AS MY WIFE

by Groovy Lee

  “I would love it,” she replied.

  As they continued their drive through the city, Gracie caught glimpses of the old Montreal contrasting with the new: The North American skyline of glass buildings rising above town houses of a bygone era with their extended gingerbread roofs in soft pastel and dark blues, and balconies railed with wrought iron on their narrow streets. Indigo continued to point out important landmarks for her, like the historic Place Jacques-Cartier where huge, colorful canvases sheltered the sidewalk cafes on the sloping street. He mentioned that some of Montreal’s best restaurants and craft shops were lined on that street. He took an exit off the interstate and the big city soon gave way to the outlying country of gentle, rolling hills with their thick, coniferous forests, reminding Gracie of her home in Tennessee.

  “The countryside is so breathtaking,” she said, admiring the sparkling lakes and rivers they past.

  “If you like this, just wait until you get to Eden’s Cove. You’ll see how it got its name. If you’re looking for peace and relaxation, it’s the place to go. There’s only one hotel and a couple of restaurants. Mostly people just go there to relax in the parks and fish in the many lakes.”

  “How long have you spent your summers there?”

  “Ever since I had the house built four years ago. I came here once on a business trip, liked what I saw, and decided to call it my second home. My family and I try to make it a point to spend our summers together.”

  “What’s your sister’s name again?”

  “Shara. She, and her husband John, live in Washington D.C. with their two year old daughter and another baby on the way, which she vows is her last one. Of course, she said the same thing about Nikki,” he laughed.

  His softened features were a welcomed sign to her. It seems that being home has lifted some of the stress that’s been lingering between them for the last two days. She glanced down at the attractive hand guiding the vehicle along the highway to the ring signifying their union; A reminder that it was only the beginning and a stress free summer is only a thought in her fraught mind.

  “You’ll like her,” he continued. “John has a unique job, he’s an exotic tracker.” He waited for that look of puzzlement he knew was coming to appear on her face. “Yeah. He studies exotic animals. He’s in Africa right now tracking a pride of Lions made up of two brothers and a harem.”

  “Wow, that sounds exciting.”

  “Exciting and dangerous. He’ll join us later.” Their long journey came to a temporary halt. “This won’t take long,” he indicated to the timeworn ferry boat just ahead where cars were slowly moving onto it to get a lift to the opposite shore across an inlet of the ocean. He carefully maneuvered onto it and parked alongside the others. When the attendant hooked the chain at the back, the wooden vessel chugged slowly away. Indigo invited her from the Lincoln’s interior to stretch her legs on the small deck. She lifted her arms above her in an effort to ease the cramping from her tired body, the tangy, salt air filled her nostrils. Indigo, having discarded his jacket, leaned on the rails beside her as they looked out over the gray water and the approaching island ahead of them.

  “When did your mother arrive here?” she asked as she continued to study her new surroundings.

  He straightened up from the rails to stretch his back. “She should have arrived two days ago with her private nurse.”

  “I see.” It was then the thought struck her. She was hesitant about asking, but it couldn’t be avoided. “Mr.—I mean, Indigo.” He waited patiently while she took her time to find the right words. “How are you going to explain our sleeping arrangements to your family? Won’t they notice we’ll be in different rooms?”

  He glanced at the spruce-clad hills briefly before answering. “The master bedroom and guest room are in the south wing of the house. The rooms where my mother and sister will be staying are in the north wing. The house is rather huge so they won’t notice which doors we come in and out of.” One eyebrow lifted sharply accompanied by a mocking smile.” Is that what you wanted to hear? Does that put your mind at ease?”

  She met his gaze, feigning innocence. “I don’t know what you mean,” she shrugged.

  “Really? You mean your question didn’t have a twofold meaning to it?”

  “Like what?”

  “Like since we’re be under my mother and sister’s close scrutiny, I’ll turn the tables and insist you share my bed so they won’t be so curious and catch on.”

  Thank goodness for the breeze blowing off the gulf to cool that hot rush burning through her. (Share his bed) How could he think that? The question was innocent enough. She just shot him a curt smile and shrugged.

  “In case you’re thinking I have some ulterior motive, Gracie, you needn’t worry. I’ll stick to my agreement—and I expect you to stick to yours.”

  He’d made himself clear enough to her. She put an end to that topic by pretending interest in the few older fishermen standing to the other side of him with their fishing poles and tackles all ready for a day on the island.

  A short time later, it was time to get back to the vehicle. Indigo guided the Navigator onto dry land and once more their ride continued. Thick forests of trees lined each side of the two-lane highway; Their branches reaching out to interlock with their fellow natives across the pavement from them, partially blocking the sunlight with a leafy tunnel. Gracie had to agree with his earlier description of this being a paradise. As they drove along, he phoned his mother to let her know they were not too far away. Five minutes later, he turned off the highway onto a dirt road.

  “We’re almost there,” his voice held a happy ring to it.

  The road curved gently, a right, a left, then straight for a few minutes until they turned the bend to where their journey finally ended. As he pulled into the driveway, her eyes latched onto the huge, single-leveled, stone house sprawled across a smooth, green lawn that separated it from the thick forest around it; A hint of the Gulf of St. Lawrence could be seen in the distance behind.

  “It’s beautiful,” she turned to Indigo who wore a prideful smile. “It’s really beautiful.”

  “Then it meets with your approval?”

  “It’s even more fascinating than you described.”

  “Now, you see why we spend our summers here.”

  He pulled all the way up in the driveway and switched off the engine. Gracie opened her door and hopped down, all the while studying the rich green surroundings that would be her home for part of the summer. Just then the front door opened and an older woman with a blue band holding back her dark curls came out onto the spacious porch.

  “Indigo!” she called, her arms outstretched as she came down the steps.

  He went and greeted his mother while Gracie looked on. As she approached them with care, she couldn’t help noticing how much younger she had imagined her to be; Her countenance was more of an able-bodied person who possessed a strong-willed mind. She certainly didn’t look the part of someone who had just suffered from exhaustion. After Indigo and his mother hugged and exchanged words of endearment, the brown, welcoming eyes so like her son’s turned to her.

  “You must be Gracie,” she said, grabbing both of her hands and holding onto them is a firm grasp.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Farrell,” was her demure reply.

  Mrs. Farrell let out a jolly laugh. “Dear child,” she beamed. “We have the same name now. So, please, call me Ella.”

  “Thank-you—Ella.” Gracie knew in an instant she had made a new friend; One she will grow to be very fond of.

  “Come, Indigo. I’m sure Gracie wants to get settled.” Ella ushered them up the steps and into the house.

  The interior proved to be just as enchanting as the outside. The front door opened to an enormous room with triple purposes: A den area with twin chocolate-colored, cushy sofas sat to the right flanking an off-white sculptured fireplace; A dining room table with its six accompanying chairs, dominated the center in the back, and beyond it w
ere sliding glass doors leading outside. Gracie could just catch a glimpse of a quartz countertop leading into the kitchen. Dusk peeked through the skyline overhead and showered the room with a lovely brilliance. Mrs. Farrell’s private nurse appeared out of the hallway from the right side of the house behind the sofa.

  “Rose Pritchard, this is my son, Indigo, and his new wife, Gracie,” Ella glowed with delight.

  “Ah,” Mrs. Pritchard smiled. “Congratulations.” She then informed Mrs. Farrell in her deep, British accent that it was time for her to take her medicine.

  Ella grumbled, said she would join them shortly, then followed her nurse back down the hall.

  “Our rooms are this way,” Indigo pointed to his left and led the way. When they were part-way down the hallway, he stopped in front of the first door. “That’s my room,” he indicated further down where the end of the hallway met with closed double doors. “Your room is here,” he swung the door they were standing in front of open and waited for her to enter. “I‘ll go and get our luggage,” he said and retraced his steps.

  Gracie eyed the cool colors of the room. Across the cream-colored carpeted floor, was a picture window dressed in pale-blue curtains. She tested the bed’s firmness as she passed it on her way to look outside. At the end of the well-kept yard, was the vast blue of the ocean with white-capped waves sliding softly back and forth on the sandy beach. The sun had just settle for the day, leaving a dash of light behind. Moments later, Indigo came back into the room and set her luggage on the floor.

  “Thank-you,” Gracie said before taking one last peek outside.

  “Did I describe everything perfectly?” he asked, noticing the smile of contentment on her face.

  “It’s everything you said and more.”

  He crossed his arms and leaned against the doorjamb. “I thought before we get right down to work, maybe tomorrow you’d want to take it easy and explore your new surroundings. I’d like to give you a tour of the forest.”

  “That sounds nice. I’d love to.”

  “Good. We can start work the day after. In the meantime, my mother wants to know if you would care for some refreshments after that long trip.”

  The mention of food made her aware of the empty gnawing in her stomach. She followed him into the bright-yellow, ultra-modern kitchen of black appliances and oak cabinets where Mrs. Farrell was busy cutting thin slices of ham for sandwiches.

  “You’re not supposed to be doing that,” he reproved her mildly.

  “This is not what I call hard work,” she countered. “Besides, I don’t mind one bit.”

  He walked over to her and gently took the knife out of her hand. “Here, let me.”

  “Indigo,” she protested.

  “No arguments, now. Go—relax.”

  Gracie sat at the dining table and watched as they bantered back and forth. The gentleness he displayed in dealing with his mother was quite endearing. And, those warm smiles of his were becoming more and more the norm.

  “When is the housekeeper arriving?” he asked as he piled tomatoes and pickles on buns filled with slices of moist ham. “Don’t tell me,” he paused for a moment when she remained suspiciously silent. “You did get one, didn’t you?” He sighed in disbelief at the knowing look on her face.

  “I forgot,” she shrugged in such a sweet, apologetic manner.” Besides, why hire one when you’ve a perfectly good one right here? I don’t mind a little work.” She walked over to the table and sat across from Gracie.

  “It’s different this time, mother. You’re ill. The doctor made it quite clear that you have to rest, and that’s exactly what you’re going to do.”

  “But…”

  “No buts. When I take Mrs. Pritchard to the bus station tomorrow, I’ll inquire at an agency about one.”

  “Indigo, I really don’t want a stranger in my kitchen and dawdling about the house all day. I can’t wait till that drill sergeant of a nurse leaves so I can enjoy myself without her watching my every move.”

  “Normally, I would agree with you.” He piled the sandwiches onto a platter, brought it over, and sat it in the middle of the table. “But, not this time. You can’t do it. Gracie and I will be too busy; Shara’s too pregnant and already has Nikki to deal with.” He sat down beside his mother and regarded her with concern. “We have no other choice.”

  Gracie could see the look of determination on Ella’s face, but knew that would not persuade her son one bit. Ella only wanted her family around while she recuperated; Indigo wanted her to rest and get better. Neither one of them should be denied that.

  “I can handle the job,” she spoke up when Ella was about to make one last plea.

  There was an abrupt silence as both heads turned in her direction. “If you don’t want a stranger in your house, then you shouldn’t have one. I can at least try if the two of you don’t mind. I love to cook.”

  “Oh, that would be so wonderful, dear,” Ella was visibly relieved at her offer. “But, only if you’re sure.”

  “I’m sure.”

  “It’s worth a try,” Indigo said after he thought it over for a moment. “We’ll give it a trial run and see how it goes. If it proves to be too much for you, then we’ll hire someone.” He glanced at his mother. “It seems you’ll have your way after all.”

  Ella nudged him before addressing Gracie. “I hope this won’t be too much for you. I know you’re going to be working with Indigo on his book. That’s going to take a lot of time. Not to mention the fact that you’re newlyweds, with only one day of marriage between you. You’ll need some time together—alone.”

  Gracie blushed from Ella’s dramatic pronunciation of that word.

  “You’re embarrassing her, mother.”

  Ella let out another one of her jolly laughs. “I’m sorry, dear. I didn’t mean to. You have to look over me when my mouth starts to run.”

  “It’s okay.”

  “Thanks again, Gracie. I can rest a lot better knowing you’ll be handling everything.”

  She ate quietly while Indigo and Ella talked. Mrs. Pritchard joined them and the room became filled with laughter and chatter much to Gracie’s relief. When conversation was exhausted, Mrs. Pritchard talked a reluctant Ella into taking a much needed nap, leaving her and Indigo alone to clear the table. While he scraped the plates and emptied the glasses of old ice, Gracie helped load the dishwasher. Their hands would touch constantly and she had to make herself ignore the tingling effects and maintain a cool composure. She needed to learn how to handle being around him without getting jittery all the time. She dipped the dish cloth in the soapy sink water then headed for the dining table only to meet him coming in the opposite direction with more utensils in his hands.

  “Excuse me,” she said when they almost collided. Her arm brushed against his shoulder as she passed him, causing a tepid feeling to ebb from the pit of her stomach.

  “I bet you’re tired.” He had discarded the utensils in the dishwasher and was now standing just inside the kitchen doorway watching her.

  She looked up from clearing the crumbs from the table. “I am a little.”

  “So am I. I think we both should turn in early, don’t you?”

  For a fleeting second the thought of them going to bed together as man and wife whiffed through her mind. She looked away to finish her task of cleaning. “That sounds good to me.” She gave the table a final wipe before heading to the kitchen. He stood between her and the entranceway, his eyes twinkling back at her. Her gaze lowered to the enticing shape of his lips.

  “I—I need to get the broom so I can sweep the floor.”

  “You go ahead. I’ll sweep the floor.” He pulled the dishcloth from her hand and said, “I’m sure you have a lot of unpacking to do.”

  “I hadn’t thought about that,” she replied. “I think I’ll tackle that now. I’ll see you at dinner, sir—Indigo.”

  He tilted his head to one side and replied softly, “See you then.”

  Once inside her room, she
fell onto her bed and chided herself for acting like a giddy school girl with a silly crush. If she didn’t contain herself and stop acting weak-kneed every time he spoke or came near her, he was bound to notice his effect on her. But, being in such close quarters on a more personal basis wasn’t helping one bit. It was easy when he was her boss and she could leave at end of day and recuperate; That’s not the case now. Now she has to play the part she once thought far beyond her reach. She exhaled and rolled over on her back. (Cool and professional, remember?)

  Dinnertime was pretty much a repeat of lunch; Cheerful conversation over a simple Caesar salad and iced tea. Afterwards, everyone parted for their bedrooms to rest from the long day and to finish unpacking.

  ********************************************

  Daylight streaming through the curtains, and the cheerful song of a far-away bird, woke Gracie out of a sound sleep causing her eyes to finally open to her strange surroundings. She stretched lazily then hit the alarm button on her clock before it could go off. She resumed her position on her back to soak in the quiet that encircled her. Heather and Bitsy weren’t racing up and down the hallway between the bathroom and bedrooms shrieking at one another to hurry up. The peaceful roar of the ocean was all that greeted her this morning. After a shower, she put on a pair of yoga pants and white top then strolled down the hallway toward the kitchen to prepare breakfast, all the while humming a cheerful tune. It took a few minutes of opening kitchen cabinets and drawers to get herself accustomed to where everything was before she got into a rhythm. Mrs. Pritchard came in just when she was putting the finishing touches on Ella’s tray.

  “Good-morning,” she said.

  “Good-morning, Mrs. Pritchard.”

  “Ah, I see you have our trays all ready. Everything looks good.” She surveyed the crisp toast, bacon, eggs, and bright-orange marmalade with a hungry eye. She lifted the top of the small coffee server and inhaled. “Mmmm, I just love Mr. Farrell’s coffee,” she uttered then loaded the trays on a small trolley and wheeled it out for Ella’s room.