* * *
Annamarie woke at eight to the smell of coffee. She hurried downstairs to find her mom and Carl trying to keep quiet while they ate breakfast.
“You two don’t have to whisper, I have been sleeping wonderfully lately.”
“Corn flakes or bran flakes?” Carl asked.
From the look on her face, he knew Annamarie still hated bran flakes. “Corn flakes it is for the squirt.”
She glared at him and then smiled. Mom was right. He would always call her “squirt.”
Enjoying her corn flakes, she asked Carl, “What are your plans for the day?”
“Not sure; we’ll play it by ear and see what we can find to do. There are so many places I want to see again now that I’m home.”
“Timmus Woods hasn’t changed at all since you’ve been gone, but Oaklin has changed a lot. They built a huge new hotel, a ton of new shops and restaurants, and finally added enough parking. I love it there, but I would only want to live here.”
“I’m not sure how to put this, but does living here with both good and bad memories bother you?”
Annamarie appeared lost in thought for a moment, and then answered, “I was worried about that, too, but there are more good memories than bad. All the terrible things happened in a little over a two-week period, starting with Ben, Grandpa, Garret, and then Daniel. Sure, Maureen caused a lot of trouble, but she always will, I think. This is where my family lives. I think the good definitely outweighs the bad. I want to stay here.”
“I’m glad you’ll be happy or at least try. We all want happiness for you, squirt.”
She hugged her brother and said, “I have to get ready. Mom and I are meeting the contractor at ten.”
“I have to pick up Bonnie. I’ll see you later.”
Paula stood in the kitchen, watching both of her children take off, leaving her with a pile of dishes on the table and sink.
She mumbled, “I’m going to ask Don how hard it would be to add a dishwasher. Can’t be harder than the washer, and I’ll have him do it while Theo’s at work.” She hummed to herself, thinking about not having to do all the dishes. By the time she finished cleaning the kitchen, Annamarie was ready to leave to meet the contractor. Paula drove and they pulled into the drive shortly before the contractor arrived.
He was a pleasant man named Greg who measured, and measured again, in the kitchen and wrote down numbers. He did the same in the laundry room.
“Mrs. Logan, some of the pipes are fairly new, but some need to be replaced before you add your new washer and dryer plus the dishwasher. We can replace them for you. Also, I have measured your kitchen area for cabinets. You can go into a cabinet showroom and see what kind of cabinets you prefer.”
“That sounds great. When can you start?”
“Today is Monday. Does Wednesday morning, eight o’clock work for you?”
“It sure does. Oh, one more thing. Could you measure my open staircase to see if we can get a mattress and box spring this size up the stairs?” She handed him the measurements.
“Yup, I don’t see a problem. My guys will be here working Wednesday and Thursday. Have it delivered then, and if the delivery guys have a problem, we’ll give them a hand.”
“Thanks so much. I’ll see you Wednesday.”
Greg left and Annamarie was so excited. All her plans were working out. She looked at her mom and said, “Don’t you love this house?”
“Yes, I do.” Her daughter’s excitement was contagious.
“Mom, let’s be ladies of leisure today. I’ll treat you to lunch at Ray’s.”
* * *
Paula pulled into Ray’s parking lot and saw Mr. Hanson’s truck. Annamarie hadn’t seen him since the funeral and she would be able to ask him how things were at the office.
Paula and Annamarie walked into Ray’s, hoping to have a quiet lunch. Greta saw her and said, “Annamarie, dear, how are you? I miss seeing you.” She walked over and hugged Annamarie. All of Ray’s immediately knew she was there.
Mr. Hanson saw them, hurried over, and said, “Not sure if bosses are supposed to hug their employees, but what the heck. I’m so glad to see you up and well.” He gave her a quick hug.
“I’m fine, Mr. Hanson, I’m trying to gain my strength back and deal with things.”
“I understand, we’re still grieving, too. Take your time and when you’re ready, call me, and you can come back to work. The job will always be yours.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Tim, the plant manager, walked up next to Mr. Hanson, looked at Annamarie, and said, “We all miss you at work, Annamarie. When you come back, we’ll all help you any way we can.”
“Thanks, Tim.” Annamarie smiled.
Annamarie sat down with her mom and began to look at the menu. Tim and Mr. Hanson left.
Paula asked Annamarie, “Does Tim always look at you that way? He watched every move you made. I’m not sure I like that.”
“I think Tim is harmless. He’s always nice to me at work. Before I became engaged to Daniel, he did ask me out a couple of times, but I found reasons not to go. He’s a nice guy, but a little older and not my type. I try to be nice to him. Remember, he helped save my life.”
Greta came to take their order, and then quickly disappeared toward the kitchen.
Paula frowned at Annamarie when she ordered a chili cheeseburger and fries plus a chocolate shake.
“Mom, I need to break the rules once in a while or I’ll go crazy. I’m still a teen; do I have to be grownup all the time?”
“No.” Paula smiled at her. “Not all the time, but tonight at supper, you eat healthy.”
“I promise.”
Annamarie smiled at her mom as Greta placed her grilled cheese sandwich and onion rings in front of Paula. “So it’s okay for you to eat this way?”
“I’m not pregnant.”
“Shhh, someone will hear you. I don’t want to tell the town yet. Anyway, aren’t you supposed to eat healthy because you’re old?”
“I’m not that old,” Paula said as she bit into an onion ring.
They both chucked and enjoyed their lunch. They had things to do at home. They paid the check and headed home. Paula was ready to do laundry. Annamarie had to find out when they could deliver a mattress and box spring. She had an empty room upstairs they could keep it in until she had the redecorating done. Both ladies were happy.
* * *
Annamarie was watching TV when Carl and Bonnie arrived at the house.
“You guys are back early,” Annamarie said.
“There was a problem with my ring so we had to change it,” Bonnie answered.
“Oh, no, what was wrong? Could they fix it?”
“Yeah, they did. There was a part missing.”
“Missing? What was missing?”
“This part.” Bonnie showed her the gold band next to her engagement ring.
Annamarie screamed, “Married! You guys got married! I’m so happy, but you got married without me.”
“We didn’t have a lot of time for plans, squirt. We’re going to spend a few days at the new hotel in Oaklin.”
“You’ll love it. I did. I need to know when you’ll be back because I’m giving you a reception and don’t argue. It’s summer. We can do it inside and out and I won’t invite too many people. Oh gosh, what did your dad say?”
“He’s still at work and doesn’t know. We’re telling him next. We’ll be back Sunday morning.”
“I’ll have your reception planned for Sunday afternoon. Only family and close friends, I promise.”
“You better promise.”
“I was supposed to be your maid of honor like you were mine, so I get to do the party, okay?”
“Okay.” Both girls hugged each other tight. Carl glanced at his mom and her cheeks were covered with tears. He hugged her and when she said they should have had a big wedding, he said they couldn’t do it to Annamarie so soon after Daniel.
“Married, and Carl will be so f
ar away.”
Bonnie answered, “No, that’s what took me so long at school. I was transferring to a nursing school in San Diego. By the time his tour is up, I’ll be graduating and we’ll be home.”
“Now I’m definitely visiting San Diego. Am I going to have to have my baby baptized there since neither of you will be here?”
“We have a nice chapel on base, squirt. We’ll work it out.”
Annamarie hugged them both and they headed out the door to tell Bonnie’s Dad. Bonnie turned around before she left, looked at Annamarie, and said, “Don’t call Deb. We’re going to see her after we tell Dad.”
“Okay, but hurry and tell her to call me when you leave. I have to talk to her.”
* * *
“Mom, this is wonderful. I’ll miss them both, but Carl won’t be alone. I’m throwing them a wonderful party. Wait until Deb calls, we’ll make a lot of plans.”
Paula, a bit concerned about Annamarie getting too excited, told her, “I don’t want you to tire yourself out with this party. A nice, small family lunch in the backyard will be wonderful. Your brother and Bonnie know you are grieving and don’t expect a lot.”
“It’ll be fine,” Annamarie said as she headed for the phone. After her call, she returned to the kitchen to speak with Paula. “I told you it would be all right, Mom. I spoke to the contractor and he’ll be done by Thursday afternoon. Their work will not interfere with any weekend plans. I’m going to hire a caterer after Deb and I get the guest list figured out.”
“Dear, I know you love Carl and Bonnie, but this is too much to spend. We can do a small party here.”
“Mom, sit down with me, please. When Daniel was alive, you and Dad never worried about my finances. I think you assumed Daniel would take care of things and I never went into detail about Grandpa’s will. The house is being taken care of through a trust. Taxes, upkeep inside and outside, even Elaine’s wages are paid for through the trust. I don’t pay for anything, except personal things.”
“Okay, but you aren’t working and the rest of this will be expensive. I know you showed me a savings account, but if you keep paying for things, you will use it all.”
“There is something else. Grandpa had a lot of financial dealings. Some are keeping the trust going and some were liquidated.”
“Okay, what does that have to do with money for the party?”
Not wanting anyone to know about the bearer bonds in case Maureen’s attitude changed, Annamarie continued, “Mr. Townsend took care of the liquidation and sometime this week I’ll be receiving a check for $230,000. I can throw this party for Bonnie and Carl.”
“$230,000, are you sure?”
“Yes, I signed the papers. We’re waiting for the check. I was going to wait until I received it to tell you. You can tell Dad, but I’m still keeping the facts from Maureen, no matter how much she says she’s changed.”
Her mom, in a slight state of shock over the amount of money her daughter had inherited, nodded and asked, “Do you know what you’re going to do with all the money?”
“I’m keeping some for the restoration of the bedroom and kitchen in the Logan house and the rest I’m not sure. Mr. Townsend has a financial advisor I can speak to and see what is best to do with the money to be sure it grows over time. I’m sure I’ll put some in trust for the baby, but other than that, I’m not exactly sure. Also, Daniel had a life insurance policy. It’s somewhere in Grandpa’s desk. I’m the beneficiary. When I find it, Dad can help me figure out what to do. Please don’t worry.”
“I won’t now.”
Their conversation was broken by the ringing of the phone. It was Deb. She and Annamarie began making plans instantly. They both had ideas for the guest list and would have to call Bonnie’s dad, and then Annamarie would call the caterer. Deb said she would be in charge of decorations. Deb always loved decorating for parties. They both agreed the Logan house would be ideal. If the weather turned bad, they could open the main house and the north wing.
Paula smiled, wondering if Bonnie and Carl had any idea what they were coming home to.
* * *
Annamarie and Deb were able to settle on one thing: the day and time would be Sunday at 2 p.m.
Annamarie said, “Carl and Bonnie will be home Sunday morning. A luncheon and reception at 2 p.m. will be perfect.”
Deb said, “Once I know how many tables we need, I can work on centerpieces and colors.”
“Bonnie’s favorite color is lavender and Carl’s is blue. I know if they had a big wedding, we would be wearing lavender dresses so we should decorate in blue and lavender. It’ll be lovely.”
“I could use light blue ribbon and lilacs. They aren’t in season now, so I would have to use artificial ones, but they would still be pretty.”
“Sounds wonderful, but you could call the florist to see if they can order some from a greenhouse. They might be a bit expensive, but Grandpa Logan left me a nice-sized inheritance and I can pay for them. Together we’ll make it magical.”
“We have our list of friends to invite. I’ll call Bonnie’s dad and then we’ll know how many people are invited,” Deb offered.
“It’s too late to have invitations printed, so we’re going to have to split the list and call everyone.”
“Doesn’t sound like a problem? We have about fifty people and most are couples. It shouldn’t take us too long.”
“Mom will like it, me sitting and talking on the phone. She looks at me as if I’m going to break.”
“Humor her; she loves you.”
“I know. Call me back when you have a number from Bonnie’s dad.”
“Okay. Bye.”
“Bye.”
Daniel watched from the other side of the mirror, making plans of his own. He hated that she seemed happy. She wouldn’t be for long.
* * *
Paula walked into the living room to find Annamarie humming and thumbing through the yellow pages.
“Hmm, sounds perfect,” she murmured as she reached for the phone.
“Wait,” said Paula.
“Yes, Mom.”
“What are you doing now?”
“Deb and I have a list of Bonnie and Carl’s friends. Our list is around fifty.”
“Fifty people?”
“Sure, everyone loves Carl and Bonnie, plus Deb is calling Bonnie’s dad and asking about relatives. Either way, it’ll won’t be many more. Bonnie always said they didn’t have many relatives. Oh, do you and Dad have anyone you want to invite?”
“I can think of a few people.”
“Good, I found a four-star caterer who specializes in small to medium-sized groups. They prefer 150 or under. They advertise their specialty is casual-elegant. Perfect for garden receptions, don’t you think?”
Paula nodded her head, but was still concerned about what Carl and Bonnie would think. “I’ll make a list, dear. You may have some people on the list already.”
Annamarie called the caterer and spoke for several minutes. They were available for Sunday. Annamarie liked what she heard and made an appointment for the following morning. She called Deb to be sure she could go and Deb agreed. Looking up, she saw her mom staring at her.
“Wanna go too, Mom? After all, it’s your son who got married.”
“I was wondering when you’d realize that.”
“The caterer told me she can connect me with someone who rents tables, chairs, and all the dishes, glassware and silverware we will need plus other things like punch bowls or specialty items. This is going to be a blast, Mom.” Annamarie’s face twisted in thought, and she said, “Oh, Mom, we both need nice dresses, new dresses. I can still fit into normal clothes and I’m going to buy something fancy and pretty. Oh, dear, is it too soon after Daniel?”
Tears ran down her cheeks as she looked at her mom for some type of assurance she wasn’t doing something in poor taste.
“No, dear, if the dress is in good taste and not a wild-colored tie-dyed dress, I think people will know you are d
ressed properly for a reception.”
Annamarie hugged her mom and went to find the white pages to look up the phone numbers of the people on her list.
* * *
Annamarie was standing in the dark. She could tell she was in the pines from the scent surrounding her, but not a bit of moonlight shown on her to guide her when she began to walk along a path. She hoped it was a path, she was afraid she would fall. A hand grabbed her arm. She screamed and tried to pull away. “Let go,” she cried. She heard Daniel laugh. “Daniel?” she whispered. His laugh was louder and she thought she heard his voice, “You’ll pay. I’m coming for you.” The light from the campfire was so bright it chased all the shadows into their hiding places. Magdalena’s voice was firm. “Stop, you must never speak to her again. You will never touch her. I have warned you. If you do not listen I will make sure you are gone from here forever.” Daniel seemed to shrink before her eyes and disappear from view. Magdalena touched her cheek and said, “Have no fear, he will never hurt you. If this happens again, I will banish him.”
Annamarie woke from her nap feeling fear for the first time since Daniel died. A sense of foreboding surrounded her. She couldn’t shake it. She remembered every detail of the dream. She had no idea why Daniel said she’d pay. Pay for what. She thought he was still confused the way he was during his life. Magdalena protected her again and always would, but why would she need protection from Daniel?
Could he be a spirit or was it a dream? She wondered if spirits could be emotionally ill the way they were in life. She had no one she could ask. If she did, they would think she was crazy. She knew Daniel would be banished if he bothered her again. It was all she needed to ignore her memory of him. Calm encircled her and she forgot the dream completely.
* * *
Deb and Annamarie compared notes and realized when they counted relatives and friends they had a list of sixty-three people plus Annamarie, her parents, Carl, Bonnie, Bonnie’s dad, and Deb and Steve and their folks. It was a total of seventy-five people.
They giggled at the amount of people coming and Annamarie said, “Mom is going to tell us we’re crazy.”
Annamarie and Magdalena (Gypsy Spirits Book 2) Page 12