by Bonnie Tharp
Peggy laughed. “It gets better, I promise.”
“How old were you the first time you got kissed?”
“About twelve, I guess. It was sort of dorky, but sweet, too. We were both surprised.”
“Maybe that’s why Cameron did the ‘push away’ kiss. Maybe he couldn’t make up his mind whether to kiss me or not. I wouldn’t mind if he did it nice like you said. At least, I don’t think I would.”
“You’re a little young to be thinking about boys. I thought you were all about books and stuff.”
“Just curious.”
“Don’t let Gram know. She’d have you home schooled. You’re her baby, and I don’t think she’d like the idea of you being kissed just yet. You’re only ten. Give it a few years, okay?”
“I guess. I wouldn’t want to hurt Gram. I’ll wait a while. Do you think Regina and Sam kiss?”
“I don’t know. I’m not sure I want to picture that in my head.”
“They are getting married, so they probably do.”
Giggling, Peggy squeezed her sister. “You really are funny.”
“Let’s go see what Tadpole is up to.”
The girls went down the hall to their brother’s room and knocked on the door.
“Tad? You in there?” Peggy said.
“Yeah, come on in.”
They found their brother sprawled on his bed with a book. Turbo and Tang snuggled on either side of him. Ms. Pickles supervised from the top of the bed.
“That’s where you were.” Megan scooped up the kitten then reached for Ms. Pickles who lifted her nose in the air.
Turbo nudged the little orange fur ball and made a quiet “woof.” The older cat would have none of it, batting his big black nose away.
Peggy scratched the dog’s ear. “Don’t worry, Ms. Pickles is just playing hard to get. She loves you, too.”
“We were chilling out with a graphic novel. What’s up?” Tad folded the corner of the page down, closing the book.
“Just talking,” Megan said.
“About what?”
“Stuff.” Megan shrugged her shoulders.
Tad looked at his older sister, his eyebrows rose in question.
Peggy shook her head in response.
“Do you ever wonder what it would’ve been like if Tom hadn’t left us?”
Tad just can’t call him dad, yet. That’s so weird.
“No. But I do wonder what it would be like to have him around now.”
“Me, too” Megan said.
“I went to see him,” Peggy said.
Tad sat up on the bed then grabbed his older sister by the shoulders. “Are you crazy? When did you do that?”
“Malissa and I went after school.” Her brother dropped his hands, frowning.
“What was he like?” Megan asked.
“Uncomfortable at first, but then he was alright. I saw him before we found the letters. I feel bad now that I didn’t believe him.”
“What else?” Megan asked.
“He seemed nervous. He’s a cook at Jenny’s Diner. Malissa says he makes the best crispy fries she’s ever eaten. I didn’t really taste them. I was too . . . distracted.”
“Did he ask about us?” Megan’s curiosity had no end.
“Yeah. He wants to be a part of our lives.”
“Did he seem scary at all?” Tad asked. He moved a short distance away from them.
“Not really. It was almost like he was scared of me.”
“He brought me a teddy bear in the hospital. That was nice,” Megan said.
“Yeah. It was. Tad, do you think we could get to know him some? Maybe he’s changed.”
“How old was he when he left?” Megan asked.
“He was a grown up.” Tad leaned back on the bed, putting his arm over his eyes.
“Only twenty-five or so. That’s pretty young.” Peggy watched as her little sister’s eyes glistened.
“It’s all my fault. He left after I was born.”
Tad sat up, facing his baby sister. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“It’s not your fault.” Peggy stroked her sister’s head.
“He’s not so young now,” Megan said. “Shouldn’t we give him a chance?”
Peggy looked at Tad. “What do you say we ask Gram if he can come Christmas night, you know, after we’ve had presents with the rest of the family?” Her brother flinched.
“But I don’t have a present for him,” Megan said.
“We’ll figure out something.” Peggy met her brother’s eyes. “Tad, will you try?”
“Yeah, whatever. My head says I should be a grown up about this, but my gut hurts just thinking about him. I’m not giving him any presents.” Scrubbing his hair out of his eyes, Tad firmed his jaw and straightened his shoulders. “I’ll keep an eye on him. I’m not a baby he can shove around anymore.”
“I’ll ask Gram.” Leaving her siblings, Peggy walked out, Ms. Pickles at her heels.
Chapter 41
BETWEEN THANKSGIVING and the twenty-first of December, Annabelle completed the dresses for Megan and Peggy. She had some finishing touches on her own before it, too, would be ready for the big wedding day.
Regina decided on pale blue for her gown. Annabelle coordinated Peggy’s bridesmaid dress and Megan’s flower girl dress in a darker hue. The dresses were knee length.
Maybe they could wear them again. No, I doubt Megan will. She’s growing way too fast.
They chose a simple style that worked no matter what time of year, with three quarter sleeves and a minimum of lace and absolutely no flounces. Regina wasn’t a “flounce” sort of woman. Annabelle selected an elegant navy suit dress. Grandmother’s pearls would set it off perfectly. She was anxious for Phil to see her in it. The flattering cut made her look taller, not that she really needed to be. Phil was only about 5 foot 10, and her 5 foot 6 fit well. They looked nice together.
Stop dreaming, you old goof. Keep stitching.
The kids took care of straightening the house while she was deep into the dress making business.
Although it won’t meet with any white glove test, I’m relieved we aren’t hosting the wedding. I’ve got my hands full with the sewing.
And now Tom was coming for Christmas. Good Lord, I’d better pay attention before I stick myself.
Tad complained this morning, refusing to eat any more sandwiches and canned soup. Could they please order a pizza? Annabelle agreed to celebrate since she finished sewing with a day to spare.
Had she not started her Christmas planning in the summer, she would’ve been frantic that there had been no time to shop. But she’d seen lovely earrings that Peggy would enjoy and a set of books by Megan’s favorite author back in August. Those two had been taken care of in short order. Tad’s feet had grown another inch or three, so he was due for new tennis shoes, but she didn’t have the heart to buy him shoes for Christmas. It seemed so necessary, and Christmas wasn’t about “necessary,” it was about fun and surprises.
I’ll ask Joe or Sam for ideas. Tad loves sports and art, so there must be something out there that I can afford, but not until after the wedding.
“Gram?” Peggy called through the bedroom door.
“Come in.”
“How’s it going?”
“Just a snip of this thread, and I’ll be done with my dress.” Annabelle bit the thread then put the needle into the spool.
“I love that color, such a deep blue. You’re going to look awesome. Try it on. I want to see it.”
“All right.” Annabelle laid the garment on the bed.
Peggy sank down beside it, running her finger along the soft material. She studied her grandmother for a moment, her head cocked like a puppy.
�
�You’ve really lost a lot of weight, haven’t you?”
“Oh, not really. I’ve just trimmed down from walking.”
Slipping the dress over her head, Annabelle turned around to face her granddaughter. Even in her bare feet, she felt pretty.
“Oh, Gram. You look beautiful.”
Facing her image in the full-length mirror, she turned from side to side. “Do you think I’ll even pass Regina muster?”
“I don’t know what muster means, but if you mean will Regina be impressed, I’d say yes, ma’am. Gram?”
“Yes, honey.”
“I’ll be ungrounded this Saturday. Can I go to the mall with Malissa? I need to do some Christmas shopping.” Three weeks had turned to six due to Peggy’s back talk, but she had taken it fairly well.
Annabelle turned, studied her granddaughter’s face long enough for Peggy’s cheeks to turn red. Her hands migrated to her hips, her feet braced apart. “Will Miles be there?”
Digging her sock clad toe into the carpet, Peggy lifted her chin. “No. I don’t know. I haven’t talked to him much. He’s been grounded, too.”
Dropping her arms, she relaxed. “Do you need me to drive you?”
“No, Malissa’s mom will take us. I’m sorry, Gram. Honest.” She crossed her arms over her chest then quickly dropped them against her sides.
“You’re sixteen now. Old enough to drive. Old enough to make good choices.”
“I will, I promise.”
Nodding, Annabelle turned back to the mirror.
“Hey, Gram.” Tad called from behind the door. “Are you done yet? I’m hungry.”
“Oh, shut up,” Peggy snapped.
He opened the door and froze. “What the . . . ? Wow, Gram, you look . . . awesome.”
“All it needs are pearls, stockings and shoes.” Annabelle gave him a glowing smile.
“You’re pretty damn good with a needle and thread.”
“Thank you for the compliments, but careful with the language.”
“Sorry. Can we order that pizza? I’m starved.” He grabbed his stomach for emphasis.
“Where’s your little sister?”
“Right here.” Megan poked her head around the door jam and stared at her grandmother. “I wish I could whistle.”
“Enough, enough. All of you shoo. I need to change clothes. You decide what kind of pizza you want. I’ll be down in a minute.”
The kids left, casting backward glances as they shut the door.
That was fun. Now, if I can get the same reaction out of Regina. The black slip on shoes I wore last Christmas would work just fine.
She’d picked up a pair of pearl earrings at the same sale she’d gotten Peggy’s Christmas gift. All set for the big day.
“I wonder how Regina is doing? I’d be a nervous wreck.”
I’m never getting married again—period.
Chapter 42
REGINA HAD AN audience as she dressed for the wedding. Sugar hadn’t left her side all morning. The dog had even helped supervise the set up downstairs. Now it was Regina’s time to prepare. A profusion of red, yellow and white roses graced the mantle in the living room, on the end tables and bookcases. An explosion of color and sweet perfume filled the house. J.R. had done his usual magic with the floral arrangements. His assistant made sure everything was in the right place. The ceremony would start at eleven o’clock.
We’re starting this marriage right, as the sun is rising, not evening, when the sun is going down. It’s all superstitious nonsense, but why take a chance?
Sam dressed in the spare bedroom. He promised to stay downstairs. She didn’t want him to see her before the wedding march played on the stereo. Meanwhile, the warmth of her favorite canine kept her company.
Her dress came to mid-calf, the bell shaped skirt swaying when she walked. Happy that she had chosen a pale blue, she thought even her mother would approve, this being her second marriage at a mature age. She fluffed her salt and pepper hair and smiled as it bounced. “Not bad for an old gal, eh, Sugar?”
Woof. The dog’s head lifted, and she could swear she smiled.
“Good girl, even if you are on the bed.”
Woof, woof. Sugar laid her head on her paws, giving Regina a doggy grin.
Regina wore an iceberg blue diamond teardrop on a platinum chain around her neck. She’d bought it for herself from the proceeds of her first successful art show. Her career had started slowly, but she’d persevered and eventually made a name for herself. She’d even taught a few painting classes at Wichita State University, Friends and Newman universities over the years. It had been fun to see the light in her students’ eyes when their visions became reality on the canvas. She’d visited Paris and London, had paintings displayed at their major universities, where she’d studied. She’d been gone for months each time, while Devlin worked toward tenure. Little wonder Devlin strayed.
She’d never really been lonely when she painted. Her creative muse kept her company, urging her on. Time had no meaning then. Hours became days when she only stopped to nap and eat. Not many people had the opportunity to retreat into their art as she had. Once again, she counted herself among the lucky. Although her parents had died before she was twenty-one and Devlin before she was forty, she’d had a lot of good memories.
Devlin and she had married for convenience . . .
Now I’ll marry for love. I wish my daughter Beth had lived to be a part of my life with Sam. If only, or what if . . . those words are not always happy ones.
Peggy had become almost a surrogate daughter during the past year. Regina hoped Peggy knew how much she meant to her. They didn’t talk about things like that, though everything else was on the menu. It was fun to be together. Annabelle had done a good job these past couple of years. The kids were growing up well. She stepped into her shoes.
“I’ll have to tell her.”
“Tell who what?” asked Annabelle from the doorway. She pulled her tissue from her sleeve and dabbed her eyes. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you.” Regina spun around then stopped before her cousin, mouth agape. “So, do you.”
“Do I what?” Extending her arms from her hips, Annabelle turned around slowly.
“You look beautiful. Where did you get that lovely outfit?” Reaching out, Regina stroked the fabric.
“I made it.” Annabelle turned around again, for her to get the full effect.
“I’d say you haven’t lost your touch, very impressive. I wanted to tell you that I’m so proud of how you’ve handled the kids.”
Annabelle stared at her cousin, uncertainty crossing her face. Slowly, a glowing smile filled it.
“Thank you.”
“Speaking of the kids—where are Peggy and Megan?”
“They’re downstairs.”
“I didn’t hear the doorbell.”
“Sam must’ve heard us pull up. He had the door open. It’s cold but sunny out. A wonderful day for a winter wedding.”
Woof. Sugar bounded out the door.
Regina heard Megan giggle and Peggy say, “Down girl.”
The two girls stepped into the doorway. Regina sank onto the bed with a sigh. Tears filled her eyes. “Oh, my. You two look lovely.”
“Thanks, Regina,” Peggy said. “Gram made our dresses, hers, too. Don’t we look awesome?”
“Yes, you do. I’m afraid you three will outshine me. Where’s Tillie? There’s no doubt the bride will not be the most beautiful woman in this house today.”
“Piffle,” Annabelle said. “You look so pretty. All you need is this . . .” Annabelle handed her a small white box that contained a huge white rose, fully opened, with a lavender blue center. She walked toward her cousin and smiled. “This is for your beautiful hair.”
Sitting very s
till, Regina waited to see how it would look in the mirror when Annabelle moved aside.
Will it look ridiculous? It has to look wonderful, because the smell is intoxicating. It’s the most gorgeous rose I have ever seen.
“The florist fastened it to a clip for your hair. It has a tiny little vial of water on the stem. There.” Annabelle stepped to the side.
Regina slowly stood. She walked to the full-length mirror, a smile blossoming on her face.
“Thank you, Belle. It’s perfect.”
“I’m father and mother today, so it seemed appropriate.”
“Yes, you chose well.” She wanted to hug her cousin, but a press of cheeks would have to do.
I’m turning mushy. God, forbid.
Peggy and Megan stepped into the hall as the music sounded below. Megan clutched a tiny basket, tied with a blue silk bow, filled to the brim with fragrant rose petals. Peggy stepped up behind her then turned around. “Where’s Tillie?”
“Late as usual,” Regina said.
“I am not.” Tillie stood on the stairs below. “I’m just waiting for you to get a move on.”
“You come behind me,” Megan said.
“Okay, but give me one minute alone with the bride.” Tillie winked at Megan as she stepped past her.
Annabelle softly closed the door so Regina and Tillie would have some privacy.
The two friends embraced. “You look fabulous, Regina Louise.”
“Ditto, Matilda Jean.” Regina sniffed, dabbing her eyes with a tissue.
“I’m glad you finally came to your senses about marriage. Cut it out, before your makeup starts to run.”
Tillie opened the door, crossing the landing to the stairs and stepped in between the girls. She gave Regina a watery smile over her shoulder.
Pausing to take in the spectacle around her, Regina felt amazed at the beauty of her family and best friend. The three dresses were a darker shade of blue, but went well with Regina’s. She was still in awe at the quality of the workmanship. Tillie’s deep sky-blue dress was calf-length with a poof at the top of the three-quarter length sleeves. Peggy wore an elegant sheath that fit perfectly. Megan’s had a bell shaped skirt similar to her bride ensemble, but with a blue sash. Regina was glad she’d hired a professional photographer, though no film could capture all this adequately.