by K L Finalley
"Oh, so now you're gonna tell us how it is?" Sheryl said.
"Yes, I am. I'm a grown ass woman. I can do that," Jacqueline responded.
"I guess that girl…" Sheryl started to say.
"That woman is my wife. Be careful what you say," Jacqueline said sternly to her mother.
"Well, Jacqueline," her mother replied with emphasis. "I won't say another word. Let's go, Lee."
"There's no sense trying to talk any sense into these girls, Sheryl. Let's go Richard," Barbara yelled.
"You're right, Mom," Mallory snarled.
"What's going on?" Richard asked as he returned from the game of pool with the other men.
"That daughter of yours has finally turned her back on us. We're leaving," Barbara said with slivers of disdain her mouth. As Richard joined his wife, he looked at his daughter with weepy, downturned eyes, and walked out to the front door. He gave her a small, half smile, but he spoke no words as he slowly closed the door.
Mallory snatched opened the door and spoke to them as they walked off the porch and into the yard. "Mom, did it ever cross your mind that love shouldn't have conditions?" Barb didn't reply. Mallory didn't think she would. She just wanted it said. When she closed the door, she turned and looked back upon all the faces who mattered. Jacqueline stood there ready to hold her. Zoe sat on the staircase laughing at Speckles. She glanced into the loving eyes of friends. With her hand in Jacqueline's, she smiled, nodded, and returned to their first party being held in their new home.
EPILOGUE
The last of the party-goers left the house well after midnight. Once the doors were closed, the caterers collected their trays, utensils, silverware, and glasses and left; then, the cleaning crew collected the debris, swept and moped the floors, and vacuumed the carpeted areas. There were staff members who cleaned the restrooms, the kitchen, and the glass throughout the house. Some cleaned the furniture and wiped off the electronics. When the house and the grounds were pristine, they climbed into their vans and drove away leaving the house as clean as it had been before the party began.
In the quiet, Jacqueline sat in her office. At her desk, she stared at her dark computer screen. There was nothing to research, nothing to type. She was making a list of the things she wanted to do, things she wanted to get for their home. Pavers for the driveway and entrance. Bicycles. Semi-circle rug for the foyer. A casual set of plates. Tablecloths. More towels and silverware. Upstairs, Zoe had bathed and gone to bed. Despite a kennel being placed in her bedroom, Speckles was asleep beside her in her bed. In the master bathroom, Mallory was soaking in the two-person jetted tub without interruption. There was a smile on her face, love in her heart, and a two-carat diamond on her finger. She had found the love, acceptance, and happiness she'd always wanted.
Their house was quiet and still. It was the wee hours of Easter morning - and they had been reborn.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
K L Finalley has no special talent, but she is insatiably curious.
Find out more at:
www.klfinalley.com
www.facebook.com/klfinalley
ALSO BY K L FINALLEY
Emerson Novels
CROSS YOUR FINGERS
CROSS YOUR HEART