“Maybe you’ll consider moving back,” Leon suggested.
Howard laid down his menu. “To be honest, I’ve been thinking about it.”
“I’ve been thinking about it, too,” Renee interjected. “I’d like to open a clothing boutique on the island—it would be my designs, though.”
“My daughter is a fashion designer,” Howard said. “You should see some of her work.”
“I’d love to see them,” Misty responded.
“I have some on my phone.” Renee passed her cell to Leon, who gave it to Misty.
She scanned through the photographs. “Oh, wow, these are all beautiful. I think you’d do well on the island.”
Leon agreed. “We could use a high-end boutique around here. All the locals end up going to Charleston or Savannah to shop. It would be good to keep that revenue on the island.”
“The space next to the bakery is available,” Misty said.
Renee’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really?”
Misty took a sip of her juice. “If you have time, I can take you to check it out.”
“I’d love that. My flight isn’t until noon. I can just take an Uber later to the mainland.”
“I can drop you off,” Leon offered. “I’ll take you to the airport.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
“SO, HOW LONG have you and Leon been seeing each other?” Renee inquired. “I couldn’t help but notice how close you two seem to be at the wedding.”
“For a few weeks,” Misty responded.
“It’s really nice seeing him happy again.”
She smiled. “Leon definitely makes me happy.”
Misty parked curbside. “Are you seriously considering moving to the island?”
“I am,” Renee said. “I want to start over some place fresh. Polk Island is my home—it’s the best place for a new beginning.”
“I called the owner and had him unlock the door for us.”
Once they were inside, Renee’s gaze bounced around the empty space. “This is perfect for what I envisioned.”
Misty hung back, allowing her to wander about the shop. A boutique next door to the bakery and café would bring in more business for them both. It would also make Leon happy. She was a witness to the joy being around family brought him.
“I really like this spot.”
“Do you want the owner’s information?” Misty asked.
“Yes.”
They walked out of the vacant space and headed back to the car. “I’d like to show you one other place that might fit your needs. I don’t think we’ll be able to get in with this being Sunday, but I can try to see it tomorrow and get some photos for you.”
Renee smiled. “Great. I’m getting excited. You have no idea how bad I want to move back here.”
* * *
AFTER SEVERAL DIAGNOSTIC tests and multiple visits to her doctor, and a neurologist, Eleanor and Rusty were back at the doctor’s office for the results. They had just returned from a week in Hawaii for their honeymoon.
“No matter what, we’re gonna be just fine,” Rusty assured his wife.
She nodded in agreement, but deep down she was scared.
Her doctor entered the room and didn’t waste any time with the diagnosis. “What we suspected has been confirmed...”
“I have early onset Alzheimer’s,” Eleanor stated as calmly as she could manage.
“Yes,” her doctor said. He then lapsed into the treatment plan.
Eleanor sat there listening and numb.
Holding her hand in his, Rusty did the talking. He asked questions; lots of them.
She sat there thinking about all the plans she had for her golden years; plans for the shop. Her condition was going to change everything. She now had to attend to practical matters such as putting a plan in place to protect her financial assets.
When they were back at the house, Eleanor said, “I want to keep this just between us for now. Trey is deploying soon and Leon—with the jobs they have, they have to stay focused.”
“Ladybug, you know your nephews are gonna want to know what’s going on with you. They’re gonna be mighty upset when they find out. This is not something we can keep to ourselves for too long. Besides, friends and family are some of the best medicine that any of us will have, in a journey such as this one.”
“I hear what you’re saying, Rusty, but I stand by what I said. It’s not the right time.” She paused a moment. “I’m going to turn my house over to Trey. He can decide if he wants to keep it or sell it. As for the shop, I’m thinking of talking to Misty about buying it. She told me when she began working for me that she wanted to own her own bakery one day. She has a great head for business and Lawd knows, the girl has a gift when it comes to baking. She’s a good cook period.”
“Are you sure you want to sell your shop? It’s been in your family for years.”
“Nobody in my family is interested in running it. Maybe if my brother had lived... Maggie loves her life in Raleigh.” Eleanor took Rusty’s hand in her own. “I know Misty will take care of the shop. I can see that she loves it as much as I do. Besides, she and Leon seem to be getting close. Perhaps it will stay in the family after all.”
She suddenly grew quiet. Eleanor put her hands to her face and groaned.
Rusty was instantly concerned. “What’s wrong, Ladybug?”
Placing her hands on her lap, she said, “I was about to do something, but I can’t remember what it was.”
“Close your eyes and quiet your mind. Think of someplace peaceful,” he suggested.
Eleanor did as he said. She thought about their time in Hawaii. It was like they were in their own little paradise. She and Rusty enjoyed the different fruit stands and boutiques.
A smile tugged at her lips as she thought about the tiny roadside shack on the side of one of the roads that sold the best banana bread—it even rivaled Misty’s delicious banana bread.
“I bet you’re thinking about Hawaii.”
Eleanor opened her eyes. “How did you know?”
“Because you had the same expression on your face just now that you had the whole time we were there.”
Smiling, she said, “Maybe we should go back.”
“We will,” Rusty said. “But right now, why don’t you lie down for a bit while I go pick up your medicine.”
“I think I will. I was going to check in on the shop, but it’s probably best if I don’t. I don’t quite feel like myself.”
While Rusty was gone, Eleanor sat in bed contemplating her situation. Although she hadn’t wanted to admit it before, she had begun to recognize changes in her own behavior, like her ability to manage multiple projects. There were a couple of instances when she found herself veering off course when she was supposed to be headed to a specific location.
Early onset Alzheimer’s.
Eleanor wondered how long it would take before the reality of her fate really sunk in. She had zero control and this feeling of helplessness scared her. Her doctor mentioned an Alzheimer’s Association chapter in Charleston. At this point, Eleanor wasn’t sure she’d reach out—the thought was overwhelming.
There is no known cure, so I might as well accept what I can’t change. I just worry about my family, especially Leon and Trey. Rusty...dear sweet Rusty. He was her rock. He had always been a man of strong faith, but she was afraid that this test would prove to be too much for even him.
Her eyes filled with tears. Maybe I shouldn’t have married him. It isn’t fair for Rusty to have to witness my decline. I know he loves me, but he deserves a wife who is healthy.
Eleanor knew what Rusty would say if he could hear her thoughts. They’d talked about this at length before the wedding. He assured her that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. She believed him—it was just a lot to ask of anybody. Yet, if it was the
other way around, she would never abandon Rusty.
She heard him enter the house and make his way up the stairs. A smile tugged at her lips.
Rusty made her feel safe and she was glad he was home.
“I thought you’d be sleeping.”
“I couldn’t,” Eleanor said. “I had a lot on my mind. This is just so much to take in and I have a lot to do before my condition gets worse.”
* * *
“DO YOU HAVE plans for this weekend?” Leon inquired. His gaze traveled over her face and searched her eyes. They had just gotten back to her place after seeing a movie.
“I’m going to a powwow in Charleston. Talei and I are competing.”
“Really?”
Misty nodded. “Yeah, it’s something I’ve done since I was five years old.”
“I’ve never been to one, but they seem to be pretty popular. Tell me... What exactly is a powwow?”
“It’s a traditional gathering. A time for nations to come together to share songs and dances,” Misty explained. “It’s fun, it’s sacred and it’s social. If you’re not busy, Talei and I would love to have you there.”
“I’ll be there.”
“Since this is your first time, there are some things you should know. If you’re asked to dance by an elder, do so. It’s considered rude and disrespectful if you don’t.”
“I’m sure I don’t know how to do any of the dances.”
Misty met his gaze. “How can you learn if you turn the elders down? Our dances are more of a ceremony and a prayer... Some dances are old, and some are brand-new.”
Leon grinned. “I guess you have a point.”
“When the master of ceremonies calls an intertribal dance, it’s expected that all visitors get out on the dance ring. The reason for this is that it’s not considered polite to just watch as others perform. It’s about honoring the circle.” She smiled. “You still interested in coming?”
“Yeah, I’m actually intrigued. I know John loved to dance,” Leon said. “I’m surprised he didn’t try to steal the show.”
“He never wanted to come,” Misty said. “Talei and I always went with my mother.”
“Oh.”
“He was never into learning anything about this part of my culture, but it was more because he knew Elroy would’ve pitched a fit. His dad was always quick to remind me that my father is Black. I guess he thought that outweighed my Native heritage.”
Leon frowned. “I don’t understand that.”
“I didn’t either.”
“We’ve been told that Polk’s grandmother was Seminole, but there’s nothing to back up the claim. Aunt Eleanor said Polk and Hoss wanted to make sure they documented our history going forward, so that we would at least know as much of it as possible. We can go all the way back to 1830.”
“That’s huge,” Misty said. “Some people can’t get past the 1900s.”
“Aunt Eleanor has some quilts with pictures showing the history of Polk Island. She keeps them under lock and key. The director of the cultural center here has asked to display them, but she refuses.”
“I’m sure she worries that they might end up damaged or, worse, stolen.”
“Probably. I’ve been thinking of turning the church into some type of museum—one run by the Rothchild family.”
“Leon, I think that’s a fabulous idea. You should do it.”
“I’ll have to talk to the rest of the family first. I think we need to be all in if we want this to work.”
Leon settled back against the couch cushions. “So, do you want to give me a preview of what I’m going to see at the powwow?”
“I think it’s best to just let you experience it firsthand. No preview.”
“Chicken,” Leon said with a chuckle.
Misty’s mouth dropped open in shock. “I can’t believe you just said that. No more lemon cupcakes for you. When you attend the powwow, you’ll understand why I’m not performing it for you right now.”
“Since I can’t get you to dance for me, can we just sit here and cuddle?”
She grinned. “Yes, yes and yes.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
MISTY AND OMA picked herbs from her mother’s indoor aero garden. She sniffed the basil. “I might have to try my hand at this, but I can’t deal with bugs.”
“You’re bigger than the bugs.”
“Doesn’t matter, Mama. They gross me out.”
“You’ve passed your fear on to your daughter,” Oma said. “The last time she was here, that poor child worked herself into a frenzy over a fly.”
Misty burst into laughter.
She carried the bowl of herbs to the sink to rinse them off. “Leon’s coming to Charleston for the powwow tomorrow.”
“Eon...” Talei said with a smile as she played with her two favorite bears.
Scanning her face, Oma asked, “I know you’ve been seeing quite a bit of Leon. Is this getting serious?”
Misty shrugged. “I don’t know. Both of us have been through a lot, so we’re just taking things slow. I want to really take time to get to know him. I’ve always rushed into my past relationships.”
“Are you interested in something more with him?”
“I enjoy his company, Mama. I’m good with the way things are between us. I don’t want any drama—I just want to have a good time.”
“I can tell you like him, though.”
Misty chuckled. “It’s true. I like Leon a lot.”
“One thing you have to learn to do is trust your heart and your gut instincts. There were red flags with the other guys you dated, but you ignored them.”
“You’re right,” Misty mumbled. “I wanted to believe in the good I saw in them, but I found out that it was mostly an act. Thankfully, there haven’t been any red flags with Leon. He seems pretty normal and well-adjusted. It’s such a relief, Mama.”
“Enjoy the journey.”
“But I have to remember that he’s not perfect. Leon has to have flaws. We all have them.”
“True. Just make sure you’re not waiting for something bad to happen. That’s no way to enjoy a relationship.”
“I’m very optimistic about dating Leon, Mama. But I’m also being realistic.”
Misty helped Oma prepare a light meal for the three of them, ate and then settled in her mother’s sewing room.
She watched her mother sew ribbons on the bottom of a blue skirt and said, “It’s beautiful.”
Misty fingered one of the ribbons that represented prayers. “Are you wearing that tomorrow?”
“Yes,” Oma responded. “Prayer is needed more than ever in this world.”
“Are you going to have some for sale?”
Her mother pointed to a stack of clothing on a nearby chair. “I’m also selling the other ones I made along with some of the fringe dresses.”
“Do you have any more of the quilts you made? I’d like to buy one for Miss Eleanor. She gave me one of hers—it’s so pretty. I’ll have to send you a picture of it.”
“Take the one with the indigo blue flowers. I think she’ll like that one.”
Misty opened her purse, but Oma stopped her by saying, “It’s a gift for your employer.”
She gave her mother a hug. “Wado, Mama.”
* * *
DRESSED IN NATIVE regalia in vibrant rich colors, Misty and Talei met Leon at the entrance of the grounds where the powwow took place. Talei’s hair was in two braids with ribbons entwined while Misty’s hair was pulled back into a bun with an eagle feather sticking up.
Leon picked up Talei. “Hello, pretty girl.”
“Oseeyo, Eon.” She pointed down to her moccasins. “Cute.”
“Yes, they are. I see they match your mom’s. You think they have some to fit my feet?”
“Yes.” Talei poin
ted toward the area where the vendors were set up.
Leon met Misty’s gaze and laughed. “She should get commission. You look beautiful, by the way.”
She smiled. “Thank you. My mother wore this dress when she used to perform the healing dance.”
“That sounds spiritual. Is that why you wouldn’t dance for me the other night?”
“Yeah,” she responded. “It’s a sacred dance.”
Leon glanced around the grounds. “This is amazing. I’m looking forward to this event. I especially can’t wait to see this little one out there dancing.”
Talei giggled.
“C’mon. I want to take you to see Mama. She wants to say hello.”
Oma was with a customer when they walked up.
While they waited for her to complete the sale, Leon and Misty strolled around the tent, looking at the clothing, blankets and quilts. “These are beautiful,” he told Oma when she joined them.
“Mama, this is Leon Rothchild.”
“It’s nice to finally meet you,” Oma stated.
He smiled. “Same here.”
The powwow began with a grand entry. Leon watched as all the dancers entered the circle led by the veterans and head dancers. He stood up along with everyone in attendance when the opening prayer was said.
When it was time for the intertribal dance, Oma took Leon by the hand and led him into the arena. Talei joined him and Oma as the music began.
“I have no clue what I’m doing,” he said in a low voice.
“Just walk with the beat,” Oma advised.
He studied the man in front of him and mimicked what he did. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Oma give a slight nod of approval.
When they left the arena, Leon said, “I probably looked crazy out there.”
“You did great,” Oma said. “I have to go back to my tent, but I’ll be back when Talei dances.”
He never knew that powwows were so sacred and spiritual. He’d just assumed they were nothing more than entertainment.
Leon felt a surge of fatherly pride as he watched Talei in the arena with the other children doing the candy dance. She looked like she was having a wonderful time. He had been so intent on watching her that he didn’t notice Oma sitting beside him.
Harlequin Heartwarming June 2021 Box Set Page 63