointed at Jema with the last bite of my scone. “What kind of flowers do you want? I’ll need to put the order in soon to make sure they arrive in time.”

  “White roses.” Jema closed her eyes. “Lots and lots of white roses.”

  “What else would you like in your bouquet?”

  “I love pearls and crystals.”

  Ideas began to build in my mind. “Great, I’ll take it from here.”

  “You have plenty of bridesmaids.” Lexi swirled her finger indicating all of us. “So, what about groomsmen?”

  “Well, that’s another thing I want to do differently.” Jema put her hands up in surrender. “Now don’t y’all get your panties in a twist, but there won’t be a wedding march or a center aisle.”

  Lexi’s eyebrows pulled together. “But…”

  Jema patted the air. “Hear me out, now. Like I said earlier, we want the ceremony to be small and intimate, so we are only inviting close friends. No more than thirty people and a few dignitaries.”

  “Dignitaries?” Lexi’s frown deepened.

  “Some of the people from the city council and Mayor Campbell. Levi wants to be in their good graces for when we get back. He hopes to expand Life Source and we will need all the favors we can get.”

  Molly Kate crossed her arms over her chest and leaned back in her chair. “Now there’s a sad story.”

  “Truer words were never spoken, bless his heart.” Lexi slid off her stool and walked to the coffee pot.

  “What?” I’d never heard this story.

  “Well, Mayor Campbell, Sid, was married to this floozie who called herself Babs.” Lexi smirked. “Her name was Barbara. She had illusions of Streisand. That girl was one of the most ungrateful, entitled, tacky, descendants of a female dog I’ve ever known. She always whined about how hard her life was because she had to work while raising her kids. That woman made Sid’s life miserable. My ex, Toby, and I used to run around in the same circles. Never fail, but she’d get floor-lickin’ drunk and flirt with Toby, because he was a doctor.” Lexi took a swig of her coffee. “Heck, she flirted with every man in the room, except for Sid. He usually sat alone so I usually invited him to our table. Poor soul had to sit and endure her embarrassing behavior.

  “Things went from bad to worse. She started putting the moves on a rich client and leaving Sid with the boys at night saying she had,” Lexi made air quotes, “meetings.” Then one day she and that man ran off together. She just up and left.” Lexi lifted her arms. “Her kids even. What kind of mother does that?”

  “That’s terrible,” I said. “Did she ever come back?”

  Molly Kate joined in. “Nope. She hasn’t been back. Sid tried for a solid year to find her. He hired private investigators, put ads in papers, co-operated with the police. But nothing. So he raised the boys by himself and has done a darned good job, I might add.”

  How had I missed this story? “Did he divorce her?”

  “Nope.” Jema held up her finger. “Sid Campbell is one fine man with a lot of integrity.”

  “So why didn’t he divorce her?”

  “Because he says he doesn’t know if she’s dead, alive, or injured. He doesn’t feel right ending the marriage until he knows something for sure.” Lexi plopped down on her stool. “A rare quality in men these days,” Lexi added and grinned at Jema. “Levi excepted.”

  Molly Kate cleared her throat.

  “And Stan.” Lexi flipped her hand at me. “And Ty. Sheesh, y’all got the last good men on the planet. Thanks a lot.”

  Jema stood and placed a hand on Lexi’s shoulder. “One day, Sid might just be available and as you implied, he is the last man with integrity left on the planet.”

  “Now don’t you go there Jema Presley.” Lexi brushed Jema’s hand off her shoulder. “I like my bad-boy Nathan. We need to get back to planning your wedding.”

  The doorbell chimed in a rich Westminster tune, and the front door opened then shut. Molly Kate frowned. “Who could that be?”

  “Anybody home?”

  “It’s Momma.” I walked to the foyer to meet her. “Hey, I thought you were busy being Mrs. Santa.”

  “I was, but I finished early and thought I’d get in on the planning.” She grinned. “And Molly Kate’s scones.”

  “Well, follow me. I think MK is brewing a fresh pot of coffee.”

  “That sounds good. It’s as cold as a well-digger’s behind out there.”

  Jema’s face lit up when she saw Momma. “Cladie Mae. Now my day is perfect.”

  “Hi, sugar. Excited?”

  “Beyond excited.”

  Molly Kate held up the coffee pot. “Hey y’all, fresh coffee here.”

  Momma took the cup of coffee Jema handed her. “What have I missed?”

  Jema pulled out a chair next to her. “I’ll catch you up.”

  Lexi plopped down across from Momma. “She just told us there won’t be a wedding processional.”

  “Now Lex, hear me out.” Jema’s eyes glistened as she spoke. “All of you have been such a source of strength and support, I’d rather y’all form a circle around Levi and me. I mean, that is what we do for each other, right? We circle the wagons so to speak.” She patted Momma’s hand. “You, too, Cladie.”

  “Well,” Lexi shrugged, “I hate to admit it, but I kinda like that idea.”

  “And,” Jema held up her finger, “I’m buying the bridesmaid dresses.” She slid catalogues in front of each of us. “I’ve hired a designer to make them exclusive to your bodies. All you have to do is pick out the style you like.”

  “Will there be time?” My organized mind couldn’t fathom this.

  “Yes. Levi is flying the designer here day after tomorrow. He will spend the day taking your measurements, talking with you about your style choices, and then return to create the dresses. He has several seamstresses at his disposal. The only thing you don’t have a choice in is the color and material. I’m having all of them made up in gold, but leaving it up to him about the fabrics. He will know what materials will work best for the dresses you all have selected.”

  Molly Kate lifted her eyebrows. “Wow, I’m lovin’ this. What color are you wearing?”

  “Silv
er.”

  Momma piped up. “Reminds me of a song we used to sing, ‘Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold.’”

  “That’s nice,” said Jema. “In my mind, gold symbolizes the value of our friendship. Silver symbolizes my new life with Levi.”

  “Love it.” Molly Kate pointed to a dress with a plunging neckline. “And I love, love, love, this one.”

  “Now why am I not surprised?” Lexi crossed her arms. “Plenty of boobage exposure.”

  “I’ve got to show off my best assets. Oh, and Lexi, bring that cleavage make-up like what you used at my wedding.”

  “You’ve got it, Dolly. I’ve got enough for all of us.”

  Momma wrinkled her nose. “Cleavage makeup?”

  “Yeah.” MK leaned forward. “It’s like powder you brush on top of and between your breasts.”

  “Fathers.” Mommy waved her hand. “I’m not studying on letting anyone paint on my tiddies. Sakes. The very idea.”

  Lexi glanced down at the dresses. “Lord, my nails could use a manicure.” She studied her hand and then looked up. “Hey, mind if I ask Tryna to come and do our mani/pedis? It will be a lot more fun than us trying to do everything.”

  “And don’t forget David for hair,” Molly Kate added.

  “Sure. Sounds great to me.” Jema frowned. “You think they would? It will be on a holiday.”

  “Write them a fat check.” Lexi flipped her hand. “Levi can afford it. Want me to call them?”

  “That’d be great. Thanks.”

  “Girls, nobody gives a flying fig what we look like.” Momma pushed the catalogue away. “Now let’s get to the important stuff. What about food?”

  “Levi and I talked about it and decided to go all out on the food since we are marrying on the night that most couples have their own New Year’s Eve parties. The country club will cater and we will have an open bar. And for music we will hire an orchestra.

  “Y’all know I have to be the voice of reason.” Of course my mother was always the voice of reason. She crossed her arms across her chest. “If you have an open bar, what about the folks driving home?”

  Mimicking Momma, Jema crossed her arms. “Well, Miss Thing, we thought of that too, as a matter of fact and we have a fabulous solution. Levi is hiring limos to pick up all the guests and take them home.”

  Lexi’s mouth dropped open. “Sweet baby unicorns.”

  “I know! Right?” When the guests get in the limo, we will have chilled champagne in souvenir flutes waiting for them. Cool, huh?”

  “Beyond cool.” Lexi leaned forward. “Tell us more.”

  “Well, we thought we’d get the party started around ten, then around eleven thirty-ish, start the ceremony. Afterwards, we will dance the night away until people decide they want to leave. Then all they will have to do is get in the limo and go home.”

  Molly Kate slapped the table. “I love it.”

  I had to admit, I did, too.

  “Dancing the night away?” Lexi arched an eyebrow. “That’s exactly what I’d want to do on my honeymoon night.”

  “Oh, hush.” Jema grinned. “I’m sure no one will miss us.” With a wink, she changed the subject. “Now, let’s talk reception. Since we are keeping the ceremony small, Levi and I thought we’d have a large reception on New Year’s Day.”

  “Now you’re talking,” said Momma. “What can I fix to bring?”

  “Nothing, Cladie. We want you to enjoy the party. We thought we’d have the country club cater a traditional New Year’s meal. They have a great pork roast.”

  Momma held her hand up. “I’m telling you right now, I’m doing the greens. No one at that fancy country club knows diddle about how to cook a good pot of collards.”

  “Now don’t get all riled up, Cladie Mae.” Jema patted Momma’s arm. “I just wanted to pamper you. After all, as far as I’m concerned, you are the mother of the bride.”

  Momma placed her hand over Jema’s. “That’s mighty sweet of you, sugar, but you know it’s my joy to cook, especially for those I love.”

  Ideas swirled in my mind for a decorating theme. “What about decorations? I suggest using a color palette of gold, silver, white, and black with pops of red. We will already have some round tables set up. We could have more set up.”

  “I have plenty of black round table cloths with white toppers. I ordered them for when we host receptions at the B&B.” MK thought a minute. “Also, I saw really cute ideas on Pinterest for New Year’s table decorations such as clocks, pocket watches, numbers. Anything depicting time.”

  “Love it,” I said. “And how about flower arrangements that have gold and silver sparkler decorations. Oh, and lots of gold and silver confetti in number shapes.”

  Picking up a note pad, Lexi jotted some things down. “Give me the guest list. I will take care of getting the invitations addressed and mailed. But I’ll need it pretty soon.”

  Jema fisted her hands under her chin. “Perfect.” Her demeanor turned a bit timid. She faced Molly Kate. “Would it be a problem if we invite some people from the tent community? Levi feels very connected with them.”

  “Heavens, no. Invite whomever you want. We’ve got the room. Lord love them. They could use a good party to start their year out right.”

  “Thank you, hon.” Jema shook her head. “Levi worries about them, especially the children since it has turned so cold and all. He ordered more cots and bedding for Life Source to help out.”

  “Good man.” Lexi voiced my sentiments exactly. “I’m sure the showers he had installed have worked wonders for them, not to mention the laundromat.”

  “Oh, it has. I never realized how much I took for granted before Levi.” Jema gave Molly a grateful smile. “Thank you so much. It means a lot to Levi and me for you to welcome our homeless friends. Not many people would.”

  “Oh pssh. I wish I could do more.”

  “Be careful what you wish for.” Jema raised her eyebrows and lowered her chin. “I have your phone number.”

  I glanced at my watch. Past noon. I needed to get home and prepare for the evening, both physically and emotionally. “Well, girls, I’ve got to run. Tonight is the night.”

  “Oh, Lord.” Lex rolled her eyes. “I don’t envy you.”

  Jema hugged me and whispered, “I’ll be praying all evening.”

  “Thanks, I’ll need it.” I left the warm embrace of B&B’s kitchen and walked into the frigid wind outside.

  The word prophetic came to mind.

  Chapter Two

  Bitterness magnifies past pain and blurs present healing.

  ~Avalee Preston

  The doorbell rang just as the Grandfather clock struck seven. From upstairs, I heard Momma bustling toward the door. Knowing Ty was on the other side of the door always sent my heart into a girlish fit. But not tonight.

  I took one last look in the mirror. The decision whether to dress conservative or stylishly younger dogged me all evening. Either way, I was screwed. Conservative emphasized the difference in our ages. Stylishly younger sent vibes of an older woman trying to recapture her youth, which, of course, would send his mother in convulsions over her baby boy being seduced by an older woman. In the end, I went with my old standby—black. Black leggings, black and white sweater dress, black boots, and pearl earrings. Conservative and stylishly younger. What was that Harry Truman said? If you can’t convince them, confuse them?

  I decided to go simple and let my hair fall around my shoulders instead of pinning it up. My stylist, the famous David, highlighted my dishwater blonde hair to perfection making it brighter, but still natural. Tryna, his new nail technician, did a fabulous job on my nails. She was such a hoot. Just what I needed to keep me from stressing over tonight.

  Momma called from the foot of the stairs. “Avalee, honey. Tyler is here.”

  “I’ll be right down.” I stared in the mirror. Deep breaths…Deep breaths.

  When I reached the top step, Ty looked up from speaking t
o Momma and flashed his sexy crooked smile, revealing dimples in his five o’clock shadow. One look from his heavy-lashed, dark, bedroom eyes dissolved my nervousness and filled me with craving. All I wanted in that moment was for him to pull me tight against his body and kiss me—long and melting.

  “Now, Tyler, honey, here is the fudge for your parents.” Momma held out the festive box.

  “Thank you, Miss Cladie.” He exhaled and held out his hand to me. “Well, are you ready to get this show on the road?”

  “I’m ready to get this over with.”

  Momma patted my shoulder. “Now, baby, remember what we talked about.”

  “I know; hurting people hurt. But I still dread it.”

  Outside, Ty hurried me to the passenger side of his truck, but before he could open it, I stood on my tiptoes and pressed my mouth hard against his.

  “Wow, what was that for?” He hugged me close. “Not that I’m complaining.”

  “Courage. It reminds me of why I’m going into the lion’s den tonight.”

  He whispered against my neck, “And after we emerge from said lion’s den, can we lick each other’s wounds?”

  I kissed him again, soft and lingering. “Absolutely.”

  Momma must have been watching from the kitchen window, because she called out the door, “You two love birds need to fly on outta here or Emma Jackson will have good reason to give you what for.”

  “All right, Momma.” I slid onto the truck seat and watched Ty jog around to the driver’s side. The idea for our post-supper, first aid plans comforted me—somewhat.

  ****

  Memories of Ty’s kisses sustained me on the way to his parent’s home, but the second we turned into Nottingham Estates, my heart started to race. By the time we pulled onto the circular drive of the Jacksons’ sprawling Georgian home, it pounded so hard I could hardly catch my breath.

  Ty must have noticed. “Hey, babe, you all right? You look like you’re going to be sick.”