by Judith Keim
Clasping her hands together, Sukie fought tears. It was the sweetest, most romantic thing anyone had ever done for her.
“This was supposed to be for later,” Cam said, smiling at her. “But let’s not wait.” He swept Sukie up in his arms and carried her over to the bed. “They say Champagne tastes best before dinner and I know what I want for dessert.”
“Yes,” Sukie happily agreed. “Let’s skip the rest.”
Sukie woke up and stretched lazily in Cam’s bed, wondering if every morning with Cam would be as wonderful. Cam reached for her and she rolled toward him. She loved the feel of his naked strong virile body wrapped around her. It still amazed her that he found so much pleasure in hers.
“Sukie? What do you say you move in with Chloe and me?”
Sukie sat up in bed and stared at him. “Here?”
“Yeah. Ted is giving you a hard time about the house. Maybe it would be smart to sell it and move in here.” He grinned. “I want to wake up like this every morning.”
Cam put his arms around her and Sukie nestled against him, her mind trying to get comfortable with the concept of living together without a wedding. It was so against her nature to leave things open-ended.
After another bout of lovemaking and a quick breakfast, Sukie returned home. An unfamiliar car was parked behind Tiffany’s SUV. She immediately became wary.
At the front door, Sukie quietly slid the key in the lock and slowly opened it. Sticking her head inside, she listened. At the sound of a familiar voice coming from the back of the house, she grinned. Elizabeth.
“Mom!” Elizabeth, in a tee and pajama bottoms, hung up the phone, jumped up from the kitchen table and came running over to her.
Sukie threw her arms around Elizabeth. They rocked back and forth in a heart-warming embrace. “I tried to call you yesterday, but had to leave a message.”
Elizabeth laughed. “I was on my way here. It’s pretty obvious you didn’t expect me.” She nudged Sukie with her elbow. “I came home to find you were having a sleepover with your...friend.”
“Friend? I’ll have you know he’s asked me to move in with him,” Sukie retorted, not wanting Elizabeth to get the wrong idea about their relationship. This was no friends with benefits situation, no matter what others might think of their age difference.
“Ohh-h-h-h. So, it’s moving right along,” Elizabeth said. Her expression grew pensive. “Sit down, Mom. We’ve got a lot to talk about. Jeez, I leave for a few months and everything changes.” She tucked a strand of honey-blond hair behind her ear. “Okay, fess up. What’s he like? Madeleine says he’s hotter than hell.”
Sukie chuckled. “He is.”
“Yeah? Well, you’re looking pretty hot yourself. I love what you’ve done to your hair. Tiffany said she helped you with your wardrobe.”
“Yes. All the women in Fat Fridays have been a great support to me.”
“That’s nice, Mom, but let’s talk about Cam. Am I going to have to call him Dad if this goes any further?”
At her teasing tone, a nervous laugh rolled out of Sukie. God! It felt so awkward to be talking to her daughter like this—all topsy turvy, as if Elizabeth was the mother and she, the child.
Elizabeth’s laughter ended. “Speaking of Dad, I promised to spend the night with him and Emmy Lou. It’s a short visit; I have to leave tomorrow afternoon. But I had to come home to see everybody. I’ve been feeling left out.”
Sukie hid her disappointment. “Will you come to Sunday brunch tomorrow? I’d like you to meet Cam And, of course, Chloe.”
Elizabeth sighed. “Okay, but I’m not sure I like having all these little ones around the family. First, Dad. Now, you.”
Hating to be compared to Ted, Sukie forced a smile. “Wait until you meet Chloe. She’ll steal your heart. And she’s going to be thrilled to meet you. She wants a sister. I’ll just have to explain to her that you’re not a baby, like she wants.”
Elizabeth returned Sukie’s smile. “I went to see Jonathan last night. He’s so perfect. I can’t believe Rob and Madeleine are parents. They’re a real family now. Nice, huh?”
Sukie nodded. “So far, they seem to be doing well with him. He looks just like Rob at that age. It’s brought back a lot of memories.”
Elizabeth twirled a ring on her finger and looked up at her with a worried frown. “Mom? Do you think it’s a good idea for you to do this thing with Cam? He’s so much younger and it’s kinda like you’re starting a family all over again.”
Sukie clasped Elizabeth’s hand. “Nothing will ever take the place of the children I have, Elizabeth. And it will take a while for me to move in with Cam. I’ve got to sell this house first.”
Elizabeth’s eyes filled. “I know. It’s just that it’s going to take me time to get used to the idea of you being with him and all.”
Sukie leaned back in her chair, seeing things from her daughter’s point of view. She was starting all over again. And it was scary. In time, Sukie was sure she and Cam would have a more traditional situation. For now, she was taking a giant leap of faith.
###
The next morning Sukie woke to unsettling weather. Gray clouds boiled in the sky, but left no rain. Warm summer air swirled in affectionate bursts around the flowers edging the patio. Not taking a chance on showers, Sukie set the table in the dining room. Maybe, she thought, a little formality was in order. It would be the first time her family—new and old—would all be together.
Cam and Chloe arrived early as she’d asked. Sukie added a blue bow to Chloe’s curls, while Cam grabbed a cup of coffee and stood ready to greet her children. Sukie sensed he was as nervous as she, but, as usual, his manner was calm.
Elizabeth arrived before the others. Sukie rushed forward to embrace her. “Glad you’re here. Come meet Cam and Chloe.”
“Are you my sister?” Chloe asked, looking up at Elizabeth with her big, blue eyes. “You’re so big.”
The guarded expression on Elizabeth’s face softened. She knelt before Chloe. “You don’t want a big sister?”
Chloe shook her head firmly. “No. I want a baby sister.”
Cam gave Sukie a look that implied he was ready to try for one any time.
Sukie’s cheeks flushed and then grew even hotter when she noticed Elizabeth gazing at the two of them with an amused expression.
The doorbell rang, shattering the awkward moment.
“I’ll get it!” Chloe shouted and ran out of the room. Sukie followed closely behind.
Madeleine came through the front doorway carrying Jonathan in her arms. Rob trailed her, weighed down by a diaper bag, a baby seat and an extra blanket.
“It’s the baby!” Chloe exclaimed happily.
“And the baby’s packhorse,” said Rob, and they all laughed as they crowded around them.
Jonathan opened his eyes, let out a huge yawn and went back to sleep.
Rob shook hands with Cam, and leaned over and gave Sukie a kiss on the cheek.
While everyone chatted and fussed over the baby, Sukie finished coordinating things in the kitchen. When all the food was laid out, she called to everyone and took her place at one end of the dining room table. Cam waited until everyone else was seated and took a place at the far end of the table. Chloe sat beside Sukie, next to Elizabeth. Jonathan lay in his infant seat on the floor between his parents’ chairs, still asleep. They all held hands while Rob said a short grace and then everyone dug into their food.
Sukie automatically began to cut up Chloe’s egg and cheese casserole for her.
“No, Mommy!”
Chloe’s unexpected words split the air like a jagged bolt of lightning.
“Where did that come from?” The look on Rob’s face told Sukie that while she might think of it as one big happy family, he didn’t. Not yet.
“Wishful thinking on Chloe’s part,” Cam said apologetically.
“It’s so surprising to hear you called that, Sukie,” said Madeleine, saying what they’d all been thinking.
> Elizabeth nodded. “Yeah. Really weird.”
Sukie exchanged silent looks with Cam and decided to let the matter drop. It was too much, too soon. For everyone.
After the meal and clean up, Madeleine took the baby home. Cam and Sukie agreed Chloe needed a nap and he left with her. Rob and Elizabeth decided to visit their father together.
Sukie picked up a novel she was reading and went into the den, feeling very alone in the quiet house. Settling in her favorite comfortable chair, she let out a sigh that came from deep within her. Trying to blend families would take much more time and work than she’d thought. Rob’s silence and Elizabeth’s horrified expression at hearing Chloe call her Mommy were clear indicators how far they were far from embracing the idea.
Later, Elizabeth returned to the house and joined Sukie in the den. Sitting on the arm of the chair, she gave Sukie a look of regret. “I’ve got to head for the airport soon.”
Sukie squeezed Elizabeth’s hand. “So? How did it go with your father? No more trouble with your tuition, I hope.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “No, but, Mom? I don’t think this thing with Dad and Emmy Lou is going to work out. All she wants from him is his money. You should hear the way she talks to him.”
Sukie pressed her lips together. “He’ll have to work things out for himself, Elizabeth.”
“I know, but at least he’s not married to her. I could never think of her as my step-mother. Gawd!”
“And Cam?” Sukie held her breath.
Elizabeth paused. “There’s no doubt he loves you, Mom. That’s so important to me. I saw how Dad sometimes treated you. I’m going to try to get used to the idea of you being with him. And, like you said, Chloe is adorable.”
Sukie let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Elizabeth. I needed to hear that.”
“Sure,” Elizabeth replied, looking pleased. “I hope one day some man looks at me the way Cam looks at you. I just don’t want you to get hurt, Mom. You deserve something better than that.” She checked her watch. “I’d better go.”
Sukie rose. They walked arm in arm out to Elizabeth’s rental car. “I haven’t had a chance to ask, but how did your finals go?”
“I got an A and three Bs,” Elizabeth said, proudly.
“That’s my girl,” Sukie said, giving her a squeeze.
They hugged goodbye, then Sukie stood in the driveway, watching her daughter leave. She loved her so much. Her thoughts turned to Tiffany. It was sad, really, that she’d never known such love.
CHAPTER FORTY FOUR
CAROL ANN
Holding her bank savings book in her hands, Carol Ann stared at the dismal numbers, feeling wretched. Why hadn’t she seen what kind of man John really was? she wondered. All he’d ever want to talk about was money—how much she had and what he wanted to do with it.
Carol Ann paced in her bedroom, too restless to sit still while her whole life had unraveled. Her thoughts flew to the women in Fat Fridays. They hadn’t said much about her being such a fool, but they didn’t have to. She knew how stupid she’d been, all because of a handsome man who’d talked big. They’d warned her about John, but no, she’d been too stubborn to listen. They’d also tried to tell her Ed Pritchard was a really nice guy.
Who knew when she went to him with her troubles, she’d end up sobbing in his arms? And when she’d broken down at the condo, he’d pulled her up into his arms and held her. At the memory, she let out a sigh. She couldn’t forget how it felt when his strong arms came around her or how solid his chest was when she’d leaned against it or forget his sweet murmurs of encouragement. No one had ever made her feel so cared for, so protected.
Even now, remembering it, thinking how their lips had met, sending messages neither of them could say aloud, there was a tugging inside her body. It was the best kiss she’d ever had. How could she have been so stupid about men? She’d gone for a jerk when a really good guy was right before her.
Carol Ann grabbed the keys to her car off the top of her bureau and picked up her purse. She’d promised to meet Ed for Sunday brunch to discuss ideas about how she could strike out on her own. Thinking of him again, Carol Ann decided the wispy hair on top of his head was kinda cute. Or maybe it was the way Ed’s bright blue eyes lit up at the sight of her that filled her with an unexpected joy. God! He made her feel positively beautiful.
In such a short time, Carol Ann thought, he’d become someone who could one day be everything she’d ever dreamed of in a man. Well, almost. Maybe...more.
CHAPTER FORTY FIVE
SUKIE
Sukie arrived at the library, grateful no presentations were required from her for the Friends meeting. Her replacement would be taking over that task in just a few weeks.
Julie waved at her from behind the circulation desk. Lifting her hand, Sukie waved back and headed for her desk, hoping to take some personal time for an online course on Excel.
“Wait, Sukie! I have something to tell you.” Julie crossed the room toward her as Edythe Aynsley entered the building.
Edythe gave Sukie a disapproving look and turned to Julie. “You and I were to meet promptly at nine. Your conversation with Sukie will have to wait.”
Julie’s face turned an ugly red. “I need to talk to her. I’m hoping Sukie will be willing to overlook your interference and help train her replacement for as long as she can.”
“Well?” Edythe said, turning to Sukie.
Tired of Edythe’s interference and her narrow thinking, Sukie’s nostrils flared. “I would be happy to do that for you, Julie, but I am not going to deal with Edythe during this transition period. I hope that’s clear.”
Gasping like a goldfish whose bowl has just been shattered, Edythe stared at Sukie wide-eyed.
Sukie turned and walked away. She didn’t care what a spiteful woman like Edythe Aynsley thought of her. She may have lost her job because of the woman, but she hadn’t lost her sense of self.
Sukie spent most of the day writing up instructions for the young woman who’d replace her. Regardless of how she felt about Edythe, she wanted to leave the position well documented. She’d just finished the last report when Tiffany called.
“Sukie? After work, meet me at Betsy’s. We’ve got a lot to celebrate!”
At the enthusiasm in Tiffany’s voice, Sukie grinned. “What’s happening?”
“I’ve made an agreement with Beau to try living on my own. Carol Ann has some big news, too.”
“Who’s bringing the champagne?” Sukie joked.
Tiffany laughed. “I will, even though I can’t have more than a taste.”
“Deal. I’m on my way.”
Sukie drove to Betsy’s, full of excitement. The luck of the ladies in the Fat Fridays Club appeared to be changing.
Betsy greeted her at the door with a smile. “Sukie! Come on in!” She led Sukie out to the porch where Carol Ann and Karen were deep in conversation.
When Carol Ann saw her, she jumped up. “Oh, Sukie! You’re here!” Her eyes shining, she rushed over to her. “I think I’ve found the man of my dreams! And it wouldn’t have happened without you.”
“Somebody new?”
Carol Ann grinned at Betsy. “Should I tell her?”
Amused, Sukie waited, knowing full well Carol Ann wasn’t about to keep it to herself for long.
“It’s Ed! Ed Pritchard. He was so nice about helping me out with the stolen check that when he asked if I’d go out with him on Saturday, I said yes.” A pink tinge crept to Carol Ann’s ears. “He’s a real good...um...kisser. And that’s not all. We met for brunch on Sunday. He thinks he can find a small house for me through a government program for first-time homebuyers. Isn’t he the best?”
“It sure sounds that way.” Sukie gave Carol Ann a hug. “Congratulations!”
Tiffany and Lynn arrived together and joined them on the sunporch.
Tiffany held up a large green bottle. “I’ve got some chilled bubbly.” She handed the bottle to Betsy and turned to the group
with a smile. “I can’t believe it! Everything is turning out so good for all of us!”
Betsy brought out six tulip glasses on a tray and set it down on the table. They gathered around the table and watched as Lynn helped Tiffany open the bottle. At the pop of the cork, they cheered.
Tiffany poured a little champagne into each glass but her own. Raising her empty glass, she said, “Beau has finally agreed to hold off on taking any legal action against me until I’ve had a chance to live on my own for three months. His parents were mad as hell at him for agreeing to this, but for once, he stood up to them. We’ve even begun talking about getting help for him.”
“We’ll drink a toast to that!” said Betsy.
“Here! Here!” Sukie cried. She clinked glasses with Tiffany, realizing what a major step this was for Beau. “Did you get the agreement in writing?”
Tiffany shook her head. “I know he’ll follow through on this. He made it a point to tell me.”
“You make sure he doesn’t strike out at you again,” warned Lynn. “Sometimes things happen when you least expect it.”
Sukie nodded. Life delivered one surprise after another. A little less than a year ago, she’d thought she was happily married.
###
The next morning, Sukie dressed and ambled out to the front porch for the morning paper. Sleepily, she bent over to pick it up and froze. A neatly folded note lay on top of the paper. Heart pounding, she scooped it up and opened it.
“IT’S OVER, BITCH!”
The bold typed letters wavered in front of Sukie’s eyes. She clutched the sheet of paper so hard it crumpled in her hand. Shaking, she scanned the area but couldn’t see anyone. Shivers, like an army of a thousand ants, marched up and down her back. Someone had been standing in her yard in the early morning light while she’d stirred sleepily in her bed, thinking happy thoughts about a future with Cam. Her stomach clenched. She hurried inside. It was time to bring everyone back into the nightmare.
The first person she called was Lynn. No answer.
Then she called Betsy. “Another note has arrived. I couldn’t get hold of Lynn but I’ll try again. Come to my house right after work and ask the others to come with you. It’s not over, not even if the person who wrote it thinks so.”
