Made for Each Other

by Irene Brand

  “I have two brothers, Brice and Kevin. They’re both married and, between them, they’ve provided me with four nieces and three nephews. Brice lives in California, and Kevin and his family are in Louisiana. They come home every summer, and at the same time, so we have a big family reunion.”

  “Do you visit them?”

  “No, but Mother and Daddy go to visit them, usually during the wintertime. The Christmases I’ve spent in Florida with Steve’s family, my parents have gone to visit one of the boys.” She chuckled at a happy memory. “Brice and I were only a year apart in age, and we fought most of the time when we were kids. In fact, my husband, Steve, and Brice were best friends. Brice was furious when Steve and I started dating, and he couldn’t go everywhere we did.”

  “Lots of happy memories, huh?”

  “I do have some good memories.” She laid her hand on Jacob’s arm. “Thanks for inviting me to come with you. I get so involved in the problems of the present, and when I do think about the past, I tend to remember incidents that I regret. You’ve helped me remember some of the good things today.”

  He took her hand and held it while they looked out through the pine forest where birds flew back and forth building their spring nests. Aimee was conscious of the change of life in the blossoming trees, the resurrection of the earth, and, even as she stretched out her hand for Jacob to hold, her thoughts turned to God and His place in their lives.

  When they started on the trail again, Jacob said, “Have you had any thoughts about what we can do for entertainment on Fun in the Sun Day?”

  “Yes, I have, and you may think it’s a crazy thing to do,” Aimee admitted with an embarrassed laugh. “I’m not very athletic, and I wondered if we could dress up as clowns, rent a loudspeaker system and play music. Every time the music stops, we can give prizes away.”

  “I like it,” Jacob said quickly. “We can have everyone drop their names in a box, and we’d draw out several names at a time. I’ll rent the sound system as well as a small tent. Any ideas about prizes?”

  “We can have simple things like candy, fruit, even some inexpensive toys and trinkets. I’ll contribute a hundred dollars for the gifts.”

  “I’ll match it with another hundred, so we can be sure everyone gets something. It will be fun buying them. When can we go shopping?”

  “We still have a month,” Aimee calculated. “We can figure that out later.”

  “I’m not a good shopper,” he warned.

  “Ah, but I am,” she commented with a carefree laugh. “All you have to do is carry the packages.”

  She threw her arm around his shoulders, and the contact was electrifying. She moved away from him immediately, unwilling to meet his eyes or consider the jolt that innocent touch sent through her whole being.

  They stopped in midstride, and Jacob pulled her into his arms. She felt his heart hammering, and she enjoyed his closeness for a few moments before she stepped away. Still wanting to touch him, she took his hand and they walked silently back to the car.

  It was late afternoon by the time they returned to Benton. When they stopped at Aimee’s house, she invited him to come in, but he said, “I’m going home to make that call before I lose what nerve I do have.”

  “Give me a call back,” she said. “I’ll be praying for you.”

  “That will help,” he assured her.

  Jacob’s heart danced with excitement as he drove away from Aimee’s house, and he knew he could handle whatever lay in wait for him on the other end of the phone.

  As soon as he got home, Jacob went immediately to the phone. His hands trembled as he punched in the digits. On the third ring, a deep voice answered.

  Jacob swallowed with difficulty and found he couldn’t speak.

  “Hello?” the man said again, questioningly.

  Jacob’s voice broken when he finally forced out the words, “I’m calling for Andrew Mallory.”

  “Speaking. Judging from my caller ID, is this Jacob Mallory?”

  “Yes, sir,” Jacob said, pleased that the introduction had been so easy. Still he hesitated, uncertain about what to say next.

  “Why have you called, Jacob?” the man asked, not unkindly.

  Half in anticipation, half in dread, Jacob took a deep breath. “A few weeks ago I decided to search for my father, Philip Mallory, who left my mother and me before I was a year old. My search led me to you, and I learned that you were looking for a grandson. The information I have says that you may be my grandfather.”

  “How old are you, Jacob?”

  “Thirty-four.”

  “And where do you live?” the man persisted.

  “Benton, Virginia,” Jacob answered, then he posed a question of his own. “May I ask why you’re searching for your grandson?”

  Andrew Mallory started to speak, but his voice wavered, and Jacob sensed that the man was crying. After a few moments, Andrew sighed heavily, and his voice was filled with wretchedness when he finally spoke.

  “I’m sorry, Jacob, but it’s something I can’t explain over the phone. Let’s try to determine if there is a connection between us before we go any further. Will you send a picture of yourself, Jacob?”

  “Yes, sir. I have a fairly recent photo, which I’ll scan and e-mail to you.”

  Andrew seemed to have regained his composure, for his voice was steadier as he continued, “Jacob, I’m reasonably sure that you could be our grandson, at least to the extent that we want to meet you and personally discuss a possible relationship.”

  “I would like that, sir.”

  “We have a winter home in Florida,” Andrew continued, “and that’s where we are now. But our main home is in Malone, New York. My wife and I will be traveling northward along I-95 in June. If it’s convenient, we’d like to stop and see you. How would we reach Benton from I-95?”

  “Travel west on US-460. Benton isn’t far from Lynchburg.”

  “We have GPS in our car, so as long as I have your address in Benton, I can find you. We will be delighted to find out if you are our grandson.”

  “I’d like to meet you, too,” Jacob assured him.

  “I can probably tell when I receive your picture if you are related to us,” Andrew said, “but perhaps you look like your mother’s family.”

  “I don’t think so. My mother died when I was young, but I don’t bear much resemblance to her.”

  “I’ll look forward to receiving your picture. If you are our grandson, then we have many things to discuss, but I’d prefer to do that when we see you.”

  Jacob’s throat tightened with emotion, and he spoke hesitantly. “But isn’t there anything you can you tell me about my father now?”

  There was no immediate answer, and Jacob was sorry he had asked.

  In a hoarse whisper, Andrew Mallory said, “He is dead,” and severed the phone connection.

  Jacob held the phone away from his ear, shocked at what he had heard and also the dismal tone of the man’s voice. He considered calling back and demanding more information, for how could he wait weeks to find out about his father?

  He wondered again about his father’s life. Had the desertion of his wife been the first step in a downward spiral that led to a tragic end? If this were so, maybe it would be better not to know. With mixed emotions, Jacob left his apartment and entered the main house to share his news with Gran.

  Some grandmothers who had devoted so many years caring for their grandson might have resented the fact that Jacob’s paternal family wanted to be part of his life now. But not Gran.

  Hearing Jacob’s news, tears of happiness sparkled in her eyes, and she put her arms around him. “I’m so happy for you. Did he sound pleased to talk with you?”

  “Yes, until I asked him point-blank about my father, and—” Jacob’s voice faltered “—he said he was dead.”

  “Oh,” Stella said. “No details?”

  “No, he hung up abruptly. I was tempted to call back and demand an answer,” Jacob said, “but I couldn�
��t do it. I sure hate to wait another six weeks to find out.”

  “The time will pass quickly,” she said. “You’ll be busy with plans for Fun in the Sun, as well as the bicentennial celebration.”

  “It will always be in my mind, but I can’t do anything about it. If Andrew Mallory doesn’t want to talk, I can’t make him.”

  Jacob returned to his apartment and called Aimee.

  “You made the phone call?” she asked right away.

  “Yes, and talked to my grandfather, or at least,” he amended, “the man who believes that he’s my grandfather. He and my grandmother spend winters in Florida and go home to New York in a few weeks. He plans to stop and see me.”

  “Are you excited about it?”

  “Not yet, but I probably will be by the time they get here.” In a different tone, he added, “He said my father is dead, but wouldn’t give me any details. I don’t know what to think.”

  “Think positive. That’s what you’ve been trying to teach me. Right?”

  “I’m trying to, but six weeks is going to seem like a long time.”

  Chapter Ten

  In spite of Samantha’s displeasure, Aimee found herself looking forward to the afternoon with Chloe. Mrs. Slater came to the door with Chloe when Aimee stepped up on the porch.

  Aimee noticed the absence of the walker and commented, “You’re walking better today?”

  “Much better. My arthritis comes and goes, and a lot of it is weather related. Maybe you don’t hold with old-fashioned ideas about connections between the weather and ailments?”

  Laughing, Aimee commented, “Oh, yes, I do! I often have pains in my legs before a big storm.”

  Mrs. Slater stepped out on the porch. “No storms today,” she said, breathing deeply of a hint of spring wafted by a balmy south wind. Chloe came to the door, and the eagerness in the girl’s face touched Aimee’s heart.

  “All ready?” Aimee asked.

  Chloe nodded happily.

  “We’ll be back in a few hours,” Aimee assured Mrs. Slater. “Do you still have my cell number?”

  “Yes, but I won’t worry. I know she’s in good hands. Enjoy yourselves.”

  As they drove away from the sidewalk, Chloe said, “Guess what?”

  A smile crossed Aimee’s face. “I’m not good at guessing games. You’d better tell me.”

  “I tried out to sing in the chorale. The music teacher likes my voice. I’m in!”

  Aimee gave her a high five and Chloe’s face flushed with pride.

  “That’s awesome!” Aimee said. “After we see the movie, we’ll celebrate by shopping for a new outfit for you. Remind me, what do you need?”

  “A white blouse and long black skirt,” Chloe said as she buckled her seat belt. “We need black shoes, too, but I have almost new ones.”

  After the movie, Aimee took Chloe to the same department store where she bought her own clothes. Aimee sensed that Chloe was sensitive about being unable to afford the items herself, and she was pleased when they found the blouse and skirt on sale. The total amount was low enough that Chloe accepted the gifts with very little protest.

  During the afternoon Chloe asked a few timid questions about Samantha. She remembered her from Eastside and saw her sometimes at the high school, leaving Aimee with the impression that her daughter was somewhat of a role model for Chloe. She only hoped that she could continue helping Chloe without alienating Samantha.

  Although Aimee had asked Samantha to go with them, she had refused, and when she returned home, Samantha didn’t ask any questions about what they had done, which caused Aimee to wonder again if she should have taken the assignment. But when Jacob called wanting to know how she and Chloe had gotten along, his approval convinced Aimee that she was doing the right thing.

  “She was really excited that she’d been chosen for the choral presentation,” Aimee said happily, “and we found a nice outfit for her. Mrs. Slater was put off about the new clothes at first until I explained that it was one of the things I could do according to the Siblings regulations. She voiced her appreciation and let it go at that. I felt such a sense of accomplishment when I came home.”

  “Working with Siblings is a two-way street,” Jacob assured her. “The more we give, the more we receive. It’s kept me positive when I might otherwise have been negative about life in general.”

  Aimee was just hanging up with Jacob when Erica called from the family room, “Hey! Anybody home?”

  “I’m in the bedroom,” Aimee answered. “Be there in a sec.”

  When Aimee joined her neighbor, Erica gave her an envelope. “Our registrations for the conference were accepted. I thought there was a possibility they might not be since we were late registering.”

  “Good,” Aimee said, taking a deep breath. “The last month has been like a roller-coaster ride, more turmoil than I’ve had for years. I’m looking forward to getting away for a weekend.”

  “You deserve a break,” Erica said.

  Aimee agreed. “For one thing, I’m dealing with the change in my relationship with Samantha a lot better because my spiritual walk is more vital than it’s been for years. I read the Bible and pray every night before I go to bed, but I still feel that I need time away from my distractions. Does that make sense?”

  “Sure it does. And this conference might be just what you need to grow even closer to the Lord,” Erica assured her. “It will give us an opportunity to share our concerns with other women who are experiencing the same problems we are. And there are many opportunities for private meditation and prayer, too.”

  The next three weeks before the conference passed so quickly that more than once Aimee almost wished she hadn’t agreed to go.

  She made a point to see Chloe or make contact with her every week. She took Samantha to a regional cheerleading competition. They went shopping for new clothes. And they talked. Samantha even said she was sorry for the night she had interrupted Aimee and Jacob, although she said she still didn’t think Aimee had any business dating him. Well, at least they were talking. As Aimee juggled her time, it seemed that there wasn’t much left for Jacob anyway. When she considered how much she missed seeing him, she knew that Jacob was a factor to be considered in her future, and Samantha was just going to have to get used to it.

  So when Jacob called and asked if they could get together and go shopping for the Fun in the Sun prizes, she agreed. The opportunity to be alone with him for a few hours sent her spirits soaring. She knew the day was fast approaching when she would have to deal seriously with her reaction to his presence, and let him know that he was more than just a friend.

  Jacob picked her up just after noon on the Saturday before the Fun in the Sun event, and they drove to a mall on the outskirts of Benton. They found a variety store that was going out of business and all of their stock was half-price. They were able to buy more with their two hundred dollars than they expected.

  Jacob made several trips to his van with their purchases, and after they spent all the money they’d budgeted, he said, “We have enough items to give every kid and even their parents several prizes.”

  “That gives me a great feeling,” Aimee said. With a grin, she added, “Perhaps it’s the company, but I don’t know when I’ve enjoyed a day more.”

  Jacob didn’t even consider that they were standing in a popular shopping center when he suddenly tipped her chin up and kissed her. Aimee didn’t pull back this time. She returned his kiss without hesitation, then gently pulled away, lifting her hand and caressing his cheek and jaw before stepping out of the circle of his arms.

  Jacob watched as she turned from him and sat down in the van. Friends, ha! How much longer could they fool themselves into believing that the emotions they were experiencing evolved from a casual friendship?

  When they arrived at Aimee’s home, Jacob turned off the engine, but when Aimee invited him inside, he said, “No, I won’t stay. But while you were shopping, I bought something for you.”

  He
reached under the car seat and handed her a sack. She eyed him with curiosity, thinking he’d probably bought a gag gift for her like the ones they’d bought for the children. She glanced quickly at him, surprised to find that he’d bought her a bottle of expensive perfume in the lavender scent she always wore.

  “Well, thank you,” Aimee stammered. “But why?”

  He seemed a little embarrassed, but he said, “One of the things I noticed about you the first day we met was the fragrance of lavender that surrounded you. When I saw the perfume on the shelf today, it reminded me of our first meeting at school, and I wanted to buy it. Our time together has been special to me, Aimee.”

  Not caring whether Samantha would see, Aimee leaned toward Jacob and kissed his cheek. “That’s about the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you, Jacob, for you are special to me.”

  The Saturday Fun in the Sun event was a hit, and at the end of the day, Gran assured Aimee and Jacob that their appearance as clowns had been the highlight of the day. Their booth had been popular, and as Aimee gave away dozens of gifts to the kids, she tried unsuccessfully to put Samantha’s opinion of their work out of her mind.

  Aimee modeled her clown suit for Samantha and invited her to go to Fun in the Sun Day. After one horrified glance at Aimee’s costume, she said, “No, thanks. You think it’s cool to be dressed up like that? I don’t! I hope no one knows you’re my mother.”

  But when Jacob took her home at the end of the day, he said, “You were super today. And although I don’t know what caused that sad look in your eyes, try to forget it by thinking of the kids and their parents you made happy.”

  “Thanks,” she said. “I don’t regret a minute of the time and effort it took to accomplish what we did. I’ve had a wonderful day. I just wish Samantha would have joined us.”

  Aimee was thrilled that the changes in her life were making her less self-centered—and less Samantha-centered. But when was Samantha going to see that the world did not revolve around her?