“Well,” I straightened my shoulders. “Those eggs aren’t going to fry themselves. Go get cleaned up. I’ll make us some breakfast.”
What should have been a happy morning was tempered by the unexpected guest. The three of us made small talk occasionally but mostly focused on the food on our plates.
“When will you marry Daddy?” Cara finally asked the question that had been burning on her mind.
“I don’t know,” I paused mid-bite to look at Charlie. “Have you thought about it?”
“Tomorrow?” he grinned at me. Somehow I thought he was only half-joking.
“Not tomorrow,” I shook my head, laughing. “I’m not a mirage. I won’t disappear if we take time to actually look respectable.”
“Maybe I’m trying to be respectable,” he shrugged innocently.
“Miss Neena, I’ve waited a long time for a mommy. I don’t want to wait anymore.”
“Don’t tell me you can say no to that,” Charlie looked at me imploringly.
“How about October?” I suggested on a whim. “Mid-October. That’s three weeks away. Is that fair enough?”
“I like it. The fall leaves will be amazing,” he nodded approvingly. “What do you say, baby girl?”
“Three whole weeks?” Cara seemed skeptical.
“Three weeks will fly by,” I promised. Mentally I added that every person in town would be watching my mid-section for months, waiting for tell-tale signs of a shotgun wedding as it was. It was crazy to marry a man I’d only known for five months. Of course, it was also crazy to streak through the woods in your skivvies and swim in a gator hole. Sometimes when a girl had a chance at real life dangling in front of her, she just might have to do something crazy to get it.
Setting a date made it seem real. Setting a date three weeks away meant I had a lot to do in a very short time. First thing after breakfast, we got around and headed to the Torres’ vegetable stand. We’d hoped to tell them the good news, but the rumor mill beat us there. We called Conrad, but he was completely not surprised. I wished I could tell Mary, but she thought I was gator food.
Even though we insisted on a simple outdoor wedding, planning went into full throttle. It took a bit of cajoling on Charlie’s part to get us the license since I had paperwork but no actual corresponding records in the social security office. Apparently the documents Conrad had supplied me with were intended for fooling an I-9 form, not for applying for a marriage license. Somehow Charlie’s charm and good standing in the community got us the coveted piece of paper.
We had to canvass four towns for it, but Anjelita and I found the perfect dress. It was a simple white dress with long sleeves and a flared skirt that flowed prettily when I moved. I intentionally chose something tailored at the bust and waist to squelch rumors that I was having Charlie’s baby.
We decorated the house in full fall regalia. Pumpkins and bales of straw complimented the brilliantly colored trees all over Charlie’s property. Manny made us the most amazing archway for the lawn that I’d ever seen. He must’ve worked around the clock to finish it so quickly.
Charlie borrowed chairs from his church. Rita organized a potluck reception. Everyone pitched in and offered something. It felt like the entire town was invited, but I knew that was an exaggeration. Still, when people who hadn’t been invited starting showing up out of pure curiosity, it was hard not to feel overwhelmed.
But then the moment came when I was standing at one end of the lawn on my brother’s arm and Charlie was standing at the other under the archway Manny had made for us. He was looking at me like I was the most beautiful creature he’d ever seen. I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. He wore a new suit and his hair was combed back. Even the lock of hair that often fell across his forehead had been wrangled into submission.
He was perfect. He was mine. I loved him so much my heart felt like someone was squeezing it.
As I walked the long path that led to his side, I thought of my mama reading to me about the creation of man. God created Eve and said that two shall become one flesh. I knew now what that meant.
I vaguely recall Conrad handing me over to Charlie. I kind of remember what the pastor said. The vows were a little fuzzy. But then he kissed me in a way that promised endless tomorrows together. I didn’t stop to think about how far my life had come in six short months. I didn’t even care to dream about where it would be in six months more. I was completely and totally happy to exist in that moment.
Part Two: Skeletons
Chapter Eleven
It’s not every day you wake up a new person. Granted, it seemed to be a more common occurrence for me than most. Still, there was something special about the sunlight that trickled through my window the next morning. I was greeting the new day as Neena Russell.
Cara spent the next few nights with Isabel so Charlie could take me on a short honeymoon. We drove up to Eureka Springs. It was a perfect time of year to visit the Ozark Mountains. Color burst from the hills all around. The town was picturesque, and I made a mental note to come back again when I cared more about my surroundings. For this trip, the only thing that mattered in my world was Charlie.
He was gentle when I needed him to be, kind by nature, and he made me laugh. I had totally succumbed to being crazy in love with him.
When the honeymoon was over, it didn’t take long for our life to assume an easy rhythm. There was a cadence to being part of this family that suited me well. I felt calmer. I looked over my shoulder less. The nightmares slowed. I gained a little weight. I stopped needing the light on when I made love to Charlie. I was becoming human again.
Still, it had been so long since I’d celebrated a birthday, I was completely taken by surprise when Charlie and Cara brought me breakfast in bed.
“What in the world are you two up to?” I sat up, furrowing my brow as they placed the tray on my lap. I was usually the first one up in the morning. It was a little embarrassing to be caught sleeping in.
“It’s your birthday silly,” Cara rolled her eyes. “Uncle Conrad told us.”
“It is?” I tried to remember the date.
“That’s pathetic,” Charlie sighed. “You really didn’t remember your own birthday?”
“My birthday is in three months and eight days,” Cara informed me. “Try to remember that one.”
“I’ll do my best,” I did the mental math and realized that her birthday was uncannily close to Gabrielle’s.
“Trust me, she won’t let you forget,” Charlie kissed me lightly on the lips. A shiver ran down my spine. I wondered if it was possible to ever be bored with his touch. I hoped not.
“You guys didn’t have to do this,” I hurried to brush the tears that seemed to come from nowhere.
“We wanted to,” Cara snuggled up next to me on the bed. “Didn’t your mommy and daddy celebrate your birthday with you?”
“Cara,” Charlie shushed her.
“It’s okay,” I assured him before turning my attention back to her. “They did. Every year my mama baked me a chocolate cake with chocolate icing and my daddy would make me a special present. Birthdays were very special. But my mommy and daddy died a long time ago.”
“That’s so sad,” Cara sympathized. “How did they die?”
“Cara,” Charlie’s exasperation grew.
“I don’t mind you asking, but I’m not sure your daddy wants me answering that,” my eyes met Charlie’s helplessly. I didn’t know how to answer her truthfully without running the risk of scaring her.
“It’s okay,” Charlie replied, his curiosity getting the better of him.
“My parents owned a cabin on the bayou where my mama was from; we’d visit there when Conrad and I had breaks from school. Some bad men broke in one night while Conrad and I were out with friends.”
“Did they rob you?”
“No, they weren’t after money. We were poor… it would have been a waste of time to steal from us. They just didn’t like us very much.”
“Why not?”
“I think it was because my daddy was Coushatta and my mama wasn’t.”
“That’s the silliest thing I’ve ever heard,” Cara declared, her delicate brow furrowing in distress.
“People can come up with pretty silly reasons to hate.”
“Very true,” Charlie leaned down to kiss the top of my head tenderly.
“They won’t come after you, will they? You’re Coushatta and Daddy isn’t.” Cara was suddenly frightened.
“No, honey,” I assured her quickly. “Those bad men are long gone. I want to talk about something happy now. Can I open the present on my tray?”
“I made it myself,” she smiled proudly and shoved the present at me.
“It’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen,” I declared after unwrapping a pretty little bracelet of wooden beads. “I’ll always wear it. Thank you, baby girl.”
Conversation stayed light for the rest of breakfast. Cara got bored before I had even finished my first piece of toast and went in search of something to do. Afterwards, Charlie reluctantly informed me that he had to go to Louisiana for the day, so he’d be back later in the evening.
“If I could have gotten the hearing scheduled for any other day, I would have.”
“I know.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“You don’t need to be. You’re helping my friend, remember?”
“I’m glad to help her. She deserves a break.”
“How is she?”
“Hanging in there. She misses you.”
“I miss her, too,” my thoughts drifted to another place and time.
“I love you,” Charlie brought me back to now.
“I’ll never know why.”
Charlie took a breath to tell me I shouldn’t be so hard on myself when another thought crossed his mind. “Are you sure you feel okay? You look a little pale.”
“Sure, tell the birthday girl she looks bad. That’s smart.”
“Never mind.”
“You’d better go before you insult me any more.”
“Cute… look, I’m hoping to be home in time to celebrate just the two of us.”
“That sounds nice,” I smiled at the thought. I liked those kinds of celebrations.
“You really do look tired, sweetheart. I’ll drop Cara at school.”
I opened my mouth to protest then realized I was still tired. Maybe a morning in bed would be nice. “Sure. Thanks.”
“Sorry, I’ve got to do this….” Charlie moved my tray to the floor and swept me into his arms, his lips meeting mine with a playful sort of passion. I happily sank my fingers into his hair as we rumpled his suit.
“I pinch myself every day just to be sure I’m not dreaming. I’ve found heaven. I don’t want to wake up back in hell.”
“You taste as delicious as you look,” he murmured against my cheek. “And hear me when I say this… you are never going back there. This is real. We are real.”
I looked into his eyes. The love there was completely overwhelming. If I lived to be one hundred, I’d never understand what I’d done to earn that kind of devotion from him. I wanted to answer with something witty or even comforting. Instead, those stupid tears resurfaced. I swore under my breath and wiped my eyes fiercely with the back of my hand.
“At least now I know why you swear like a sailor,” he smiled gently and kissed each of my eyelids before tucking me up against his chest. “It’s okay darlin’. You’re allowed to cry if you need to.”
“I never cry,” I protested.
“Apparently you do on occasion.”
“Shut up.”
“I love you too.”
At that, I cried even harder.
Between the brief make-out session and the torrent of tears that drenched his coat, Charlie had to change his suit before he could leave. He’d never say it, but I had the distinct impression I’d made him late. That made me feel even worse so I sprang another leak. I spent the rest of the morning drifting in and out of sleep, nightmares about dark hallways and high fences peppering my thoughts.
Sometime around noon, Anjelita marched into my room and yanked the curtains back before turning to stare at me expectantly.
“Can I help you?” I squinted up at her. I’d seen C.O.s who intimidated me less than she did at that moment.
“This is the day of the year typically set aside to celebrate the existence of your life. Why on earth are you sleeping it away?”
“I’m tired?”
“Get up.”
“Now?”
“Yes. Get out of bed.”
“Why?”
“We’re going out to lunch.”
“Don’t you have to work?”
“I’m helping Manny get ready for Christmas.”
“Huh?”
“His woodwork. He has several large orders for Christmas. There’s no work on the farm right now anyway.”
“That’s wonderful,” I brightened immediately.
“Thank you,” she softened.
“Can I change in private?”
“Will you just go back to sleep the second I leave?”
“Nope. Promise.”
“Fine. But if you’re not out in five minutes, I’m coming in after you.”
“Yes ma’am.”
“I’m serious.”
“I don’t doubt it.”
The door closed behind her with a firm click. Rather than take the chance that I’d doze off again, I hauled myself out of bed and padded over to my dresser to find some clothes. I didn’t want to push it on time and risk her barging back in, but one look at my puffy face told me it was a chance I’d have to take—I desperately needed a shower.
The steamy water did perk me up a little bit, but didn’t do much for my complexion. I still looked pasty. Best way to fix that was to stop looking in a mirror so I ran a brush through my hair and went to find Anjelita, who gave me a piercing look when I joined her in the living room.
“How long have you been married now?”
“Six weeks.”
“Mmmm.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing,” she shrugged innocently. “Let’s go grab some lunch.”
“Good idea. I’m famished.”
I’d just about convinced myself that it was a good idea to go out when we ran into Elena and her father at the diner. Conversation screeched to a halt when I walked through the door.
“Hey Rita,” I nodded at one of the few women in town I considered a friend. The guilty flush on her cheeks as she returned the nod confirmed what—or rather, who—had been the topic of their conversation. I smiled a little and turned my attention to the table she was standing at. “Sheriff Taylor… Elena. Good to see you both.”
“You too, Neena. You too. Where’s Charlie today?”
“Trying a case out of town,” I shrugged. “It’s a favor for a friend. You know Charlie. Too nice to say no to anybody.”
“Yep, that’s Charlie alright.”
“And there’s never a shortage of people willing to take advantage of him,” there was an undercurrent in Elena’s voice that made my hackles rise.
“Good thing he has me then,” I smiled angelically at her. “I’m pretty good at sorting out the snakes from the decent human beings. And I’m not as nice as him, either.”
“I’m sure it was divine providence that brought you to his life,” Anjelita laughed nervously and steered me to a booth at the far side of the room.
“I’m sure,” I could feel Elena’s eyes boring into my back.
“I don’t like her,” I whispered to Anjelita as we sat down.
“Really? Because I didn’t think you made that clear enough back there,” Anjelita scowled at me.
“What?” I tried to look innocent but blew it when a giggle escaped my lips. “Oh come on, you’re the one that wanted me to have fun on my birthday.”
“It’s your birthday?” Rita approached the table just as the words left my mouth.
&nb
sp; “It is,” Anjelita informed her with a smug smile when I would have lied to avoid the attention.
“Oh, well happy birthday sweetie. Lunch is on me today,” Rita patted my shoulder. I was about to breathe a sigh of relief when Rita turned to the rest of the diner and raised her voice. “Hey everybody. It’s Neena’s birthday today and Charlie’s gone and left her alone.”
“Happy birthday Neena!” Sheriff Taylor called happily, seemingly either haven forgiven me or oblivious to the insult I’d tossed at his daughter.
“Happy birthday young lady,” the old man who always played checkers looked up to smile at me. A few others called their well wishes and I tried to smile and thank them all when what I really wanted to do was crawl under the table to hide.
I didn’t remember ordering, but a cheeseburger the size of Rhode Island was placed in front of me a few moments later. My stomach did a little flip-flop when the smell of grease hit my nostrils. Angelita watched me intently, a little smile playing on her lips as I nibbled hesitantly on a French fry.
“Are you sure there isn’t something you want to tell me?”
“Thank you?” I guessed.
“No, that’s not it. Isn’t there anything else going on that you want to share?”
“I just sold out of my first batch of jewelry.”
“Really, Neena. You’re being impossible today.”
“What? What do you think I want to tell you?”
“You and Charlie are having a baby, aren’t you?” her eyes danced merrily.
“What?” I practically shrieked, earning a few curious glances. “Shhh. Someone might hear you.”
“So it’s true? When were you going to tell me?”
“No, it’s not true. The last thing I need is more rumor-fodder. That viper Elena has been watching my waistline for weeks. She’s told everyone in town I trapped Charlie into a shotgun wedding.”
“She didn’t,” Anjelita gasped.
“She did. That’s not even the worst one. Look, don’t tell Charlie. It’ll blow over. But not if I gave them something to fuel the fire… why on earth would you even say that?”
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