Lacy could hear Annie crying. "This is so sweet. I'll be there for you. Sure you don't want another puppy?"
"Annie, please! My house, in the garden – "
"Right! Oh, this is so right!"
"Wait Annie. Oh my God! I forgot all about June and her father. I have a very important meeting with them today at three." Lacy's heart sunk. Canceling with them now might just ruin whatever they had in mind for the city.
"Invite them to the wedding. That's all you can do."
Alone in her sanctuary bedroom, Lacy chose a pale blue dress that matched the blue in her eyes. She held it before her and looked in the mirror. And she started to cry. It was the first time she'd stopped to think. Really think about what was happening. She couldn't go through with this. She couldn't do this to Holt – again – no matter how much she loved him. She had to tell him. Had to admit her own lie.
When Annie arrived, Lacy asked her to find Holt.
"What's wrong? You look like hell!"
"I'm. . . I just need to talk to Holt. Please find him."
"You know, you don't have to do this today, Lacy. Maybe you need a little more time."
"Yes, maybe." She looked sadly at Annie. "I don't think there's going to be a wedding."
"Oh my God! I'll find him," Annie said. "Oh yes, did you know there's a black cat sitting on your front porch?"
Lacy smiled through her tears. "That's Lorena. She's there for good luck."
Annie snapped her fingers. "Hope it works. Meantime, you get some rest, girlfriend. You look like you're going to pass out." A little later, she brought Lacy a cup of herbal tea. "I can't reach him. Someone said he drove to Tucson to rent a tux."
"That's crazy."
"It is, if there's no wedding." Annie sat on the Indian blanket at the foot of the bed. "He doesn't know, does he?"
Lacy shook her head. "I wasn't sure until. . . just recently. I didn't do the test yet, but there are signs. And I never had a chance to tell him. I thought at first it was stress. But now, I'm pretty sure."
Annie squeezed her hand. "If he loves you, he'll be thrilled."
"No, that's not true. Not Holt. He was deceived once. And he never got over it."
"Maybe. . . maybe he's changed."
Lacy looked away. Annie hugged her, then left her alone in her misery.
Two hours later, Holt arrived. Lacy could hear Annie greet him. "Hey guy, you look like a million bucks."
"Don't get used to the fancy threads. This thing's rented."
"I can't believe you drove all the way. . . Lacy's in her bedroom. Waiting for you. She needs you. . ."
He knocked and entered, wearing a black tux and yes, looking like a million. Lacy smiled. "You clean up good."
"You aren't dressed? Don't you want to have a wedding to do? Second thoughts Your Honor?"
"Third thoughts. Something I should have told you before we got to this point. And, I actually had intended to. But today just happened so fast and I . . . didn't think fast enough."
"I'm sure, if you are."
She twisted her hands together. "Holt, I. . . I think I'm. . . pregnant. I know how you feel about this. But I can tell you right now, with you or without you, I'm having this baby. No, I didn't do it purposely. I went through sex-hell trying to get pregnant with Bruce. At that time I would have done just about anything to get pregnant. But not now. I would never have done this purposely to you, Holt. I'm not sure exactly when. . . or how."
"Takes two. In the shower, unprotected."
She nodded. "I'm sorry, Holt. Really sorry. Sort-of." She squared her shoulders. "Actually, I'm not. I'm happy as a clam – " And Lacy covered her face and sobbed.
"Is this happy as a clam face?"
Lacy couldn't stop crying.
"My God, Lacy. You're ruining your face for the wedding. Red eyes in the official wedding photo? I'll tell the kid, there's your mom, happy as a clam."
Lacy looked up at him, tears and snot mingling on her face. Holt grabbed a handful of tissues and began cleaning her up.
"I love ya Lacy dear, but this is a bit much." When he'd wiped her face clean, he kissed her long and hard. "There. Now maybe Annie will help the happy as a clam bride-to-be get ready for her wedding. Start with those eyes."
"W-what did you say?"
"You didn't hear me? I said, Okay. Fine."
"But Holt – "
"Lacy, I love you. I'll take you as you are. And the fact that you're carrying my baby makes it even better."
"But Holt, what about – "
"I can handle it. I know a good thing when it happens. And this is a very good thing." He kissed her soundly and left the room, calling for Annie. "Hey Annie, we've got a wedding soon. Would you pul-lease assist the bride?"
An hour later, Lacy was amazed to find her herbal garden crowded to overflowing with friends, colleagues and curious townsfolk who wanted to witness the mayor's most unusual event to date. Her marriage.
Everyone was there, including some she hadn't even met. Like June and her aged father. Annie stood nearby. "I figured we'd better make nice to the Humbolts, so I invited them."
"Good thinking. I'm glad someone's thinking. How does my face look? Eyes still red?"
"Pink-ish. You could wear sunglasses."
Lacy laughed, which was Annie's intent. "No thanks. I want to see what I'm signing."
"Are we ready?"
Lacy nodded.
Holt's head towered above most of the guests. Annie waved a signal to him. She smiled at Lacy. "It's not too late."
"Yes it is. I'm in."
They could hear Holt's voice and the crowd grew quiet. "Ladies and gentlemen," Holt said. "I think the bride's ready to have a wedding. I know I am." He placed his hand over his heart. "Lacy's here. Annie's here. The judge is waiting. Got my words of commitment right here."
Everyone applauded and made a pathway for the bride and her party.
Annie gave Lacy a fragrant bouquet of blue star-shaped love-in-a-mist and chamomile flowers with green sprigs of lemon verbena and rosemary that she had clipped from the backyard. She hugged Lacy and took her place beside her friend as maid of honor.
Someone played a CD of Pachelbel's Canon in D Major in the background. It was grand. Lacy figured the judge had something to do with the selection. Sofia and Hanna walked down the brick path in the garden scattering rose petals, giggling, and waving to people they knew. Roman stepped forward and stood as Holt's best man. The stage was set.
Lacy smiled into Holt's eyes, latched onto his arm and faced the judge eagerly, ready to tackle the future with love and passion under the desert sky.
End
Enjoy Lacy's Feast of Flowers in UNDER THE DESERT SKY
CREAM OF HARVEST MOON SOUP
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups sliced peeled sweet potatoes
2 cups cooked pumpkin
2 cups milk, light cream, or half and half
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
3 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
In a large saucepan, sauté onion in butter until tender. Add the broth, potatoes and pumpkin; cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat; cool. Puree half of the mixture at a time in a blender or food processor until smooth; return all to the pan. Add the milk, nutmeg, salt and pepper; heat through. Combine sour cream and parsley. Spoon soup into bowls; top each with a dollop of sour cream; sprinkle with bacon bits. Finish presentation with a nasturtium blossom. Colorful and delicious!
Lacy's MARGARITA SALAD
Layer fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella cheese in a shallow serving dish. Sprinkle with olive oil, salt and pepper. Decorate with scrolls of Balsamic cream. Finish presentation with a couple of violet blossoms. Makes
a fragrant table decoration that you can eat!
Lacy's GREEN GRINGO CHILE CASSEROLE
4 large eggs
1 ½ cups milk, light cream, or half & half
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cilantro (Mexican parsley)
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded, finely chopped
½ cups green chilies, chopped into small pieces (fresh or canned)
½ cups red bell peppers, chopped into small pieces
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 teaspoons chili powder (or a little more if you like the flavor)
Dash black pepper
½ cup shredded Monterrey Jack cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ pound ground chuck or shrimp or other meat of choice
Or can be made meatless
Cook meat separately and drain. Sprinkle half of cheese, green chilies and red peppers in bottom of well-oiled pan. Layer meat of choice. Pour egg mixture with all remaining ingredients over everything. Top with remaining cheese and peppers. Bake 20 minutes in 400 degree oven; then turn temperature down to 375 degrees and bake another 20 minutes. Best if served warm, but can be served cold as a quiche. Assemble a pinwheel of tender asparagus tips, lightly sautéed, on top for serving. Add a sprig of basil or dill for a casserole with flair.
WILLY DILLY BREAD
1 package fast-rising yeast (about 1 ½ tablespoons)
Pinch sugar
Pinch thyme
¼ cup warm water
1 cup small curd cottage cheese
2 tablespoons margarine or butter
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons dried dill, chopped finely
¼ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
2 ¼ - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon dried minced onion
Sprinkle yeast, sugar and thyme in large mixing bowl; add medium-warm water and stir to dissolve yeast. Put aside. Heat cottage cheese, one tablespoon butter, and honey in saucepan until butter melts. Remove from heat and stir in dill, baking soda, onion and salt. Stir well. Blend cottage cheese mixture with yeast mixture, add egg and stir. Add 2 cups flour and stir with large wooden spoon. Slowly add enough of remaining flour to produce a soft ball of dough that is not sticky. Gather dough together with hands to form ball and place in a pan or bowl. Cover with a warm, moist cloth, and place in a warm spot; let rise for thirty minutes.
Grease loaf pan and cover bottom with waxed paper. Stir or push down the dough and scrape it into prepared pan, patting to smooth the surface. Cover pan with damp, warm cloth and leave in a warm spot to rise another thirty minutes. (Yes, old-fashioned bread has to rise twice. But you can make this in your bread maker machine.)
Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes or until brown on top. Cool bread in pan about five minutes, then turn it out onto a rack. Brush top of hot bread with ½ tablespoon melted butter for a shiny crust. Serve with fresh dill feathers in the bread basket. Healthy and beautiful bread!
Annie's WORLD FAMOUS HOT CHILI APPLE PIE
6-8 Granny Smith or tart apples, peeled, cored and sliced
½ c chopped, roasted and peeled green chilies
1 cup packed brown sugar
½ cup white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon allspice
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons lemon or apple juice
¼ cup flour
½ cup butter or margarine
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Toss apples with green chilies, white and brown sugar, flour and spices. Pour all into 9-10 in. pie shell. Scatter pieces of butter and nuts over all. Cover with top crust or crumb topping of your choice and bake for about an hour, until pie is bubbling and apples are tender. Serve with vanilla ice cream and a violet. Will have your family and friends calling for More Pie!
TURN APPLES INTO BREAD CAKE
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
½ cup margarine or butter
2 eggs
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups flour
2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups unsweetened applesauce
1 tart apple, peeled and finely chopped
(Granny Smith works well)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon allspice
½ cup raisins (optional)
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Mix first four ingredients together until creamy. Add flour, baking soda, apple and applesauce. Blend. Then add remaining ingredients and mix. Bake in loaf pan (nine inch by twelve inch) for 35 minutes at 350 degrees.
Topping (if desired):
Melt ½ stick butter or margarine. Add one cup brown sugar, four tablespoons milk and a dash of salt. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add one teaspoon vanilla and ½ cup chopped walnuts. Pour over warm cake. Place under broiler for one minute for a special taste. Serve with rose pedals around the base to decorate.
Enjoy food from Annie's table in UNDER THE DESERT MOON
Annie's POSOLE MEXICANO (MEXICAN POSOLE)
2 cups hominy (fresh or canned)
1 cup cooked pinto beans
1 pound meat of choice, cubed (chicken, short ribs, ham, ham hocks, or diced pork shoulder)
Water or beef broth to cover ingredients
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large clove garlic
1 cups green chilies, chopped (if fresh, roast and remove skin and seeds)
½ cup green onions
¼ cup cilantro (Mexican parsley)
1 cup cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
If fresh hominy is used, wash and drain thoroughly. In a large pot, sauté cubed meat, onion and garlic. Add hominy and cover with water or broth and simmer about 4 hours. Add chilies and beans in the last hour.
If canned hominy is used, cover all ingredients with water or broth and simmer about an hour. Serve with tortillas or bread of choice. Garnish individual servings with grated cheese, green onions, and cilantro.
POSOLE VARIATIONS
POSOLE CON CHILE COLORADO
(Red Chile Posole)
3 cups hominy (canned or fresh)
2 cups beef broth
1 ½ - 2 lbs pork (or meat of choice)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 cup red chile paste
Salt to taste
Cube meat and brown in large stew pot. Add onion and garlic and cook 1-2 minutes. Add hominy and cover with water. Add red chile paste and simmer about an hour. If fresh hominy is used, wash carefully and simmer about 4 hours, until hominy is tender, then add chile paste. Finished product is a thick stew. Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions and grated Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese. Serve with warmed corn or flour tortillas.
POSOLE CON CHILE VERDE
(Green Chile Posole )
Prepare same as Red Posole except use 1 cup green chilies instead of red chile paste.
BIÍRRIA (pronounced Ver'-dee-a)
(Shredded Beef)
4-5 lb. chuck roast or flank steak
2 bay leaves
2 large cloves garlic
1 can beer (important ingredient)
2 jalapeños, seeds and veins removed
1 teaspoon oregano
1 large onion, sliced
Put all ingredients into a Dutch oven or other heavy pan with a lid and cook in oven at 300 degrees for four to six hours. Add a little more liquid, beef broth or water, if the beef becomes dry. Beef is ready when it is so tender it falls apart when pulled with a fork. Put the meat in a bowl and shred it while it's still warm. Remove the bay leaves from the beef juice and store juice in refrigerator a few hours until the fat congeals on the surface. Remove and discard the fat, then warm the remaining beef brot
h and serve as a light sauce to accompany your bírria. Serve with Spanish rice and charro beans, shredded cabbage or lettuce and tortillas of choice. Enough for eight to twelve people.
ARROZ DULCE
(Rice Pudding)
1 cup rice, cooked according to instructions
2 cups evaporated milk (1 ½ cans)
¾ cup white sugar
½ cup raisins (optional)
3 eggs, separated
¾ teaspoon vanilla
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Prepare rice in separate pan. Combine milk, sugar and egg yolks, mix well, and add to rice. Add raisins, cinnamon, and vanilla. Simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Beat egg whites separately in cold pan until stiff and fold into rice mixture. Chill and garnish with a dab of whipped cream and nutmeg. A favorite from kids to grandmothers.
Read an excerpt from:
UNDER THE DESERT MOON, Annie's story
Annie and the tiny town of Silver Creek, Arizona, had been shocked to hear the name of their very own sheriff's son on the nightly news. Brett Meyer was shot and severely wounded in a drug bust in Miami. He nearly died.
The sheriff had flown to Brett's side at the Miami hospital, and the next week, he had returned to brag that his son had received commendations from the Director of the FBI and the Vice-President of the United States. J.M. was justifiably proud of his son, a local boy who'd made good.
Under The Desert Sky (Desert Sky Series) Page 19