by Maggie Ryan
Ever made the bed, fluffing the pillows and stroking a hand down the quilt. An idea came to her and she grinned. After a week of flitting between one idea and another, she had just decided on her next project. Running upstairs, she spent an hour going through some books and looking through her fabric stash. Deciding that she needed to shop, she changed into jeans and a sweater, slipping into her tennis shoes. Grabbing her purse, she locked the door and climbed into her car.
If she were going on a shopping mission, she needed fuel. She walked into Ange’s bakery, a huge smile appearing as she inhaled deeply. “This must be what heaven smells like,” she said as she greeted Ange.
“What a sweet thought. Good morning, what can I tempt you with, this fine morning?” Ange grinned as Ever scanned the display. “Is Rob not with you?”
“No, he’s out interviewing prospective employers.”
“Oh, I didn’t know he was interviewing for a job. I thought that was the purpose of his being gone so long.”
Ever grinned and shook her head. “He decided that retirement at his age was just a bit early. He’s the one doing the interviewing. Rob needs to keep himself busy and is in the position to be able to pick and choose what he wants to do. Um, I think I’ll have two of the breakfast croissants, please. Oh, and a large coffee.”
Ange prepared her order. “Are you eating in or to go?”
“To go, I’m running into Denver. I’ve got some serious shopping to do. I’ll need something to hold me as I lose myself in all the wonderful fabrics.”
“Oh, so, um, you’re still thinking of making your wedding dress?”
Ever shook her head. “Talked to Violet lately?” With Ange’s nod, she grinned. “Nope, that plan never got off the ground. I’m going to the quilt shop. I’ve decided to make a new quilt for our bed. Something to commemorate our wedding.”
Ange passed the bag with the croissants across the counter along with a cup of coffee. “That sounds wonderful. I can’t wait to see it. Quilts are so artistic and something you can hand down through the generations. Hey, perhaps you could teach quilting. I’m sure there are a few of us who would love to give it a try.”
“Perhaps, but not for a while. I’ve promised Rob to concentrate on something just for me but that is a good idea. If you are truly interested, why don’t you see if you can find a few others. It is a lot of fun sewing with a group.”
Ever spent hours in her favorite quilt shop. The moment she walked through the door she felt her creative juices stirring. She was welcomed by the staff and had a cup of coffee with Wendy, the owner of Fabric Fancies. The two had worked on quilts together, both designing them and writing up patterns.
“What does your dress look like?” Wendy asked as they finished their coffee.
Ever groaned and told her about the dress fiasco. When Wendy offered to let her borrow her own gown, Ever giggled. “Thanks, honey, but unless you’ve shrunk like six inches since you got married, I’m pretty sure it will be a bit short. Besides, I’m not supposed to be thinking about the wedding right now. I’m concentrating on making a new quilt.”
“Well then, you’ve come to the right place and we just got in a new order of batik fabrics.”
That announcement captured Ever’s attention. Choosing several of the luscious vibrant fabrics, she took the bolts to the cutting table. She chatted with Vicky as the employee cut each fabric, smiling as Ever ran her hand over each one as she folded them.
“It’s been a while since you’ve been in,” Vicky said. “I never did get to tell you how awesome the festival was. Wendy sold out of the pre-made items and sold a lot of kits as well.”
“That’s great! It was far more successful than I’d dared to hope. In fact, there’s talk about it becoming a yearly event. And, thanks, you just gave me an idea.” They chatted about the possibility of Ever teaching classes and the fact that precut kits would make the first quilts a far easier project for a beginning quilter. Promising to come back with her students, she left the shop with bulging bags hanging from each hand.
Rob entered the house to the sound of the radio blaring and Ever singing at the top of her lungs. Climbing the stairs, he shook his head. The chair he had occupied with his books was stacked high with fabrics and quilting books were scattered about the floor. Ever was at her cutting table, her hips swinging as she sang along with Beyoncé.
She squealed when he wrapped his arms around her, turning her to him. “I did put a ring on it,” he teased, bending to kiss her.
Ever wiggled her ring finger, the diamond flashing. “You sure did, and it’s lovely.”
“So, what’s all this?” he asked, his hand waving towards the mess. “It looks like a tornado blew through here but I must say, I’m happy to see you evidently found a new project.”
Her response was to squeal and give him a shove against his chest. “Go away! It’s supposed to be a surprise!” She spread her arms out as if to block him from looking at the table.
Chuckling, he backed away, his own hands lifted. “Easy, tiger, I’m going. I just wanted to say hi and ask if you want me to make dinner or if you feel like Mexican.” Ever’s stomach growled and his eyes narrowed. “You have eaten something today – right?”
“Yes, Rob. I ate two of Ange’s humongous breakfast croissants and a salad for lunch. I even stopped at the store and bought bags of peanuts and stuff to make homemade granola. I promised you I’d eat and I will. I can’t help it if my stomach growls at the mention of enchiladas.”
“Then, finish up while I shower and we’ll go out.”
“Hey, what about your day?”
“We can talk about it over dinner. I’ll be ready in fifteen minutes if that gives you enough time?” With her assurance that she would be ready when he was, he took his shower and changed into jeans and a t-shirt. Within a half-hour, they were driving around the block yet again looking for a place to park. Rob shook his head as they approached the restaurant again. “It seems as if at least half of the community decided that tonight was the night for Mexican food. How about I drop you off and you can put our name on the list while I find a parking spot?”
Ever had just stepped up to put their name on the waiting list when she felt something tug on her sweater. Looking down, she broke into a huge grin. “Well hello there,” she said, squatting down to be eye level with the small girl. “It’s good to see you again.”
The little girl from the airport giggled and nodded. “What’s your name?”
Ever was about to answer when a woman called, “Amber, what have we told you about bothering people?” Ever stood and smiled when the woman recognized her. “Oh, sorry – I just turned away for a second.”
“That’s fine, she’s just a friendly little soul. It’s good to see you.” Suddenly a thought came to Ever. “Um, I didn’t know you lived in Corbin’s Bend.”
“Oh, we don’t. We’re just visiting. Eric’s trying to find a parking spot. Is this place always so crowded?”
Ever laughed and nodded. “Yes, you’ll find that every restaurant around here does a great deal of business, especially on Friday nights it seems. Oh, my name is Ever by the way.”
“Ever? That’s unusual, but lovely. I’m Beth and this little minx is Amber. We never got a chance to thank you for the coffee. It was a lovely gesture.”
“Mommy, I had chocolate, ‘member?”
“Yes, honey, I remember, but you need to remember your manners. It’s not nice to interrupt adults when they’re talking.”
Ever thought the little girl was adorable as Amber nodded solemnly as if committing the reminder to memory. Her blonde hair fell in waves across her shoulders, her blue eyes startling in their intense color, the black lashes fanning to frame them. Ever’s fingers itched as she thought how much she’d like to paint the child’s portrait. Squatting again, she reached out and touched the girl’s dress. “Your dress is very pretty, Amber.”
“Thank you, my Auntie made it – she sews all the time but she’s really mess
y. Do you like to sew?”
Nodding, Ever said she did and that she was making a quilt, confessing that she was a little messy as well. Beth laughed and the women moved aside as more patrons entered, the crowd growing larger. Perhaps this hadn’t been such a great idea, but the delicious smells had Ever hoping the wait wouldn’t be too long. She looked up to see Rob entering and waved him over. After Ever made the introductions, he suggested the family join them for dinner. At Beth’s nod and Amber’s enthusiastic agreement, he asked the hostess to change the number of their party to five.
“Oh, I’m sorry, there’s four of us. My sister is coming with Eric. They were parking the car.”
“That’s fine. I had to park around the block but I promise the food is worth it.” They chatted a few minutes and then Beth smiled.
“There they are.”
Ever looked up from where she had been talking to Amber to see the soldier holding the door open. She gave him a smile and then gasped when she saw who entered before him. She was barely aware of Amber’s cry of welcome as the little girl ran to the two. Eric scooped her up and walked towards the others. Ever didn’t know what to do or say. She felt Rob take her elbow and managed to smile even as her blood pressure increased at the sight of Tory.
“Honey, this is Rob and Ever, you remember from the airport?” Beth asked. “They’ve asked us to join them if that’s okay with you? Seems we’d get a table a lot faster that way.”
“That’s fine, sweetheart.” Eric held out his hand to shake Rob’s and then Ever’s. “Thanks again for the gift card. I’d almost forgotten how much better American coffee is than the stuff we have to drink overseas. Oh, have you met Tory? Tory, this is the woman I was telling you about.”
“Hello again,” Tory said softly, her cheeks turning a light pink.
“It’s nice to see you,” Rob said and heard Ever say the same. Their name was called moments later. He held Ever back as the family followed the hostess to a large booth in the rear of the restaurant. “Sorry, babe. I had no idea. I could kick myself for putting you into this situation when you are supposed to be relaxing.”
“It’s okay, Rob. It’s just dinner. Besides, you and Eric can keep the conversation going talking about Army stuff.” Ever gave him a smile and promised herself that she could set a good example for Amber by remembering her own manners.
Chapter 9
They reached the large booth as Beth slid towards the center to sit beside her sister. When Amber announced she needed to go to the bathroom, Ever smiled. “You don’t have to slide out, Beth. I’ll take her if you don’t mind.”
“That’s fine, thank you.”
“I’d like a margarita, Rob, frozen with salt. A jumbo, please.” Rob nodded and Amber slipped her hand into Ever’s as they wound their way through the maze of tables. As people waved and called their hellos, Amber giggled.
“Are you famous?”
“No, honey, not in the least, but these nice people are my neighbors and friends.” Ever led her into the bathroom, grateful that the line wasn’t long. Assuring Amber that she would stay right outside the stall door, she smiled thinking of how cute she was. She and Rob had talked about children, both wanting a large family. If their daughters were anything like Amber, she couldn’t wait to become a mommy.
She was helping Amber wash her hands when the door opened and Tory entered. Amber ran to her, throwing her arms around her waist. “Auntie, can you make a dress for Miss Ever? She said she liked mine and she’s my friend, so can you?”
Ever felt her face heat. So much for her plan to quietly ignore the woman. She was about to speak when Tory beat her to it.
“Sweetie, I’d love to but I don’t think Miss Ever wants a new dress.”
“Why not? She likes mine and she said she doesn’t care that you’re messy – she’s messy too! She’s got threads all over her pants just like you do.”
Ever couldn’t help but giggle. God, out of the mouths of babes was right. Tory looked up and met her gaze, and Ever was glad to see the woman’s lips curling into a smile as well. “Just to clarify, what I said was that I understood how someone could look messy when immersed in a project. I don’t want you to think—”
“It’s fine, I understand. I know the last time you saw my house it looked like a cyclone had dropped the contents of a whole store into my small space. While that is basically true, I assure you I’ve cleaned it quite a bit since then. Amber, your mommy is going to get worried. I’ll be out in just a minute or you can let your new friend take you back to the table, okay?”
“Okay,” Amber said, once more taking Ever’s hand. “Do you want a margreet too?”
“Yes, sweetie,” Tory said with a laugh. “But your daddy has already ordered me one.” The conversation ended as a stall became available.
Ever followed Amber to the booth as Rob stood. Sitting, she bent forward to take a sip of her frosty drink. “Yum, just the way I like them.” She gave Rob a smile and lifted the heavy glass with both hands. “Ice cold and extra large.”
Rob shook his head. Leaning close he spoke softly. “Enjoy it, honey, but remember you only get the one.”
Ever nodded knowing the alcohol content of one of Endelé’s special margaritas was enough to put her under the table. Tory returned and picked up her own jumbo drink, giving Ever a grin. Rob watched as Ever held out her glass and clinked it against Tory’s.
“To precocious little girls,” Ever said and Tory laughed.
“And to messes.”
“Amen, to messes.” Ever grinned at the look on Rob’s face as it was priceless; one eyebrow lifting as he looked between the two women. She giggled as she took another sip before carefully lowering the heavy glass to the table. Whoa, she could swear she was already feeling the effects of the tequila. When she felt Rob squeeze her knee beneath the table, she didn’t know if he did so to warn her to enjoy her drink at a slower pace or to watch her manners. Either way she knew he’d be prepared to step in if the evening started to go south.
The group placed their orders, and while they munched on chips and queso, Ever listened to Beth explaining their presence in Corbin’s Bend. As the story unfolded, she felt her heart begin to ache.
“That’s why we’re visiting for a few days. Eric has some leave coming and has been trying his best to help John.” Beth took a sip of her drink and Ever gave Tory a smile.
“I’m so sorry, I had no idea. If I had, I’d—”
“Please, there’s no way you could have known and it is I that should apologize. I was a real bi...um, unfriendly that day. I’d just come back from the hospital and told John that I’d closed the shop. He didn’t take it very well. I told him it was going to be fine but he continues to feel that I’m going to lose my customers when all I wanted was to ease some of the financial strain. I can always reopen later but until then, well, it’s easier with everything at home.”
Ever reached across the table and gave Tory’s hand a squeeze. “Look, we’ve both apologized and both agreed neither of us was at our best that day. And, I meant what I said. I should have listened to you and to everyone else in Corbin’s Bend. You’ve got a seriously good reputation and I was a complete fool to turn you down.”
Tory smiled. “It’s always nice to hear that people appreciate what you do. I didn’t attend the festival but heard that you were responsible for it. I also know that people think you’re wonderful and I can see that for myself. If you’re still interested, and only if you haven’t found a dress yet, I’d love to have you as a client.”
Ever was touched and a bit surprised. “Really? I mean, it’s even later now and I don’t want to make your life any more hectic than it is...” She paused and then giggled, “But, God, you’d be a lifesaver! I had no idea how hard dress shopping could be.”
“So that’s a yes?”
“YES!” Ever shouted and lifted her glass to clink it against Tory’s. “To new beginnings and a long friendship.”
Tory laughed. “Maybe you
should wait until the dress is finished.”
“Nope, I’m putting myself into your capable hands and no matter what, I’m walking down that aisle in a Tory original.”
As they undressed for bed that evening, Rob took her into his arms. “I’m awfully proud of you, Everleigh.” After he kissed her, she smiled.
“I’m sorry I didn’t follow your orders to the tee, but, Rob, I have to admit I feel as if a huge weight has dropped off my shoulders. I would have to be a fool not to acknowledge her reputation and accept Tory’s help.”
“You are definitely no fool. As I said, you aren’t to hold things in and it doesn’t matter that you talked about the wedding. I see this as nothing but a win-win situation.” They climbed into bed, Ever laying her head on his chest.
“It’s so sad. God, I wish I’d known about John before.” Ever replayed the conversation from dinner in her head. John, a captain in the army had been the victim of an IED, or Improvised Explosive Device, while on patrol in Afghanistan. Several of his team had lost their lives and John’s had been touch and go for several months. He’d been returned to a hospital in Denver where they had been unable to save his leg. Though the surgery had been successful, he had slipped into a deep depression.
Tory had turned quite pale and Beth had to turn away to wipe her eyes when Eric said they had a very scary moment when John went so far as to tell Tory she’d be better off if he had died – at least she’d get financial aid. Ever’s heart had actually hurt in her chest at the thought of the young man thinking that death would be better than life.
Rob spoke softly, his hand stroking down Ever’s back. “I talked to Eric and I am going to the VA Hospital to see John. He came out of the Academy and we have some stations in common. I’m not sure how I can help, but I’ll be damned if I’m not going to try.”
Ever lifted up to kiss him. “I love you, Rob. I’ll add them all to my prayers and try to make this dress business as easy as possible for Tory. She didn’t really mention the price but it doesn’t matter. I can cut back on other things to get the dress. Knowing she closed her shop tells me that finances must be tighter than she wants to admit.”
