She looked away. “Please don’t make this more difficult.”
“You’re going to let him stay here, aren’t you?” He held his breath, but he already knew the answer. He reached for his clothes.
“Sam?”
He looked at her.
“I’m not doing it for Grady.”
“I know that.” He stood and dressed quietly. Neither of them spoke. Finally, he sat on the edge of the bed, just sat there, shaking his head.
“Please don’t be angry with me,” she said.
Sam stood and tucked in his shirt. He saw the pain in her eyes, and he ached for her. “I’m not mad, Marilee. I’m just confused as hell.” He walked around to her side of the bed, dropped a kiss on the top of her head and was gone.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
MARILEE PICKED UP JOSH and Grady later that day. Josh climbed into the back, and Grady took the passenger’s seat next to Marilee. “I appreciate what you’re doing for me, Marilee,” he said, strapping on his seat belt.
She looked straight ahead. “I trust you’ll find a place right away.”
“Yes, of course.”
The ride home seemed to take forever. Josh and Grady exchanged a few words, but Marilee remained quiet. She was livid at both Grady and herself. She had hurt Sam with her decision and who could blame him? She was allowing her ex-husband, a man who had done the despicable, to use their son to gain entrance into her home. Still, it was for Josh’s sake she was permitting it.
Once inside, Grady commented favorably on the changes. “Looks like you’ve done okay for yourself, Marilee.”
She ignored him. “Josh, please show your father where he’ll be sleeping. I’ve put clean linens on the other twin bed.” She looked at Grady. “Since you’re not well, I’ll have Josh bring your meals to you on a tray.”
“I hate to put you to the trouble, Marilee.”
“Oh, but I insist. Besides, it’s only for a couple of days.”
He nodded. “Whatever you feel is best.” He followed Josh upstairs.
Nell called a few minutes later. “Sam gave me the news. I’m so sorry you’ve been put in such an awkward position. You’re a saint, Marilee, a true saint. If you need anything, you know you can call on me.”
“Thank you, Nell.” Marilee only wished Sam had been as understanding.
CLARA BROUGHT WINNIE HOME Sunday night. Marilee decided to give them the news up front. “Grady has been in the hospital,” she said. “He will be staying in Josh’s room for a couple of days. I don’t want to discuss it, I’m just telling you so you’ll know.”
Winnie started to open her mouth, seemed to think better of it and went upstairs.
“I’d better go,” Clara said. She looked sad for Marilee. “You’ll call if I can help?”
“Thank you, Clara. You don’t know how much I appreciate that right now.”
Marilee prepared a simple dinner that evening and asked Josh to carry Grady’s meal upstairs on a tray. “I’m sorry I was rude to you at the hospital, Mom. I know this isn’t easy for you. I promise to make it all up to you.”
Marilee had no reply.
He started for the stairs and turned. “Do you realize Christmas is only three weeks away? We don’t have a tree.”
She nodded. “You and I can look for one.” And she needed to finish her Christmas shopping now that Tate had returned her money.
“Just say when.”
Ruby called that evening. “I heard the news,” she said. “How about I make a meat loaf one night and bring it by? Save you a little time in the kitchen.”
“That would be nice, Ruby. Thank you.” They chatted for a moment. Marilee hung up and wondered how she would ever manage with her ex-husband living under her roof. She would just have to make the best of it and get him out as fast as she could.
GRADY WAS STILL LIVING there after a week, and Marilee’s nerves were growing taut, although she didn’t say as much to Josh, who seemed to feel guilty about the whole thing. She’d taken him to pick out a Christmas tree, but it was still on the front porch where they’d left it.
“I think Dad’s depressed,” he said, as he fed Rascal. “He doesn’t want to get out of bed. All he does is sleep. And when he isn’t sleeping he’s complaining.”
Marilee remained quiet.
Josh sighed. “I guess I never realized how unhappy he was, because you always tried to smooth things over.”
Marilee handed Josh the newspaper. “I’ve circled the rental section. Ask your dad to look at it.”
“I’ll try, Mom.”
She looked at her son. “Your father is not staying indefinitely, Josh. He’s well enough to move now. It’s time.”
Josh nodded. Suddenly, he brightened. “Mom, when are we going to decorate the tree?”
“As soon as I bring the ornaments down from the attic,” she said. “I’ve just been tired lately.” Her energy was at an all-time low, and she knew it had to do with the stress of Grady living there. Winnie hadn’t said much about the situation. She seemed to be tolerating it for Josh’s sake, but it was obvious she didn’t want Grady there. The baby was due in a couple of weeks, and Marilee had not even had time to write out the invitations to her baby shower.
“You’re not thinking of putting all those artificial doves and satin bows on it again this year, are you?” Josh asked, interrupting her thoughts.
“I thought you liked them.”
“That’s sissified, Mom.”
Later that evening, Nell dropped by. “Guess what?”
Marilee saw that she was excited and smiled. “What?”
“Sam and I haven’t decorated our tree yet, and I understand you haven’t trimmed yours, either.”
“I’m afraid I haven’t been in the mood, but I have managed to pick up a few gifts on my lunch hour.”
“Well, Sam and Josh were talking and—”
Marilee was surprised. “They’re speaking again?”
“Yes, thank goodness. And guess what they’ve come up with? They think we should have a girl tree and a guy tree.”
“Come again?”
“Well, Josh was complaining about how you put all these goofy decorations on the tree, so Sam came up with a cute idea. He thinks us women should get together and decorate your tree as we like, and he and Josh will decorate the one at our house. I think that sounds like fun.”
“That’ll do Josh good,” Marilee said. “By the way, how is Sam?”
“Miserable. Working too hard. I think he prefers it that way right now. I understand he’s got a full crew out at Blessing Home.” She paused. “I’ve never seen Sam like this, Marilee. He’s never loved anyone like he does you. You’ve made a difference in his life and I will never be able to thank you enough for that.”
Tears stung the backs of Marilee’s eyes. Lord, she missed Sam. “I’m sorry this had to happen, Nell. I’m doing my best to get Grady out of here. Sometimes it seems so hopeless.”
“I know, dear. You do what you have to do and let me worry about Sam. The problem with my son is that he’s used to getting what he wants when he wants it. He’s never had to learn patience. This is good for him. So, when do you want to start decorating?” she asked, changing the subject. “I think us girls should have a little party. Nothing big. I’ll bring plenty of snacks.”
“Is tomorrow night too soon?” Marilee decided it was about time she got in the spirit of things and she figured it would do Josh good to have a little fun after waiting on his father all the time.
“I’ll go home and phone Clara and Ruby right now,” Nell said.
“Call me as soon as you talk to them. I’ll be glad to pick up a few things from the grocery store when I go out. Oh, Nell, I wonder if you’d help me plan a baby shower for Winnie.”
“I’d be delighted. When would you like to have it?”
“How about some time next week?” Hopefully, by then, Grady would be gone and things would be back to normal. “I’ve already bought the invitations, and I’ve b
een picking up decorations and snacks at the store. But I don’t know who any of her friends are at school. I might ask Josh.”
“You know, what she needs more than anything is a crib. I’ll try to find one that’s reasonable, and maybe we can all chip in.” Nell winked. “You just leave it up to me.”
Marilee spent the following day getting ready for the tree-trimming party, although there wasn’t much to do, since Winnie had spent the previous day cleaning like a madwoman. Marilee had protested, but Winnie claimed she was tired of sitting around. She had even scrubbed the tile in the bathrooms.
Josh helped Marilee drag the tree into the house and carry decorations down from the attic. Winnie had remained in bed, complaining of flu symptoms. “Don’t let Grady hear you’re not feeling well,” Marilee whispered. “He’ll automatically think he’s got it too.”
“I’m going to take it easy today,” the girl said, “so I’ll be up to attending the little party tonight.”
Once Josh had managed to get the tree into the metal holder, he glanced at his wristwatch. “I almost forgot. Sam and I are going Christmas shopping.”
“Oh?” Marilee couldn’t hide her surprise. “That’s nice. Do you want to eat lunch first?”
“Naw, we’ll grab something while we’re out.” The boy paused. “Would you mind taking Dad’s tray up? I’m sorry to ask, but—”
“I’ll take care of it,” she said.
“Mom, is there anything in particular you want for Christmas this year? That doesn’t costs more than ten dollars?” he added.
She looked at him. “What’s the going price for hugs?”
He looked embarrassed as he hugged her quickly. “This one’s on the house.”
“Oh, Josh, I need to ask you something. Do you know who any of Winnie’s friends are?”
“How come you want to know?”
Marilee was surprised that he seemed defensive. She knew Josh and Winnie were close. They played chess from time to time, and she’d heard them talking on occasion. “I’m not trying to pry,” Marilee said quickly. She told him about the surprise baby shower they were planning.
“Her friends dumped her when she got pregnant, Mom. Even her best friend, and they grew up together.”
Marilee nodded. “I sort of suspected as much. But they started calling after the robbery at the Pickford Inn.”
“All I can tell you is she pretty much keeps to herself at school. I think she prefers it that way. We kid around a lot when we see each other, but she spends most of her free time studying. If I were you, I’d just invite Clara, Ruby and Nell. But don’t invite me, okay? I don’t want to attend a baby shower.” He looked at the clock. “I’d better go next door before Sam leaves without me.”
“Thanks for telling me, Josh.”
Marilee prepared soup and sandwiches. Winnie came downstairs, and they made small talk as they ate, although the girl didn’t have much of an appetite. “Does he have to be fed?” the girl asked, motioning toward the stairs.
“I’ll take him a tray in a minute.”
“I’d take it up and raise hell with him if I weren’t feeling so crummy. Bet I could get his sorry butt out of that bed.”
Marilee chuckled. “If anybody could do it, you could.” She became serious. “I’m going to have a talk with him when I go up.”
Marilee knocked on Josh’s bedroom door a few minutes later. Grady called out from the other side and she carried in the tray. “Here’s your lunch,” she said, setting it on his lap.
“Thank you. I understand Josh is out shopping with his friend Sam.” She nodded. “Uh, Marilee, why is that pregnant, black girl living here?”
His question annoyed her. After all, it was her house, and she could do as she pleased. “Winnie is living here because I invited her. Do you have a problem with that?”
He shook his head emphatically. “No, of course not. Josh says she has the flu.”
“Oh, no, nothing like that,” Marilee said quickly. “She’s fit as a fiddle. Just tired, that’s all, which is understandable since her baby is due in a couple of weeks.” She sat on the opposite bed. “Grady, we have to talk.”
He put his tray aside. “I’ve been wanting to talk to you, too, Marilee.”
“Okay,” she said, hoping he was about to tell her he’d finally found a place of his own. “You go first.”
He sighed. “Marilee, I know I’ve been a burden on you, and I’m sorry. I’ve been depressed. I saw a staff psychiatrist while I was in the hospital, and he wrote me a prescription for an antidepressant. I have a follow-up visit this week, but I’m already beginning to feel better.” He paused. “I guess I’ve been depressed a long time, and I just hadn’t realized.”
She pondered it. She had dealt with depressed people at the church, and she knew the symptoms well. Why hadn’t she noticed them in her own husband? “I’m glad you’re feeling better. Once you get your own place and go back to work you’ll be fine.”
“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.” He clasped his hands together and leaned on his knees. “Marilee, I’ve had a lot of time to think while I’ve been recuperating. I’ve made so many mistakes these past few months. I don’t know how I’ll ever make it up to you and Josh.”
“You owe me nothing, Grady. Just try to be a father your son can be proud of.”
“I destroyed our family,” he said. “I’ve done nothing but pray since they rushed me to the hospital, and I think I’m right with the Lord now, because He’s opening doors for me at last.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Now, tell me your plans.”
“I called my brother, Charles, from the hospital, and we’ve spoken a few times since I’ve been here. He knows of a church in Georgia that’s in desperate need of a minister.”
Marilee’s jaw dropped.
“I know what you’re thinking,” he went on quickly. “After what I’ve done, I don’t deserve to be on the pulpit, but I’m a changed man, Marilee. We could start afresh.”
She arched both eyebrows. “We?”
“Marilee, the Lord has given me a second chance, I’m asking you to do the same.”
She felt as though she’d been punched in the chest. “You’re not serious.”
“At least hear me out. I know I don’t deserve it, but I think you and I could make it work if we tried. Not only for our sake, but for Josh’s.”
“Grady, I couldn’t possibly—”
“We would have to remarry, of course, but I promise you wouldn’t regret it. I’ll do everything I can to make you happy. I still love you, Marilee.” He reached out and touched her hand. “That’s why I wanted to call you all those times. That’s why I wanted to hold off on the divorce. It didn’t take me long to realize what a mistake I’d made moving in with that woman. I was so glad when she left because it saved me the trouble of having to break it off.”
Marilee pulled her hand away. She suddenly felt ill. She did not wish to rehash their marital woes, and she certainly didn’t want to hear about Grady and LaFonda’s relationship problems.
“We’re not the first couple to have problems,” he insisted. “We can use this experience to help others. I believe things happen for a reason. Maybe the Lord felt we’d grown complacent in our marriage and the Church. I’m not the first minister to fall from grace, but the Lord has worked a miracle in me.”
Marilee felt the room swim before her eyes. “I can’t talk to you about this right now,” she said, rising from the bed on unsteady feet. She had come in hoping to discover he’d finally found a place to live, but all this time he’d been planning how to get her back.
He stood as well. “Are you okay?”
“I have to lie down.”
“Would you at least think about what I’ve said? Your forgiveness means everything to me.”
She was thinking. And wondering how she would ever get him out of her life. She paused at the door. “I forgave you a long time ago. I think you should take that job in Georgia,” she said.
He was smiling when she left the room. “Thank you, Lord!” he whispered.
JOSH ARRIVED AT SAM’S AT precisely seven o’clock carrying a large, brown paper sack. “I brought a few items I thought we might need for the tree,” he said.
Sam looked into the bag. “Oh, this is good.” He grinned. “First, let’s have some eggnog and snacks.”
“What kind of sandwiches are these?” Josh asked, staring at the food on the coffee table.
Sam gave a grunt. “We’re getting the surplus from the girls’ party. These are called pinwheels. We also have chicken salad with pineapple and almonds. And this is Brie with some kind of strawberry sauce.”
“Yuck!”
Sam grinned. “Don’t worry, I ordered a pizza. It should be here any minute.”
“Won’t your mom’s feelings be hurt?”
“Naw, she knows I don’t go for this sort of thing. Although I used to have to eat it on a regular basis.”
“How come?”
“I attended a lot of parties in Atlanta. My ex-wife was into that sort of thing. Social climber and all that.”
“Too bad for you.”
“Yeah, but that’s in the past.” He wouldn’t tell Josh how much it had cost him to be free of Shelly. “Remember this, Josh. Just because a woman is beautiful doesn’t mean you should marry her.”
“I don’t think I want to get married anyway,” the boy said. “It’s such a hassle, living with parents who don’t like each other.”
“How are things going over there?”
Josh looked sad. “My parents are getting back together.”
Sam went still. He felt as though a giant fishhook had just ripped through his gut. “Are you sure about that?”
“My dad told me when we got back from Christmas shopping. My mom’s not talking. She’s been locked in her room all day.” The boy sank onto the sofa. “I don’t really want to talk about it, if you don’t mind.”
“Then we won’t.”
The doorbell rang. “Here’s our pizza.” Sam was thankful for the reprieve. The thought that Marilee was reuniting with her ex-husband was more than he could take, especially after her confession of love the other night. Grady must have guilt-tripped her into going back to him. That was the only explanation Sam could think of. The man had spent enough years in the pulpit to know how to make people see things his way and no doubt he knew all of Marilee’s buttons and how to push them. Sam longed to punch the man in the face. If Marilee couldn’t see through him she was blind.
A New Attitude Page 35