by Debby Mayne
As difficult as it is, I listen to him going on and on about how wonderful I am and what a wretch he is. He pauses, so I take the opportunity to say a few words about how blessed I am to have George because he’s a loving husband and father, a good provider, and someone who has always come home at night—unlike the husbands of several of my friends.
We finally say, “Amen,” and open our eyes to face each other. A smile tweaks the corners of his lips, so I smile back. Next thing I know, we’re holding on to each other and sobbing. The emotions happen so fast they catch us both by surprise. This has been a long time coming.
It’s like a tidal wave that grabs hold of us as we sniffle and laugh at the same time. I’m not sure exactly what has happened, but it’s completely different from anything I’ve ever experienced, and it gives me a combination of relief, curiosity, and excitement about what the future holds.
When we finally let go of each other, George shakes his head and rubs the back of his neck. “What just happened?”
“I don’t know.” I take his hand in mine and squeeze it. “But whatever it was, I’m sure it was long overdue.”
“Something came over me, and I couldn’t do anything about it.” He blinks as he lets go of my hand. “I reckon God is happy we’re both on the same page.”
Spent from emotion, I jump back. “Hey, I have an idea.”
“What’s that?” As he watches me and waits for my answer, I look deeply into his eyes that now twinkle with the fun that attracted me to him many years ago.
“Why don’t we have pancakes for supper tonight? We haven’t done that in a long time.”
“With blueberry syrup?”
The hopeful look on his face touches my heart. “Sure. And we have some pecans in the freezer.”
“What are we waiting for?” He takes me by the hand and tugs me toward the kitchen.
Something I learned early in our marriage was that he likes to help in the kitchen, but he’s clueless and tends to get underfoot if I don’t assign him a specific task. So I pour twice as many pecans as we’ll need into a bowl, place it on the counter in a spot that isn’t in my way, and give him instructions on how to break the nuts into small pieces.
As he pops a nut into his mouth before chopping the next one, I smile. Everything remains the same on the surface, but deep down, past the facade, we both know everything has changed. In fact, we are now more like we were when we first got married than all the years in between. At first, after the girls moved out, I wasn’t sure how George and I would get along, and being totally honest, we didn’t. It’s been a little more than a couple of years now, and we’re just starting to reignite that spark.
“Is that enough?” He lifts the clear bowl for me to see.
“How many do you have left?”
He picks up a handful, puts them in his mouth, and then shows me the empty bowl. I laugh.
Fifteen minutes later, we’re sitting at the table with a huge stack of pancakes between us. His eyes twinkle as he points to them. “That’s mine. Where’s yours?”
Throughout our delicious pancake dinner, we talk about the cruise. He tilts his head to one side and gives me the look that has always melted me from the inside out. “I think a winter cruise would be romantic.”
“If we go in the late spring, I’ll be able to enjoy the sun,” I argue.
“But—”
I hold up my hand. “This is our first cruise, George. I really want to prepare for it so we can get the most out of it.” Then I make the pouty face that I know he can’t resist. “Please.”
He inhales deeply as he closes his eyes, and then he looks me in the eye. “Okay, Sheila, if that’s what you really want, I’m fine with going in the spring.”
“That means we can give each other new cruise stuff for Christmas.”
“Like what?”
I stand and pick up the plates to carry them to the sink. “We’ll both need whole new wardrobes, and of course I’ll want to lose a few pounds first so I can fit into the cute vacation clothes they’re getting in at La Chic.”
He makes a face. “So that’s why you want to wait until spring?”
I laugh and nod. “One of the many reasons.”
“And that’s one of the reasons I’ll never understand women.” He rolls up his sleeves and loads the dishwasher with plates, glasses, and flatware while I start scrubbing the pans.
“It’s good that you don’t fully understand us. We like to keep you guessing.” I nod toward the living room. “I’ll finish cleaning up. Why don’t you go get comfortable, and I’ll join you in a few minutes?”
It takes me all of five minutes to get the pans washed, dried, and put away. When I step into the living room, George is reclining in his La-Z-Boy chair with the TV remote in his hand, his chin dropped to his chest, and a soft snore wafting through the room. I smile as I gently take the remote, put it on the table beside him, and cover him with a soft throw that I keep in the living room. This isn’t the first, and I’m sure it won’t be the last, time he’ll sleep half the night in his chair. I don’t have the heart to wake him, even though he’ll probably complain about it in the morning.
I’m on my way back to our room to put on my nightgown when the landline rings. I rush back to the bedroom to answer it and see on the caller ID that it’s Sally.
“I hope I didn’t wake anyone up.”
“No, I haven’t gone to bed yet, and your father can’t hear high-pitched sounds anymore, so you’re good.” I glance at the clock and see that it’s only 8:07. “What’s up?”
“How do you know when you’re in love?” Before I have a chance to get past the surprise of her question and answer her, she continues. “I mean, how do I know that it’s love and not just some silly infatuation just because he’s cute and sweet and loves the Lord?”
I had hoped Mama would surprise me when I told her about Nate and express joy that I’d found someone wonderful and maybe even ask to meet him. But no, she said it’s too early to have the feelings I have and that I need to wait for a while.
I’m not sure if Sara understands what I see in Nate, but then again, she’s only met him once. I had to pick up the disclosure statement from the bank, so I brought her with me, hoping she could get to know him—at least a little bit. Unfortunately, he was busy with clients, so he didn’t have a chance to chat.
“He seems a bit stuffy,” Sara says. “I agree with Mama. You need to give it some time before you say you’re in love.”
I pull my head back and lift my eyebrow as I wag a finger in front of her face. She hates that. “Wait just a minute there, sis. It’s not like you dated Justin for years and years before you eloped.”
She bobs her head right back at me. “But don’t forget, I’ve known him most of my life.”
I want to tell her she never really knew him until they got married, but I’m not in the mood for an argument. What I really want to do is play some happy music and dance because I have a date with Nate tomorrow night.
My silence must have worried her because she closes the distance between us and puts her hand on my shoulder. “I’m sorry, Sally. I know what it’s like to be crazy about someone and have other people try to ruin it for you.”
“No one can ruin what I’m feeling. You might be right, since I’ve never dated a guy more than a few times. This might not be love, but I definitely feel something I’ve never felt before.”
She grins. “Or maybe it is love. Who am I to say it’s not?”
That’s my Sara. I give her a big grin. “Okay, so what should I wear?”
She taps her index finger on her chin. “Where are y’all going?”
“He says we can go anywhere I want.”
Sara’s face lights up. “Why don’t you pick the Purple Parrot?”
I shrug. “I’m more in the mood for Mack’s.”
“Seriously?” She rolls her eyes. “You just don’t want to dress up, do you?”
“I’ll dress a little nicer.” An idea pops
into my head. “Speaking of dressing for a date, do you want to help me pick out something to wear?”
“You have enough new clothes in your closet to start your own boutique. Why do you need help?” Before I have a chance to respond, she’s on her way to my room and heads straight for the closet.
“How about this?” She pulls out the ecru sweater and holds it up.
I shake my head. “I’ve already worn that twice.”
A look of amusement washes over her as she makes a couple more attempts. Finally, she replaces the last outfit, turns to me, and holds out her arms. “Why don’t we go get you a completely new outfit so there’s no chance of Nate ever seeing you in the same thing twice?”
I smile and gesture toward the door. Fifteen minutes later, we’re walking into La Chic. Shay glances up from the counter, and when she sees that it’s us, a humongous smile spreads across her face. As she comes around to greet us and give us one of the hugs that I’ve come to count on, she says, “It’s great to see you ladies. Did you come to shop, or are you just stopping by to say hey?”
“Both, actually.” I turn to Sara, who nods before I look back at Shay. Before I can open my mouth, Sara speaks up.
“She has a big date, so we need to get her something nice.” Sara gives me a smirk. “Something date-worthy.” Her emphasis on date-worthy makes me cringe.
“You should have something date-worthy,” Shay says.
Before I have a chance to say a word, Sara speaks up again. “Something no one has seen her in yet.”
Shay does her best to hide her amusement, but I know she’s laughing deep down. I cut a glance of annoyance toward my sister, but she pretends to ignore me.
“We got a few new things in over the past several days.” Shay leads us to a corner that features a mannequin wearing the cutest jeggings, tunic, and infinity scarf. “We have shoes and boots to go with most of the outfits too. Why don’t the two of you peruse the racks? I’ll start you a fitting room with whatever you pick out.”
Sara has her eye on what the mannequin is wearing. “Hey, Sally, how about this?”
I nod. “Yeah, I like it.”
Shay comes up from behind. “We also have some ankle boots that are perfect for that outfit.” She looks at the tag on the tunic the mannequin is wearing. “This one’s your size, so let me take it off her. Find a couple more you like and go on back to the second fitting room.”
I’m amazed by how happy a new outfit makes me feel. Ever since Shay and Puddin’ bought this place, it’s like everyone in Pinewood cares about what they wear. You’d think that with this one small shop dressing everyone in town, people would all be wearing the same outfits, but that’s not the case. They only get a few pieces in each style, and they change everything out several times per season.
When I walk out of the fitting room, Puddin’ has joined Shay and my sister. Everyone’s eyes open wide, and they smile, letting me know they approve. Sara gives me a thumbs-up. “That’s what I’m talkin’ about.”
Puddin’ walks toward me and turns me around as she looks me over. “Have you ever thought about being a model? This outfit looks amazing on you.”
I let out a nervous giggle. I love how I feel in these clothes, but I’m not used to people fussing over me like this. It’s one thing to get attention because I’m an identical twin, but to be noticed individually is a new experience for me. The only other time I’ve felt this way was my last visit to La Chic, which is one of the reasons I get warm and fuzzy feelings when I come in here.
“No surprise, they all look great on you.” Puddin’ follows me back to the fitting room. “Which one are you getting for your hot date?”
“Hot date?” I let out a nervous laugh. “We’re just going out to dinner.”
“Oh, sweetie, this is just the beginning. If he still likes you after dinner, he’ll ask you out for another date, and then another.”
Shay joins us. “And if she likes him after dinner, she just might ask him out for the second date.”
Puddin’ shakes her head. “True, but I’m still having a hard time wrapping my mind around that concept. I reckon I’m sort of old-fashioned.”
“Yes, you most certainly are,” Shay agrees. “And that’s one of the things we love most about you.”
Puddin’ casts a pretend look of annoyance to her sister-in-law before turning back to me. “So which one’s it gonna be?”
I look everything over and try to pick one that stands out the most. The problem is that I like every single thing I tried on. “I don’t know.”
“Then get all of ’em.” The sound of Sara’s voice gets our attention.
“I don’t exactly need a new wardrobe.” I pause and look her over. “You’re the one—” I cut myself off before I trigger another hormonal crying jag.
“Well . . .” When she gives me one of her sarcastic expressions and head bobs, I let out a sigh of relief. “After this baby is born, I plan to talk you out of some of the things in your closet, and then I’m going to come in here and fill in what I still need.”
Puddin’ reminds me of the family discount. “If you’re worried about the cost, that’ll make a huge difference.”
Sara and I exchange a glance. Most of the members of our family have no idea how much money we’re making, and we’re fine with that.
The one person who does know is Shay. She smiles and winks but doesn’t say anything.
“In that case, I suppose I can get a few more items.” I look over at what I just tried on and zero in on a couple of my favorites.
Sara steps up. “I can’t wait until after the baby comes so I can get some cute clothes.”
“You don’t have to wait till then to get some cute clothes. We just ordered some darlin’ maternity coordinates. They’re nothin’ like the lacy tents I used to wear when I was preggers.”
“I hate that word.” Shay shudders.
Puddin’ laughs. “I know you do, which is why I like to say it. Your reaction is funny.”
I glance at Shay, who rolls her eyes and grins. “The abuse I take—” She and Puddin’ exchange a look that is more sisterly than sister-in-lawly.
Sara shrugs. “Since I work at home, I don’t need a bunch of new maternity stuff. I can just wear sweatpants and Justin’s T-shirts.”
“No, honey. You need some cute clothes so you don’t feel like a whale.” Puddin’ points to Sara’s belly. “Girls these days like to show off the bump.”
Puddin’ has never been known for filtering what’s on her mind, so I’m surprised she doesn’t insult Sara for looking like she just stepped out of a Dumpster. Instead, she gestures toward the cash register. “If you’re interested in any of the jewelry in the case, everything on the right-hand side is seventy-five percent off.”
Now, that’s a serious discount. I walk over and look at all the necklaces, earrings, and bracelets and see that it’s going to be just as difficult to narrow down my selection with accessories as it was with the clothes.
Sara is right there beside me. She nudges me and whispers, “Why don’t you get half of the clearance side, and I’ll get the other half? We can share.”
I nod before looking back at Puddin’. “We’ll take all of it. Just split the cost in half, and Sara will pay the other half.”
Puddin’ looks shocked, and Shay laughs. “This guy you’re dating must be pretty special. Anyone I know?”
“Nate Hawthorne from the bank in Hattiesburg.” I pause.
Shay’s smile quickly fades. “Nate Hawthorne?” She clears her throat. “I didn’t realize you were dating him. You and I need to talk.”
Ever since Kyle told me about how he slipped into a phase of doing drugs with his friend, I’ve looked at him differently. Granted, he doesn’t do them now, and hasn’t in a very long time, but still . . .
“It’s been years.” His voice sounds desperate. “I wish I hadn’t told you.”
“No, I’m glad you did.” In a way, I regret his telling me, but deep do
wn I know it’s best for stuff like that to come out now rather than later.
He scrunches up his face. “Do you still like me?”
I let out a nervous laugh. “Of course I do.”
“I wasn’t sure.”
“Do you ever have the desire to take anything now?” I pause and study his face for any signs I might have missed. “I mean, are you tempted when you’re with people who do that stuff?”
He laughs. “First of all, I try to stay away from those situations, but no, I’m not tempted.” His expression becomes more solemn. “When you watch a friend go through some seriously bad stuff because of drugs, it makes you stop and think.” He closes his eyes and then looks directly at me. “That could have been me.”
“Well, it wasn’t, so let’s change the subject.” I know deep down that even if we talk about unicorns and butterflies and strawberry parfaits, I’ll be thinking about what he just told me.
“So, what are your plans for Thanksgiving?” he asks.
I shrug. “My family is having their reunion during Thanksgiving weekend, so I’ll go there.”
“That sounds like a blast.”
“It is. Sometimes. We always have a ton of food, and it’s fun to see some of my cousins that I only see at these things.” I chuckle. “And then one crazy thing always happens, like at the last one when a couple of my teenage cousins blew up the old barn.”
Kyle’s eyebrows shoot up. “Sounds dangerous. I hope no one was hurt.”
“Someone was hurt but not bad. I think it hurt the guys who did it more, since they had to go to court.” I look around and then back at Kyle. “How about you? Are you going home to your parents’ house?”
“I normally go back home, but my parents are going on a cruise this year.” He sighs. “I’ll probably sleep in and try to find a restaurant that has a decent buffet.”
