Running Home

by Bill Sanderson

  Chapter Twenty

  The next day was calmer than the previous one, but no less nerve wracking. They had to pass by Michelle's bedroom several times on the way up to the attic with repair supplies.

  Jerry's sister and her husband came with the family to help with the repairs. Dorothy dropped by in the afternoon with cake to commiserate while the men patched the hole properly and replaced the wooden shingles on the dormer roof.

  Miriam busied herself making another big batch of baklava to give away while teaching Maggie and Dorothy how to make it. At least that's what she told herself but it was really to do something that was labour intensive so that the enforced waiting wouldn't weigh so heavily on her.

  When things got too tense they prayed. Several times. The Storeys came for supper but it wasn't the same without Michelle the ringleader. However, having seven adults and five children for dinner was distracting, at least for a while. John led a round of prayers before they left, praying with special intention for Annabelle and Michelle.

  The adults sat and talked for a long while after supper. Jerry and Miriam sat together, giving and receiving the comfort of the other's presence.

  It was late when they parted to their separate beds, each wishing that they were already married so they could continue to comfort each other through the night. Jerry's evening devotions and prayers were done in a distracted way but ended in a sincere 'Amen' hoping that the ancient Hebrew petition that His will be done would suffice.

  Breakfast was tea and toast. Neither of them had gotten much sleep. Miriam's ordeal had finally caught up to her in a nightmare. Jerry woke every time his niece or nephew made a noise in their sleep.

  The phone rang and Jerry rushed to answer it. Gert asked if she could drop by with coffee cake. Jerry pinched the bridge of his nose and told her to come on over. He made a fresh pot of coffee.

  The phone rang again. This time it was Rose asking if he needed anything from the grocery store. He said no and quickly ended the call. Turning to Miriam he asked, “Was it like this yesterday?”

  “It didn't start this early, but yes.”

  Maggie came into the kitchen with her youngest and poured some tea. “I heard the phone. Any news?”

  “Nothing yet. Gert will be by shortly with a coffee cake and Rose wanted to know if I needed any groceries.”

  Maggie got a twinkle in her eye. “Has Aunt Ethel called yet?”

  “Yes. Just after the police left on Tuesday. She was properly appalled and not her usual over the top self. I think she's being kind and relying on Rose and Jan for her news because she doesn't want to tie up the phone with Michelle still missing.”

  The phone rang again. This time it was Peggy MacDonald who wanted to let Miriam know that the IRB was putting her claim into the expedited queue. Miriam told her about the attempted murder and gave her the number of the lead investigator.

  Gert dropped by and Miriam told her the story of her ordeal. Gert oohed and aahed at the appropriate moments. Watching the interactions between Miriam and Jerry put a look that was between envious and accepting on her face. When it was time to head back to the store Gert gave Miriam a friendly hug and said she was very happy that she was safe. Miriam thanked her again for the warning call saying it probably saved her life.

  Miriam sat down to check her email, ready to let Elena know what had happened. There was a message from Elena that the suburb of Beirut where Sara was last known to be was bombed by the Israeli Air Force. There were reports of tens of thousands of displaced people moving to temporary shelter in other refugee camps.

  Miriam let out a gasp. Jerry came in to see what was the matter. Miriam hugged his arm while she translated Elena's message. “We need to pray for Sara again.”

  Jerry used his free hand to stroke Miriam's hair. “I wish we could sponsor her to come live with us.”

  “We could ask Peggy to see if that would be possible. We'd have to locate her first.” Miriam leaned her head against Jerry's hip. “Just what I need. Another thing to worry about.”

  The phone rang. Miriam answered, “Allo?”

  The long awaited voice of Annabelle said, timidly, “Miriam?”

  “Yes, Annabelle?” Miriam could feel Jerry stiffen as she said the name.

  “Miriam, I'm so, so sorry.” Annabelle was sniffling as she gave her apology.

  “Annabelle, would you like to speak with Jerry?” Miriam looked up at Jerry who looked ready to pounce on the handset.

  “I think so, yes.”

  Miriam handed the phone to Jerry. “Annabelle,” he said in a relieved tone.

  “Jerry, I'm so sorry.” Annabelle was almost crying.

  “What's happened?”

  “Michelle is okay, sort of.” Annabelle quickly continued. “She's not injured or anything, but she's pretty scared.”

  “What happened?” Jerry was trying to stay calm.

  “It was Phil. He threw me out. I thought he'd be okay with Michelle living with us, but he yelled and screamed.”

  “Did he hit you?”

  Annabelle went silent. “Yes,” she said in a very small voice. “That's why Mitchie was so scared. Can you come to get her?”

  “Where are you?”

  “I'm at a women's shelter in Toronto. I can't meet you here but I could meet you at one of the malls. Scarborough Town Centre is fairly close to both me and the highway.”

  “Are you okay?” Annabelle broke down bawling. “No, obviously not.” Jerry said in a soothing voice. “At least you're safe now. It's all right to cry, Belle.”

  Annabelle sobbed for a while then paused to collect herself. “Mitchie is playing with the other kids downstairs in the day care.”

  Jerry said, “We can be there tomorrow. Scarborough Town Centre food court, right?”

  “Right.”

  “Do you still have your cell phone?”

  “I need to get a new one and call you with the new number.” Annabelle sounded less fragile.

  “Call my cell and leave the number. Either Miriam or I will call you when we get to Port Hope. Will that give you enough time to get to the mall?”

  “That should be plenty.” Annabelle's voice sounded like she wanted to say something more. “Jerry?”

  “Yes?”

  “I really am sorry. I won't fight you over the divorce if I can still see Michelle when I'm down your way.”

  Jerry smiled for the first time in a few days. “You're still her mother, Annabelle. She needs to have you in her life.”

  “You're a good man, Jerry. I'm sorry I didn't try to make it work with you.”

  “We'll see you tomorrow, Belle. Take care.” Jerry hung up the phone and explained everything to Miriam. They went into the kitchen to explain everything again to Maggie and her husband then Miriam left to pack.

  Rose came back with Miriam fifteen minutes later. “Praise be, Jerry. Don't worry about the house, between Maggie, Jan and I, we'll make sure things are ready to go when you return.” She handed him a picnic basket and a small cooler. “I made some lunch for you two to take with you. I didn't figure you wanted to wait until after lunch to get started. There's some pop in the cooler and a few bottles of frozen water that should be ready to drink by the time you get to Amherst.”

  She followed them out to the car. “Now drive safe and let me know how Mitchie is when you get to Toronto.”

  Jerry hugged his aunt and she hugged Miriam. “We'll call when we have news.”

  The drive was very long. Miriam knew that Canada was big from flying over it, but it didn't really prepare her for the journey. Even with a very brief stop for gas, it was over three hours to reach New Brunswick. They had supper in Grand Falls at a real diner. Miriam insisted on a proper break to eat in a restaurant rather than eating take out in the car as Jerry wanted.

  They got to Trois-Pistoles around midnight. Both of them were fading quickly due to the bad nights they'd had over the previous week.

  Jerry saw a vacancy sign on a motel near the highway. �
��I think we should stop and get a real night's sleep before we continue.”

  Miriam was too tired to argue. She almost fell asleep while Jerry registered them. She woke up abruptly when they walked into the room with its one bed.

  Jerry looked around the room in dismay. “I can ask for a room with two beds.”

  Miriam looked apologetic but said, “I'd prefer that.”

  Walking back to the registration desk, Jerry tried to make his requirements clear but it wasn't until Miriam repeated the request in good French that the clerk understood what was needed. With a mutter of annoyance the clerk changed the room assignment and gave them each a key.

  Miriam looked up shyly at Jerry. “Thank you.”

  “It's okay. I know I could keep my hands off you tonight if we shared a bed, but I don't know about tomorrow morning after I'm rested.”

  Miriam blushed prettily and responded, “It wasn't your hands I was worried about, my love. It was mine. If we shared a bed it would be too easy to keep kissing until we forgot ourselves.”

  Jerry nodded seriously then said, “You realize that this means we have to get married? After all, I'm putting you in a compromising position.”

  Miriam stopped and reached up for a kiss. “I'm kissing you out here in the hall so I can get a small amount of this out of my system. And when you are a single man, I fully expect you to ask me the right question.” She gave him an affectionate kiss to warn him not to go further. “By the way, my ring size is the same as my shoe size.”

  They opened the door and stepped into the room. Miriam immediately took her pack into the washroom to change into her long tee shirt and prepare for bed. Jerry was already in his unfamiliar pyjamas when Miriam came out of the washroom.

  The room seemed too small. Jerry stood to one side as Miriam passed him and became aware of the intimacy of the situation. Gathering her resolve she went to one of the two beds and climbed in. Jerry went into the bathroom to get himself ready for bed and as he came out, he heard Miriam singing softly with her Bible open to what looked to be the book of Psalms.

  “You have a beautiful voice, balm of my soul,” he said.

  Miriam beamed at Jerry. “You are getting better at Arabic style endearments, prince among men.”

  “What were you singing? More Arabic folk tunes?”

  “Actually, I was singing Steve Bell's On the Wings of an Eagle. I was reminded of it as I was reading the propers for the day.”

  “Would you lead us in prayer this evening, my love?”

  Miriam smiled as she watched Jerry climb into his bed, wishing more than ever that they were married so she could climb in next to him and rest securely next to his strength. Her prayers followed her usual structure – a thanksgiving for their blessings especially for Michelle's safety, petitions for help with problems, that all would be done in accordance with His will and a final prayer for the strength to discern and accept His will.

  When the lights were out, Miriam listened as Jerry's breathing became slower and more regular then, dreaming that she was safely in his arms, she fell into a deep and restful sleep.

  The following morning was intimate, comforting and awkward all at the same time. Miriam was used to seeing Jerry fresh out of the shower and fully dressed, but she had never been close enough to listen to him humming or to hear the hiss of his shaving cream emerging from the can. She imagined him standing in front of the mirror clad only in a towel and was glad she was sitting down as her longing to be his wife made her go weak in the knees.

  Her heart leaped as she saw him emerge from the bathroom, freshly shaved with damp hair. He looked at her with frank desire as he scanned her trim frame. She was acutely aware that the only thing between his eyes and her body was a tee shirt. Taking a deep breath, she picked up her small pile of clothing for the day and tried to saunter casually past him.

  Jerry stopped her with a hand on her shoulder and leaned down for a good morning kiss. The world shrunk to encompass only their lips and their rapidly accelerating breath. Miriam began to reach up to continue the kiss, but the clothing in her hand reminded her that this was not the right time even if it might be a good place.

  She stepped back and said, in a husky voice, “I should shower.”

  Jerry ran a thumb across her cheek and draped some wayward hair over her ear. Miriam shuddered. Jerry said, in an equally strained voice, “Yes. I suppose you must.”

  Jerry sat down on the edge of the bed as she entered the bathroom. Hearing the water running he fantasized briefly about washing her back, but instead he turned on the television to try to distract himself. He spotted her shoes on the floor. He smiled as he noted that she wore size five and a half.

  He was watching Newsworld as she came out dressed for the day in a sleeveless blouse and capri pants. “There's been more rocket attacks on Israel and more retaliation.”

  The story came around as Miriam was packing her things. “That was a beautiful part of Beirut. Mother's people used to live near there before they emigrated to wherever they could. Most of them went to Australia.” An aerial shot of the refugee camps showed a beehive of activity and overcrowding. Remembering their conversation from the day before, Miriam said, “Can I use your phone to call Peggy? She should be in the office by now.”

  Jerry handed her the phone then picked up her pack and his suitcase to carry them to the car. Miriam followed and as they headed onto the Autoroute she dialled Peggy's number.

  “May I speak with Peggy MacDonald please?...Peggy? It's Miriam Nadif...I'm much better. We're on our way to Toronto to pick up Jerry's daughter...I have a question for you. What do I need to do to sponsor my sister Sara?...I can't? What about Jerry?...I think I can arrange a sponsorship group but I'm really worried about her. Elena confirmed that Sara's husband died in the recent fighting and that his family are refusing to recognize the marriage because there are no children and with Uncle Walid dead there is only cousin Saleh left on our side who is obligated to provide for her. But he's only eighteen and there's nothing left of the family property, so she has no one who can take her in...No, my sisters' husbands are not in a position to provide for her, nor do they have any obligation to her. Well, I suppose Elena's husband could take her in, but they don't have room for a fourteen year old and it will be very difficult for them to find her another husband. Overall, it would be much better if we can find her and bring her here to Hubbards...Okay...I'll call some people when we come back home. I think that the Pentecostal church in Tantallon would help out. Sylvie Doucet asked me if I would testify about my conversion. Maybe between them and St. Michael's I could arrange a sponsorship group...Thanks Peggy. I've been praying for you, too...I'll be glad when this is over and we can have you to dinner.”

  Jerry glanced over at his lady. “So what's the deal?”

  “She'll contact some people she knows in the consular affairs division at the embassy in Beirut although they may be handling consular affairs for Lebanon from either Damascus or Tel Aviv during the crisis. All we can do is register our offer to sponsor Sara and hope that she can be found. If she registers with the UN refugee officers or with the Red Cross or Red Crescent or, best of all, if she registers with a Canadian consular officer, then there is a good chance that we can have her come live with us.” Miriam shifted to look at Jerry, concern in her eyes. “Would it be good with you if she was to live with us?”

  “Heart of my heart, she is as much a part of you as Michelle is of me. We have plenty of room in our house and I'm sure that Rose would love to spoil another girl if she has to live with her until we can marry.”

  Miriam gave Jerry a grateful look and then a look of serious concern crossed her face. “She won't have an easy adjustment, Jerry, if we can take her in. She has very little English, she hasn't been to school in almost three years, she's not a Christian and I don't know what indoctrination my uncle and her husband put her through. On top of that she's already a widow, so she's had to grow up far too quickly.” Miriam blushed. “All of my sis
ters know more about what goes on between men and women than I do.”

  Jerry didn't answer but took Miriam's hand and held it until the traffic got heavier near Quebec City.

  They had a late lunch at the first rest stop on the 401 near Cornwall, Ontario. Miriam again insisted that they needed to walk and stretch. It was a nice day so they took their lunch as takeout and ate at a picnic bench while watching a pair of terriers having fun.

  Another four hours later they saw the signs for Port Hope. Miriam took out the cell phone to dial Annabelle's number.

  “Hello.”

  “Hi Annabelle. It's Miriam. We're at Port Hope.”

  “Okay. Mitchie is packed and ready to go. We'll meet you at the food court.” Annabelle sounded relieved.

  “Are you feeling better today?”

  “A little. We can talk when you get here.”

  “We'll see you soon.”

  Jerry began to drive faster until Miriam reminded him that Annabelle needed time to get to the mall and they didn't need either a speeding ticket or a traffic accident.

  The mall was busy but not crowded when they entered the doors. The signs showed the way to the food court and Miriam had to remind Jerry that her legs weren't as long as his. “I know you're anxious, my love, but a minute won't make a big difference.”

  They got to the edge of the food court when they spotted a small blonde missile headed their way. “Daddy!” Jerry crouched down and braced himself for impact. Michelle launched herself and Jerry scooped her up. He showered kisses on her until she started to giggle.

  Annabelle waved from a shadowed table in the center of the eating area. Jerry carried Michelle over to the table not caring that he was crying tears of relief.

  Miriam got to the table first. She had rehearsed what she was going to say for much of the trip, but a look at Annabelle's bruised face under sunglasses stopped her cold. Instead of launching her rehearsed tirade, she swallowed her anger and said, “Oh, Annabelle. I had no idea.”

  Whatever Annabelle had been expecting, it wasn't compassion. “I didn't either. I thought I could have my daughter back and finally give her a good home. Like Jerry did with Rose's help.” Annabelle looked at Miriam. “I was jealous of you, you know. Every time Jerry and I fought, which was too often, he'd retreat into himself and I knew he was comparing me with someone.”

  Jerry said, “It wasn't conscious, Belle. Before I met you I had already put Miriam out of my conscious thoughts.”

  “Well, if it wasn't Miriam it was some ideal that looked a lot like her.” Annabelle blew out a sigh. “It doesn't do me any good to dwell on it now.” She took off the sunglasses to show bruising around her eyes. “I know that I had a good thing when I married you and I threw it away. I think I knew I didn't deserve you.”

  Miriam said, sharply, “That's nonsense. You can't have Jerry now because he's mine. But there will be a man for you, a really decent, kind and honourable man. Someone who values you for who you are and isn't disappointed that you aren't a boy or that you have ideas of your own.”

  Annabelle was taken aback at Miriam's vehemence. Jerry said, “Miriam's uncle tried to murder her a couple of days ago because she refused to marry a man who beat her. He said her actions brought shame on the family.”

  Michelle said, “What's murder, daddy?”

  “It's when someone decides to kill you and they come up with a plan to do it. Gert saw them before they got to our house and warned Miriam. Then the police came and took the bad men away.”

  “Like the bad man who hit Mommy?”

  “Just like that.”

  Miriam looked at Jerry and asked, “Why don't you and Michelle go get me a small plate with two falafels and some fatoush and taboule?”

  “What about you squirt? What would you like?”

  “A burger with ketchup.”

  “Belle? Would you like something? My treat.” Jerry looked at her with concern.

  “A chicken shawarma wrap and a ginger ale would be great.”

  “Okay squirt, we have everyone's orders.” He turned to Miriam. “Tea, right?”

  “Yes, my love.”

  When Jerry and Michelle had gone, Miriam said, “Are you getting counselling?”

  Annabelle shrugged. “I don't see that it will do much good. I'm not feeling very good about life right now.”

  “I felt pretty much the same when I was hiding in the hostel in Tel Aviv waiting for my bruises to fade enough that I could go out in public again. My uncle was going to marry me off to a violent man, a leader in the Hezbollah. That was before they found out I was a Christian. Then they just wanted to kill me because of the dishonour I'd brought to the family.”

  Annabelle tried to absorb this. After a brief silence she asked, “How did you go on?”

  “The same way Jerry does. Lean on Jesus and live one day at a time. Of course, now that we've found each other again I can lean on Jerry and he can lean on me. But we still both lean on Jesus.”

  Annabelle snorted. “I thought I could count on Phil. I guess he was just putting on an act. As long as I did what he wanted everything was fine. When I decided to do something for me, he got angry. He was worse than my father. At least Papa was consistently disappointed in me.”

  “That's an awful way to live. At least I only had to put up with it for the two years I lived with my Uncle Walid.”

  Annabelle looked Miriam in the eye. “Will Jerry ever let me be alone with Michelle again?”

  “I don't know, Annabelle. It will take some time before Jerry and I can forgive what you did.”

  “I thought Christians were supposed to forgive.”

  “Forgiveness is tied to repentance. I'm really glad, maybe too glad, to see that you're truly sorry about taking Michelle so I will forgive you this time. Jerry probably will, too, he's more forgiving than I am. But earning back our trust won't be quite as easy. I'd like to see you get some help. I'm sure Jerry would like that, too. So what I want is for you to get counselling and when you call each week to talk to Michelle we can discuss what you've been doing to try to turn your life around.”

  Annabelle asked, “Are you sure you aren't mad at me?”

  “I was very mad until I saw your bruises. I don't condone you taking Michelle without clearing it with Jerry, but if I have any anger now it's against this Phil person, not you. Not anymore. I hope he's in custody.”

  Annabelle cast her eyes downward. “I don't know what to do about him. The police laid charges, but he's out on bail and I'm not sure if I want to drop the charges or not.”

  “If I was in your situation, I'd try to put him in jail. But you have to do what's right for you. But what ever you decide, remember that no good man ever beats a woman.”

  “I'll think about it.”

  “Think about what I said about earning back Jerry's trust.”

  “He never trusted me. I never gave him a reason to, I suppose.”

  “Maybe not, but think about getting that help. I know it's trite, Annabelle, but God doesn't make junk and he made you, so you are definitely not junk. If you ask Him to help you, He will although you might not like the answers. I know I don't like all of the ones He's given me over the years.”

  Annabelle began to cry. “I'd almost rather that you yelled at me. You're too nice. Just like Jerry. You know, I never could believe that anyone was that nice.” She blotted her tears on a napkin. “I won't be contesting the divorce and I won't fight for custody of Michelle, as long as I'm still allowed to call and visit.”

  “Just get some help and keep trying to turn your life around. Michelle needs you in her life, but she needs a solid grown up to look up to. That could be you, with some help.”

  Annabelle gave a tentative smile to Miriam just as Jerry and Michelle came back with the food. They ate supper companionably and Annabelle related much of what she and Miriam talked about. Jerry thought that Miriam's proposed solution would work and thanked Annabelle for wanting to settle the divorce quickly.

 
After a tearful hug from her mother, Michelle took her place between Miriam and Jerry for the walk back to the car. She told them some stories about the nice things that she and Annabelle had been doing together. Jerry asked her if she wanted to stay for a while and visit Toronto. Before they drove away to find a hotel, Jerry called Annabelle to let her know that they were staying in Toronto for a few more days and to ask if she would like to go to the zoo with them.

  Apparently this invitation brought more tears from Annabelle but she accepted.

  They spent four days sightseeing in Toronto and area. Miriam took them on a tour of the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington, showing them her favourite reading benches and the beautiful rose garden. Annabelle was surprisingly good company, often letting Jerry and Michelle range ahead so that she could speak with Miriam about her overbearing father and how desperate she was for him to approve of something she did.

  By the end of the week, Miriam reluctantly began to consider Annabelle as a real person who needed someone to talk to, even though she wasn't sure that she wanted to be that someone. But because she had been praying regularly for Annabelle to amend her ways, it was very difficult and possibly hypocritical to ignore her or to leave her to find her way by herself.

  They parted after breakfast at a restaurant near the 401 in Scarborough. Annabelle gave Michelle a hug and lots of kisses. She surprised Miriam by giving her a hug too and told her that she was scheduled to meet with a counsellor that afternoon. Jerry unbent enough to give Annabelle a goodbye hug, too. Then they began to make their way back to Hubbards.

  They took four days to get home, spending half a day sightseeing in Montreal and the same in Quebec City before staying overnight with Jerry's brother Bill in Fredericton.

  The rest of the summer flew by. Miriam spent most of each day with Jerry and Michelle. Jerry would cook breakfast for everyone while Miriam prepared a picnic lunch. Suppers were usually spent visiting or hosting friends and family, although they did insist on at least one evening a week with just the three of them. Rose also conspired to let Jerry and Miriam have three evenings out by themselves without Michelle.

  Annabelle called two or three times a week, talking almost as much with Miriam as she did with Michelle. The counselling was doing a world of good – she was sleeping better and her new boss was giving her more responsibility at work which was both gratifying and scary. But a good scary, she reassured Miriam.

  The conflict in Lebanon ended with a ceasefire in mid August, but there was still no news from or about Sara other than a registry entry dated from after the bombing of the Beirut neighbourhoods where she had been living.

  Jerry and Miriam talked and planned and had fun together. They shared tears and laughs and kisses and prayers. And they waited for word from the court and the tribunal.

  Jerry reluctantly began planning lessons for the fall session after finding out which courses he was teaching. Miriam had received her temporary work permit and obtained her Social Insurance Number. She mentioned she was looking for work at one of Jack's barbeques and Gert phoned the next day to ask if she would like to help out at the store until Thanksgiving which Miriam accepted gratefully.

  Miriam came home for lunch at Jerry's the Friday before the Labour Day weekend to see the mail being delivered. Rose came bustling over and said, “Miriam, you got a letter from the Immigration Review Board.”

  Looking into Jerry's mail box, she saw a letter from the Nova Scotia Supreme Court in Bridgewater. With rising excitement, she said to Rose, “Let's go inside and get Jerry.”

  “Jerry!” Miriam called from the front hall. “You have a letter.”

  She handed Jerry his letter while she ripped into hers. Inside was a letter confirming that Miriam Nadif was recognized as a protected person under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Letting out a squeal of delight, she looked up at Jerry's face.

  Seeing the look of joy on her face, he handed her his letter while she hand him hers. She skimmed the decree quickly. It said exactly what Annabelle had promised. Jerry was now divorced from Annabelle and he had sole custody of Michelle, which could be revisited if he did not allow Annabelle to be involved in Michelle's life.

  He gathered Miriam into his arms and swung her around, narrowly missing Rose and Michelle. Then kissed her and gave a joyous shout before setting her down with a kiss.

  Rose looked at the two of them grinning like fools and said, “It's good news, I take it.”

  Miriam looked at Jerry and he nodded. “Wonderful news. I can stay in Canada.”

  Jerry held up the decree. “And I'm single again.” Then he took Miriam's hand. “But not for long I hope.”

  Rose hugged each in turn with a brilliant smile. “So where are you two going tonight?”

  Jerry looked confused. “We were all going to supper with Aunt Ethel tonight.” Then he clued in. “I think we'll have to go to Ethel's tonight, Rose. She's having a party to announce Jaclyn's engagement and we promised Jaclyn we'd attend to help run interference. Daniel proposed just before graduation and they tried to keep it quiet but then his grandmother gave him an heirloom ring.” Rose was looking impatient.

  “Yes. Rose. We'd love for you to look after Michelle so that we can go out by ourselves, but not tonight.” Jerry moved everyone toward the kitchen. “Miriam only has an hour for lunch so let's sit and talk. And I want to finish the story.”

  They served themselves lamb and vegetable stew from the crock pot and sat down. Jerry continued, “If I got the story straight, a couple of weeks ago Daniel drove Jaclyn into one of the big jewellery stores in downtown Halifax to get her finger measured so the ring could be resized. So last Monday both of them had the day off and drove back into town to pick up the ring. Jaclyn knew that Ethel had a doctor's appointment but she assumed, incorrectly, that it was at the clinic in French Village with the family doctor. So Ethel comes out of the specialist's building and starts walking back to the parking lot when she spots Jaclyn and Daniel kissing just in front of the jewellers and Jaclyn holding out her left hand to admire the ring.” Jerry paused to eat some stew.

  Rose jumped in. “I can see it now. Ethel probably marched up to the two of them and tore a strip off them.”

  “Well, it wasn't quite that bad, but it took Daniel dragging them off to that nice dessert place near the art college and buying Ethel a big piece of chocolate cake and a cup of their wonderful coffee before she finally listened. They are planning a long engagement because Daniel has three years before he gets his engineering technician diploma. They aren't sure if they'll get married after Jaclyn graduates in two years or after Daniel graduates. I'm betting it will be the Saturday after Jaclyn's graduation.” Jerry paused again to eat.

  Michelle asked, “Jackwyn is going to marry Danny?”

  Jerry said, “Not right away, but someday. We're all going to a party tonight with Jaclyn and Daniel.”

  Miriam took Jerry's hand. “I'd like to have supper at that nice seafood restaurant in Lunenburg. Maybe on Sunday?”

  Jerry looked up. “Rose? Would that be okay with you?”

  Rose nodded, not daring to speak with her mouth full. Jerry looked at Michelle. “Do you know what the letter I got means?” Michelle looked puzzled. “It means that I'm not married to your Mommy any more.”

  “Does that mean she's not my Mommy?”

  “No, squirt, she'll always be your mommy but it does mean that I can ask Miriam to marry me. Would it be all right with you if I asked her to marry me? If she says yes she would come to live with us.”

  Michelle pursed her lips in concentration. “Miriam's nice, Daddy. But I'd still get to see Mommy, right?”

  Miriam answered her. “Yes, ma petite, you will. Your mother promised that she would visit us this Christmas.”

  Michelle considered for a while. “As long as there isn't too much kissing, I suppose it would be okay if you married Daddy.”

  The adults all laughed and moved onto a discussion of Jerry's new course load and
Gert's idiosyncrasies mixed in with some questions from Michelle.

  After the party that evening they sat in the living room cuddling. The lingering tensions had dissipated with the letters. Jerry asked, “Do you want to wait very long? To get married, I mean.”

  “I'd like to be married as soon as we can get everything ready. But that will be at least four weeks from when you ask. Thanksgiving weekend would be a good time to get everyone together. That would be seven weeks away.”

  “Can I ask you tomorrow?”

  “You can ask me now, if you like.” Miriam reached up. Jerry gave her a lingering kiss, but started to push her off his lap. She stood up and put her hands on his shoulders to prevent him getting up right away. Grabbing his head she leaned forward for another kiss that tempted Jerry to drag her back onto his lap.

  He stood up, took a deep breath and said, “Wait here.”

  He returned with a little blue box. “I went with Michelle to pick this out when you were having one of your long talks with Annabelle in Toronto.” Then he went down on one knee. “Dearest Miriam, heart of my heart, my life and the sum of all my desires, will you make me the happiest man in the world and consent to marry me?”

  Miriam's eyes filled with tears and she responded, “My Jeremiah, light of my eyes and the dearest and kindest of all men, I cannot think of anything that would make me happier than to be your wife.”

  Jerry opened the box to show her the ring. It was a cluster setting with a one carat diamond in the center and twelve alternating fifteen point emeralds, sapphires and rubies in a ring around the diamond. Jerry said, “The gems represent many things, white for purity, green for life, blue for loyalty and red for passion. Michelle liked it best because it had the best sparkle.” He slipped the ring onto Miriam's finger and straightened up for another kiss. “Now, unless you want to add a wedding ring tomorrow, I think we should say good night.”

  Miriam gathered a kneeling Jerry close for a long hug and another kiss. “I think you are right, my love.” She stood up and gathered the tea mugs.

  Jerry followed Miriam into the kitchen. “I will be glad when I don't have to wish you good night and watch you walk down the street, habibti.”

  “And I will be glad when I don't have to stop with just kisses.” She looked at her ring and sighed. “But it will have to do for now.” She beckoned. “Kiss me, my fiancé.”

  Jerry closed the distance. “As you wish, wisest and most beautiful of women.”

  They stood in the kitchen wrapped in each other for an unknown amount of time before finally parting.

  Miriam was still up when Jack and Rose came back from Jaclyn's party. “How did it go after we left?” Miriam asked Jack.

  Jack said, “Well, Ethel got a little weepy but finally admitted that Danny was a lovely young man. After that she and Daniel's mom got together to plot. I don't think Jaclyn or Daniel will have a chance if those two gang up on them.”

  Rose said, “I had a nice chat with Jaclyn about her future. I think both of them have their heads on right. She mentioned that you gave her some good advice about her studies. She had a choice of two summer jobs this year. She took the one that paid a bit less but would be more fun. They liked her enough that she'll be staying on with them part time during school, ten hours a week, designing brochures and ads.” Rose finally focused on Miriam's left hand.

  Rose spluttered and pointed, “He didn't.”

  Miriam smirked. “He certainly did. Obviously I said yes.”

  Jack looked over at the ring. “He's almost as lucky as I am. Congratulations.”

  Miriam beamed at Jack and said, “Thank you.” Then she looked at a nicely stunned Rose. “We are still going out Sunday night to celebrate, but I think the living room in my home was a better place to receive Jerry's proposal. I know that I will be sitting watching television or reading to one of the children or serving tea and I'll look at my ring. When I sit in that room I will remember Jerry's love and his proposal and I will know that I am truly home.”

  “Well, I don't suppose you'll ever live anywhere else.” Rose got up and sat next to Miriam to give her a hug. “I'm so glad you'll be part of the family.”

  “We'll drop in on Dorothy tomorrow to give her the good news. Please wait until tomorrow after supper to tell anyone else.” Miriam looked at both of them.

  “Do I have to?” Rose asked.

  “Yes, you do. A few hours won't kill you. Besides it will give you something to talk about for the next couple of days.”

  “Good night, Aunt Rose and Uncle Jack.” Miriam waved as she left the kitchen.

  “Good night,” came the chorus, followed by Rose's gentle “Hallelujah”.