by Debby Mayne
Bethany nodded. “People here are always up to helping you with your kids, including telling you what to do.”
Gina laughed. “Yes, I’ve noticed, but I really don’t mind. Since Lacy’s my only child—so far at least—I don’t exactly have the experience some of these women have after raising three or four children and all their grandkids.”
Bethany wasn’t so sure she’d be as agreeable as Gina. “My mom adores Lacy. Having her here has taken quite a bit of pressure off me.”
Gina pursed her lips as though trying to hold back something, but she obviously couldn’t for long. “Naomi still hopes you’ll have more kids.”
“Not gonna happen,” Bethany replied. “Ashley’s in college, and that would be too much of a spread.”
Gina smiled but didn’t say another word about children. Instead, she pointed to Jeremy. “Look at my husband. He’s happier living in Bloomfield than I’ve ever seen him before. We’d given up hope that we’d ever own a home, and when he lost his job, we even wondered if we’d be able to move out of my parents’ place. Thanks to the wonderful people in Bloomfield, all our dreams are finally coming true.” She glanced down before looking back up with a demure expression. “We’re even talking about making Lacy a big sister.”
Bethany glanced at Gina’s abdomen. “Soon?”
Gina laughed and touched Bethany’s arm. “No, I’m not pregnant yet. I promise you’ll know when I am. We’ll shout it from the rooftops when it happens.”
“Another Bloomfield citizen!” Bethany grinned. “You realize it’ll make Pamela ecstatic.”
“Oh, trust me, I know. In fact, she’s been asking me when we’re going to have more kids ever since we signed the lease on Sherry’s house. I thought she and Naomi would get into a cat fight over it, until I told Naomi that I really didn’t mind.” She shrugged. “I’m flattered that anyone would care so much.”
That was another difference between Bethany and Gina. Bethany wanted people to back off, while Gina didn’t seem to mind people sticking their noses into her business.
Pete entertained the little girls out in the backyard while the adults inside helped clean up. Bethany had a good time chatting with her friends. It made her realize what she had been missing.
The quickly approaching festival weekend had everyone running around town getting ready. Although most events in Bloomfield had a welcoming element, this one centered around bringing in new people. Everyone felt pressured to make sure it happened. Gina had geared up into full-on Pamela mode, while Bethany used her stress to create more buzz.
“You’re turning into a human dynamo,” Naomi said. “I never saw this coming.” She laughed. “Too bad I didn’t know you were so high energy, or I would’ve tapped into it a long time ago.”
“This is a one-shot time,” Bethany admitted. “I just don’t want to let anyone down.”
“You get that from me.” Naomi chuckled. “People-pleaser—that’s what I am.”
Bethany tilted her head and gave her mother a “you’re kidding” look. “Right.”
Naomi pretended to be hurt. “I am. So what do you want me to do next?”
“You have a choice.” Bethany held up an envelope. “I’ve e-mailed this radio spot to all the surrounding towns, but only two said they’d use it. So I figured if I took the scripts there in person, they’d have a harder time ignoring me or turning me down.” She reached into the plastic bin on the floor of her foyer. “I also need to distribute more flyers to local merchants, so take your pick. Day trip out of town, or running up and down Main Street.”
Naomi’s mouth twisted as she looked back and forth between her options. Finally, she reached for the envelope. “I haven’t left Bloomfield in a while, so why don’t I go see how the rest of the world lives?”
That was exactly what Bethany hoped Naomi would do. Although Bethany was willing to visit the radio stations, it made her uncomfortable asking for something, particularly since Pamela had changed her mind and didn’t want her to spend garden club money.
Bethany smiled. “I have some pots of African violets to hand out.”
Naomi’s eyes lit up. “Ooh, that’ll be even more fun. I love giving presents. In fact, I have some cookies in the freezer I was saving for a special occasion. Can’t get any more special than this.”
“Then come on. Let’s go out to the sunroom, and I’ll put the plants in a box for you.”
It took them ten minutes to load Naomi’s car with enough potted African violets to leave two at each radio station. After Naomi drove away, Bethany surveyed the rest of her promotional materials. She’d hired some teenagers in her neighborhood to post handbills, so she had little left to do. Still, she felt somewhat out of sorts as she realized there was always more she could do.
Pete called. “Need me for anything? Heavy lifting? Moving stuff? Venting?”
Bethany grinned. “I’ll probably need you for at least one of those things, but I’m not sure what yet.”
“Okay, call when you know. I’ll have my phone on me at all times.”
After they hung up, she reflected on the differences between Pete and Charlie, who’d been more take-charge but not as accommodating. They had a good Christian marriage, though, and that was what really mattered.
Bethany carried the boxes of flyers to the foyer and transferred the first one to her car. When she got back inside, Ashley called.
“Good news, Mom. I’ll be able to come home for the weekend of the festival. Let me know if you need anything.”
“Thanks, sweetie. I’m sure I’ll have plenty for you to do.”
“Oh, and there’s one more thing. There’s this guy . . . and . . . well . . .” She cleared her throat. “Do you mind if I bring him home with me?”
A strange jolt shot through Bethany. Ashley had dated a few boys back in high school, but Bethany had known all of them and most of the time, she knew their families as well. “That would be fine.” As her voice came out, she realized she didn’t sound sincere. “I’d love that.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want to burden you, but he’s really sweet, and I already told him about the festival, and he said it sounds like fun, and he’ll be really helpful, and . . .”
Bethany laughed. “I’m positive. It’ll be nice to meet someone new.”
Ashley’s tone softened. “Mom, he’s really a great guy. His name’s Eric.”
Bethany realized she’d been so caught up in her own life, she hadn’t spoken to Ashley in a while, so she walked into the living room and sat down. “Where did you meet him?”
“The campus chapel. After church one morning, I lingered to pray for you.”
“You prayed for me?”
“Yes,” Ashley said. “You’ve been so stressed lately, and I thought you needed prayer more than anyone. Anyway, when I turned around, there he was, looking at me. It was strange, almost as though we knew each other, but I’d never seen him before in my life.”
“Was he at the church service?”
“Yes. He normally goes to the community church in town, but his car was in the shop over the weekend, so he walked to the campus service that Sunday.”
They chatted about all the things Ashley liked about Eric. Then silence fell between them—a familiar silence that made Bethany’s insides twist into a knot.
“What are you not saying?” Bethany asked.
“Mom . . .” Ashley took a deep breath and slowly blew it out. “We’re serious. I really love him.”
“But you’ve only known him—”
“Four months, but it’s one of those things that feels right.”
“Why didn’t you say something earlier?”
She heard Ashley take a deep breath, so she braced herself for something she didn’t want to hear. “Because I didn’t want to make you feel bad after losing Dad. You’ve been so lonely.”
“Is that w
hy you haven’t called lately?”
“Yes.”
Bethany didn’t want to say anything she’d regret later, so she paused to gather her thoughts. “I’m sure this relationship feels right, and I’m not saying you shouldn’t see him. It’s just that you don’t need to lose your head over someone based on feelings you have at such an early stage of your relationship. If he’s the right guy for you, he’ll still be there when you graduate.”
Ashley let out a nervous laugh. “What do you think I’m going to do? It’s not like we’re running off and eloping or anything.”
Relief flooded Bethany. “Then what are you trying to tell me?”
“I just wanted to tell you about him, since he’s coming home with me. Can I not do that anymore?”
“Of course you can talk to me.” Bethany hoped she hadn’t bruised her relationship with Ashley. “And I’m sorry I overreacted.”
“No, I’m the one who should apologize since I haven’t called you in a while.”
Bethany felt the tension fade. “The phone works both ways. Let’s make an effort to talk more often.”
“Sounds good. Anyway, I gotta run. Eric is picking me up in a few minutes. See you next weekend.”
Bethany hung up the phone, feeling as though she’d been hit by a tornado. She and Ashley had always been close and able to talk about anything. Had her loneliness been that obvious?
She squeezed her eyes shut. Lord, I pray for guidance with my daughter and in my relationship with Pete. I’m obviously missing some things that should have been obvious. Help me to be more discerning about the people in my life.
Chapter 24
Aunt Mary showed up a half hour early to pick up Bethany on the first official day of the festival. As soon as Bethany opened the door, Aunt Mary darted inside and shivered. “It’s so cold out there.”
“I hope that doesn’t keep people away.” Dread filled Bethany. All the hard work she’d put into promotion wouldn’t make an ounce of difference if it was too cold to walk around outdoors.
“It’s supposed to warm up by noon.” Aunt Mary put her arm around Bethany and gave her a squeeze. “Don’t worry, though. No one will blame you.” She pointed heavenward. “It’s all in the Lord’s hands. Besides, in the big scheme of life, what does this one itty-bitty festival really matter?”
“I know. It’s just that . . .” How could she explain the need to accomplish something she could take credit for without sounding like it was all about her?
“Don’t worry, sweetie. I want to take you to breakfast before we get started. That should warm you right up and make you feel better,” Aunt Mary said. “So hurry up.”
Bethany laughed. “You should have told me you were doing this. I have to finish putting on my makeup, clean the kitchen, and change clothes again.”
“Do the makeup, but leave the rest.” Aunt Mary waved her hand just like Naomi did to make a point. “Your clothes look just fine, and you can clean the kitchen later. It’ll be there when you get back.”
Bethany opened her mouth to argue, but when she saw the look of determination on Aunt Mary’s face, she decided to go along. Her mother had always said some things weren’t worth arguing about, even though Bethany knew her mother would argue any point if she thought she had even a smidge of a chance to get in the last word.
“You’ve worked so hard promoting the festival,” Aunt Mary said. “You deserve a break.”
“I don’t know if I deserve it, but I do appreciate breakfast.”
Aunt Mary pointed to the front of the house. “Whose car is that in your driveway?”
“Ashley’s boyfriend’s.”
Aunt Mary’s face lit up. “Ashley’s here? With her boyfriend?” She was so excited her voice came out in a squeal.
Bethany nodded and laughed. “They came to support me.”
“As they should.” Aunt Mary sighed as she clasped her hands beneath her chin. “So how is this guy? Do you like him?”
“He seems nice, but we haven’t had much of a chance to talk. They got in late last night. Good thing I moved all the junk out of the third bedroom, or he’d be sleeping on the couch.”
Mary nodded. “All the more reason to keep your life clutter free.”
Bethany agreed. “I have to admit I really do feel better now. I have more energy than ever.”
“Does that mean you’ll get out more?” Aunt Mary’s eyebrows rose.
“Probably.” Bethany glanced at her reflection in the foyer mirror and frowned. “Are you sure this outfit is okay?”
“It’s perfect.” Aunt Mary gave her another once-over. “Casual but pulled together. Not too fussy.”
“You sound like one of the fashion experts on TV.”
Aunt Mary chuckled. “I missed my calling. Which would you rather have? Something small from Dunkin’ Donuts or a full breakfast from the Pink Geranium?”
Bethany shrugged. “You pick. I don’t really care.”
“Pink Geranium it is. Since I’m not sure how long I’ll be in town, I might as well get my fill of the best breakfast on the planet.”
Aunt Mary drove and found a parking place close to the Old Towne Inn. “After we eat, I’ll help you finish setting up the booth. Naomi said you volunteered to do that.”
Bethany nodded. “That’s right. And I’m even working a shift later this afternoon. I’m sort of hoping to see who buys all those collectibles I donated.”
“You’re not gonna try to talk folks out of buying them, are you?” Aunt Mary asked.
“No, of course not. I’m just curious.”
“Does it really matter? After all, if someone is willing to pay the price for them, I’m sure they’ll go to a good home. Pamela told us not to sell them cheap.” Aunt Mary placed her arm about Bethany as they walked into the Old Towne Inn. “I’m starving.”
At the door of the Pink Geranium, Aunt Mary stopped in her tracks. “Well, look at that. The whole gang’s here.” She gently turned Bethany around to face her. “I wanted to talk to you about something, but I’m not sure we’ll have time with all the commotion.”
“What do you want to talk about?”
“I really wanted to discuss my plans, but I don’t think I’ll have much of a chance later. After the festival is over, I’m going back to get things in order so I can move home to Bloomfield.”
“For good?”
Aunt Mary smiled. “Yes, I think so.”
“That’s so exciting!”
“Now that I’ve had a chance to talk with Andy, I feel much better about moving back here. In an odd sort of way, I’ll be picking up where I left off and starting all over at the same time.” She gestured toward the dining room. “We’re making quite a spectacle of ourselves, so we best go on in. And by the way, you’re the first person I’ve told, so please don’t bring it up. I plan to talk to Naomi right before I leave. I don’t want her to be tempted to go with me. If she helps, it’ll take twice as long.”
Bethany nodded as she glanced around and saw most of the active members of the garden club seated at several tables in the Pink Geranium, all of them watching her and Aunt Mary. From the far corner of the dining room, her mom lifted her hand and wiggled her fingers to get their attention. Pamela sat across the table from her.
“Naomi didn’t tell me she would be here,” Aunt Mary said. “But then she didn’t say she wouldn’t either. Do you want to join them?”
Bethany glanced at her mom and then turned back to her aunt. “Sure. Did you mention that we might come?”
Aunt Mary nodded as they made their way across the crowded dining room. “I said I was taking you to breakfast, so I’m sure she assumed this would be the place.”
“We just ordered a basket of pastries,” Pamela said as she lifted her hand for the server. “We need two more coffees.”
“I’ll take regular tea,”
Aunt Mary said. “How about you, Bethany?”
“Coffee’s fine.”
Pamela gave Mary a self-satisfied grin before turning to Bethany. “So are you ready for the big day?”
“As ready as I can be, I guess.”
Pamela propped her elbows on the table, folded her hands, and rested her chin on them as she looked at Bethany. “Your mother tells me you’re planning to become more active with the garden club. Do you want to run for office?”
Bethany shot her mother a panicked look. Naomi turned and glared at Pamela. “I told you not to say anything. And don’t go putting my daughter to work so fast. Let her get her feet wet first.” She cast a sheepish glance in Bethany’s direction. “I don’t want to scare her away.”
Pamela bobbed her head and leaned toward Naomi. “It’s not like she hasn’t been working her tail off for this festiv—”
Aunt Mary lifted her hands to get their attention. “Ladies, this is not the time or place to get into a debate about what Bethany should or shouldn’t do. The garden club has been here longer than any of us, and it’ll be here long after we’re gone. Bethany can do pretty much whatever she wants, and it won’t make all that much difference . . .” She tipped her head toward Pamela. “To anyone.” Then she turned to Naomi. “Understand?”
Naomi’s eyes widened, and she nodded. Pamela took a little longer, but she finally removed her elbows from the table and glanced down.
Whoa. If Bethany hadn’t seen it for herself, she never would have believed anyone could quiet both Naomi and Pamela in a matter of seconds.
With a serene smile on her lips, Aunt Mary turned back to Bethany. “So did you want some fruit or maybe an omelet?”
“An omelet would be good.”
Aunt Mary gave the order to the server and leaned back in her seat. “Isn’t this nice, all of us here, with a full day of fun ahead?” Sweetness dripped from her voice.
“Very nice,” Naomi replied, a gleam in her eye as she looked at her sister. “Great idea to start the festival like this.” Then she turned to Pamela. “Too bad some people can’t behave.”
Pamela scowled. “Are you insinuating—?”