by Susan Sands
They all laughed.
Chapter Thirteen
Rachel spent the morning editing headshots of contestants for the newspaper article on the upcoming Christmas pageant. Emma asked that all the shots be taken with the same background so no one went rogue to a fancy photography studio to try and one-up another pageant contestant. Not all the contestants were Emma’s students, but since Emma was the pageant coordinator, she made certain no claims of preferential treatment could be made.
The photos of the girls made Rachel smile. Some of them were “pageant pretty” with their hair and makeup done to perfection, but many of these girls weren’t classically beautiful, and Rachel saw such hope and promise in their eyes. It was refreshing to see a somewhat diverse group, mostly white and black, and a few Latina, as there weren’t as many races represented here in Ministry as Rachel was accustomed to in New Orleans.
Every face held a story. Rachel would do her best to write the stories to represent each one in the short biographies filled out by the contestants.
She had invited Emma to stop by and give her opinion of how it was progressing thus far. Emma put her reputation on the line by heading up the pageants, along with the committee, so she oversaw every aspect with the careful eye of experience she’d gained through years in the business.
Rachel had seen Emma in action and respected her dedication to putting on a high-quality production where both the entrants and their parents felt confident in allowing their children to participate in something with Emma Laroux’s name associated with it. Of course, she was Emma Laroux Pope now, and she was very large with two squiggly little ones just waiting to pop right out after the holidays.
“These shots are amazing, Rachel. We’re so lucky to have your talent here in Ministry. And I’m thrilled that you came here to live, and now I can hire you to do my photography. Do you know how hard it was before, having to hire all this out to someone who didn’t have your vision?”
“Now you’re making me blush.”
“Well, my mother feels the same way. She relies on your work to make the events at Evangeline House shine in perpetuity. The way clients feel about their wedding photos after their wedding is over is the one thing that keeps the memory of the event alive. If they aren’t thrilled with the photos, the memory of the event is less wonderful.”
“I hadn’t really thought of it like that. It’s the one tangible thing, besides the video, they can hold in their hands and relive the memories through. They can actually see their beautiful flowers, the venue, and how vivid the surroundings were where they made memories.”
“Exactly. So, you see how incredibly important the work you do is for this community, don’t you?”
“I know that I love what I do, and I’m happy it brings to life over and over something in the past. I can’t wait to get my studio up and running so I can do more on-site studio work. With lighting, lenses, and cameras, I’ll be so much better at my work. I feel like a hack right now compared to what I know I’m capable of.”
“Well, I get it because I’ve seen the magic my husband works when he goes into his studio. He makes magic every day, sometimes just photographing food for promos. But every shot he takes has his stamp on it, and he takes pride in what comes from his production team.”
“Like Matthew said to me a few days ago, he’s an artist. I never really felt that way about what I do before, but I’m finally starting to, thanks to everyone’s appreciation of my work,” Rachel said.
“Good. Now, I’ll let you do your magic here so you can get this to the newspaper,” Emma said, and grabbed her purse and scarf from the table.
Rachel stood from where she’d been sitting at the desk to walk Emma out. “So, how are you feeling? You look like it’s time to have those twinsers,” Rachel motioned toward the tall blonde’s very large and protruding belly.
“They are playing doubles right now. I swear they aren’t planning to wait full term. My doctor says I’m doing well, and that all is normal with the pregnancy, but sometimes I worry.”
“Are you not feeling well?” Rachel was suddenly concerned. She believed that women intrinsically knew their own bodies.
“No.” She wiped a small trickle of a tear before it fell all the way. “It’s just that we tried so hard to get pregnant, and it took longer than we expected. I feel like all my eggs are quite literally in one great big basket here. They just have to be okay. I guess I’m just a little scared is all.”
“I totally understand how that must be when everybody else waves away your concerns and tells you you’re fine. Even if you are, you still worry,” Rachel said.
“Thanks for that, for understanding. Everyone else just says I’m being silly.”
“I know it can’t be easy right now. Sabine is struggling with only one little football player in there. I know she can’t even imagine two.”
Emma smiled and nodded. “Please give Sabine my best. I’ll see you at the pageant next week for sure.”
Rachel checked the time and realized she had to get over to where Santa would be waiting for the first group of eager lap-sitters, ready to tell him all their Christmas wishes. And it would be Rachel’s job to record that special moment for the future.
She grabbed her camera bag and extra battery pack from where it was charging in the wall socket. No doubt, she would need fresh juice before the day was out.
On her way to the gift shop where Santa was currently stationed, she noticed the Christmas tree in the square was showing progress, though it was mostly covered up by the scaffolding surrounding it. It appeared as if the colored lights were completed and the ornaments were placed about halfway down the tree. There were sparkling crystal-like clear ornaments, which were most likely a heavy-duty molded melamine plastic, that reflected the colorful lights. The effect was brilliant.
Rachel couldn’t wait until she was able to take photos of the tree completely lit and decorated. Santa would move outdoors on nice days near the tree in the square for photos as soon as possible. It was all coming together now and the feeling downtown was festive, especially now that the shops were all putting their finishing touches inside their windows and all around.
Rachel neared the inn and remembered that she needed to speak with Ivy regarding a reservation for Dad, so she popped inside since she still had a little time before she was due at the gift shop.
Bells jingled on the front door as she opened it, a throwback to an earlier time. “Nice touch,” Rachel said more to herself than anyone else, eyeing the aged brass. She would remember brass bells when it came time to open her own studio.
Rachel hadn’t been inside since the place had been open to the public. Ivy had shown her around before, but now that the furniture for the seating area was in place, the damask curtains hung, and the marble floors shined, the place was stunning.
“Hey there, friend. What brings you in?” Ivy stood behind the beautifully restored aged wood counter. Everything in the lobby of the inn had been meticulously refurbished to its former glory.
“Wow. I’m amazed, Ivy. The inn looks fabulous.” Rachel tried to keep her mouth from hanging open. Then she realized Ivy stood waiting for her to answer a question. “Oh, I’m here to pencil in my dad for a few days at Christmas if you have any openings. I left him a message to call me back, but I didn’t want to wait in case you’re getting close to filling up.”
“Good idea. In the last couple hours, we’ve had a ton of calls. It’s getting close all of a sudden, so let’s see what I have left. When do you think he’ll arrive?”
“I’m not exactly sure, but I would guess by the twenty-third, and then leave the day after Christmas.”
Ivy was so efficient. She was a throwback to like, the sixties, in her dress. She always wore lipstick to match her nail polish, and such fun clothes, but never trashy. “Okay, I’ll have to put him either in a suite or a smaller room. Which do you think he would prefer?”
Rachel honestly didn’t know. With her father’s penchant f
or luxury, and the ability to pay for it, she figured she ought to book the suite. But since he’d been in prison, maybe he’d changed his lifestyle somewhat? Who knew? “Can I let you know? He’s going to call me back later today, and I’ll find out. Just so you know, he’s a bit of a character. I think I’ve filled you in a little on my family history.”
“Ah, yes. I remember you telling me about your dad. Okay. I’ll hold both rooms until midnight. But if we fill up, I’ll need to call for an answer. I hope you understand.”
“Of course. Sorry to be so indecisive. I honestly don’t know which room he would prefer at this point.”
“Got it. Sorry we couldn’t make Thanksgiving with the Larouxs. Dad called Miss Maureen after. We ran into a major plumbing issue and had to stay here all day until the guys handled it. Couldn’t take the chance they wouldn’t rush it on a holiday.” Ivy’s makeup was perfect, and Rachel just knew she wore black patent leather pumps behind the counter. Her dress had a white background with large black polka dots, and a wide black belt. She was trim and had the most gorgeous dark red hair. How she’d remained single until now was a mystery to Rachel.
“Oh, no problem. Of course, you missed some awesome food and lots of kids and dogs running amok.”
“I hear you and the new cute doctor are dating. That was quick work, sister.”
Rachel laughed, picturing Nick in his boxers, hair sticking up, so amazingly sexy this morning, and she thought about his promise for later, and felt heat rise in her cheeks. “Well, he is my neighbor, so the proximity probably helped things along.”
“You’re blushing like an old maid. Must be a pretty hot memory to bring that kind of red to your cheeks.”
Rachel was not sharing that particular memory with Ivy, so she said, “Well, I’ve got to go take some Santa pictures or there’s gonna be sad, disappointed kiddos in town. I’ll let you know about the room later when I hear from Dad.”
“Fine. Don’t throw a lonely old maid a bone.”
“Old maid, my ass. Girl, you could have any man you snapped your fingers at.”
“As if. I don’t see any men swarming around here. Do you?”
“Just wait.”
Rachel gave her a little wave. “Tell Mr. Mason I said hi.”
Rachel took pictures of what seemed like a whole county’s worth of children with Santa. Poor Santa appeared ready to rip the beard off, though the man spent months growing it to this length leading up to the season. The requests from the children ranged anywhere from domination of the universe to please cure my brother’s cancer for Christmas. That one sent them all reaching for a tissue. What happened to dolls, little red wagons and BB guns? For every photo, an online form with payment had to be filled out, since the photos were digital, and would be edited and sent directly to the family. It was a lot of work, but the sheer volume was financially feasible. Rachel was on a single-minded path to studio-ownership.
She wanted to buy a storefront and grow her business. But she didn’t want to do it alone. Rachel saw herself turning over an “out for lunch” sign and meeting someone for a quick bite, and heading home at the end of the day to share dinner and stories about clients—and patients?
As she left the gift shop, Rachel couldn’t shake the thoughts that rambled in her head from last night as she’d fallen asleep in Nick’s arms. Was she falling in love with him?
Instead of heading back upstairs to her apartment, she decided to head over to Sabine’s house. Yes, she really did need to bounce some of this off her sister’s psychologist brain. Sabine would tell her if she was behaving like an idiot.
Sabine and Ben lived a couple miles out of town on a piece of land with a barn, animals, and several acres, so she gave her sister a quick call to let her know she was coming.
Sabine was home, resting with her swollen feet up. “Come on over. You might have to chase Janie around while we talk, but I’m dying to hear all about it,” Sabine said.
Great. Nick would likely get home in about two hours, so it gave her just enough time to speak with her sister and get back in time to freshen up for the show.
When she was just out of town, Rachel’s phone rang. She answered on speaker.
“Hey there, honey, it’s your daddy. I got your message about Christmas.”
“Oh, hey, Dad. What do you think? Would you like to come?”
“I’d love to see my best girls, but what does your mother say about it?”
“Well, she’s agreed that you should spend some time with me and Sabine. I don’t know how much she’ll be around, but we’ve cleared it with her.”
He got quiet on the line for a minute, then said, “I’d like to sit down and have a talk with your mom if she’ll agree to it.”
“Probably best to take this one step at a time.” Rachel could tell her father was impatient to mend fences with Mom. Best to just dive right in. “Dad, you know Mom has moved on, right?”
“Moved on? What do you mean? Is there another man?” Rachel could feel his disbelief all the way from the Gulf Shores.
“Dad, she’s dating someone here in town. He’s a really nice man.”
“She’s my wife.” His outrage was obvious.
“No, she’s not. And you know it. The double standard here is too ridiculous for even you to deny. Really, Dad?” This was the kind of behavior that made her never want to resume this relationship or date a man again.
As Rachel pulled into Sabine’s driveway, she texted her sister. Can you come out to the car? I’m in your driveway and I’ve got Dad on speaker. I spilled the beans that Mom is dating someone. He’s not taking it well.
Sabine’s answer was immediate. Ben’s here, so I’m on my way.
“I know we’re divorced, but I hoped Elizabeth would forgive my mistakes now that she’s had some time to calm down.”
Sabine slid into the car. “Hi Dad, it’s Sabine. I just joined the conversation.”
“Hey there, honey. I hear your momma has taken up with some man up there. I was telling Rachel that I still consider her my wife and I don’t accept the idea of her being with someone else.”
Sabine and Rachel shared an eye-roll. “Well, Dad, you don’t have a say in this. Mom isn’t your wife anymore, and you drew first blood there. In other words, you cheated, you lied, and you tore up your marriage and family with your actions.”
They heard his sharp intake of breath. Rachel was shocked at Sabine’s unusually honest and straightforward statement. “Well, I guess that about says it all, doesn’t it?” Dad said, his tone quiet and calm now.
“Dad, you don’t get your way this time. It’s over between you and Mom. The best you can hope for is that she agrees to be in the same room with you without ripping out your throat,” Sabine said.
“Wow. That’s harsh, Sabine. I doubt your mother is as unreasonable as you make her sound.”
Both Sabine and Rachel snorted. “Are you kidding? Mom’s anger toward you is deep and endless. She’s found a little happiness now. Don’t come up here and try to ruin that. If that’s your plan, we’re rescinding the invitation. You didn’t see Mom when Janie was born because we made sure of it. This is a bit of a test. Hopefully, the first visit with your granddaughter here since she’s old enough to remember you will go well for everyone.”
“Well, girls, I’m flummoxed. I really don’t know what to say.” Dad’s fight was all gone.
Rachel spoke up then. “Say you’ll come. I’ve made a reservation for you at the Ministry Inn for Saturday the twenty-third, until the day after Christmas. All you have to do is call and tell them whether you want the small room or the suite and give them your credit card number.”
“Okay, darling. I’ll do it, and I’ll do my best not to kill your mother’s lover.”
“Seriously, Dad. You have to behave. We live here, so no complaining about the food to the owners of the restaurants and such. In other words, don’t make a stink in town while you’re here.” Rachel sounded like somebody’s mother, even to her own ear
s.
“Rachel, I’ve changed. I’m not the same man I was in New Orleans. After all, I’m not the man in charge of things anymore. I’m an ex-con who’s learned a lot of hard lessons.” He sounded sincere.
“We’ll take your word on that,” Sabine said. “We look forward to seeing you, Daddy.”
“Yeah, Daddy. Which room are you planning to take? I told Ivy I would let her know by the end of the day, so she could let the other one go.”
“Why, I’ll take the suite, of course.”
“Don’t you want to know how much it costs before you decide?”
He laughed, deep and full. “Don’t you girls know that money isn’t an issue? I’ve offered time and again to help you if you need it. To give you a monthly allowance, even.”
Rachel had been so offended in the past by Dad’s offer to support her. She never, ever wanted to know where the endless money came from because the source was likely a deep, deep well drawn from his past filled with corruption and political favors. “Thanks, Dad, but I’m good.”
“My husband and my career pay for my lifestyle, so, no thanks,” Sabine said.
“What about your mother? Is she alright with the divorce settlement? I made sure she had enough to retire on. But I can do more if she needs it.”
“She’s fine, Dad. I’ve never heard her express a need for anything since she’s been on her own.”
“I know you girls believe the money comes from a bad source, but it doesn’t. Your grandparents were obscenely wealthy, you know. Nothing I ever did was for the money. You girls have trust funds you’ve never even touched. You know y’all aren’t like normal kids.”
Rachel knew that both she and Sabine had some sort of trust fund set aside from their grandparents, but since she’d never really had to struggle, Rachel hadn’t ever asked her parents about the money. She’d just assumed that money was for the future and her own children’s futures. It was hardly even mentioned.