by Diane Darcy
Both kids ran to hug her.
Carol laughed lightly. “My goodness. What’s going on here?”
Richard smiled warmly, and lifted his fork in greeting. “Hi, Mom, good to see you.” He jumped up and gave her a hug. “I didn’t know you were home yet.”
“I just got in last night. Melissa called this morning and asked me to come over.” Carol sounded happy, but bewildered as she returned the hug.
Melissa didn’t blame her for the confusion. Melissa had never initiated a phone call before, let alone been so warm and friendly toward Carol. It was just one more thing that would change.
Zeke ran into the kitchen and about bowled Carol over. She grabbed at the counter for balance and the dog sniffed at her feet, his huge body pushing against her legs. “My goodness. Where on earth did he come from?”
Jeremy grabbed the dog and pulled him away. “We got a new dog. Zeke sort of adopted us.”
Carol shot Melissa a look of incredulity. Melissa had always been vocal about her negative views on pets. She shrugged and her excitement escalated. “Is everyone about done eating?”
“Can I have one more pancake?” asked Richard.
Melissa squelched her irritation, but she’d waited this long, she could wait a few more minutes. “Fine. Carol, can I make you one too?” Melissa asked as she poured batter onto the hot griddle.
Carol shook her head. “They look wonderful, but no thank you, I’ve already eaten.” She paused, looking confused again. “I didn’t know you cooked, Melissa.”
Melissa shrugged. “Actually, I’ve only recently taken it up. In fact, I’ve been baking all week.” Melissa flipped the pancake and gestured to her oven. “Have you noticed my wonderful, wonderful oven? Did you know that it actually self-cleans? And watch this.” Melissa turned on the front burner. “It’s gas, so you simply turn this switch, and you have a flame! Isn’t that fantastic!”
Richard, Jeremy and Jessica all groaned in unison.
Jeremy shook his head. “Just don’t ask her about the fridge or freezer. You don’t want to get her started.”
Jessica nodded. “Yeah. Or the mop that squeezes out water when you push the handle. Don’t ask about that, either.”
Melissa gave them both a superior glance, turned off the stove and griddle and slid Richard’s pancake onto his plate. “Well, they are all fantastic inventions. But if I had my way, someone would be winning some major awards for inventing the washing machine.”
Carol smiled. “Well, I’m glad I was invited over today. You all seem so happy.”
Melissa was touched by Carol’s sincerity. Carol was simply a nice person. No matter how unkindly Melissa had treated her, she’d only shown courtesy and understanding in return.
Richard wolfed down the last of his food.
Melissa cleared her throat. “All right, everyone. I have a big announcement to make.”
Everyone stared.
“What is it?” asked Jessica.
Melissa smiled. “Follow me, and you’ll see.” She headed out the back door.
Everyone followed.
She lifted the two shovels she’d left leaning against the back of the house and handed them to the kids. “One for Jeremy, and one for Jessica.”
“This way.” Melissa led them past the big oak in the back yard, spared a glance and a smile for the initials R loves M carved high up the trunk and still amazingly readable.
They went up the hill, past Sully’s place, and stopped by the back corner of the cabin. She took a large step forward. “One.” Another step. “Two, three, four, five, six...” She grinned at everyone, enjoying the moment. “Seven.”
The kids exchanged excited looks. “You buried something, didn’t you!” said Jessica.
Richard smiled at her, sudden excitement glowing in his eyes.
Melissa stopped. “Right here.” She pointed to a section of untouched, long grass.
The kids jumped forward and start digging. It took them awhile to get through the grass, but finally they hit dirt.
For a moment, Melissa wondered if the box was still there. What if Sully hadn’t buried it after all? What if someone else had already found it?
Jessica’s shovel hit metal and she squealed.
The twins exchanged an excited glance and began digging furiously.
Melissa grinned at the enthusiasm shining in Richard’s eyes.
Soon, the metal box was revealed.
Richard, unable to contain himself, sprang forward to haul the metal box out of the dirt.
Carol put a hand to her heart. “It’s the buried treasure, isn’t it?” Her voice was faint. “It’s our family’s buried treasure! Melissa, how did you know? How did you find it?”
Melissa shook her head. “No, no, this is something else entirely. It--” Surprise widened her eyes. Could it be true? What if it were the treasure that the family stories had been told about. Could her box and the family treasure be one and the same? “Richard?”
He grinned, shrugged and shook his head. “It’s possible.”
Amazing.
A loud creaking had her turning her attention back to the kids as they lifted the lid off the top of the box.
Zeke snuffled the contents and Jessica hauled him back.
Melissa stepped forward. “Allow me.” She peeled back the old oilskins to reveal the contents of the chest. A letter lay on top of a packet of papers and under that, Melissa’s designs, all of them yellow with age. There was also a fabric bag tied with a ribbon which she set aside. The letter was addressed to the Kendals.
Melissa opened it carefully and read out loud.
October 2, 1891
Dear Family,
Melissa smiled at Richard. “Oh, that is so sweet!”
You stole my dog and don’t think I don’t know it! All I can say is that you’d better be taking good care of him!
I want you to know you were right about everything. My son came home, and all is forgiven. I know how much store you place in knowing everything about everyone, so I’m listing information about each of the children. They are wonderful! So is my new daughter by marriage. I have my family back and I’m so happy. Have a wonderful life. Live long and prosper.
Melissa laughed. “He did love Star Trek.”
P.S. Remember, Zeke likes bones, and he don’t care for sleeping outside.
Melissa patted Zeke on the head and thought of the huge pillow in the family room especially for him. He was her hero and would always be treated as such.
“I don’t understand,” said Carol, with a flutter of her fingers to indicate the box.
The poor woman did look confused.
Melissa smiled. “You will in a minute. Okay, is everyone ready?”
She dug out the mason jar of marbles for Jeremy and handed them over. “Sully said these are for you.”
Jeremy turned the jar and studied the marbles. “Awesome!”
Next Melissa unwrapped the silver antique mirror and handed it to Jessica. “Sully said that Louisa would want you to have this.”
Jessica’s mouth parted. “Oh. I love it.” She studied the mirror for a moment, then held it close to her chest.
Next Melissa pulled out a book. It was Pride and Prejudice. She had no doubt that it was for her. She held it up for the others to see. “That sweet, sweet man.”
Next she pulled out the cougar skin, the pocket watch, the fishing lures, and all the junk she’d collected. Every piece was studied with awe. Finally she unwrapped the pistol.
Richard’s mouth dropped open and his eyes widened. He reached out and gingerly took the gun. “I can’t believe this. It’s incredible!”
“Sully said he used it during the Civil War.”
Richard gaped and momentarily lost the power of speech.
Melissa turned to Carol who stood very still, confusion on her face. “Now it’s your turn.”
Melissa picked up the packet of papers she’d set aside and flipped carefully through them. “This is Andrew Sullivan’s
family history and some diary pages written by Louisa Sullivan and some of her quilting patterns.”
Carol reverently took the pages and looked through them, astonished.
Melissa grinned. “And last but not least.” Melissa took the fabric bag and untied the ribbon, hoping she knew what it contained.
Inside there was a letter, simply addressed to Melissa. She let out a breath. Underneath, was the photo of the young Janie Taggert that had resided in the widow’s parlor. Melissa stared at the pretty features that so resembled Jessica’s, then carefully opened the old letter. It was dated 1892, five years after they’d left.
Dear Melissa,
You kept your end of the bargain, and I shall keep mine. My son did come home. Of course, he’s not able to openly acknowledge me, but we have a fine relationship regardless. It is more than enough.
I’ve listed everything I can remember about my family history in these pages, as well as what I know of Colonel Carleton. I hope they are of some use to you and to your mother-in-law. I’ve also included a few diaries as well as my likeness. I thought my future grandchildren might like to have it. Forgive an old woman’s vanity.
Remember, you have everything important within your grasp. The family you make, and those you gather around you, they are what is important in life. They are everything. I’m glad I had the chance to know you.
Jane
Tears filled Melissa’s eyes and she passed the letter to Richard, the papers and diaries to Carol, and looked at her family. The widow’s words summed everything up beautifully.
Family was everything.
A concept Melissa hadn’t learned as a child. She looked down at the ring Richard had lovingly replaced on her finger the day they’d returned. The ring that had been originally crafted especially for her.
She looked at the treasure. The rumored family treasure that Melissa herself had put together with Sully.
She’d never had much family to speak of, but Melissa realized that she was just as much a part of this family as the rest of them.
These people were her family. Her life.
The old pain from the past was gone, replaced by a new happiness and confidence. She placed a hand lightly on her stomach, savoring the suspicion that they might soon have another child to love.
Carol looked up from the papers in her hand. “I just don’t understand,” she sounded so confused, “what is going on here?”
Melissa glanced around at her smiling family.
Finally, Jeremy shook his head. “Grandma, do we have a story for you.”
Thank you!
I hope you enjoyed reading Once in a Blue Moon. If you have a moment, I'd appreciate it if you'd share this story with other readers and take a minute to leave a review. Thanks.
If you'd like to read more of my books, She's Just Right and Serendipity are now available. For information about future books, please visit www.dianedarcy.com to sign up for my mailing list.
Acknowledgements
Sincere thanks go out to Kristin, Heather, and Lei Lani for their generous assistance with this book. Thanks for the excellent feedback, ladies!
Books by Diane Darcy
Serendipity
She's Just Right
Once in a Blue Moon
A Penny for Your Thoughts
The Christmas Star
Steal His Heart
She Owns the Knight
For previews of upcoming books by Diane Darcy, to sign up for the mailing list, or for more information about the author, visit www.DianeDarcy.com
Excerpt from Serendipity
What if you made a New Year’s resolution, then were forced to keep it?
Professor Sam Pierson should be more careful about what he wishes for. He’s already as unhappy as he is obnoxious. What he doesn’t realize is that his life is about to reach a new low. His boss is ready to fire him and his wife to leave him.
When a disturbing stranger asks for his New Year’s resolutions at a party, Sam throws everyone into hysterical laughter when he blurts out, “I want the body of an athlete and I want everyone to respect me.” At midnight the stranger slaps him on the back, Sam has a sharp pain in his chest, and for the entire year, he cannot do anything that violates his New Year’s resolutions.
Hilarity follows as family, friends, enemies and co-workers try and figure out what the world happened to Sam. And while Sam eventually figures out what his problem is, it takes him a while longer to realize exactly what he needs to do about it.
Chapter One
Professor Sam Pierson stared at himself in the full-length mirror, realized his mouth hung open and snapped it shut. He cursed. Loudly. The tuxedo didn’t fit. Not only didn’t it fit, it clung to his body like a wet T-shirt on a co-ed, revealing every pound, bulge and lump he’d acquired in the three years since he’d last worn the suit. Great.
Grinding his teeth, he turned to pound on the master bathroom door. “Emily!” She didn’t respond and he tried the knob. Locked, of course. He pounded again. “Emily, my tux doesn’t fit. I can’t go to the party looking like this.”
The hair dryer blasted full force behind the closed door and with a scowl, he jerked away, his head pounding. This was her fault. If she’d thought to rent him a tuxedo he wouldn’t be in this mess. He glanced at the glowing red numbers on the bedside clock. Seven-thirty. It was too late to rent one himself.
Walking to the closet he frowned and flipped through his clothes. He could wear a regular suit, but the New Year’s Eve party was formal and he didn’t want to stand out.
Taking a deep breath he felt the waistband of his slacks strain and he grimaced. If he couldn’t breathe, how was he supposed to socialize? Eat?
He glanced into the full length mirror again and swore. If this wasn’t his only chance to talk to his boss in a social setting he’d just stay home. But he had to be there tonight. He shot a glare at the closed door. They had to be there.
Straightening, he sucked in his gut and peered down at his stomach. Perhaps if he eliminated some clothing? He quickly kicked off his shoes, peeled off his slacks and removed his boxers. A moment later he tugged the slacks back on, and very carefully zipped them. He pulled in his gut again. Better? Maybe. If he didn’t eat or sit, he could probably make it through the evening. He slipped his shoes on without bending over.
Anyway, who would notice the tightness of his clothes in a crowded room? It would be fine. He released his breath in a rush and the waistband cut into his gut once more. It would have to be.
He jerked his arm and looked at his watch. They needed to leave. Now. He pounded on the bathroom door again. “Emily, we’re late!”
The door opened and he stepped aside, glaring as Emily moved into the bedroom. Ignoring him, she walked to the closet and withdrew a pair of spike-heeled black shoes.
The scent of her peach body lotion wafted through the air and he inhaled, his gaze still trailing her. She’d pulled her blonde hair up into one of those fancy styles, somehow pinning it into place on top of her head, leaving curls to dance invitingly around her cheeks and throat. He continued to stare as she bent over, his gaze drawn to the back of one knee revealed by the slit in the dress. He swallowed.
Finally, shoes on, she straightened, and as her blue eyes wandered over his outfit he tensed. “Well?”
Her lips smiled the fake smile. “You look nice.” Her voice was bright, superficial. The voice she used with strangers when she was uncomfortable. She glanced down at her dress. “What do you think?”
She looked wonderful, as usual. The calf-length black dress showed off her slender, curvaceous figure, the stark color making her blonde hair bright, and her eyes a brilliant blue.
Ignoring her question, he buttoned his jacket. “You don’t think it looks too tight on me?”
She sighed, turned and started to rifle through her jewelry box. “Do you have anything else to wear?”
He glared at her back. “No.”
She crossed to the dressing table mirror
without looking at him, arched her neck to one side and slid a hoop-earring into place. “Then it’s fine, isn’t it?”
“It’ll have to be, won’t it.” If he had a normal wife who took an interest in anyone other than herself, maybe he’d have something decent to wear tonight.
Lucky for her he wasn’t like his father. No yelling or...well, he was a wonderful husband and it was about time she realized it and tried being a decent wife in return.
Sam assessed her dress again, trying to ignore his reaction to the body inside as she bent over the dresser to check her make-up, ignoring him. His jaw clenched. “When you bend over like that it makes your butt look fat.”
Her back stiffened and she slowly straightened and turned, her face reddening. She was angry. Incredible. Emily showing emotion.
Muscles tight, he studied her, anticipation thrumming through his body. Her fists were clenched, ready to take him apart. About time. Lifting his chin, Sam savored the eagerness coursing through him. They needed a good fight. He was angry too. She was so indifferent to him. Perhaps now he’d get some sort of reaction instead of the incessant no-one-home stare. They could relieve the tension, get their marriage back on track, and start being intimate again.
She inhaled, opened her mouth, then paused.
He tensed. Come on. Say it. Something. Anything!
She blinked, her expression smoothed, and she relaxed. The bland mask slipped back into place as her eyebrows rose. “Then I’d better not bend over.”
Fingers digging into one thigh, his temples pounding, Sam held her gaze. When she turned away, he let out a harsh breath.
Couldn’t he do anything to get a reaction out of her? Say anything? What did she want from him?