Undertow (Dragonfly)

by Moore, Leigh Talbert

  I went with all-white even though I’ve got a secret that only Billy and I know. I’m expecting little Will before Christmas.

  We’ll tell everyone just as soon as the honeymoon’s over. And after that, we’ll be on our way to living happily ever after.

  June 10, 19--

  Of course Lexy loved her bridesmaid’s dress. My wedding is going to be perfect, and it’s only five days away. I’m having trouble eating, sleeping, concentrating on anything. I’m so excited. A cruise this evening was the perfect idea. Billy’s so clever.

  Going out on Billy’s boat is one of my all-time favorite things in the world. It’s so perfectly Gulf Coast. We load up in the marina at East End Beach and set out to feel the breeze on our faces and watch the sun set. Speaking of watching, watching my future husband batten the hatches and tighten the lines as he puts us out to sea is almost as exhilarating as the sunset. He’s typically shirtless, and Billy has a perfect physique. I expect all of our sons to inherit their daddy’s good looks. Of course, the girls will all look just like me. The model family.

  Lexy arrived just a few minutes after us. She drives a funny Jeep-like vehicle, a sidekick or something. I’m pretty sure it was recalled by the manufacturer a few years ago, which is the only way she could buy it. Miss Stella is good to her orphans, but she can’t afford many luxuries. Lexy was able to use her painting money to lift this heap off some old-timer. God, how I love our group. How I hate that we’ll all be separated soon.

  Bryant is bringing Donna Albriton with him. She’s a nice girl. A little thick around the ankles, but she has a sweet face. And anyone who can put up with Bryant’s boisterous personality deserves a medal. He’s as loud as a yard hand. I’m just glad my beautiful, artistic friend agreed to join us. Donna’s sweet, but she can be dreadfully dull.

  “Lexy! Over here!” I called. I was so excited when I saw her on the pier. “Billy’s getting the boat, so we can hop on in just a minute.”

  “I guess it’s a good evening for sailing,” she said frowning. Lexy hates boats. “Where we headed?”

  “The boys want to inspect some land around Terry Cove. Near Hammond Island.”

  “Planning their future homes?”

  We giggled and hugged each other. Lexy knows the guys as well as I do. Bryant isn’t quite as ambitious as Billy, but he’ll go with him as far as Billy’s dreams will take them. I’m just happy my future’s settled.

  “Hey, Lex.” Billy was back with his shirt unbuttoned, maneuvering the small craft for us to climb aboard.

  I took his hand, and as he gently helped me across (Baby on board!), he gave me a kiss. He’s terribly sexy. Next he helped Lexy across, and she pretended not to notice him. I rolled my eyes.

  If only she didn’t try so hard to hate him, they might actually be good friends. I know Billy’s willing to give her a chance, but she’s so determined I’m making a mistake getting married now.

  “Bill,” Lexy said, very formal. “I see you’re at least willing to enjoy the beauty of our hometown even though you’re bent on destroying it.”

  “I’m not planning to destroy the beauty of our hometown, Lex,” he said patiently. “I just want to share it with others.”

  “And get filthy rich while you’re at it.”

  “Yes. That is definitely in the plan,” he laughed.

  “You two don’t start,” I said.

  Lexy scooted in next to me and gave me a squeeze. How I loved my dear friend. “After next week, you will never hear me argue with Bill again.” She pushed a lock of my hair behind my ear. “I will have nothing but best wishes for you and your little family.”

  She must’ve felt me jump because Lexy was onto us in an instant. She’s pretty clever herself. “Okay, what’s going on?”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” But I was blushing.

  Her big dark eyes narrowed. “This sudden wedding couldn’t be because you’re expecting anything?”

  Billy looked uncomfortable.

  “You’ve got to swear not to tell anyone, Lexy,” I pleaded, holding her arm. “It’s only for a little while longer.”

  “You’re not.” But the annoyance in her voice had softened, and the light glistened on her now-misty eyes.

  I smiled huge at that. “I am!”

  We both screamed, and I threw my arms around her. Naturally, she had a million questions, but then Bryant and Donna walked up. I immediately changed the subject and welcomed them onboard.

  After cruising a good ways down the sound and around the peninsula into Terry Cove, Billy pulled out the surprise—a bottle of champagne he slipped out of the marina bar.

  “To us and our future,” he said, popping the cork.

  We all shared a glass, and I don’t think anyone noticed that I only took one tiny sip from mine. It was sad that Lexy was leaving, but it was going to be amazing watching Billy and Bryant conquer the coast.

  June 15, 19--

  As predicted, my wedding was the event of the season in South County. There must’ve been 300 people come out to Romar Beach to see us tie the knot. Both papers sent photographers to take pictures for the Tuesday edition.

  We were married on the future site of Phoenician I, and coming down the aisle, I took a mental picture of the scene. Dr. Gatts in the middle with my beautiful best friend to the left, long dark hair waving in the breeze, tulle skirt swishing around her like sea foam. My gorgeous husband to the right, loose white shirt fluttering in the wind, smiling in approval. I wore my hair wrapped in a tight French twist, and I could feel my veil streaming around me like a cloud.

  After the wedding, we danced and visited with our friends for hours until it was time to board Daddy’s yacht and head south. The reception was all catered by the best local caterer and the flowers were all native plants, magnolias and confederate roses, calla lilies, and hydrangeas.

  We’d ordered individual plates of shrimp and grits for everyone, but of course there were tables piled high with finger foods and desserts. The champagne fountain and fondue station were where most people hung out, and all our silly teenage-boy friends were busy dipping everything in the flowing chocolate.

  But I loved seeing people having a good time. And I loved knowing they’d just go on and on about our wedding for at least six months. Good luck to the next local girl attempting to top my gala event.

  For our honeymoon, Daddy gave us his fifty-foot yacht to cruise down to the islands. Even though Billy’s an experienced mariner, Daddy threw in a captain so we didn’t have to worry about navigation or making time.

  The cruise was as much a part of our honeymoon as the destination, and I planned for us to spend most of it in the master suite. I may be three months pregnant, but I’ll be damned if I miss out on my honeymoon nights with Billy. Everybody thinks I’m so innocent, but I’ve been doing my homework. I plan to knock his socks off. Literally. I’ve been studying some of those men’s magazines Daddy hides in the garage—as if nobody knows they’re there. Think again, Dad! I don’t quite get how the ladies manage some of those positions, but I think I can figure out a few. Just because I can’t hold Billy at home doesn’t mean I can’t keep his mind occupied when he’s away.

  So more soon, Journal. I’ve got a husband to occupy.

  June 28, 19--

  Back from our honeymoon! The islands were as beautiful as I’d always heard, but we didn’t leave the boat much to look at them. After that first night, Billy was so intrigued he kept wanting to get back to Daddy’s yacht and see what else I’d learned.

  His favorite position was something called a Reverse Cowgirl, which is basically him just lying back with me on top, sitting with my back to him. I’m sure he prefers that method because he grew up on a ranch, but I can’t say it was my favorite way to go. I much prefer either facing him or in plain ole missionary style, hugged up close to his chest with him whispering and kissing my ear and cheek. But hearing his loud groans and swears, and feeling him clutching my butt was exciting enough to ge
t me where I needed to be, so I didn’t complain about repeat performances of that one.

  I’m happily confident my new husband’s socks were effectively knocked off. And I have to say, a nice bed and the freedom to spend as much time as you want in it is so much better than being cramped in the cab of a pickup or sneaking behind boardwalks in the dark. We’ll have plenty of time to come back here and actually tour the islands in a few years once the babies are old enough to stay with Mom.

  I love being married! I love imagining how it’s going to be once Billy’s finished with his plan, and we’re the richest, most important family in South County. Of course, I’ll be a great benefactress, and the best part will be all the good causes I’ll be able to help. I was thinking about Miss Stella and how she dedicated her dotage to taking care of orphaned children like Lexy. I don’t expect to be left alone, but I would love to be able to find gifted young people like my friend and give them a chance to become famous. Be like their old donor lady, whatever that’s called.

  My fondest memory of the week is how close Billy and I’ve become. We’ve been together four years, and I’ve shared everything with him. He was the first boy I ever slept with, but that was as high schoolers. Now we’re husband and wife, and it’s a different situation altogether. One night after successfully mastering a position the magazines called “grinding the corn,” which is a ridiculous name and basically means missionary style only with Billy slightly higher than me (it actually might be my new favorite way), I decided it was safe to share my biggest concern with him.

  He loved teasing me about our future, and tonight was no different. “When you decide you’re tired of being home alone, who will you leave me for?” he asked.

  “You know good and well you’re the only guy for me,” I said. “I guess I’ll just play with the baby and go visit Mama.”

  “You’re not going to take up with Rain Hawkins?”

  “No thank you,” I said, hugging his bare chest to mine. I loved feeling our skin pressed together. “I’ve known since I was five I wouldn’t be a farmer’s wife.”

  “What about Chuck? He’s a cop now, but he could end up chief of police and then maybe even mayor.”

  I leaned back, curling my nose. “Have you looked in the mirror lately? Chuck has a long way to go to catch up with you.” Then I leaned in and kissed my gorgeous husband. “I’m more worried about what you’re going to do when I’m big and pregnant. I know you like skinny girls.”

  I felt him laugh as I lay my cheek against his chest again, his fingers tracing long strokes down my back. “I think you’re the one who needs to check the mirror.”

  “I’m serious, though,” I sighed. “You’re so smart, and when you and Bryant start going to Atlanta, you’ll be meeting a lot of sexy business women.”

  “I’m not interested in any sexy business women.”

  I sat up and looked straight into his blue eyes, serious. “Are you sorry about this? The baby? Marrying me?”

  “Nope,” he said with that beautiful smile. “I’m just sorry I’m not going to see you much.”

  “That’s part of the deal. I said it didn’t matter.” I dropped down to the bed beside him.

  He moved to lie beside me, twisting a lock of my hair around his finger. I studied his lined arm, leading up to an equally defined chest. I wasn’t sure he appreciated how many women were checking him out all the time.

  “Just don’t lie to me, okay?” I said.

  His brow creased. “Lie to you? About what?”

  “Anything. Later on I mean.”

  “What’s going to happen later on?”

  “Well, nothing that’s not in your plan, I hope.”

  He pulled me close and kissed me. “That makes two of us.”

  I slid my arms around his neck and his hands made their way down my body. We were off again, but I was relieved we’d at least covered the bases.

  Still, I couldn’t help worrying about all those long hours he’d be keeping. Billy’s a good guy, but he’s still a guy.

  June 30, 19--

  We’ve started setting up the house.

  It’s not actually our house, it’s my grandmother’s old home in Fairview. Mom and Daddy gave it to us for our wedding gift, and while it’s a quaint little historic place, it’s nothing like the gorgeous mansion we’re going to have on Hammond Island once Billy’s the most famous developer in the world.

  Still, it’s a pretty little cottage, and we’ll fit for now in its two bedrooms and one bathroom. One bathroom! Who ever heard of such a thing?

  Mom said at least we’ll have a guest room if we ever have overnight visitors. I can’t wait to tell her about her grandson. I found out it’s a boy at my last doctor’s visit.

  Those doctor’s visits. What a pain in the ass! Sorry, that’s not very genteel of me, but that doctor almost pushed me over the edge. Once he knew for sure, he practically demanded I tell my parents about the pregnancy—when I hadn’t even told Billy!

  I thought I was going to have to commit a felony to get that stupid doctor to listen to me. In the end, I used Daddy’s heart condition as leverage. I said he wouldn’t want to be responsible for causing the most important surgeon in Fairview to have a heart attack. That shut his big mouth. And after I told Billy, he came with me to all my appointments and assured the doc we were getting married once we graduated.

  That stupid doctor rushed me into telling Billy before I wanted to, too. I was going to wait until our graduation party, after Billy’d had a few drinks and was feeling happy. I was afraid of how he’d take the news.

  Before I told him, he’d actually suggested we wait until he finished college to get married. “Wait!” I’d cried. “For what?”

  Billy knew as well as I did that we were perfect for each other. I’m the only girl pretty enough to be the wife of a future leader like him, and I’d be damned if I let him get distracted by college and drift away from me. I was not going to lose my prince charming or my mansion on Hammond Island!

  Once I told him about our little blessing, he was definitely stunned, but I convinced him we should just get married and he could carry right on with that big plan of his. Little Will and I would not slow him down one bit.

  Now I’m trying to decide the perfect way to spring the news on my parents. Once we’re all settled, I think we should host an intimate dinner party for just the four of us. I’ll serve wine, and when everyone’s all good and relaxed, we’ll announce the joyous news.

  I wish Lexy were here. I’m sure she’s off taking Savannah by storm, but she sure would help me feel more confident. I’m looking forward to taking South County by storm, but it’ll be a few years before Billy and I are established the way we want to be.

  When my parents moved here from Birmingham, they didn’t have anything either. Daddy was just an intern at South County General Hospital, and no one had ever heard of the Weavers. A few short years later, he was the top surgeon, and that’s exactly how it’s going to be with Billy and me. In few short years, we’ll be ruling the coast.

  July 5, 19--

  Our little cottage is right off the main drag between Fairview and Springdale, and it’s in the perfect location for all the events and activities in town. Last night we sat out on the porch steps and watched the city fireworks display. I’ve been so tired lately, I haven’t felt like hitting any parties. The doctor said it’s because of the pregnancy. I just wish Lexy were here. With her gone, I don’t have anyone to talk to about how I’m feeling. Billy can’t be bothered with all this women’s business, and Mom still doesn’t know.

  Mom and I have always been close. She’s a Fairview native, which is why my parents came back here when Daddy finished medical school. It’s close to the beach and such a great place to raise a family with all the small-town charm and good schools.

  I plan on our family being the same way, only when we make it, we’re moving to Hammond Island where all the rich people live. My parents didn’t want to move once Daddy made it big.
Something about the drive being too far from the hospital and them already knowing all their neighbors here.

  I think that’s ridiculous. Everyone knows the real sign of how rich you are is where you live, and Billy’s already picked out our spot on Lost Bay. The children will all go to Sacred Heart, and I’ll volunteer at only the most exclusive local charities.

  Of course, I’ll join the Fort Bowyer DAR, the hospital auxiliary, and the Krewe de Candy Stripers with Mom. That’s her Mardi Gras krewe. I might even join the Junior League, but they’ll work you to death if you let them. Mom was in the Junior League ten years, and she finally jumped off that crazy train. I prefer the Mardi Gras krewe and the DAR anyway. They’re more about parties and historical events and less about running around town like a chicken with its head cut off.

  Lexy thinks all that stuff is silly. I miss her so much now that she’s in Savannah. She might roll her eyes at my plans for future community involvement, but when I need someone to talk to, she’s always a good listener. It’s true Mom and I are close, but she doesn’t always hear me when I’m talking to her. And Billy gets tired of my little problems. He’s completely focused on the big picture.

  I can call Lexy on a moment’s notice about anything, and she’ll stop and listen or giggle. Once I called her for two seconds to tell her I found a huge palmetto bug in my tub, and I didn’t think I was ever going to be able to bathe in it again. We just collapsed into giggles.

  It’s hard to find friends like that. I had hoped we’d be having our babies together, but that’s not Lexy’s way. She’s got to conquer the art world before she’ll consider settling down with any man. I sure wish she’d hurry up and get it done. Then she can come home, and we can pick up right where we left off.

  Sept. 5, 19--