Twins for the Soldier

by Rochelle Alers

  “When am I going to see your babies?”

  She spoke to her mother several times a week and made certain to FaceTime her son and daughter as they competed with each other to see who could be the first tell her what they’d done or seen that day.

  “My parents are planning to bring them back at the end of July. Mom and Dad will stay overnight and then head down to Daytona Beach to reopen their home and get ready for the new semester.”

  A wistful expression settled into Viviana’s delicate features. “You’re really blessed to have grown up with both parents. You know about my father. He definitely was a rolling stone—here today and gone tomorrow. I remember my mom sleeping all the time. She would either lie in bed or sit on a chair and always in the dark. She complained about the light hurting her eyes, and it wasn’t until I was older that I realized she had a brain tumor. Even though I totally love my Aunt Babs, she still wasn’t Mom. When I asked my aunt why she didn’t have children she said me and Lee were her children and that was enough for her. I remember telling her that when I have my kids I’m going to hold them so tight they’re going to beg me to let them go.”

  Angela heard the longing in Viviana’s voice. “Children will definitely change you and your life—forever.”

  “Do you want more children, Angela?”

  “I’d like at least one more,” she said truthfully.

  Viviana waved her hand. “I’m standing here running my mouth when you want to change. When you come down I’ll be in the kitchen.”

  * * *

  Angela sat at one of the two tables in the expansive kitchen, studying the contents of a folder Viviana, with the assistance of an interior decorator, had created to document what she wanted for her new business enterprise. The file also included before and after photographs of various suites with plans to replace bathtubs with two-person Jacuzzis. Wood-burning fireplaces would be converted to gas. All suites would have flat-screen televisions and Wi-Fi.

  “I know it’s going to be costly, but I want all of the beds to have Egyptian cotton monogrammed sheets.”

  Angela pointed to a photo of the dining room. “Do you plan to remove the wallpaper?”

  “I’m still debating that. If I’m going to repaper the walls then I want more contemporary textured fabrics.” Viviana paused. “I don’t want to modernize the interiors too much because it’ll lose the appeal of a late nineteenth-, early twentieth-century home.”

  “The exteriors look more antebellum South than Victorian,” Angela remarked.

  “That’s because the wife of the original owner was from South Carolina. Her parents once owned a plantation before the Civil War. They were on the verge of disowning her because she married a Yankee. The upside was he was a very wealthy Yankee. Years later she brought her mother to live with her and when the older woman saw Wolfe House she felt as if she’d come home.”

  Angela wanted to ask Lee’s sister if she was aware of history repeating itself when her grandfather threatened to disinherit her mother because she’d married a man they hadn’t chosen for her. “Who told you this story?”

  Viviana smiled. “No one. I read about it. There’s a chest in one of the rooms on the third floor that is filled with correspondence to and from Wolfes going back to the Spanish-American War. If you want I can show them to you.”

  “I’d love to read them.” She turned another cellophane-covered page. “I like the proposed changes to the drawing room.”

  “That’s where I plan for lodgers to gather in the evening for tea cakes and cordials. Those who stay overnight will be served a gourmet buffet breakfast with freshly brewed cappuccino, eggs Benedict, bacon, ham, sausage, chicken and waffles, organic fruit, yogurt and a variety of breakfast cereals.”

  “Yummy!” Angela drawled.

  “I agree. I already have a commitment from a guy willing to do the cooking. I asked him to put the word out that I’m looking for a baker.”

  “Have you considered Joyce Mitchell?” The question was off Angela’s tongue before she could censor herself.

  “Your mother-in-law?” Viviana questioned.

  “Yes. She may have many faults, but baking is not one of them. Remember she’s won more bake-off prizes than anyone in Johnson County.”

  Viviana massaged her forehead with her fingers, appearing deep in thought. “You’re right about that. I know you’re on the outs with her, so I’ll approach her about possibly providing some baked goods for the B and B.”

  It had been almost two weeks since Angela’s last tense encounter with the woman. If Joyce was amenable to producing bake goods for the bed-and-breakfast it would give her an opportunity to focus on something other than her grandchildren.

  She had recommended her mother-in-law because she was the best when it came to baking pies and cakes. “Even though we’re not getting along, I’ll broach the subject with her before you approach her with your proposal.”

  Viviana pressed her palms together in a prayerful gesture. “I hope she’ll come through.”

  Angela turned another page and peered closely at the proposed change to one of the guesthouses. “Won’t you have to raise the roof if you add a loft off the living room?”

  Viviana leaned closer, her shoulder touching Angela’s. She peered at the page and nodded. “That’s what I want, but I’m not certain the architect will approve it. The loft will be large enough for a king-size bed. Both guesthouses have two bedrooms, and with the addition of the loft there will be more than enough space for a family of four.”

  “Have you thought of advertising one of the guesthouses as a rental apartment? That way you’d have guaranteed monthly income.”

  “Hey now! That’s a good idea.”

  Angela spent the next forty-five minutes listening to Viviana outline what she wanted for her new business and how it would differ from the boardinghouse. The solarium, which had been off-limits to boarders would be available for B and B guests to relax before and after breakfast. She also wanted to build an outdoor kitchen with a bar, gas grill, pizza oven and a fire pit. “I have something to tell you before I turn in for the night.”

  Viviana stared, wide-eyed, and went completely still. “You’re moving out?”

  “No. I’m moving in. Permanently. Lee and I are thinking about getting married.”

  Viviana screamed as if she had been stabbed with a sharp object. “Really?”

  Angela smiled. “Really. We won’t set a date until the renovations to the house are completed.”

  “You plan to hold the ceremony here?”

  “Yes. I need your help planning it. I want something small, intimate and most of all informal, with family and close friends.”

  “What about the reception? Do you want sit-down or buffet-style?”

  “Buffet. And if we have nice weather, then it can be held outdoors under a tent.”

  Viviana hugged Angela so tight she feared being choked to death. “I can’t believe I’m going to be an auntie.” She loosened her hold on Angela’s neck. “Anytime you need a babysitter, Auntie Vivi is available.”

  Reaching up, Angela managed to extricate herself. “I’m going to warn you in advance that Zoe and Malcolm can be double-trouble.”

  Viviana made a sucking sound with her tongue and teeth. “I’ve been called the kid whisperer. Once they’re around Auntie Vivi it’s night-night.”

  Angela found Viviana’s bubbly personality contagious. “If someone told me I was going to get the perfect sister, I would’ve called them a liar. Thank you for allowing me to become a part of your family.”

  “Girl, please. You’re the one I should be thanking. You marrying my brother will definitely add some respectability to the Wolfes and Remingtons.” She pointed to Angela’s bare left hand. “Do you realize this is the first time since you married Justin that I’ve seen you without your rings?”

  Angel
a stared at the third finger of her left hand. There was a lighter band of color where the sun hadn’t darkened it. “I’m going to save them for Malcolm in case he wants to give them to his fiancée. The center stone in the engagement ring belonged to Justin’s grandmother. I decided to take them off because I don’t want to have a relationship with Lee with the shadow of Justin hovering over us. A part of Justin will be connected to us because of Malcolm and Zoe.”

  “Do you and Lee plan to have more children?”

  “Lee mentioned having children but I’d like to wait until the twins are in the first grade. By that time Lee and I will be thirty-three and I’ll still have another year or two if we decide to have another one.”

  “It you decide to have four, then it’s the perfect number to fill up the bedrooms in the family wing. And even if I’m not married by that time I have no problem living in the guesthouse. I’ll probably move into one of them once you guys are married. Newlyweds are entitled to their privacy. Not living under the same roof but on the same property will be a win-win for everyone.”

  Angela recalled Lee mentioning that Viviana preferred the guesthouse because she coveted her privacy. She stood. “I’m going to bed before I fall on my face. Night-night.”

  Viviana stood. “Good night, sis.”

  Angela waved, smiling, and walked across the kitchen to the back staircase. So much had happened in a matter of hours to impact her life that Angela knew she would have to replay the scenes like the frames of a film. She and Lee had had their first official date; he’d mentioned marriage and she was looking forward to the time when they would become husband and wife.

  Her future sister-in-law had asked for her opinion on restoring the historic house which was to become Angela’s new home with her husband and children.

  And she had voluntarily removed the rings that represented a vow she had made to the man who’d fathered her children. Justin was gone but she knew he was smiling down on her because he knew his best friend was going to keep his promise to take care of his wife and children if anything happened to him.

  Promises made were to be promises kept.

  Chapter Ten

  Angela placed her foot on the first step leading to the porch, staring behind the lenses of her sunglasses at Joyce glaring back at her. It had taken a week before she found the time to approach the woman. Each time she dialed her number to inform her she wanted to see her, it went directly to voice mail. It was apparent the woman was still fuming about her moving out. In the end she decided to come over and catch her off-guard.

  “I’d like to talk to you about something.”

  Joyce’s hands tightened on the arms of the rocker. “There’s nothing you have to say I need to hear.”

  Angela took another step. “I think you do.”

  “I don’t want to hear it unless it concerns my grandchildren.”

  “It does. But I also want to talk to you about something else. Please don’t get up, Joyce,” Angela ordered sharply. “Just sit there and listen to what I have to say.” She must have gotten through to the older woman as shock froze her features. “I know you don’t like the Wolfes or the Remingtons but Viviana would like for you to go into business with her.” Joyce sat straight. That got your attention, didn’t it? Angela thought as she bit back a grin.

  “What kind of business?”

  She walked up on the porch and sat on a cushioned chair facing Joyce. “She plans to reopen the house in the fall as a bed-and-breakfast and she would like for you to provide breakfast baked goods and tea cakes for after-dinner gatherings. She wants to know if you’re open to talking to her about it.”

  Joyce averted her eyes. “Tell her I’m willing to listen to whatever she has to say.” Angela hid a smile. She knew the older woman would agree, because nothing pleased Joyce more than having people praise her baking.

  Joyce’s expression changed as she closed her eyes for several seconds. “I know I never told you before but if you hadn’t moved in with me after losing Justin I don’t know what I would have done.”

  “My moving here was something we both needed at the time.”

  “What about now, Angela?”

  Angela tensed up. “What about now?”

  “You’re living over in the big house with those people.”

  “Those people are going to be my family when I eventually marry Leland. Yes,” she reiterated when Joyce looked as if she was going to pass out, “he asked me to marry him and I said I would.” She didn’t tell Joyce that Leland hadn’t officially proposed and that she had accepted. “Now Malcolm will get the daddy he’s been asking for.” She held up a hand when Joyce opened her mouth. “Please let me finish. You will always be my children’s Grammie, and I promise to never keep them from you. They love you and I know you love them but I don’t need yours or even my parents’ permission to marry. What I need is for you to be happy for me and your grandchildren.”

  Joyce gave her a direct stare. “I know it hasn’t been easy for you living with me, and I’m sorry if I overstepped my role as a grandmother when interfering with how you want to raise your children. I promise it won’t happen again.”

  A beat passed. Angela nodded. “I accept your apology, and hopefully starting now we can put all of that behind us. I’d like to extend an invitation that if you want to come and spend time or even the night with Malcolm and Zoe, the doors to The Falls House will always be open to you.”

  Joyce shook her head and at the same time wagged a finger at Angela. “Didn’t I tell you that boy was sweet on you?” she said smugly.

  Angela lowered her eyes and smiled. “Yes, you did.”

  “I guess if you wait long enough you’ll eventually get what you’ve always wanted.”

  “I suppose it worked in Lee’s case.”

  Joyce pointed at Angela’s hand. “What did you do with your rings?”

  “I’ve put them away for Malcolm.” This disclosure seemed to please Joyce and she smiled. “Only Viviana, you and my parents know that I’m marrying Lee, and I’d to keep it like that until we set a date. We plan to hold the ceremony and reception at The Falls House and I’d be honored if you’d come. I’m certain the twins will want their Grammie to see them dressed in their wedding finery.”

  Joyce grunted and averted her eyes. “I guess I can come.”

  “I can’t have you guessing.”

  Joyce’s head swung back “Okay. I’m coming. What about the cake?”

  Angela bit her lower lip to keep from smiling. “What about it?” Although Joyce had never gone to pastry school she had a gift for creating elaborately decorated wedding cakes, some with edible flowers.

  “Who’s going to make your wedding cake?”

  “I don’t know yet.”

  “I’d like to volunteer to make it.”

  “I can’t impose on you like that,” Angela said in protest.

  “It wouldn’t be an imposition,” Joyce countered. “And I have the perfect design in mind. I can make four checkerboard layers of carrot, red velvet, white and devil’s food cake. The top layer will be plain yellow cake. I can also make individual petits fours and truffles as party favors for your guests to take home with them.”

  Talk about a one-eighty, Angela thought. “I’m honored you would volunteer to make the cake.”

  “It has nothing to do with honor. You’re my grandbabies’ mama.”

  “And you’re my babies’ Grammie. I’ll let Viviana know you’re interested in baking for the B and B. Do you mind if I give her your number so she can get in touch with you?”

  “Of course I don’t mind.”

  Rising to her feet, Angela walked over and dropped a kiss on Joyce’s short gray curls. “Thank you.”

  Joyce stood. “I’ll call you in a couple of days and whenever you’re free I’d like to take you out to dinner.”

  “Wh
ere are we going?”

  “Anywhere you want. The invitation also extends to Leland.”

  Angela was slightly taken aback by Joyce’s willingness to include Leland. “It’s time I get to meet the boy who’s going to be my grandbabies’ new daddy. Better yet, why don’t you bring him with you when you come to church. He’s not a non-Christian, is he?”

  She wanted to tell Joyce that Lee was a man, not a boy. “Of course not.” She also wanted to remind Joyce that he’d attended a parochial school.

  “I’ll let you know about going out to eat because I signed up to volunteer at the nursing home in Mineral Springs until the twins are back. One of these Sundays y’all can come over after church for dinner. Leland’s sister is welcome to come, too.”

  “I’ll let them know.” Angela kissed Joyce again. “My lunch hour is almost over and I have to get back to the clinic.”

  * * *

  Angela pressed the intercom button on the telephone console and waited for the receptionist to answer. “Yes, Angela?”

  “Maylis, please hold my calls.”

  “For how long?”

  Angela shook her head. The woman was so literal that she found herself having to oversimply everything for her. “For the rest of the afternoon.”

  “Okay.”

  “Thank you, Maylis.” She had blocked out time to work on billing insurance companies for reimbursement.

  She entered her password and pulled up a file on an insurance company. Her fingers moved quickly as she typed in the required information for each field. Angela lost track of time as she checked and rechecked what she’d entered. Several years ago the clinic had undergone a Medicaid audit that had lasted months. Her head popped up when she heard someone knocking on the closed door.

  “Who is it?”

  “It’s Maylis, Angela. You asked me to hold your calls.”

  She slowly shook her head. “What is it?”

  “There’s someone here asking to see you. He’s in the waiting room.”

  “Tell him I’m coming.” Angela saved the work and left her office. They had another two hours before the receptionist locked the door behind the last patient. With wide eyes, she stared at Lee. He wore a business suit.