by Sharon Coady
“Pop, do you need anything? If not, I’m going to go take my shower. I’ll do up these dishes when I get home.”
“I’m good. Go get yourself ready. I can put my dishes in the sink. I guess I’ll give Nancy a call in a bit. Do you know where I put my glasses? I have some coupons and I want to go through them for you if you hand me your list.”
“Sure thing. That will be a huge help.” She went into the living room and grabbed his glasses from the end table where he always placed them before going to bed. “Here you go. I won’t be long.” Anne giggled when she saw Mavy sit at Pop’s feet, watching him rustle the paper and clip coupons.
“Take your time.” He laughed. “I’m not going anywhere.”
****
Anne finished getting ready and found Pop still sitting in the kitchen, cutting some coupons from the Sunday paper with Mavy sound asleep at his feet. “I swear that cat is connected with you and Melanie.”
“She’s a special cat. I told you all that last Christmas.” He chuckled. “I found coupons for almost everything on your list. The ones I couldn’t find any for have a little star by them.”
“Thank you, that will be very helpful. Kyle will be here soon. Will you be okay to watch for Melanie’s bus?”
“Sure, it comes at two forty-five. I’ll wait for her on the porch. That’s okay, right? It’s too hard for me to go down the steps these days.” He mumbled something under his breath.
“It’s fine. You can see her get off the bus, and she knows to come straight down the drive to you. I reminded her this morning.”
“Good. Thanks for making me feel useful. I know I can’t do so much anymore.” He pushed his chair in and shoved his hands in his pockets.
“You are useful. You help so much with Melanie and you’re teaching her a lot. She loves you.” Anne’s heart hurt, hearing his words. The man who had always been her solid foundation, her rock, felt like he was useless and she couldn’t stand it.
“I love her. She wants a pony now. She told me.” He laughed. “I should have remembered you wanted one after we watched Misty of Chincoteague together.”
Anne laughed, too. “I warned Kyle. He thinks we can build a little barn and corral out at his place for her.”
Pop’s eyes flew open wide as his face went pale. “Are you all moving?”
“Oh, no we’re not! We’re staying right here with you. He was just talking. He also said we could build something here on your property, too, if we wanted to get her a pony. I’m just not sure it’s a good idea to get her one yet.”
“Why not? She could learn to ride real easy. She’s a smart kid.”
“It’s not that. We’re having a baby, and I think having a pony might be a lot of work for me.”
That set Pop into a fit of laughter.
Anne put her hands on her hips. “What’s so funny?” she demanded.
“Anne, horses don’t take that much work. You make sure their water trough is full, you throw them hay and some oats, you muck out their stall. Which by the way, she is certainly old enough to help with if she wants a pony. Don’t forget I worked on a dude ranch when I was young, so I know about taking care of them.”
“You really think she is old enough to do it?”
“Yes. If I didn’t, I would say so. Kyle could build a little corral and barn out there on the side of the house. There would be plenty of grass in the summer. Old man Johnson in town sells hay and oats.”
“How do you know that?” She narrowed her eyes. “Wait! You’ve been looking into it since she told you she wanted one, haven’t you?”
Pop snickered. “You caught me. I even know where we can get her a good one, and I priced them for you all as well. I wrote everything down.”
“I hope you didn’t tell her.” As soon as she saw the look on his face, she knew he had talked to her. “Oh, Pop. I hope you aren’t getting her hopes up. Kyle and I really haven’t talked too much about it.”
“You’re only a kid once. Think how you would have loved having a pony if we could have given you one.” The corners of his mouth turned down.
Anne realized he was right. She had dreamed of having one for years. Heck, she still would love to have a horse. “I’ll talk to him today. How did you get so smart?” She kissed his bald head.
His blue eyes twinkled. “From years of living with your gram.” He pulled Anne into a big hug.
The front door swung open as Kyle came in carrying the birdseed Pop had requested he bring home. “What are you two scheming now?” He smiled as he set the package down on the table.
“We’re not scheming, Pop just had a wonderful thought. Let me get my purse, list, all the coupons Pop cut out for me together, and we’ll go.”
“Sure. Can I get my kiss first?” She smiled as he pulled her into his arms. “I missed you today.”
“I missed you, too. Be right back.” She slipped out of his arms then grabbed the list and coupons from the kitchen. She handed them to him before she went into their room to get her coat and purse.
She heard Kyle ask Pop, “So what was your idea?”
“I’ll let her tell you. Before I forget, Anne said it was fine to invite Nancy for Thanksgiving dinner. Are you okay with me doing that?”
Anne came out just in time to see Kyle arch his eyebrow. “Sure. Thanks for asking. It’s fine, if you don’t mind her coming over. I know she can be a bit hard to handle.”
Pop laughed. “She isn’t as hard to deal with as I am.”
Kyle threw his head back and laughed. “Pop, you’re a walk in the park compared to my mother.”
Chapter Seven
“I think he enjoys your mother’s company. He hasn’t had a friend in so long. He told me your Aunt Kim is going to be with her son for the holiday.”
“Mom didn’t tell me that. Wonder why she told him and not me?”
“I guess they talk often. He said she and Aunt Kim usually spend every Thanksgiving together.”
“They usually do. I don’t care if she comes, especially since they seem to get along so well. So if we need to go somewhere for any length of time, he shouldn’t mind her coming over to help.”
She smiled and shook her head. “I would never have expected them to get along like they do.”
“Right? Beats me.” Kyle chuckled quietly, shaking his head in apparent disbelief. “Do we have to get a lot of things? Your coupon folder is awful thick today.”
“Thank heavens! It’s a long list and I want to make sure we have all the staples in. Our little man is due to make his appearance in the not too distant future, and I don’t want you having to worry with shopping while I’m in the hospital.”
Kyle laughed. “That’s sweet of you, honey, but did you forget that I have been shopping and cooking for Melanie and me since she was tiny?”
“No, I didn’t forget. I just don’t want you to have to worry about doing it that’s all. Do you think you can ask your mom to make her pecan pie for Thanksgiving?” She quickly changed the topic.
“Sure. Why don’t I ask her to make that and a pumpkin pie? She makes awesome pies. Wait. That might be a sweet potato pie she makes. Well, doesn’t matter. Whatever it is, it’s wonderful.”
“That would be great. It would save me a lot of work. Not to change the subject, but have you noticed that Pop looks a bit thin lately? I think he’s lost more weight.”
“I thought he looked thinner in the face. Maybe we need to get him some shakes to drink. We don’t want him to lose too much weight. Speaking of Pop, what idea did he come up with that he’s so proud of?”
“He wants us to put in a small barn and corral at his place for a pony for Melanie. When I mentioned to him that you had said something about putting one in at your house, he got very upset and thought we were moving.”
“You set him straight, right?”
“Before he had another moment to think about it. I don’t want him to think we are ever going to leave him.” She wiped a tear from her eye. Picking out cans of
vegetables, she handed them to him so he could place them in the cart.
“We aren’t, honey. I hope he’ll be able to put up with a baby and Melanie.” He moved slowly along with her so he could place each item in the cart, while she made a check mark to cross it off.
“He doesn’t hear too well anymore so maybe it won’t bother him too much.” She giggled. “With that selective hearing he has, he won’t hear the baby when he doesn’t want to.”
“That’s good. Let’s get this knocked out so we can get home, and you can rest while I make dinner tonight.” He gave her a quick hug, and she reviewed her list to see what aisle they needed to head to next.
On the car ride home, Anne leaned back feeling completely exhausted from what used to be such a simple task. She couldn’t believe how tired she was.
“Are you doing okay?” Kyle asked as he studied her face.
“I’m fine. I just wear out faster than I used to.”
This sent him into a fit of laughter. “You’re growing a littler person inside of you that is sapping your strength as we speak. It’s hard work being pregnant, honey. That’s why I tell you to rest whenever you can. When this little guy gets here, it’s going to be a long time before you can do that.”
“I know, but I feel like I have to keep an eye on Pop. He’s so unsteady these days, and I wouldn’t feel right taking a nap during the day. If he fell or something happened to him, I couldn’t begin to forgive myself.”
“Why don’t I see if Mom can come by a few days a week to give you a break? That way she can chat with him, and you can excuse yourself and take that much needed nap.”
“I don’t want to put her out. You know what he can be like at times.” However, a nap sounded heavenly to her right now.
“Yep, and I know my mom can hold her own. Do you think he can?” He arched his brow.
Anne giggled. “I know he can.”
“Well, it’s settled then. I’ll call her and ask her to come by a few days a week, starting Monday.”
The thought of being able to lie down and rest appealed so much to her; all she could do was smile at him.
When they arrived home and the groceries were put away, Anne went into Melanie’s room to see how school had gone that day. She found her on the floor, looking under her bed.
“Hey honey, what are you doing?”
Melanie sat back on her heels, eyes wide. “I can’t find Maby. Poppy was waiting for me on the front porch, and he forgot to close the door. I’m afraid she got out.”
“What? Did you tell him so he could help you look?”
She shook her head as her curls flew around her face, tears streaming down her cheeks. “No. I didn’t want him to get upset or try to go down the steps. It’s hard for him.”
“Oh, sweetie. Maybe she’s in our room. Let’s go look.” She took Melanie’s hand and they hurried into her room while Pop watched Kyle put everything away. “Mavy. Here kitty-kitty,” Anne called softly while Melanie got on her knees and looked under the bed. “Do you see her?”
“No! I really think she got out of the door. What are we going to do?” She started sobbing. “I want my kitty.”
“It’s okay, honey. We’ll find her. Come on, we’ll tell Daddy. He’ll know what to do.” She took her hand and walked her to her father.
“What’s wrong?” Kyle asked, picking Melanie up. “Why are you crying?”
“Oh Daddy. I think Maby got out of the house.”
“Hush now. Why do you think that? Everyone is careful.” Kyle hugged her close, glancing at Anne with a brow raised.
“Cause when I got home from school today, Poppy was waiting for me on the porch, and he didn’t close the front door. I’ve been looking for her everywhere I can. I didn’t go into Poppy’s room, but his door was shut when I got home.”
Kyle glanced at Anne and mouthed, “What are we going to do?”
Anne shrugged her shoulders, knowing if the cat had gotten out, it would be hard to find her if she didn’t want to come home. “We’re going to have to try to find her. We can’t do that standing around.”
“What’s wrong? I heard the little one crying.” Pop shuffled into the kitchen. “What happened, girl?” He placed his hand on her back and patted her.
“I think Maby’s gone, Poppy.”
“What? Oh no!” The color drained from his face. “I forgot to shut the door when I went out to watch for her school bus, but I didn’t see the kitty come out the door.” A grim looked replaced his smile. “I’m sorry, honey. Come on you two, what are you standing there for? You have to help find that cat. It won’t do to have her outside with night coming on. I’ll get my coat.”
“Pop, can you just keep her in here while Kyle and I start looking? Hopefully, she’s too scared to have gone far.” Anne’s words sounded hollow to her ears. She knew if the cat had been scared and close by, she would have run to them as soon as they pulled in. If they couldn’t find her, Pop and Melanie would be heartbroken, and he would be sick knowing it was his fault that Mavy had gotten out.
Kyle helped her down the steps and they called for Mavy. “Anne, you look around the yard, take this flashlight since it’s getting dark. I don’t want you tripping over anything. I’ll go look in the woods. She’s been carrying on the last few days. I hope she isn’t in heat.” He kissed her and zipped her coat all the way up before moving off to the side of the house and stepping into the woods.
“I didn’t think about that.” She walked along the porch, her heart heavy. “Mavy. Here kitty-kitty. Oh, please come to me. Come on Mavy, it’s okay.” Gram, please help us find her. Anne turned her head—had she just heard a meow? “Kitty-kitty.” She listened. There it was again. She was sure of it.
She followed the sounds and right where she had found Mavy last winter, she heard the little meows. Anne slowly kneeled down and shined the flashlight on the opening under the porch. The cat was hiding under the porch, and Anne could see her shaking. “Mavy, come on kitty. It’s me, come here baby.” She coaxed and called softly. Just as she was ready to give up, Mavy poked her head out of the hole and ran to her, mewling repeatedly. “Oh there you are, sweet baby, come here.”
Anne picked her up and held her close. “You scared us. Don’t do that again. You poor thing, you’re shaking. Kyle! Come quick, I have her.” She called as she sat down on her bottom, holding Mavy close to her body, talking and crying at the same time. “Thank you Gram. You kept her hidden and safe.”
Kyle started running as soon as he saw Anne sitting on the cold ground. “You found her! Where was she? And what are you doing, sitting there?”
“I’m sitting here because I can’t get up. She was under the house where I found her last winter. Can you please help me up?” She laughed. “Who would have thought that a little baby in my tummy could make me into such a big whale that I can’t even stand up once I kneel down? And don’t you dare laugh at me Kyle Shafer, or I swear I will smack you a good one.”
Kyle tried hard not to smile or laugh at her. “I’m glad you found her. Pop and Melanie will be so relieved. I’m going behind you to put my hands under your arms to help you up okay?”
“Okay. Hold still Mavy and don’t you dare scratch me,” she whispered. As Kyle started lifting, she got her feet under her, and they finally got her to her feet. She leaned back against him and started laughing.
“I thought you said no laughing?” He chuckled, giving her a little kiss on her neck.
“I just imagined what we must have looked like, and since I’m so pregnant right now, I’m sure it was a rather amusing sight. Thanks for not laughing at me for being stuck.”
“I would never laugh at you. Let’s get this cat into the house and make two people very happy.”
He helped her up the steps. As soon as they walked in, Melanie squealed, running to Anne. Pop shuffled behind her a huge smile on his face.
“Where’d you find her?” He reached over and scratched under Mavy’s chin.
“In the same
opening under the porch where I found her last winter. I guess it was her safe place to hide. Melanie, can you please get her some water and food? I’m sure she is hungry and thirsty after her ordeal.”
“I’m so glad that she’s safe. I’m sorry I forgot to close the door. I thought I had. I’ve never done that before.” Pop looked so upset.
“Pop, it’s okay. You could have thought you closed it, and it just didn’t catch. You know the door will swing open if it doesn’t latch. It’s done that to me before.” She didn’t like him looking so upset. “Kyle, do you think we can look into getting that door fixed so it doesn’t do that anymore?”
“Yes, I’ll call someone and see what we can get figured out. Best to not have the door doing that. Is that all right with you?” He turned to Pop.
Pop smiled and took Mavy from her. “Yep, sounds good.” The cat immediately started purring and rubbing against his chin. “Silly kitty, where did you think you were going? You scared Melanie.” He sat down and baby talked her while she continued to purr.
Chapter Eight
Thanksgiving was two days away, and Anne prayed the baby would wait until his due date. She didn’t want to spend it in the hospital if she could help it. Kyle pulled her closer.
“Did I wake you?”
“No, I’ve been awake for a while. I didn’t want to wake you. I heard Pop talking to Melanie a bit ago.”
Anne opened her eyes and glanced at the clock. “Oh my goodness. Why did you let me sleep so long?” She tried to wiggle out of his arms but he held onto her.
“It’s fine. Let’s lay here for a bit longer. This little one will be here soon, and I won’t get so much time with you. I’m being selfish and getting all the alone time we can get.”
