by Debra Holt
Davis watched her leave.
“Yellow rose petal,” Darcy muttered more to herself than anyone else. Then her eyes darted to Davis. He pretended an interest in one of the cakes on display. “I saw that one. It’s a baby quilt. What haven’t you told me? Your favorite sister?”
“You’re my only sister.”
“Stop being my knucklehead brother and tell me… am I going to be an aunt?”
He didn’t get the words out because she saw the broad grin and she launched herself across the counter and was choking him in a tight hug.
“Hey, don’t make a fuss. Stacy wants to tell people after church tomorrow.”
Darcy gathered herself together but couldn’t keep from beaming. “My lips are sealed.”
“Mine, too. Congratulations to both of you.” Emma smiled at the man.
Cole extended his hand and slapped on Davis’s shoulder. “Congratulations, Davis. Having a child… it’ll make you a better man.”
“Thanks, everyone. We can’t wait for this next chapter of our lives. And, now, I think I should win that lemon pie by default.”
Darcy shook her head. “No charity here brother. Especially since I practically had to drag that news out of you. So, if you want that pie, you have to fight for it.”
“Lemon pie?” Cole spoke up. “Would that be one of your lemon pies, Darcy?”
“That it would.”
Cole dug in his pocket and laid a handful of bills on the counter. “Give me as many tries as that will buy me.”
Emma handed over the tickets.
“You think you’re going to get that pie?” Davis eyed the man beside him.
“I know it.” Cole smiled back.
“This will be fun.” Darcy called everyone to take their places. Emma began the music. They had combined two games… the cake walk and musical chairs. The person who was the last chair left, got to pick their favorite cake or pie. There were eight items left on the shelf… and only one lemon meringue pie.
Twice the guys both lost out early. Two more times and the same thing. They both added more money for tickets. On the sixth go around, it came down to four people, including them. Then the next round… they stayed in. As luck would have it, they were the last two remaining. Two determined men and one chair. The crowd had gotten into the spirit of things. Cheering and booing appropriately.
The music started and Emma closed her eyes. She didn’t want a certain person to get any unfair advantage from her… although she was secretly rooting for a certain sheriff. Another few seconds and then she hit the stop button and opened her eyes. Two grown men, one small chair and each were trying to plant their ownership on it. The scuffle was on, the crowd was clapping. And then the ranger timed it just right and knocked the chair out from under Cole who was just about to take the seat and planted himself there instead. Cole landed with a thud on the hard floor. Laughter ensued. Davis stood up and gave a helping hand to Cole. They shook like good competitors. Darcy handed over the much-fought-over lemon pie.
“What say we grab a couple of forks and go find an empty picnic table?” Davis looked at Cole.
“First smart thing you’ve said in a while. You’re on.”
Emma and Darcy shook their heads at the pair carrying their pie and being so pleased with themselves.
“Yet another example,” Darcy said.
“Example?”
“The difference in Cole Drayton. All the other carnivals? He was in uniform, walking around watching from the edges, providing security. He didn’t engage in any of the games. Mae and Vernon enjoyed most of the carnival with Charlie. This year, he’s enjoying himself and being a dad. Thank you, Emma Cramer.”
*
“Thank you, Emma Cramer.” The words were repeated an hour later by Cole, himself.
They were standing with Mae and Vernon watching Charlie parade across the stage in her sparkly princess costume, replete with tiara and satin slippers. The smile on the child’s face couldn’t be any brighter as she made a wave in their direction. He leaned toward her and whispered, “That costume idea and working with mom on it in the midst of everything else you already do for us, it means a lot and made a difference to Charlie.”
Emma’s heart filled with happiness under Cole’s praise and thanks. It had all been a labor of love for the child… and her family. And that included the man beside her most of all. It was funny how love could suddenly upend one’s world and cause colors and smells and sounds to be bolder, brighter, better. Emma walked around the carnival with Cole and his family and, for the first time, she felt alive and that she had a definite meaning… a purpose and place in life. She was content to bask in the wonders around her.
“You’re awfully quiet. Are you feeling okay?” Mae asked the questions while they waited for Charlie to finish her pony ride. Cole had promised her that to help console her from the fact she didn’t win the best costume award and the pizza party. A boy in her class came dressed as a “Star Wars” Stormtrooper and that was a crowd pleaser. She did win in the most beautiful category and received a coupon for a free manicure and a small bouquet of flowers, which she had given to Emma to take care of.
“I’m fine. I think the whole week finally winding down is just dawning on me. It’s nice to just enjoy things at a leisurely pace now and then.”
“Well, you have done marvels in the short time you’ve been with us. I thank the angel every evening in my prayers who guided you to our family. Truth be told, I can’t remember what it was like before you were with us. I think that says a lot. And I hope we’ve grown in your heart, as well. Just know how much happiness there would be if you decided to stay on in the spring. Now let me go hurry those three up.”
Emma was glad she had a moment to compose herself. That was the second time that day that someone had told her what her heart had only admitted and dared to hope could be possible. Still she didn’t want to jinx it. It was all too new and too fragile. And Cole was the one that mattered and he had said nothing… only that they needed to have a private conversation soon. Keep hoping.
Mae and Charlie left the group for a few minutes to stop at the face painting booth. Charlie wanted a butterfly on her cheek. Cole and Emma, along with Vernon, found a stand with homemade ice cream and sat down to enjoy some cones.
“I need to pick your brains,” Vernon spoke, looking around to make certain they were not in sight of Mae and Charlie. “You know we have this anniversary thing coming up in a couple of weeks and all.”
“Anniversary?” Emma asked. “This is the first I’ve heard of it.” She cast a look at Cole, who only shrugged.
“It’s our fiftieth. And it’s a big deal I know. We got married when we were both just eighteen and I was going off to the military. It wasn’t anything fancy. But Mae’s never been one to want to have any type of celebration, but I figure this time, we best do something while we’re still able to walk and have almost all our own teeth still.”
Emma grinned at the man. He was adorable.
“I don’t know what to do.”
Emma looked at Cole, who looked back at her. “What’s going on in that head of yours?”
“Generally, I’ve heard that the child of the couple is the one who hosts such an important anniversary. So, I think you better get it in gear.”
“Me? What do I know about throwing something like this?”
“Guess it’s a good thing you have me around then.” She smiled sweetly back at him.
He returned the smile with a grin. “I guess it is.” He looked at his dad. “Leave everything to us. This will be a night to remember.”
Emma felt a quick shiver run up her spine. It wasn’t from the ice cream. She had a strange feeling and it happened when Cole had spoken those words.
Chapter Eleven
The day after the carnival, Charlie had come down with a fever and then it moved into a respiratory infection, and then strep throat had taken her down. Between doctor’s visits and the planning of the anniversary party
and things being busy at the sheriff’s office, they had been two ships passing in the night.
“Best laid plans,” Cole spoke the words as he carried the last bag of groceries into the kitchen and set them on the cabinet. Emma began putting them away. He went back and opened the door for Angel to come in from the backyard. “I need to work on a doggie door for her when the weather gets warmer in the spring.”
Emma took note of his words, but he didn’t. He was busy going through the stack of mail. His comment might mean he thought she and Angel would still be there then or just maybe it slipped his mind. Emma pushed it away. There were other things to get through first.
“The doctor said Charlie can go back to school tomorrow. Of course, it’s Friday, so I suppose that’s good, too. She’s still a little weak kitten at times.”
Cole shook his head. “Strep throat is not something I hope to go through again with her. She was in such pain.”
“A couple of the children from her school ended up in the hospital with theirs. We can be thankful she didn’t have to do that.” Emma finished the last of the groceries.
She kept a couple of the cans of peaches on the cabinet. She took down a bowl and emptied them inside. Then she set them in the refrigerator. “She loves her peaches and they make her feel better. If you’ll remember to give her those when you see she finishes her soup tonight?”
“Got it. Will you be late?”
“Darcy and I have the lists to go over and then the menu and the timeline. But I shouldn’t be too late. I’ll get on the road so I can be back sooner.” She shrugged into her jacket.
The night was cold and there was a threat of snow flurries. The season had changed quickly on them. Cole came up behind her and his hands went on her shoulders. He turned her around to face him. It was the first “alone” time they had had in a few days.
“Thank you for being a steady rock through these past few days.”
“Not so steady if you could see my insides. Just because I’m calm on the outside, doesn’t mean I’m not a wreck at times on the inside.”
“The fact you care so much for Charlie means more than I can say. And you’re working so hard on this party for Mom and Dad. You don’t have to do all these things yet you are. I just want you to know I can’t tell you how much it means because words just don’t seem to be enough.”
The words stopped and actions took over. His hands slid down her back and drew her into the circle of his arms. His lips took possession of hers and she had only time to slide her arms around his waist to help steady herself as her knees felt ready to buckle. Words were nice, but the actions were definitely her preference. The man could kiss and where he led, she willingly followed. Her heart was hammering in her ears. His lips moved over hers, demanding and drawing fires igniting within her.
“I know I said we needed to talk,” he whispered against her cheek, “but talking is highly overrated at times.” His lips found the soft spot behind her ear and a shiver ran through her.
“I agree.” She breathed against his throat as he placed soft kisses across her forehead and then downward until he captured her mouth again.
His kisses were drugs on her senses. She wanted more.
“Once this party is done, we need to take some time… a day or two away from here. Maybe while Charlie stays with Mom and Dad during part of the school holidays. That sound okay with you?”
“I think that’s a plan… a good one.” Her reply was smothered in another earth-shaking kiss.
If she had her wish, they would leave at that moment. Her heart was doing happy somersaults. He wanted to be with her… just the two of them. Maybe he’d ask her to stay… maybe. She needed to have her reply ready.
“You need to get on the road. You’re late. Just tell Darcy it was my fault.” He grinned as he stepped back and she moved to the back door.
She threw him a smile from the doorway.
“If I do that, she’ll know exactly what kept me.”
His laugh followed her outside. And the smile stayed on her face all the way into town.
*
“This is crazy,” Mae said for the third time. Seated in the back seat of the ’56 Chevy with Cole driving and Emma in the passenger seat, Mae turned to her husband. “I can’t believe you rented this old car to take us out on a date. And we even dressed up for the occasion. What will people think when we go into the diner dressed like this?”
“I rather like these clothes. And they are ‘in’ right now. I’m told people buy them in the cities. So, everything makes a circle.” Emma had fun raiding the attic in Mae’s house where she kept a whole treasure trove of clothing from the forties and fifties from former family members. Most of it was in perfect condition. Mae was wearing a black satin, full-skirted dress with hot-pink satin trim on the wide collar and showing on the underskirt of the outfit. Pink petticoats poofed out when she had seated herself in the car.
“Well, you were made to wear these dresses, Emma. That color suits you. Don’t you think so, Cole?”
Emma loved the dress from the moment she saw it. It had very full chiffon skirts, a portrait collar, and then huge, puffy chiffon sleeves with wide cuffs at the wrists. It was pale lavender and her three petticoats were white and trimmed in delicate lace edging. Her hair had been styled into a fashionable upswept style that made her neck look long and swan-like, Mae had declared. Much like Audrey Hepburn. Emma doubted that but she would take the compliment.
Cole’s gaze fell on her. “I’d say that Dad and I have the two most beautiful dates in the county tonight. Right, Dad?”
“Well, I think that every day, son.”
“Oh, Vernon.” There was a blush in Mae’s tones.
Emma smiled. That was the way marriage should be. She trained her attention out the window as they entered the outskirts of the town. Darn moisture. She didn’t want to ruin her makeup.
“I’ve been meaning to ask since I got here,” Emma said, changing to a lighter subject. “What brought about this fixation you all seem to have with the fifties? I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love the old music and the clothing is great.”
“Stuck in a combine for twelve hours a day, six days a week, and having that music as all my dad would allow to be played on the radio, you get used to it and I just liked it after a while,” Vernon volunteered.
“And dating Vernon, and being around his parents and home, I guess I was drawn in to it. Besides, the music in our day and time just never appealed to me. And I do love the styles. It’s fun and makes us happy. That’s about the best answer I have for it,” Mae added.
“I didn’t have much choice as you can figure.” Cole piped up. “Between parents and grandparents, it just kinda became like a hobby I guess. And I think I’ve noticed you, a time or two, change the channel on the kitchen radio to catch the oldies station.” He grinned at Emma.
“Guilty. I admit it. Although I still love my country music and George Strait, I do enjoy some good fifties tunes… thanks to you all.”
“Cole, you missed the turn to the diner.”
None of the three people made any reply to Mae’s comment.
“Did you—”
“I forgot my wallet at the beauty shop yesterday and Mary has it at the bowling alley with her. I told her I’d drop by on the way to dinner. And she would love to see your outfit. I told her we might all come in and show her.”
Cole shot a look at Emma, and a wink. He approved of her swift thinking. So far, they had managed to keep Mae in the dark about their true plans for the evening.
In a couple of minutes, they pulled up to the front doors of the bowling alley that had been in business in the town for over sixty years. Emma realized it was a perfect cover for their plan. Bowling dates were popular in the fifties. They had a large party area where the old roller rink had been and was now open for special events. And Mae wouldn’t suspect anything when she saw a lot of cars in the parking lot. In Emma’s mind, it had been a stroke of genius.
“Come on, let’s all go in and show her the outfits.” Cole opened her door and gave her his hand, while she maneuvered her very full skirts without any snags.
Vernon was helping Mae from the back. They were both laughing by the time they managed to exit as gracefully as possible from the car. Cole tucked Emma’s hand around his arm and led the way.
It was dark inside the cavernous building, just faint glows from the lane screens kept it from being totally black. The foursome stopped inside the doorway.
“Whatever is—” Mae began but stopped when the overhead lights popped on and several dozen people were yelling and clapping, emerging from their hiding places. Congratulations… Happy anniversary… Way to go, Vernon and Mae… The best is yet to be… were just some of the colorful signs hanging from rafters and on walls. The mirror-tiled ball over the huge dance floor began spinning and colored lights brought the party atmosphere alive. The band on the dais in the back of the room began playing standards from the fifties and the party was on. An exuberant Charlie, replete in hot pink poodle skirt and frilly white blouse came running through the crowd and up in her daddy’s arms. “Do you like my poodle? Emma said it was the best costume ever. And look at my shoes?” She showed off one foot that had a white saddle oxford on it with bright, pink glitter shoelaces.
“I see. You are indeed the prettiest girl here. You going to save a dance for your old dad later?”
“Maybe! Put me down, Daddy. I want to show Granny my poodle.” He did so and she was off like a streak through the laughing crowd.
Cole turned and caught a glimpse of Emma moving through the crowd toward one of the tables filled with platters of food. He headed in her direction but soon found himself hailed and stopped numerous times by townspeople and friends. When he next looked up, he caught site of her heading toward the band on the dais. He tried to intercept her, but he lost sight of her.
Darcy was instructing a young helper on placing more cups on the punch table when he finally extricated himself from the mayor and his family. “Darcy, have you seen Emma?”
