"Oh, I didn't realize that was where you were coming from. Although, he would still know. You really want to go ahead now?"
He nodded and put an arm around her, and she leaned against him. "How about we wait and talk to my parents about it? In particular my mother, since she's the one who has been planning my wedding since I was a kid."
Eric laughed. "That is an excellent idea." He thought that he would need all the help he could get when it came to her parents. Asking for advice from them was a good start.
As for his own parents, he knew they'd be thrilled he'd found someone. His mother had been worried enough about him not having a girlfriend that she'd sat him down to have a talk about it. She seemed to feel that no matter how busy he was, he should still have had someone in his life. At the time, he totally disagreed with her, believing all his focus should be on his work. Now, though, he understood what she'd meant. Having someone in his life did not distract him, but instead, added to his life, making it richer and fuller.
"My parents are going to be surprised," he said. "I sent them a message about us getting engaged. But this they won't be expecting."
"They'll probably think I did it on purpose or something like that. It's always the girl's fault." She paused and then said, "And that's the truth in this case, since I forgot to take the stupid pill."
"You having our baby--that has nothing to do with fault. I think it was meant to be. So don't go putting yourself down."
She sighed and kissed him again. "You really are good for me." She yawned.
"Tired?"
"Yes, a little bit. Let's go sit in bed and watch a movie on the laptop."
Eric liked the way she snuggled up next to him in bed, her head against his chest. He felt so protective of her and the baby. They watched Love, Actually and fell asleep before the end. He woke up just enough to close the laptop and set it on the floor by the bed. As he slid down under the covers, he thought drowsily that he would have to send Julia some flowers too, in thanks.
The morning arrived in loud rock and roll. Eric raised his head off the pillow in confusion. It was...the Rolling Stones? He realized the music was coming from the living room and that Maggie was not by his side. He heard her voice over the top of the music, singing along with Jumpin' Jack Flash.
He decided that this needed investigation so he got up and headed for the bathroom. After that, he tracked down Maggie in the kitchen. She was baking something, and dancing to the music. He stood in the doorway watching her, until she whirled around in a twirl and stopped dead.
"Holy--you nearly scared me to death! How long have you been there?"
"What? Can't hear you!" he shouted.
She grinned at him and turned the music down. "Better?"
"Yeah. I was only here for a minute. What's going on?"
"There are some muffins on the table somewhere there. Pumpkin spice and some blueberry. I decided to make some things to take to Frank's house tonight for the carolers. I've already been out to the store and the Bakery this morning. You were completely zonked out."
"Wow, what time is it? I need to get down to Julia's--the computers--"
"Are fine. She said they had an abundance of volunteers. She called here looking for you. When I told her you were asleep she said to let you sleep in. Most everybody is off work today so they don't even need you there."
"Still, I should go down there," he said, feeling a bit guilty.
"Eat a muffin, take a shower. You're the big man, the guy with the moolah. Those guys never show up early," she said, and then gave him a big grin.
"You are terrible. And also in a great mood from the sound of it."
"I feel really good this morning. No nausea. And I'm so glad we worked things out. Cody is running the food and toy delivery today, so I'm going in later to help with that. I figured I could get these thumbprint cookies in the oven and mix up some brownies before I go."
"Well then, I'd better get started if I'm going to catch up with you today." He reached out and grabbed her and put his arms around her. "Unless you have time for a little morning delight."
She pulled back and stared at him in wonder. "Did you say morning delight?" She burst out laughing.
He didn't think it was that funny, but admitted it was sort of. He chuckled and said, "Okay then, how about a little sex before I go?"
"That I can help you with. Just let me get this pan out of the oven. But we'll have to be fast about it. Too much to do."
"This isn't very romantic, Maggie," he protested.
"I'm very into being efficient this morning. Go on into the bedroom. I'll be there to attack you momentarily."
He walked out of the kitchen feeling bemused. If there was one thing he could count on with the woman he loved, was that she would surprise him.
Afterwards, he decided that efficiency had its own charm.
* * * *
Maggie boxed up the cookies to take to Frank's house on the way to the food drive. She knew they didn't really need her there, but like Eric, she wanted to be in on the final day after all the preparations.
Eric. He had really gotten into the spirit of things once he realized she didn't always need the romance and flowers approach. "Morning delight," she murmured to herself and laughed again.
Her spirits were flying. She had her man back where he belonged. She felt good physically. And all her Christmas gifts were wrapped and ready for delivery. Her parents were on their way and might arrive tonight if they pushed it. She was walking out of the Bakery with some treats for the volunteers, trying to decide if she'd ever been happier in her life, when a voice called out to her.
"Maggie, Maggie wait."
It was Maelynne, the town's biggest gossip.
"Hi Maelynne. How are you?"
"I'm fine, but the question is, how are you?"
"Me? I'm fine."
"I heard you were seen leaving Doc Watson's and I hoped everything was all right. You know, with the...little bundle."
"Little...bundle?"
"You know...the...baby." This last was said in a whisper.
"What--how do you--who told you--" Maggie said, heart beating fast.
Maelynne looked quite satisfied with herself. "I put it together with that confusing message Eric sent you with the flowers yesterday. I have to say, it was a bit tricky to figure out. Are you worried about not being married and having a bun in the oven?"
"What?" Maggie felt a rush of rage and gave in to it. "Maelynne, I have two words for you--butt out! Seriously, what is wrong with you? Why do you have to gossip about everyone and everything in this town? Did it ever occur to you that maybe I want to keep some things to myself in my own life? What is your problem, anyway? You're always poking your nose into everyone's business and I'm sick of it!"
She paused to take a breath and was shocked when Maelynne burst into tears.
"I'm--I'm--I'm sorry," blubbered Maelynne. "S-s-so-s-s-sorry."
Maggie didn't know what to do. She said, "Come in here." She walked back into the Bakery and set down the box she was carrying. The two girls working the counter looked on curiously as Maggie sat Maelynne down at one of the little round tables.
"I didn't mean to yell at you," she said.
"Yes, yes you did," Maelynne said.
"Okay, yes, I did. I probably shouldn't have done that. But it is true that you gossip all the time."
"I know!" wailed the older woman. "I can't help myself. I know it's wrong. But I can't resist figuring out secrets and mysteries. My husband is dead, my son lives across country in California, and I'm all alone. When I'm talking about people, I don't feel so lonely."
Maggie sighed and shook her head. "Listen, there are lots of other ways to be with people. Ways that people appreciate and you won't antagonize them. For instance, I'm taking these treats over to the food drive building for the volunteers over there. It will make them happy and make me happy too. There will be interaction with people. Do you ever volunteer to help in this town?"
&nbs
p; "Sometimes," she said in a quiet voice. "But usually only so I can find things out about people."
"Well, I'm suggesting that you change your ways. Get involved in the community to be with people, to help others, and you'll find a satisfaction you wouldn't expect."
Maelynne wiped her eyes with a paper napkin from the dispenser on the table. "You'd be surprised how satisfying it is to find out things."
"Maelynne!"
"I'm just saying that it's true. But I guess your way would be better."
"It would if you want to form lasting friendships. I'm not saying it will happen overnight, but it's worth trying to change."
"I suppose you're right."
"I need to get going, but tell me--how many people have you told about me being pregnant?"
"Nobody, yet. You were the one who confirmed it just now," Maelynne said with a rather smug smile.
"Oh good grief! I'd appreciate it if you kept it quiet. For a while anyway. See you later." As she left the Bakery, she wondered if that little talk had done any good at all. That woman could be tricky, and she couldn't decide if she'd just been played or not. She thought maybe she had.
The bakery treats were greatly appreciated by the volunteers. Maggie spent a few hours going out on deliveries and felt enriched by the experience. Everyone worked hard at not making it seem like a charity giveaway and more like friends helping friends. Seeing the eyes of the kids lighting up when the presents arrived at their homes was enough to bring her to tears.
At one house they were met by some hostility from the father of a large family. He'd lost his job six months before and the family was teetering financially. He obviously resented the food and toy gifts. Maggie took him aside and handed him a piece of paper folded up.
"This is from Cody Grainger. It's the name and address of a job prospect he heard of and mentioned your name to the owner. This man is ready and willing to talk to you after New Year's so don't lose this."
She was startled to be picked up in a bear hug, which brought on more tears, from both her, and the man's, grateful eyes. "Good luck!" she told him, shaking his hand.
Walking back to the van, it suddenly came to her, what she could do that would involve her whole heart. She could work with one of the foundations set up by members of the family. To work with the goal of helping others, to see their responses, to know she was making a difference in people's lives--that would be something she could be passionate about every day. She couldn't wait to tell Eric.
By the end of the afternoon she was tired again and ready for a nap. Every box of food, every ham, every gallon of milk, and most importantly, every toy, had been delivered. She went home and collapsed on the bed face-down, not even taking off her boots.
Eric's lips on her neck woke her up, and she rolled over and stretched languidly. "Have a good day?" she asked him as he stretched out next to her.
"Exhausting, but good. I wish I had time for a nap, but I need to grab a bite to eat and head out to sing."
Over beef barley soup from the freezer, she told him of her idea of working for one of the foundations. He beamed at her, lips curved in a big smile, those dark green eyes staring straight into her soul. "If it's what you want, then I'm all for it."
She felt surprised. "I thought for sure you'd say I should still go back to school."
"Why bother with that when you could be doing something you'd love? The only reason to get another degree or more classes under your belt would be to help you get a job you'd want to work at. It's just a tool, a facilitator to get what you want."
"Once we get through this holiday season, I'll talk with Julia and Cody and the others."
"There is something I wanted to ask you about, before I leave."
"What's that?"
"Did you scream at Maelynne in the street today?"
"Oh no! I mean, yes, sort of. But where did you hear about it?"
He was laughing as he got up and took his bowl to the dishwasher. "A few people were talking about it. Some of them didn't believe it, but I wondered."
"She knows about the baby and I'm sure she'll spread it all over town."
"I figured it was something like that. We can handle it, right?"
"Right," she said, wishing now that she'd said even more to Maelynne.
He kissed her goodbye and left to meet the choir. She finished cleaning up the kitchen and realized she needed to get ready to go to Frank's house. After some indecision in front of her closet, she chose a sparkly silver shirt that tucked into a very short black wool skirt. Black tights and knee high black suede boots with heels finished off her look.
When she entered through the back door into the kitchen at the Grainger house, Frank met her with a wide smile. "Heard you gave it to her, kiddo. Gave it to her good. You did great!"
"Oh wow--does the whole town know?" she asked, taking off her black wool coat.
"Yes, pretty much. What the--Maggie, what are you wearing?"
"Clothes. You said to dress up a little so I did."
"You're a pregnant woman," he said in loud whisper. "You can't go around in a skirt that short. And your top--it's all sparkly!"
She looked at him for a second and burst out laughing. "One doesn't have anything to do with the other, Frank. Honestly."
He shook his head and went off to find Betsy, probably to complain to her about the short skirt. Maggie knew the trick to wearing a skirt this short--basically, don't bend over at all. Soon enough, Betsy came into the kitchen. She took one look at Maggie and shook her head.
Maggie frowned, but Betsy said, "I'm not shaking my head at you. It's that man. He's acting like he's old and crotchety. Congratulations dear, on the baby."
"Thanks, that's nice to hear."
"You can wear whatever you want, with that perfect body of yours. But right now, you're the most popular person in town after your altercation with Maelynne. Everyone is on your side."
"My side? And it wasn't an altercation. Just a bit of, um, shouting."
"But she cried?"
"Well, yes. Although, I'm still not sure if that was an act or not."
"She is a crafty one, I'll give her that," Betsy said. "Come on, let's set out cups for the hot cider."
It seemed to Maggie as if the whole town showed up for cider and bowls of chili after the carolers arrived. Her confrontation with Maelynne was the talk of the night. She couldn't go anywhere without someone congratulating her or thanking her for what she'd done. The party lasted for a couple of hours, but then people headed home. Most everyone planned on being at the church later for the midnight service.
Eric came up to her with her coat. "You're not wearing that skirt into church are you?"
"Why not?" she asked, irritation flaring up at the disapproving note in his voice.
"Two reasons. First, I'm tired of everyone here looking at your legs. It makes me want to punch them all in the face. Second, I bet you can't sit down in that skirt. I haven't seen you sit once in the past two hours."
"Yeah, that is a problem. I planned to change. You really want to punch people in the face?"
"Yeah."
When they were back at her apartment, Eric proceeded to show her just how the short skirt had affected him. It was an enjoyable hour, after which they slept for another hour.
"I'm going to be awake all night with all these little naps," Maggie said.
"It's good for you. I read that--"
"Wait. You read up on pregnancy? Already?" she asked, delighted and touched.
"Sure, of course. I did a complete search on my computer and downloaded articles to my tablet to read whenever I have time. I plan to be fully informed. Anyway, the first trimester of pregnancy usually makes the mother really tired."
"You are so cute," she said, coming over to hug him.
"Cute?"
"Cute."
They finished dressing somehow, in between tickling each other. Eric looked extra delicious she thought, dressed all in black, hair pulled back to show off that face
and those eyes. When they got to the church, he had to leave her to be with the choir. She found Sam and Anna carrying a sleeping Joshua, wearing pajamas with feet. Sam gave her a huge hug and whispered, "You're happy?"
"Yes, very."
"Okay."
"I guess Mom and Dad won't make it in until tomorrow," she said to him. He winked and said, "You never know."
And just before everyone settled into their seats, she saw her mother and father walking down the aisle to sit beside her. She hugged them both tightly with tears in her eyes. Her world felt complete now.
After a prayer and short sermon, the rest of the service was given to the choir. They were good, and Maggie enjoyed seeing Eric up there with them. Then she saw him walk out in front of them and sit on a high stool, carrying his guitar. What was he up to?
He began to sing, "What child is this, who lay to rest, on Mary's lap is sleeping..." and she stared with her mouth open in surprise.
Her mother whispered to her, "Is that him?"
She nodded.
Her mother said, "Wow."
Eric performed the old Greensleeves tune beautifully, his voice so sure and right for the song, with the choir as back up on the chorus. Everyone spontaneously applauded when he was done. It had been the final song of the performance, and Eric walked toward her, having to stop to shake people's hands.
At last he was by her side. "Mom, Dad, this is Eric Stanton. Eric this is my mother and my father."
"Finally, we get a chance to meet you. That was an absolutely lovely rendition of the song at the end there. You have an outstanding voice. You can call me Sophia." her mother said.
"Call me Ed. Nice to meet you," her father said, shaking Eric's hand.
"I'm very pleased to meet both of you," he said.
"Come on, Mom and Dad, follow us out to the beach house," Sam said, as he came up to them.
"We wanted to talk to Eric," Sophia said.
"Tomorrow. You guys have to be exhausted after that trip. You and Eric are coming over in the morning, right?"
Eric nodded and Maggie said, "Yes. We've got gifts to bring so we'll get there early."
"Probably not before Joshua wakes us up," Anna said, bringing Josh to give to her husband.
Love Promises (Sully Point, Book 4) Page 15
