“Sugar, you have to work. I don’t need you running me around. I can drive myself.”
Her determination filled Leon with angst. He didn’t want to upset her, but there was no way he’d let her get behind the wheel of a car in her condition. However, he couldn’t tell her—she would be angry and devastated.
After the appointment, Eleanor asked, “Where are we going?”
“Home. We just left your doctor’s appointment,” he responded patiently.
“We did?” Eleanor appeared confused.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I just saw Dr. Allen. I think it was last month.”
“We saw Dr. Grady, Aunt Eleanor.”
“What did she say? Did she give me my license back? I don’t know why she took it in the first place.”
Rusty had prepared him that his aunt would have moments like this. Still, Leon found it heartbreaking to see her going through this.
“How about I make you some lunch?” Leon suggested when they arrived back at the house.
“Sure,” Eleanor responded.
He found some chili in the refrigerator and heated it up.
She ate only half of what was in the bowl.
“You’re not hungry?”
“It didn’t have a lot of flavor,” Eleanor responded.
“I’ve never been the cook that you are.” Leon didn’t have the heart to tell her that she’d made it. She was right, of course. It wasn’t the same recipe she often used in the past—it was missing something.
“Sugar, I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to hurt your feelings.”
“You didn’t, Auntie.”
“Where’s Rusty? I thought he’d be home by now.”
“He should be here soon,” Leon said. “I’m gonna hang around until he gets here to keep you company.”
“Great,” Eleanor murmured. “Sometimes I don’t like being here alone.”
She finished off her water, then asked, “How are things going with Misty?”
“Fine,” Leon responded. “We’re in a good place.”
“You two make such a lovely couple. It’s good to see you smile again. Misty is perfect for you, but then you know this already. She’s been through so much in her lifetime. She’s a survivor...that one.”
* * *
THE NEXT DAY after Rusty left for work, Eleanor began to have dark, negative thoughts. She had no idea why. She checked the locks on the doors and the windows. She was safe.
Her emotions ranged from feeling depressed, angry, even crying. Oftentimes music lifted her spirits. Eleanor didn’t venture to the café as much now because she wasn’t able to drive, and she didn’t want to burden anyone with chauffeuring her around.
She spent the rest of her afternoon figuring out word games in a puzzle magazine Leon purchased for her. When she grew bored with that, she attempted to read a book but lost the narrative after a few pages.
Eleanor picked up her phone and tapped on a number.
“Ladybug, I was just about to call you. I was going to pick up lunch from the café. You know how much I love Josh’s brisket sandwich.”
“That’s fine,” she responded. “Just get me whatever you’re having.”
“Did you need something?”
“No, I was just checking to see when you’d be home. I miss you.”
“I’ll be there shortly.”
“Tell Josh to make sure he checks behind Silas. I don’t want any of my customers ever complaining about dirty silverware.”
“I’ll let him know.”
“Ladybug, you sold the shop to Misty, remember?”
“Oh, yeah. That’s right.”
When she hung up, Eleanor burst into tears.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
OMA WAS VISITING for the weekend.
“I’m so glad you’re here, Mama.”
“Misty, how are you doing really? I know how much you internalize things.”
“I’m fine,” she responded. “Moving here was a good choice for me. This is probably the first time in a long while that I’ve felt safe and at peace.”
“How do you feel about John’s death now?”
“I hate that he’s not here, Mama. This isn’t the way I wanted Talei to grow up, without her father. I just hoped he’d get it together.” She paused a moment, then said, “There’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you.”
“Go ahead. You know you can ask me anything.”
“Mama, did daddy ever hit you during your marriage?”
“No. Your father always had a temper and sometimes he was verbally abusive, but he never laid a hand on me.”
“I promised myself that I would never marry someone like him. I was so sure I knew the man I’d fallen in love with. John was such a sweetheart when we dated. Like Daddy, he had a bit of a temper, but he seemed to manage it well until we got married.” Misty shook her head. “I was such a fool.”
“John’s father was a trigger for him. Y’all were fine until that man started interfering in your marriage.”
“He never thought I was good enough for his son.”
“He was wrong,” Oma uttered. “You were too good for John Hayes.”
“I dread the thought of having to deal with his parents, although his mother has been pretty nice since John’s death.”
“She doesn’t want you to keep her grandchild away. You see John’s sister doesn’t have anything to do with them.”
“Sherry didn’t come to the funeral, but she did call me. She refuses to have her children anywhere near her father.”
“He’s nothing but a bully.”
“I don’t mind Talei spending time with her grandmother, but Elroy... I’m not so comfortable with him.”
Later when Misty climbed into bed, she retrieved her journal from the nightstand and began to write.
Everybody keeps asking me how I’m dealing with John’s death. I tell them I’m fine, but is that really the truth?
I haven’t told anyone, but I feel like John’s death is on me. It’s my fault that he felt desperate enough to kidnap Talei. If I hadn’t pushed for supervised visitation, he would probably still be alive.
When Talei asks about her daddy, there are days it’s hard for me to look her in the face.
She misses him so much. How can I ever make this up to her?
How can I ever forgive myself for John’s death?
I can’t talk about this to anyone because they just won’t understand. I didn’t want anything bad to happen to John. I didn’t want to fight with him over custody. I wanted our marriage to work, but I couldn’t live with the man he had become. All I wanted was for John to get the help he needed so he could be a good father to Talei.
Elroy blames me for John’s death. I refuse to give him the satisfaction of knowing that I blame myself, as well. I will never get the chance to tell you this, so I’ll write it here:
John, I’m so sorry. I didn’t want to hurt you, but I couldn’t live with you hurting me. I feared that you would one day hurt our daughter. If you hadn’t threatened to take Talei from me...if you hadn’t threatened my life... We wouldn’t have been in this space. You made me afraid of you. I’m tired of being afraid. I don’t want to be a victim anymore. I want to live in peace and without drama.
I hope that you have finally found the peace that escaped you in life, John. I’m so sorry for everything. I promise Talei will never forget you. Leon has stepped up to be her godfather. I can clearly see why you chose him. He’s good to us.
* * *
THE NEXT MORNING, Eleanor woke up early. It took a minute or so to recognize her surroundings. She eased out of bed and went to the bathroom. She heard the lawn mower and stole a peek outside.
She watched Rusty as he mowed the grass, a smile on her lips.
Fifteen mi
nutes later, she strolled into the kitchen to prepare breakfast. She hit a wrinkle in her preparations because Eleanor was unsure of whether she’d already put in the right amount of baking soda. She was making Belgian waffles for Rusty with fresh berries and a homemade strawberry glaze.
“Why can’t I remember something so simple?” Eleanor whispered. The feeling of frustration left a lingering effect.
“Good morning, Ladybug.”
She pasted on a smile. “Rusty... What time did you wake up?”
“I got up around five thirty. I wanted to get that grass cut before it got real hot out there.”
“For all your hard work, I was going to make you some Belgian waffles, but I’m having trouble remembering all the ingredients.” Tears filled her eyes. “Rusty, I hate being this way.”
He embraced her. “Honey, it’s gonna be okay. The meds they’re giving you will help slow down the progression. As for breakfast, I can help you with that.”
“But you shouldn’t have to, Rusty. I’m your wife. I’m not helpless,” Eleanor stated. “I’ve made Belgian waffles for as long as I can remember.”
“The truth is that I’ve always wanted to learn how to make them.” Rusty placed his arms around her, whispering, “You know I love cooking with you.”
“I don’t know if I put in all the right ingredients,” Eleanor said.
“It’s fine. We can start over,” Rusty responded. He pulled out his phone. “I’ll find a recipe that’s close to yours and we’ll use that one. If it’s not right, you can change it.” He kissed her cheek. “Now stop crying, Ladybug. We got this.”
“I’m very lucky to have you in my life. I’ve always known that. I want to go to the café today,” Eleanor announced. “I feel like I need to stay busy today.”
“If you’re sure you’re up to it,” Rusty responded. “Don’t forget to take your medicine.”
“I better get it now.” She rose to her feet and left the dining room.
Eleanor returned a few minutes later with medication in hand. “If I don’t take it now, I’ll forget.” She paused to look at him. “Rusty, I’m scared.”
“I know, Ladybug. Just remember that you’re not alone. You have me.”
* * *
LEON WATCHED MISTY as she held the ball straight, her arms fully extended. Her right hand supported the ball underneath. She looked as if she knew what she was doing. He, on the other hand, hadn’t played in a while but used to be on the bowling team with some of his coworkers.
Aware that his gaze had traveled from the back of her head downward to the curve of her hips, Leon forced his attention back to the game.
Misty released the ball, rolling a perfect strike. “Yes. Let’s see if you can match that.”
It was his turn.
His ball left three pins standing. “I guess not.”
“It’s okay, Leon,” Misty murmured. “You can knock them down.”
“I appreciate the encouragement.”
She kissed him on the cheek. “I heard you were on a bowling team.”
“Aunt Eleanor talks too much.”
Misty chuckled.
Leon placed the bowling ball on the rack before drawing Misty into an embrace. He pressed his lips against hers, and then gently covered her mouth. Leon kissed the top of her nose, then her eyes, and finally, he returned his attention to her lips.
After they left the bowling alley, they went to Misty’s condo.
She quickly prepared a simple fare of shrimp alfredo over pasta, a garden salad and garlic bread.
Misty watched him as he took a bite. “How is it?”
“Delicious,” Leon responded.
She felt a warm glow go through her, prompting her to take several sips of her iced tea. Misty couldn’t keep from peering at him throughout dinner. She’d never felt this way about any other man.
Swallowing hard, she forced those thoughts out of her mind.
Misty breathed a sigh of relief when Brittany brought Talei home.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
ELEANOR WALKED OVER to the French doors leading to the patio and stared out. Rusty was at the grill making burgers and chicken. “Leon just arrived with Misty and Talei.”
She was looking forward to spending the day with family and friends. It was something Eleanor hadn’t done in a while. Before her symptoms appeared, she would often have gatherings on Sunday afternoons.
She gave the patio one last glance, then joined Leon in the kitchen. He was putting a bowl of potato salad in the refrigerator.
“Don’t worry, Misty made it.”
Eleanor chuckled. “Thank the Lawd...”
“Is there anything I can do to help?” Misty inquired.
“Rusty will probably need more burgers.”
“I’ll make them,” Misty said. She quickly washed her hands, then reached into the bowl containing ground beef. She and Leon made small talk while forming the meat into patties.
“Thanks for having us over, Auntie.”
“I’m so glad y’all could come,” Eleanor said.
Talei skipped into the kitchen. “I want juice.”
Misty smiled at her daughter. “Is that how you’re supposed to ask?”
“May I have juice?”
“That’s better.”
Eleanor picked up a paper cup. “I have some apple juice, Talei.”
“Wado, Miss Ellie.”
Rusty’s nephew and his family were the next to arrive.
Eleanor felt blissfully happy in this moment. She felt like herself before the memory loss. Before the diagnosis.
Rusty entered through the patio doors. He gave her a huge smile. “You look like you’re having a good time.”
“I am,” she responded. “There’s no confusion. I feel fine, Rusty. Maybe the medication is working.” Eleanor gloried in this shared moment. “This is a perfect day.”
* * *
LEON HADN’T HAD this much fun in a long time.
He played a couple of rounds of basketball with the guys while Misty and the other women sat around the pool chatting.
Eleanor strolled outside carrying a plate stacked with corn on the cob. She handed it to her husband.
Leon glanced around the yard, looking for Talei. He found her with the other kids kicking around a ball.
His heart sang with delight at the sound of her laughter.
Thirty minutes later, the game ended and the men, with T-shirts drenched in perspiration, dispersed.
“I’m going to take a quick shower,” Leon told Misty. “I’ll be back in a few.”
When he returned, he found her and Talei seated at one of the picnic tables eating.
“We couldn’t wait for you,” Misty said. “Sorry.”
“That’s fine.”
Leon fixed a plate, then walked over to join Misty and Talei. “I think my basketball days are over. My body feels like it’s on fire.”
“Did you stretch beforehand?”
“I did,” Leon said. “I don’t think it helped.”
“I want chicken, Eon.” She pointed to the drumstick on his plate.
He stuck his fork into the meat and put it on hers.
“Wado.”
“This is such a beautiful day,” Misty said. “We’d better enjoy it while we can before the weather starts to change.”
Leon took a sip of his iced tea. “The fall weather is usually pretty mild.”
He embraced her. “I don’t care where we are as long as we’re together.”
Rusty found two decks of cards, prompting a discussion of who was good when it came to playing spades.
“You don’t want none of this over here,” Leon said with a grin. “Misty and I play well together. We don’t lose.”
“That’s because you haven’t played me and Sar
ah,” Luke countered.
Rusty laughed. “Nephew, I don’t know. When was the last time you played?”
“It doesn’t matter,” Misty said. “We got this.”
Leon’s features became more animated. “Yeah, I’m definitely the right man for this woman.”
* * *
THE FOLLOWING WEEKEND, they decided to dine at a local Italian restaurant. Afterward, they were going to the park for the last outdoor concert of the year.
“I really like this side of you,” Misty commented as she scanned her menu. She took a sip of her iced water.
He laughed. “I take it that you thought I was pretty boring.”
“Not really,” she replied. “No, I didn’t think that. I felt like you were still grieving.”
“Do you still feel that way?”
She met his gaze. “I feel like you’re at the stage where you’ve accepted your wife’s and child’s deaths.”
“I have,” Leon confirmed. “They’re gone, but it isn’t the end of the world. When they died, it sure felt like it. I’m at the point where I know it’s okay to move on with my life.”
He picked up his menu and looked it over. “I think I’m having the chicken Marsala,” he said. “Do you know what you want?”
“I’m in the mood for the shrimp scampi.”
They gave the waiter their orders when he returned to the table.
“Misty, you don’t have to worry about me. I did right by Vera and our child. I feel good about moving on with you.”
“That’s very sweet of you to say,” Misty stated with a tender smile. “I was a little afraid of getting involved with someone else. I was concerned how Talei would be affected if things didn’t work out for us.”
“I will always be her godfather, Misty. However, I intend to make sure on my end that we work.”
The waiter returned with their food on a tray.
Leon blessed the food.
Misty sampled her food. “This is delicious. I love it when I can taste the garlic and other spices in the scampi sauce.”
“Mine is really good,” he responded. “I love chicken Marsala.”
She smiled. “Is that a hint?”
“Yes, it is,” Leon answered. “This is like my favorite meal of all time.”
Harlequin Heartwarming June 2021 Box Set Page 66