This time she held up a blue-and-red paisley print. Megan liked it, but there was only a fat quarter. “Do you think there’s enough for all five of us?”
“You can’t reject everything I pick,” Donna complained. “We’ll be here all day.”
Vinnie glanced at her watch, then frowned at the empty road. “I might be here all day regardless if my grandson doesn’t get a move on. I told him to be here at ten.”
“Why so early?” Megan said.
Vinnie’s eyes widened in innocence. “No reason.”
Megan knew Vinnie well enough to be suspicious of her attempts at innocence, but she shrugged and turned to Donna. “Okay, I’ll cooperate. Whatever fabric you show us next, I’ll agree to it.”
“You might regret that,” Grace warned, but it was too late. Donna’s eyes lit up, and she plunged both hands into the bag. A few moments later, she pulled out a yard of fabric and held it over her head.
“I have it,” she shouted in triumph. “This is the one!”
Megan stifled a groan of dismay. It was a beautiful print of autumn leaves on a cloth of excellent quality, expertly designed, and highlighted with silver embossing. The leaves were burgundy, loden green, a rich beige—and purple.
Even Julia laughed out loud.
Megan knew when she was beaten. “All right,” she said. “We can go with the cows.”
“Absolutely not.” Donna put the rest of the fabric away. “I’m not going to miss this chance to force you to use purple.”
“There might not be enough,” Megan tried to argue, but Vinnie would have none of that.
“There’s an entire yard,” she said, taking the fabric from Donna. “I have more at home, so we’ll divide this into fat quarters for the four of you.”
When each had her fat quarter of fabric, it was time to go. They exchanged addresses and phone numbers, and Megan made one last entreaty to Julia and Vinnie to get email addresses. Grace already had one through the museum where she worked as a curator, although she rarely used it. “You’ll use it more now,” Donna promised.
Just then a long black limousine crossed the bridge over Elm Creek and circled the parking lot. “There’s my ride,” Julia said with regret.
Megan, too, was reluctant to leave, but now that the time had come, she was eager to get on the road. She had a long drive ahead, and she hoped to be back to her parents’ house in time for a homecoming supper. Just as she was about to bid the others good-bye, Vinnie grabbed her arm. “There’s my grandson,” she exclaimed. “Don’t you girls leave until I have a chance to introduce you.”
Suddenly Megan felt an urge to sprint to her car, but Vinnie held fast. She threw Donna a helpless look as an older model compact car pulled into the parking lot. Megan glimpsed a familiar face through the windshield, and sure enough, when the car parked in front of them, the man she had met at the diner stepped out. “I’m sorry I’m late, Nana,” he said, bending to kiss her. He picked up her suitcase, smiling. “Did you have a good time?” Just then he glanced at Megan, and utter astonishment came over his face. “Hey. It’s you. The woman—”
“From the diner.” Suddenly nervous, Megan forced herself to smile and extend her hand. “Megan Donohue.”
Quickly he set down Vinnie’s suitcase and shook Megan’s hand. “I see you made it to Waterford okay.”
“Yes, thanks to your directions.”
Vinnie patted his arm proudly. “Adam’s a teacher. He’s very good at explaining things.”
Adam looked embarrassed. “But not very good at being on time. Sorry I’m late, Nana. There was construction on the turnpike.”
“That’s all right,” Vinnie said graciously. She introduced the other Cross-Country Quilters. Adam’s startled expression returned when she named Julia.
“You must have had quite a week,” he said to Vinnie. His gaze rested on Megan again, and he smiled warmly.
“I’ll tell you all about it on the drive home,” Vinnie promised, then beamed at her friends. “Drive safely, ladies. I’ll see you next year.”
“Drive safely,” Megan echoed, and the others joined in.
Vinnie took her grandson’s arm and let him help her into the car. As they drove away, Vinnie gave them a jaunty wave and a cheerful, satisfied smile. Her eyes met Megan’s, and suddenly Megan knew as clearly as if she had spoken that Vinnie intended to be the first of the Cross-Country Quilters to complete her block.
Six
Paul and Becca had kept the house fairly tidy during Donna’s absence, but for two intelligent and capable people, they otherwise seemed to have no idea how to manage a household. On Tuesday the kitchen sink had sprung a leak, and Paul had to phone Lindsay for the name of their usual plumber. When it came time to pay him, Paul had forgotten where Donna kept the checkbook and had to race to the nearest ATM for cash. The next day Becca had attempted a load of laundry, but had turned all the socks and underwear a delicate shade of pink. When Donna’s car pulled into the driveway, her husband and daughter ran outside to meet her. Donna soon discovered the reason for their joy and relief, and she wondered if her family had missed her or just the cook and maid services she usually performed. That evening, though, after Paul took her out to eat and Becca asked her to demonstrate how to run the washing machine properly, Donna relented. After all, it was nice to have all her hard work noticed and appreciated. She decided to leave them on their own more often, to provide them with more opportunities to fend for themselves—and to remind them not to take her too much for granted.
By the next day, Donna had restored the household to its usual order. She had invited Lindsay and Brandon for Sunday dinner, and as she roasted a chicken and tossed the salad, she resolved to look for the best in him and not to become a stereotypical mother-in-law if she could possibly avoid it.
When she heard Lindsay’s car, Donna wiped off her hands on a towel and went to the window, where Paul had already pulled back the curtain and was peering outside. “She’s alone,” he said, relief in his voice.
Donna felt the same way, but she said, “We have to start getting to know him sometime.”
“I already started, and I know as much as I need to.”
“Paul,” Donna gently admonished him. At the restaurant the previous night, he had told her unhappily of the unfavorable impression Brandon had made on him when the two families met during Donna’s absence. Brandon bossed Lindsay around, telling her what entrée to order and advising her to go without dessert so she would look better in the wedding pictures. Brandon’s mother was a meek and silent woman, but his father more than made up the difference. Obnoxious, Paul called him—Paul, who never insulted anyone unless he truly deserved it.
“There must be some good in him or Lindsay wouldn’t love him,” Donna told her husband. “We might have to look hard to find it, but it must be there.”
Paul nodded to show he agreed with her logic, but he looked doubtful.
Lindsay entered then and greeted her mother with a warm hug. “Couldn’t Brandon make it?” Donna asked.
“He had some studying to do.”
“Before classes even start?” Paul asked, a little sharply. College had been a sensitive topic with him ever since Lindsay’s announcement.
Lindsay shrugged. “He’s busy,” she said, which didn’t really answer the question. She left her purse on the counter and began to set the table. What a pair she and Paul were, Donna thought as she assisted Lindsay. They were glad Brandon hadn’t come and yet were slighted that he hadn’t bothered to show up. If Brandon suspected any of this, he’d wonder just what kind of family he was marrying into.
During supper, Donna told her family amusing stories about her week at quilt camp. Even Becca was thrilled to hear that she had befriended the famous Julia Merchaud. Still, although Lindsay smiled and joined the conversation, she seemed distant and reserved, as if her thoughts were elsewhere.
After the meal, Lindsay helped Donna clean up, although that was traditionally Becca’s chore. They cha
tted about trivial subjects, Donna wondering all the while what her daughter really wanted to discuss. Only after the last plate was placed in the dishwasher did Lindsay tentatively ask if Donna had a moment to talk about the wedding.
Donna’s heart flip-flopped, but she dried her hands on a dishtowel and tried to appear calm. “Sure, honey. What did you want to talk about?”
“I’ve been looking through bridal magazines to get ideas for my gown.” Lindsay hesitated. “I tried on some at a bridal shop near school, but they’re much more expensive than I thought they would be.”
Donna’s heart went out to her, and she felt a stab of regret picturing Lindsay shopping for a gown alone. She had always imagined they would choose together, but it was her own fault. No wonder Lindsay hadn’t invited her along, after the way she had reacted to the announcement of the engagement. “Don’t worry about the expense,” she said. “Your dad and I will pay for your gown.”
“I know. But … well, until I get a full-time job, I don’t feel right about spending so much money on something I’m going to wear only once. Do you think you could make me a dress? I’m not asking just to save money.”
“Oh, honey.” Donna reached out and tucked a loose strand of blond hair behind her daughter’s ear. “I’d love to make a wedding gown for you.” Then inspiration struck. “Or would you like to wear mine? I could take it in to fit you—”
“Oh, Mom, that would be perfect,” Lindsay gasped. “Your gown is so beautiful. That’s what I wanted all along, but I was afraid … ”
Her voice broke off so abruptly that Donna knew she had finally touched on what had been troubling her all evening. “You were afraid of what?”
Lindsay’s cheeks flushed. “I was afraid that you would say no, because—because you don’t like Brandon.”
“Lindsay, sweetie …” Too overcome to speak, Donna took Lindsay in her arms and hugged her tightly. Whenever she had thought of her daughters’ wedding days, she had imagined planning every detail with joy, sharing a special closeness as the day approached, watching them dance with their father at the reception. She had never intended to ruin what should be one of the happiest times in Lindsay’s life.
Blinking back tears, she held Lindsay at arm’s length so she could look her daughter in the eye. “If I told you I didn’t wish you’d wait a few years, I’d be lying,” she said. “But it’s not that I don’t like Brandon. I don’t know him well enough to dislike him.”
Lindsay gave her a wan smile. “Great.”
“I’m not saying this right. What I mean is, I wish I knew him better, and I wish you’d consider waiting until you finish college. Lindsay, even before you were born your father and I promised ourselves you would receive a good education. I think it means even more to me than to your dad, since I didn’t finish college myself. You seemed so happy with the university, I’m just surprised you’d give that up.”
“I told you what Brandon said.”
“I remember, but I don’t think he’s thought this through. Maybe he’d like you to be out of school now, but what about later? What if he loses his job or becomes ill, and you need to support the family?”
Lindsay shook her head. “He would hate that. I don’t think he would let me.”
Donna winced. “‘Let you?’ He’s going to be your husband, not your keeper.”
“I didn’t mean it that way. It’s just … I think it would hurt his pride if I had to support us.”
“Well, God willing he’ll never be sick or lose his job, but it’s best to be prepared, and you’d be able to get a much better job with a college degree. And what about when you want to buy a home, or when your own children are ready to start college? You might want to work for the extra income.”
Donna could sense her daughter’s conflicted emotions and see from her expression that she was torn between logic and loyalty. “I hadn’t thought of that,” Lindsay admitted.
Donna doubted that Brandon had, either. “Besides, what else are you going to do all year? You can’t plan a wedding all day long, and you don’t have a full-time job. What if you can’t find one right away?”
“I don’t know.” Lindsay hesitated. “I couldn’t just sit around the apartment all day.”
Donna knew she had to take a chance before Lindsay could talk herself out of it. “I’ll make a deal with you. Go back to school and finish your degree, and you won’t hear a word of complaint from me about the wedding from this moment forward. Unless, of course, you pick an awful dress for the bridesmaids just to infuriate your sister.”
Lindsay allowed a small smile. “Really?”
Donna hugged her. “I promise.” It wouldn’t be easy, but she would have her jaws wired shut if it would keep Lindsay in school. “Now, you have to promise me you’ll keep your part of the bargain.”
After a pause, Lindsay took a deep breath and said, “I promise.” Silently Donna rejoiced in her victory and kissed her daughter on the cheek. Lindsay clung to her for a moment before pulling away. “I’m not sure how I’m going to tell Brandon.”
“Just tell him.”
“It won’t be that easy. He’s very sensitive.”
Donna thought that Brandon struck her as one of the least sensitive young men she’d every met. And when had Lindsay ever been too anxious to speak her mind? Instead of saying so, she reasoned, “What’s good for you is good for your marriage. Explain it to him logically, just as we’ve discussed. I’m sure he’ll agree that you’ve made the right decision.”
Lindsay looked dubious, but then she relaxed. “You’re right,” she said, and for a moment she sounded like the old Lindsay. “I’ll tell him tonight. Registration doesn’t end for a few more days, so I shouldn’t lose any of the classes I signed up for last spring.”
Donna was so pleased she didn’t trust herself to speak. She stroked Lind-say’s hair. “Come on,” she said. “Let’s have you try on that gown.”
As they went upstairs, Donna remembered the promise she had made to herself and the other Cross-Country Quilters only a day before. Would she be the first to begin her Challenge Quilt block?
An anxious thought came to her then: Surely it couldn’t be this easy. But as Lindsay modeled the wedding gown and chattered happily about the upcoming semester, Donna forced the lingering worries from her mind. Lindsay would be returning to college, and that was all Donna could fairly ask, for now.
Megan’s work had piled up during her absence, but instead of griping about how the other engineers on her team hadn’t picked up the slack, she was guiltily relieved to be too busy to spare Keith much thought. By Saturday, though, she knew she had to stop procrastinating. She warmed up by sending Donna an email and writing letters to Vinnie, Grace, and Julia, then steeled herself and began a letter to Keith.
Her first two drafts went straight into the trash. They were too accusing and shrill, and she knew she wouldn’t get anywhere with him if she put him on the defensive. After two more failed attempts, she considered phoning him instead, but her stomach twisted at the thought of hearing his voice again. It had to be a letter, or nothing.
She took a break to do the laundry and fix Robby his lunch, then forced herself to swallow her pride and try again. She imagined she was writing to a colleague, and this time she managed to strike a cordial, professional tone free of whining and neediness. She couldn’t bear it if he thought she was begging for his attention, although in a way she was—not for herself, but for their son.
It was difficult to invite him to visit Robby, because she knew it would hurt her to the core to see him again. She prayed he’d have the decency to leave his new wife, Gina, at home. She reminded him that school would be starting soon, and Labor Day weekend would be perfect for Robby’s schedule as well as his own.
She mailed the letter and tried to put it out of her mind for a while. The annual bustle of activity that heralded the new school year provided a much-needed distraction, but when a week passed with no reply, she began to grow anxious. Then, two days
later, an envelope arrived. Inside Megan found a check for two hundred dollars filled out in loopy, girlish handwriting. The memo read “Back-to-school clothes.” There was no letter.
Fuming, Megan was tempted to tear up the check. She had asked for Keith’s time, not his money. But then practicality set in; she could hardly complain about his sporadic-at-best child support payments and then refuse to accept the money he did manage to send. But why hadn’t Keith sent so much as a sentence in response to her request? Maybe his new wife had intercepted Megan’s letter, and Keith knew nothing of either Megan’s request or the check. It was difficult to imagine Keith willingly sending Megan money, after the way he had fought for the house and the car in the divorce proceedings. He had won the car but lost the house, and ever since, his reluctance to send his child support payments clearly indicated he still held a grudge.
After a day of indecision, Megan sent another letter. Labor Day was fast approaching, she told Keith, and she would need a definite answer one way or the other. If traveling to Ohio would be too inconvenient, Robby could come to Oregon. Megan swallowed hard as she wrote the lines; she was reluctant to send Robby on a plane by himself, but she would, if there were no other way.
Labor Day came and went, and Robby started the third grade without a visit or even so much as a phone call from his father. Megan was furious and heartbroken for his sake, and her only consolation was that she had kept the proposed visit secret, just in case it didn’t work out.
Two weeks into September, another envelope came, bringing Megan a letter from Gina. “Dear Megan,” she had written, “I hope Robby’s school year is off to a good start. I’m sorry the Labor Day visit didn’t work out. Keith would have come, but I’m expecting a baby and he is saving up all his vacation days for after we deliver. Maybe next summer, Robby can stay with us for a week or so and meet his new brother or sister. All the best, Gina.”
They were expecting a baby. Gina was carrying the second child Megan longed for and would never have. And Keith, who had gone back to work the day after Robby was born and had not changed a single dirty diaper in his life, was now planning, with this new child, to make up for all the attention he had withheld from his firstborn.
An Elm Creek Quilts Sampler Page 72