by Emma Woods
It was too cold to stay out long. Still, I couldn’t resist a few more minutes’ quiet. My eyes roved over Rosa’s backyard. The trees had long since lost their leaves, leaving behind bare branches. Those ugly branches had my sympathy today. I felt every bit as plucked bare by bitter winds.
“God, I don’t think I’m going to get through this,” I whispered. “How do I love people who are so unkind? There’s no pleasing them. Even if I was perfect in every way, they’d still find something to criticize.” I chewed my lip for a moment and considered that. “It’s pretty sad, isn’t it? What makes a person feel the need to be so critical?”
Mentally, I compared Rosa with my other aunts. Rosa was curvy and tended to be a bit overweight, just like me. She was almost forty and had never been married. She hadn’t even dated anyone seriously since she was in high school. Rosa was interesting and kind. Of all the people I’d ever met, she was one of my favorites. She exuded hospitality and love.
Whereas Aunt Dottie was in her mid-fifties and seemed to spend her entire life focused on looking young. Aunt Candace wasn’t much better. I didn’t know much about their lives, but from the way they talked, they seemed very petty. They seemed to think that looking good and snagging a husband were the things that mattered most. But it didn’t appear to have made either of them any happier.
I squared my shoulders. Well. My family would be gone soon. They’d go back to their lives and take their opinions with them. What they thought of me really didn’t much matter. Finally, I stopped staring at myself and began to think of the other people who might be having a hard day.
Surely this was a hard day for Rosa, too. If our family was unkind to me, I doubted they would have much generosity for her. And Gus was probably feeling smothered right about now. I wondered how my cousin Amy was holding up. And my new Aunt Tatum must be dying.
“Let me find someone here to build a good relationship with,” I prayed. “Don’t let this day be only a trial. Help me to support Rosa and care well for Gus. Let something good come from today.”
Feeling steadier, I got to my feet and walked to the door. I went to the kitchen where Rosa was puttering away. She was wearing one of her trademark vintage dresses and bright high heels. Her bright red lipstick was in place, and her hair was in a perfect French roll. Still, she looked strained. I went to her and pulled her into a hug.
“You’re wonderful,” I whispered in her ear.
Rosa gave me a squeeze and pulled back, tears in her eyes. “That was just what I needed to hear,” she said.
“What can I do?” I asked, not wanting to dwell on the hard parts of today any longer.
“I was just about to ask the same thing,” a timid voice spoke from the edge of the room.
We looked over and spotted Tatum. She was a few years younger than Rosa, which was quite the scandal, as Joe was nearing fifty. Tatum had courageously taken on the role of stepmother to Joe’s three children, all of whom were now out of the house. I’d overheard the aunts picking her apart but didn’t actually know much about her.
Rosa smiled broadly and said, “Everything is ready to go. Tatum, if you’ll look in that drawer there, you’ll find serving spoons. Put one in every dish you see that needs one. Then, you two can start carrying out the food while I cut up the turkey. Oh, Corinne, be sure to set up the drinks on the little table we discussed.”
Tatum and I chatted a little as we worked. She was shy at first but opened up bit by bit. I learned that she was a high school teacher and loved to read. We discussed some of our favorite classic authors and found that we had a number of beloved books in common.
My heart sent up a prayer of thanks. From the lonely look that had been in her eyes, I knew that Tatum had needed a friend at the table today every bit as much as I had. I was glad to be able to offer her some friendly respite.
The family was called in, and people took their seats. There was a fair amount of complaining over where people had been placed, but I mostly ignored this. My father, as the oldest male, should have given the blessing. However, he was only too glad to let Rosa lead us in a heartfelt prayer of thanksgiving. Then the food began to travel around the table.
I watched my mother spoon food on Gus’s plate and sighed. Poor fellow. Mom seemed determined to keep him at the age of five. He put up with her coddling as well as could be expected, but I could tell that he was getting frustrated with it.
Matt was seated next to me. I’d made sure he was close at hand. Aunt Dottie and Aunt Candace were at the other end of the table with Julia. I’d placed Julia’s sister Amy on my other side. Tatum and Uncle Joe were on our end. With Matt’s help, the five of us had a very nice conversation. Uncle Joe had always seemed a bit standoffish to me. Somehow, Tatum brought out the best in him. He paid kind attention to her throughout the meal and contributed eagerly to our discussion. I found that I had a new, better opinion of my uncle.
Foolishly, I began to believe that the worst of the day was over. My spirits had risen back in the kitchen and now, with Matt at my side, I’d felt as though no one could hurt me.
But then dessert was passed around.
“Who made these pies?” my cousin Max asked.
“Corinne did them all,” Rosa boasted.
“I’m sure they’re not low-calorie, then,” joked Julia.
More than one person snickered, and I felt the barb keenly.
“You’ve always been a good cook,” said my cousin Elise’s husband, Brad. “Why do you settle for being a secretary, Corinne?”
“I always wondered that, too,” added Elise. “You did so well in high school. We all expected you to do more than just go to junior college and be a secretary.” She said the word as though it was far beneath her.
I bit my lip. I liked my job. Besides, I’d given up my chance at college to care for Gus at my family’s request. Apparently, that wasn’t common knowledge. It hurt to know that my sacrifice had become a source of family scorn.
I wasn’t going to get angry. Instead, I said, “I really enjoy my job. What is it you’re doing for work these days?”
“Ever since Grayson was born, I’ve stayed at home to raise my boys. Brayden’s three now, but he already knows the entire alphabet and can write his name!” Elise beamed at the table. “Being a mom is the most important job there is.”
This sparked a conversation of whose child was the most accomplished. Todd and Kate’s little boy, Hunter, was so athletic. Max and Anna’s children were so good at school. My brother Charlie’s girls were so popular.
I sat back, glad I could be left out. But a glance at Tatum’s face told me that she was struggling with the conversation. I considered the possible reasons why this might be. She and Joe didn’t have any children together. Was this the problem? Did Tatum wish she could have kids of her own?
Scrambling to find another topic of conversation, I opened my mouth to speak but was cut off by Julia, who called down the table to me, “Corinne, did I mention that I’m hoping you could be a bridesmaid in my wedding? I always prefer to see single women be bridesmaids. It sets the right tone. And you’ll still be single in a year, of course.”
“Of course she will,” my brother Quinn boomed. “Corinne is safe from that sort of thing.” Most of the table erupted into laughter at the comment.
My cheeks burned and I studiously avoided looking at Matt. If he hadn’t clearly seen my faults before, he would see them now. I was lucky he wasn’t sprinting to the door, keys in hand.
But Matt put a big, strong arm across the back of my chair and cleared his throat. As one, everyone at the table turned their attention on him. I got the feeling that they were very curious about this mammoth stranger.
“I wanted to be sure to thank both Rosa and Corinne for all their hard work today. The food was great. Rosa, you’re always such a gracious hostess.” He grinned down at her and she winked at him. Then, Matt looked over at me and announced, “And as for you, Corinne, I think you’re amazing. You bake a delicious pie, take
care of your brother without complaint, and never ask anyone for anything. I’m sorry more people can’t see how special you are.”
Matt was looking at me as though he didn’t even notice the other people in the room. My face was hot, but this time, it was with pleasure. I glanced around and noticed more than one envious look from the other ladies at the table. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one to appreciate his rugged good looks.
But as nice as it was to be the cause of envy for a change, I was most happy that Matt hadn’t given up on me. He’d watched and listened and still chosen to stick with me. He still saw the best in me. Here I was, surrounded by the people who were supposed to love and support me, and it was this man who saw my worth better than all of them.
The silence that followed Matt’s declaration was soon filled with chatter. Men went in search of football games and mothers hurried to check on their children, who were eating in the kitchen. Rosa and I began to clear the table, and unsurprisingly it was Matt, Tatum, Amy, and Gus who offered to help.
We were a cheerful party in the kitchen. The dishwasher was loaded, pots and pans scrubbed, and leftovers tucked away for later. Stories and jokes were plentiful. I found that there was a little flame of joy in my chest that couldn’t be extinguished by the long day or the unkind words. And every time I caught Matt’s eye, he gave me a special smile, and that flame leapt again.
“Can I steal you away?” he whispered in my ear when the last dish was dried.
I nodded eagerly and followed as he led me to the back stairs and up to Rosemarie’s bedroom.
“She won’t mind if we borrow her room,” Matt explained as he closed the door behind me.
I turned, ready to thank him for his support when he stopped me with a look. My eyes grew wide at the sight of him. Matt, who could be intense at the best of time, was laser-focused. He closed the distance between us in two long steps and pulled me into his arms fiercely. Before I had time to think, he dropped his head and kissed me.
This kiss was nothing like our first one. That one had been gentle and romantic. This kiss was full of longing and desire. When he pulled back, I had to grab onto his arms to keep from stumbling, because my knees were wobbly.
“Sorry,” he said quickly. “I shouldn’t have done that. I know I promised to take things slow. It’s just, I couldn’t resist. You handled everything today with so much grace and mercy. I was about ready to clobber a few of your relatives, but you never even gave them so much as a dirty look.”
My heart was so full, I wasn’t sure if I could speak. In my family, I felt invisible most of the time. Matt had seen my struggles and knew what it had taken for me to not say something I’d regret. It was like a dream come true. How had I doubted his worthiness?
We stood in silence, close together, lost in our own thoughts for a long minute. Matt held my upper arm, and my hand rested on his muscled bicep. And it just felt so right.
“I don’t mean to push you,” he said quietly, “but I think I’ll burst if I don’t say something. Corinne, I’m falling in love with you.”
I gaped at him. Could I say the same thing? I was too muddled and emotional from this long day to think that through well.
He smiled sheepishly. “Please, don’t say anything. Well, say you’ll let me take you out again.”
“Of course I will,” I replied quickly.
The rest of the day passed in a dreamy haze. Nothing was different with my family, but everything was different with me. Matt and I held hands secretly under the table while we played Tatum and Uncle Joe in Scrabble. He had to leave to go to see his own family later that evening, and I missed him the moment the door closed behind him.
My female relatives swarmed after he left, begging for details, which I avoided giving them. Even Julia was looking at me with new respect.
Finally, people started heading back to their hotels. We bid Mom and Dad good-bye and thanked Rosa yet again. Then Gus and I got in the car, glad to be on our own, and headed to our little cottage.
18
Most of the family was gone by late in the day on Friday. It helped that the weatherman reported an incoming snowstorm that might make travel difficult. When Mom broke the news that they were heading out very early Saturday morning instead of later that afternoon, I blessed the weatherman.
Gus and I waved our parents off Friday evening and went to Gate House and into our respective rooms for some time alone. I promised myself I’d check in on Gus later and hear what his feelings about the visit had been. But for now, I didn’t want to have to think of anyone else for at least an hour.
That is, I didn’t want to think of anyone else except Matt. He’d texted to ask if I was interested in coming to his place Saturday evening for supper. I was looking forward to trying Matt’s cooking and spending some time with him. Gus could always go up to Bumblebee House with Rosa. I texted back that I would love to have supper with him, and we ironed out the details.
Then Gus and I spent Saturday relaxing. We were both worn out emotionally. Sitting on the couch together and watching dopey movies we’d liked when we were kids was the perfect antidote to our family.
“Can I ask you something, Corinne?” he said tentatively, halfway through the first movie.
“Sure.”
Gus paused the movie and turned to me. “Why do the people in our family say such mean things to you?”
My eyebrows lifted. I hadn’t been sure if he’d noticed. He’d been dealing with Mom’s doting, after all.
I sighed and said, “Over the years, I’ve noticed that some people are only happy when they’re pushing other people down. Unfortunately, a lot of those people are related to us. I don’t know if you know this, but girls can be really mean to each other. We get super competitive and sneaky about it.”
“But Charlie and Quinn are boys, and they’re mean to you,” he protested.
“That’s just who they are. It’s crummy, but that’s how it is.” I reached over and gave his hand a squeezed. “I picked to live with you because you’re my favorite brother.”
“You’re my favorite sister,” he responded, then cracked himself up. “You’re my only sister!”
Feeling especially fond of him, I jumped up and dove on top of him, tickling him under the chin. Gus giggled in his hoarse way, which got me laughing. By the time we settled back down to watch the movie, I’d put my head on his shoulder and he’d put an arm around me.
Getting ready for tonight’s date with Matt felt completely different than getting ready for our first one. Gone were any fears that I was making a mistake. Matt was really super, and I wanted to spend time with him. Maybe it would work out and maybe it wouldn’t, but I wanted to try. I dressed and did my hair and makeup like always. This time, though, I wasn’t worried that I might let Matt down if everything wasn’t just right. I simply enjoyed the process of picking out clothes and putting myself together.
Gus had surprised me by saying he wanted to stay at home tonight. He’d go up to Rosa’s for supper like always, then come back and spend the evening alone. He claimed he hadn’t been able to play enough video games this weekend. I made him promise to call if he needed me, and Gus assured me he’d be fine.
I drove to Matt’s house with a light heart. He lived in a duplex in town, I saw. It was a little house with brown brick and dark brown siding. All in all, not the prettiest place I’d ever seen. Still, as I parked in the driveway and skipped up to the door, I didn’t care if it was pretty or not. Matt lived here, and that made it quite special.
He answered my knock with a big grin on his face. “Come in! It’s getting cold outside.”
Matt was wearing those very nice-fitting jeans of his with a hooded sweatshirt. He had on thick socks and slippers. He led the way through to the kitchen and I noticed that, while his place was definitely decorated in the usual bachelor style, it was clean and comfortable.
“I’m baking chicken with broccoli,” he explained. “I hope that’s okay.”
I took
off my coat, put it on the back of a kitchen chair, and nodded. “Sounds good to me.”
“I know you’re supposed to impress your date the first time you cook, but I have this broccoli that needs eating. It’s not the most romantic vegetable of all times.”
Laughing, I retorted, “And what exactly is the most romantic vegetable?”
That sparked a lively debate. Matt pulled supper from the oven before long, and we sat down to eat. We didn’t run out of things to talk about and ended up in the living room with mugs of hot chocolate. Even though he’d suggested watching a movie, we ended up talking nonstop and never got around to it.
Matt, I learned, was perpetually cold. He had more old quilts and afghans than any single man I’d ever met. We ended up sitting on opposite ends of the couch, both tucked under our own blankets.
He challenged me on my dislike of coffee. I explained that I didn’t like the bitter taste and would have to put in far more cream and sugar to make it palatable than was good for me. I appreciated it when he didn’t push me to try some next time I was in the Beanery, though I had a suspicion that he thought he might be able to change my mind.
Around ten o’clock, I told him that I needed to get home to Gus.
“I had a really nice time,” I said earnestly.
Matt stood and walked me to the door. “We need to do this again soon. Do you think it would be okay if I called you tomorrow night? I always wonder what your day was like.”
It was such a sweet thing to say that I agreed readily. What a treat it would be to look forward to talking to Matt each day!
I opened the front door to go out to my car and stopped dead in my tracks. Right behind me, Matt had a similar reaction. We stood, gaping at the scene outside the screen door.
The snowstorm had struck earlier than predicted. Over the past hours, it had crept in and begun to blanket Birch Springs in white. In fact, it was now snowing so hard that I couldn’t even see my car in the driveway. There was no way that I could drive when it was snowing this hard. And if it kept up for long, I wouldn’t be able to get my car through the streets.