by Leah Atwood
“You know me too well. A good thing, I suppose.” I dared to take another slow bite of ice cream and pointed to my mouth to indicate I was warming it on my tongue. “I’m thinking Perchance to Dream might be good.”
“Shakespeare?”
“Right. It’s part of Hamlet’s “To be or not to be” soliloquy, although that has no bearing on my reasoning.”
Ryan tilted his head with a bemused expression. “Wait a second. Isn’t Hamlet thinking about suicide in that speech?”
“Well, yes. I was hoping you wouldn’t remember that aspect.” Putting down my spoon for a final time, I paused to gather my thoughts. “After Hamlet’s uncle murdered his father and married his mother, Hamlet started going crazy and wanted revenge. At the same time, he desired the escape of death, but he was afraid there would be no peace in death.”
“Because of the dreams that may come.” Ryan dropped his spoon in the empty sundae dish. “That’s all I remember from high school English class. Although, now that I think of it, do we dream when we’re dead?”
Going off on tangents is nothing new with us.
“I’m sure if you’re not in Heaven, the nightmare becomes reality, but we digress. I gave up trying to figure out Shakespeare a long time ago. My point being that Hamlet’s speech is the emotional centerpiece of the play, but our purpose in using the name will be much different. I’m referring to dreams as being wishes. The wishes of children, in this case. Not to discount The Bard, but I want to bring hope to kids and lift their spirits.” I shrugged. “Bottom line, I think the name sounds elegant and classy.”
“So do I,” Ryan said with a definitive nod. “Let’s do this, Ellie.”
“You’re on.” I gave him a brilliant smile as he offered me the last two cherries on his spoon to seal the deal.
~~♥~~
I stopped my story and glanced at the staff members in the room. “So, there you have it, ladies. It’s not an exciting story, but that’s how the idea for Perchance to Dream began.” I smiled. “Four years later, here we are. We’ve been operational for three years and we’re hoping to continue for many more years. Every child receives at least one toy, a Bible, and a handwritten note.”
“I think it’s a fabulous thing you and Ryan are doing,” Trudy said.
“It’s a collaborative effort between our volunteers and sponsors.”
“How many gifts are you giving to the kids this year, Ellie?” Patsy asked.
That question stumped me. “I’ve honestly lost count. I think about 350, including this last group of gifts. We had some last-minute requests. The number keeps growing,” I told them. “In a way, it’s a sad commentary, but on the other hand, I’m thankful we have the means and volunteers to help.”
I rose to my feet and gathered my things. “I need to take off for today. I have to scoot over to the office to wrap the last few gifts.”
I held my tongue not to let it slip that I was also playing matchmaker tonight between Maura and Nick. Ryan’s older brother was considered one of the most eligible bachelors in Cade’s Corner. Once certain individuals (who shall not be named) finally accepted the fact that Maura hadn’t been born and raised here in town, they’d grown to love her as I do. People could be so ridiculous sometimes. I’m sure many in town were speculating about a possible match between those two, but in case this dinner crashed and burned like the Hindenburg, I’d be better off not to say anything.
“I know Perchance to Dream will keep flourishing. Thanks for coming by today.” Trudy walked beside me as Krista and Patsy waved and headed in the opposite direction.
“I wouldn’t miss it.” My smile sobered. “Trudy, do you think Cora has any idea I’m here? That maybe somewhere in her subconscious she knows?”
Trudy’s dark eyes softened. “I like to believe she does, sweetie. I know something else.”
“What’s that?”
“You’ve blessed the staff here. Your visits always brighten our days. Your optimism and your deep love for Ryan reminds us old married ladies what it’s like to be young and in love. Matter of fact, you’ve inspired me. I’m thinking of doing something special for my David tonight.”
A smile upturned my lips. “I hope you and David have a terrific evening, Trudy. I’ll see you again tomorrow.”
Chapter 10
~~♥~~
Friday Evening—Chez Ellie
“Very nice,” I said under my breath as I surveyed the table set for three. Mom used to watch those home decorating/cooking shows, and she’d ingrained it in me that presentation is everything, darling.
Reaching behind me, I untied my apron. After whisking it off, I hung it on the hook in the kitchen. Right on schedule. Maura, and hopefully Nick, should arrive within the next five minutes. I wore my nicest pair of jeans and a pretty blouse (not the blue satin since that’s only begging for trouble if I’m serving food). And yes, my beloved high heels (electric blue this time) since I’m not planning on leaving the house. Kara tells me I’ll give up wearing my heels after marriage—definitely when children come along—but I have my doubts.
The flames from two tapered candles dance in the middle of the immaculately set table. I’d used my best white linen tablecloth and some of the fine china we’d received as a wedding gift. I know Ryan won’t mind. This dinner is all about promoting the cause of true love, after all.
I lowered the setting on the chandelier dimmer switch. Installing that switch without electrocuting myself had been my biggest achievement to-date in the house.
“Ambiance. Check.”
Soft jazz played in the background. “Romantic music. Check.”
The doorbell rang. “And here we go.”
With a welcoming smile, I floated across the living room with the grace and elegance befitting a New York socialite. After I opened the door, my face fell when I spied Maura standing solo on the front doorstep.
“Hi. You didn’t bring Nick?” I tried not to make it sound like an accusation as I ducked my head out the door, glancing from side to side.
“Good evening to you, too.” Maura’s smile belied the sarcasm in her words.
“Forgive me. Please, come in.” I swung the door wide as she stepped past me and stamped her feet on the mat.
“Relax, Ellie. Nick’s here. He’s parking the car. These are for you.” From behind her back, Maura pulled out a bouquet of a dozen deep pink roses and offered them to me. They were partially wrapped in cellophane with the signature Keeley’s Market gold oval sticker bearing their logo. “Nick talked with Ryan earlier, and your fiancé practically ordered him to bring these. Sorry, but we didn’t take the time to write out a mushy sentiment on a card.”
“That’s okay. Thank you.” My eyes misted as I accepted the gorgeous bouquet and inhaled their lovely fragrance. “For these and for bringing Nick.”
Putting the flowers on a side table for the moment, I took Maura’s coat and couldn’t miss her slight frown as I hung it in the small front closet. I was in for a scolding.
“Seriously, Ellie? Candlelight? And since when did Barry White sing Christmas tunes?”
I suppressed my grin. “It’s instrumental jazz. No deep-voiced soul singers here tonight.”
Maura shook her head. “You couldn’t be subtle if you tried. Don’t you dare rush off in the middle of dinner with some flimsy excuse about having to dart home. No convenient emergencies tonight. Promise me.”
“Wouldn’t think of it. You’re the one hearing Barry White in your overactive imagination, so maybe I should leave. Never mind the fact that I can think of a lot worse things in life than being left alone with—gasp!—Nick Sullivan.”
My gaze took in my friend’s dark dress jeans and pretty light pink sweater. “You look gorgeous tonight, by the way. I’m glad you finally took my suggestion to leave your hair down. The man is nuts if he doesn’t fall madly, deeply, completely in love with you by the end of the evening.”
Maura laughed. “Pouring it on a bit thick with the adverbs, aren’t
you?”
Nick always knows when to make a timely appearance, and he darted inside the house as if on cue. Physically, Nick is quite different from Ryan—shorter, stockier, with light brown hair and chestnut-colored eyes. Handsome in a nontraditional way. Nick is much more serious than Ryan, and in my opinion, he could stand to laugh more often and give his sense of humor free rein. It’s buried in there somewhere, but it’s been submerged and needs to come out and play. In terms of character, Nick is much like Ryan in his steadfast faith, inherent honesty, and loyalty. Both would do anything to ease someone’s pain or suffering.
“Man, it’s wicked cold out there.” Nick closed the front door firmly behind him. Without hesitation, he kissed my cheek and then handed me a bottle of chilled, sparkling white grape cider. “Thanks for the invitation, Ellie. Ryan’s a blessed man.”
Nick is polite almost to a fault. Not a bad quality in a family law attorney.
“Wicked, indeed. Your years spent in New England are showing. I’m glad you could come. Thanks for the roses from Ryan and the sparkling cider.” I gestured for him to remove his coat. Maura had walked into the kitchen with the bouquet of roses, so as I hung Nick’s coat beside hers, I leaned close and lowered my voice. “Please tell me you got Maura flowers, too.”
His brows arched. “Why would I do that?”
I frowned. “Because you’re one of the most polite gentlemen I know. Try that on for starters. You earned a law degree at Yale. That proves you’re not entirely clueless. Although, on second thought, you might be a little short in the common sense department.”
Nick laughed like I’d said the funniest thing he’d heard in years. “Let’s see how tonight goes first. Sorry to tell you, Ellie, but this isn’t a date, no matter how much you might want it to be.”
I tilted my head as if considering his words. “Fair enough, but I can’t say I’m not disappointed.”
“You’ll get over it.” He stopped when I stared at him. “What? Did I say something wrong?”
“No. What you just said…Ryan said the same thing once.” In a different context, of course, but the delivery was eerily similar.
Nick stepped closer and put one hand on my arm. “You okay, Ellie?”
I raised my chin. “I’ll be fine. You just witnessed a sentimental moment, that’s all. I’ve been having a lot of those lately.”
“Understandable. Mom’s the same way.”
Yes, it’s obviously a female condition.
Nick rubbed his hands together. “Not to change the subject, but something smells great in here. What’s on the menu tonight at Chez Ellie?”
That made me smile. With men, it’s all about the food. “Everything’s ready. Come to the table and let’s feast.”
Maura came out of the kitchen with the roses in a vase and carefully set them in the middle of the table. It’s nice to have a good friend who knows where I keep everything.
As we prayed and then began our meal, I appreciated the fact that Nick didn’t tease me about my former lack of cooking skills. Maura had grown up in Cleveland, so she only knew what I wanted her to know although I’m sure she’s heard the rumors. Doesn’t matter. I’ve triumphed over the adversity.
An hour later, we enjoyed coffee with slices of pecan pie and vanilla ice cream, warm for Maura and me but room temperature for Nick. In many regards, his food preferences are similar to Ryan’s. My dinner of tossed salad, chicken cacciatore, and homemade three-cheese dinner rolls—my newest recipe find I know Ryan will love—had gone exceedingly well based on how Nick scarfed down two generous helpings. I hope Maura doesn’t think he’s a pig since I’ve never seen him eat so fast. For her part, Maura—normally a picky eater—seemed to enjoy the meal but she had gone a wee bit overboard with her effusive compliments.
“You don’t have to exaggerate to make me feel better,” I protested.
Maura took a sip of her coffee and lowered her cup to the table. “I’m not exaggerating. Why would you think that?”
“Sorry. I don’t know why I said that.” Embarrassed, I focused on smoothing my napkin across my lap beneath the table. Made from white linen, they matched my tablecloth.
“I think I know.” Seems Nick can’t stop being an attorney even after leaving his office. While it can be annoying, I appreciate his frankness most of the time.
“Number one, you still can’t get over that casserole you made for the church social all those years ago.” Okay, so maybe he wanted to play psychologist tonight instead.
I opened my mouth to protest but Nick raised his hand to stop me.
“Number two, you think people feel sorry for you because Ryan’s been gone for such a long deployment this time and you’ve had to make all the wedding arrangements on your own.”
“Do you have a little checklist written on your hand over there?” I smiled to let him know I was teasing. “Look. Even if Ryan were here, I’d still be learning how to make his favorite dishes. And handling all the last-minute details. I’m more than happy to take care of everything.”
I needed to put in a plug for Maura. I’d been making comments here and there throughout our meal about how I couldn’t do half of what I do without her expert assistance. In many ways, that wouldn’t be stretching the truth. “With Maura’s help, and my mom and sisters, we’ve managed to get it all done. As long as Ryan shows up at the altar, we’re good.”
Nick chuckled. “I’m sure that won’t be a problem. Great pie, by the way. Throw in a few chocolate chips for Ryan and you’re golden.” He took another hefty bite.
“Thanks for the tip.”
“Have Kara and Staci been helping more?” Maura sounded genuinely surprised.
“Depends on your definition of more, but yes, they’re doing what they can. With kids and busy families, and the fact that they live forty minutes away on a low-traffic day, their time is limited. I’m just thankful they didn’t balk at the cranberry color I chose for their gowns.”
“It goes beautifully with their coloring,” Maura said. “And I absolutely love my gown.”
I gave my maid-of-honor a grateful smile. Her tea-length gown was just a shade lighter than the dresses Kara and Staci would wear.
In many aspects, Maura is like a sister to me. She’s the one who helps me in the church nursery once a month. She sits with Mom and me in church every Sunday morning while my sisters attend churches in Cleveland closer to their homes. Maura is also the one who dries my occasional tears when I miss Ryan so much I’m not sure I can endure another day.
Maura is my encourager, my prayer partner, my confidante, my closest female friend. Everyone should be so blessed as to have a Maura in their lives. If only I could infuse that idea directly into Nick the Attorney’s thick skull.
Actually, Maura and Ryan’s older brother appear to be getting along famously. Maybe this evening is going even better than I’d realized. They’d managed to put aside the “boss” and “assistant” hats and didn’t seem in the least bit awkward with one another. Three years older than me, Maura is only two years younger than Nick. That’s a good age difference.
I’d caught Nick sneaking glances at Maura during dinner, studying her profile. For her part, Maura laughed at his attempts to make a joke and seemed to appreciate Nick’s dry sense of humor, such as it was.
I quietly observed them for a minute. Maybe Maura’s suggestion for me to dart out of the house—at least out of the room—might not be such a bad idea. But, no, these two were grown-ups. They were more than capable of handling their relationship on their own. I’d poured the foundation but it was up to them to build upon it.
Wow. I sound rather full of myself.
The ring tone on my cell phone sounded. I smiled to the beginning strains of “It Had to Be You.” Perfect timing, Ryan.
I pulled the phone from the pocket of my jeans and rose to my feet. “If you’ll excuse me.”
“Give Ryan our best,” Nick said. “Tell my little brother I can’t wait to see his ugly mug.”
“Will do,” I called over my shoulder as I stepped into the kitchen. “Hi, Ryan.”
“Hey, Sass.”
I glanced at the clock on the wall. “It’s the middle of the night over there. Why are you up?”
“Couldn’t sleep, as usual, so I thought I’d call and see if my favorite matchmaker’s efforts are working.”
“Sorry you’re not sleeping, and I know the feeling. So far, so good with the matchmaking. You’d be very proud of me, Ryan. I let Nick and Maura do most of the talking during dinner, and they seem to be getting along well. Maura’s hearing Barry White in her head and Nick’s stealing glances.”
Ryan’s laughter rang through the phone, making me smile.
“No one can tell a story like you, Sass.”
“That’s what they tell me.”
“Have you been talking about me again in the town square?”
“Only on alternate Wednesdays during Happy Hour. Two-for-one special. Silly man, I’m always talking about you. Don’t let it swell your handsome head, but you’re my primary topic of conversation these days and you know it.”
“I get it. Same here about you, baby. The guys think you’re a combination of Superwoman and Miss Universe. So, did you crank up Barry White and encourage them to work off your dinner by shaking a leg?”
Now it was my turn to laugh. “Who says ‘shake a leg’ anymore? Are you eighty years old?”
“I feel like it. That’s what a lack of sleep will do. And I hope you caught my huge compliment in that last speech.”
“I did, thanks. Miss Universe, eh?”
“You are to me.”
I sighed. “You say the sweetest things sometimes. I’d better make sure to polish my crown so it’s not tarnished when you come home.” I frowned. Not sure that came out right.
“Tell me what’s happening now, baby.”
Ryan’s adept at keeping me on track. “Okay, then, Maura and Nick are currently having dessert. Which means our conversation needs to last at least a few minutes to give them some privacy. Let’s just say your brother might do some pew-hopping and sit with Mom, Maura and me this week instead of with your parents.”