Mississippi Nights

by D. M. Webb

  His eyes sought out Maggie. Dressed in gray, she picked her way carefully across the green landscaping. Poppy, in the black and white checkered dress, clung to her hand. That must’ve been Poppy’s only dress. Poor Poppy. Her red hair, pulled back into a ponytail, glistened brightly in the sun. David looked up through his shades. The sun shone for Josephine’s funeral. It rained at Rebecca’s.

  David wove his way through the headstones and caught up with the crowd as they slowly walked to the gravesite. There was no tent. No carpeting. No chairs. Bare minimum.

  Maggie stopped at the head of the brown casket, near an arrangement of ugly red and yellow carnations. She looked up as David approached. So many emotions ran through her mind. Relief, indecision, longing, and love.

  David stepped up to her and held out his arms. Without hesitation, she buried herself in his chest. With his right hand, he pulled Poppy close to him, her little arms encircling his waist and holding on for dear life. His two ladies.

  “I didn’t think you were coming.” Her voice was muffled against his starched shirt.

  “I almost didn’t. It’s hard being here.” He held her as people gathered around the casket. Under his hand, he felt Poppy’s skinny frame shake. He pulled her closer.

  Bro. Johnny stepped up. David kissed the top of Maggie’s head, and they separated, keeping Poppy between them, holding the thin child together.

  Bro. Johnny’s voice rumbled over the brown casket. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. . . .”

  : : : : :

  Afterwards, David walked with Maggie and Poppy as they followed the other church members. Poppy plodded along, head down. She stopped suddenly and pulled at his hand. He turned to her as she wiggled out of Maggie’s grasp.

  “Poppy?”

  Her blue eyes, overrun with tears, looked up into his. “What’s going to happen to me? Are they going to take me away?”

  Her question caught him off guard. Why would she think that?

  Maggie fell to her knees and gathered the little girl into her arms. “Oh, baby, no. No. You will stay with me for awhile.”

  “And then what?” Poppy pushed out of Maggie’s arms and backed up a step. “I don’t have anyone no more.”

  “Poppy!” Maggie lunged to catch the fleeing girl, her hands grasping air instead.

  David grabbed Maggie’s arm as Poppy ran toward the grove of trees in the distance. “Stop. Let me get her.”

  He left Maggie standing there. Bro. Johnny hurried toward her.

  That child was fast!

  He jogged, eating up the distance between them. David swept Poppy into his arms within a few seconds. Her little body twisted and bucked against him, but he held her to his chest. She cried and tried to bite him. Little minx. He clamped her tighter against him. Her hair tickled his nose.

  “Hush, little flower. Hush.” He cooed at her.

  Sobs and hiccups racked her body. David knelt down to the ground, cradling her. He rubbed his cheek against her hair. The scent of honeysuckle rose from the red strands. She had used Maggie’s shampoo.

  He had no idea how long they stayed there holding on to each other, but the water from the well-manicured lawn seeped into his slacks, and Poppy no longer cried. She grasped his arm in a vise grip, her head buried in the crook of his elbow like a frightened kitten.

  With a hiccup, she gazed up at him through tear-laden eyelashes. “Maggie won’t leave me?”

  “No. She won’t leave you.” David smoothed her bangs away from her eyes. “And I won’t, either.”

  Poppy hiccupped. “I miss Grandmamma. How do I love Maggie if I still love Grandmamma and wish I was with her?”

  The question hit him hard. How could he explain that? He rose to his feet and pulled her close. How do you explain death and life to a hurting child? His gaze drifted to the other side of the cemetery. Oh, man, this was going to be difficult.

  “Let me show you something, Poppy.”

  He rose to his feet, tucked her hand into his, and turned to gaze back at Maggie. She stood with her father under a big oak tree, watching. David held up a hand and then pulled Poppy farther into the cemetery. Five rows over, by the angel statue. Rebecca’s parents spared no expense.

  Poppy gazed at the angel who stood with open arms above the rose granite headstone. “Who’s this?”

  David knelt to one knee and brushed a few leaves off the top. He only visited once after the funeral but never gained the courage to do so again. Poppy still stared at him. He pulled her down onto his knee and pointed at the words. “Read.”

  A child’s curiosity never failed. “Rebecca May Jo . . . Johan . . .”

  “Johansen.”

  “Johansen. April eighteenth, nineteen seventy-seven. May twentieth, two thousand eight. Beloved daughter and beautiful . . . beautiful what?”

  “Fiancée.”

  “What’s that?”

  “That means a woman who is promised to be married to a man.” David wrapped his arms around Poppy. “She was promised to me.”

  Poppy looked at him and then turned her gaze back to where Maggie stood waiting. “I don’t understand.”

  He reached out and traced Rebecca’s name with a finger. “Rebecca and I were to marry three years ago. She died in a car crash. I miss her, Poppy. But that doesn’t mean I can’t love Maggie.” He placed a kiss on her temple. “Or you.”

  She ran her hand over the stone and the foot of the angel. “You still love Rebecca?”

  “Yes. I will always have a spot here,” he tapped his chest over his heart, “for Rebecca. Just like you will always have a spot here,” he covered her heart with his hand, “for your grandmamma. But our hearts are big, and we can love other people.”

  Poppy didn’t say anything. She sniffed once and then buried her head into his neck. “Will Maggie be mad that I ran?”

  “No, little flower. Never.”

  “Does she know that you still love Rebecca?”

  David took a deep breath. Oh, man. “Yes. And she knows I love her. Rebecca is my past, Poppy. Maggie is my future. Do you understand?”

  Her nod brushed her escaping hair across his nose. “I think so. You can love Rebecca like a . . . like a memory?”

  “Yes. Like a memory.” He laid his cheek against her soft head and gazed at the headstone with Poppy. Like a memory. He felt no pain, only bittersweet memories of sunshine and happiness. How different his life was then compared to now. Now he had two women in his life. His cotton candy girl and his little flower. And he wouldn’t change it for the world.

  Chapter 22

  “IT’S HUGE!” POPPY STOOD on the deck as the pontoon boat bobbed in the water beside her. Her huge blue eyes took in the sight of Pick Wick Lake.

  “That it is.” David picked her up and handed her to Jeremy, who helped her onto the boat. “It’s a big part of the river. See across to the other side? That’s part of Alabama. If you go upriver, you’ll be in Tennessee.”

  He laughed as she knelt on the cushioned seat, still staring out at the expanse of water. “Wow. Will I get to see?”

  “Oh, yeah. We’ll check out the lock dam later. You can watch one of the barges go through, how’s that?”

  Poppy bounced in her seat. “Awesome sauce!”

  “Awesome sauce, indeed, Poppy.”

  “Untie us, David.” Jeremy sat at the wheel as Sarah busied herself securing the coolers and baskets. “Sure you don’t want to ride with us?”

  “What? And miss the fun?” He shook his head and untied the line from the mooring cleat. “I didn’t borrow the Jet Ski from Toby for nothing. Maggie and I’ll catch up.”

  Dennis stood at the back of the pontoon, so David threw the second line to his nephew.

  “Okay. We’ll be in Indian Creek.”

  “See ya, Mr. David!” Poppy’s wide-mouth grin outshone the sun.

  Sophie plopped down next to her, and the two waved as they slowly rode out of the marina. A blue heron flew by to land on
the stone breaker wall, and Poppy’s squeal ricocheted off the water.

  David gave them one last wave as Jeremy gunned the boat, and it shot off into the open lake. This was good. Being here would keep the girl from moping about. Finally, she would realize she was a part of them, a part of the family.

  He shaded his eyes against the glare of the sun off the water. The boat disappeared around the bend, past the gnarled tree that stood in front of the motel.

  A slight tremor moved through the floating pier. He turned his head with a smile. Maggie and her pink one-piece walked toward him. Her life jacket dangled from her fingers. He smiled. Should have known she would buy a pink one, and neon pink at that.

  She looked around. “They took off already?”

  “Yeah. The kids were hopping around, eager to go. Sarah and Jeremy were having a hard time controlling them. Hopefully Darlene and Marty will make it back from the rental with the second boat.” He hooked his arm around her waist. The Jet Ski sat at the corner of the pier, waiting. “They went to Indian Creek. You want to join them, or what?”

  Maggie smiled. “Depends on what the ‘or what’ is.” She handed him his sunglasses and then slipped into her jacket. “Next time, remember them.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He slipped the glasses on and sighed in relief. “That’s better. Well, my dear, your watery chariot awaits.”

  He pulled the Jet Ski closer and hopped on, one foot holding it closer to the pier. Maggie dug her fingers into his shoulder as she slid onto the seat behind him. Her arms clasped tightly around his stomach, and his body tightened in response.

  On the air, her cotton candy scent mixed with the fresh breeze and the water. Intoxicating. Thank goodness there were no dead fish floating today. He snickered.

  “What’s so funny?”

  He bent forward and unlashed the line holding the Jet Ski. “Nothing. Just a wayward thought.”

  “So, tell me.”

  David shook his head as he started the motor. Her fingers poked him, and he nearly leapt off the seat and into the water. Evil woman.

  “Okay! Just don’t tickle, please.” He looked over his shoulder at her. “I’m just glad that you don’t have to compete with the smell of dead fish.”

  Maggie laughed. “You are so weird.”

  “But you love me.”

  She kissed his shoulder and then pressed her cheek against it. “Drive on, Lord of the Jet Ski.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  He revved the vehicle, ignored the No Wake sign, and shot out of the marina. Maggie’s laughter rippled over him. The wind rushed past them and whipped at their bodies. He sliced the Jet Ski through the waves, water spraying them.

  Maggie yelled above the sound of the motor. “Where we going?”

  “Alabama!”

  “What?”

  David pointed across the lake. “Corner of Alabama. In that cove.”

  He spied a Bayliner cruising and veered toward it. “But first . . .”

  The wake offered its tempting waves. Maggie’s gleeful shout echoed as they jumped the rolls of water. He turned sharply and rode in for another pass.

  Freedom. He laughed. Excitement and freedom from his days, from his cravings.

  Maggie held on for dear life, her fingers latched onto his vest. They soared into the air for the final jump. He turned the Jet Ski around. The children on the boat waved and shouted. Maggie waved back as he rode away, searching for more.

  “Why didn’t we follow them?”

  “Rude to do so. Ride a few and then move on.” He spotted a barge. “Those are fun, but only to cool off. Waves aren’t so high.”

  Maggie scooted closer. “Let’s do it. I’m getting baked sitting here.”

  David laughed and took off across the lake again. “Yes, ma’am.”

  : : : : :

  Jeremy leaned back in the chair and propped his feet on the corner of the dash. He sighed as he watched the scene before him. The boys had jumped into the water. They splashed and tried to coax Poppy to jump in.

  “No way. That’s deep. It probably has big fish in there. And they’ll eat my legs off.”

  Marty Jr. laughed and splashed a handful of water up at her. “There’s only strands of weeds floating around. See?” He threw a long, green strand of duckweed at Poppy. It plopped against her legs.

  She squealed and slapped at it. “Gross!”

  Jeremy laughed. “Marty, cut it out.”

  Dennis swam toward him. “Oh, Dad, we’re just funning her.”

  “No throwing weeds at her, though.”

  “Fine, Dad.” He turned to Poppy. “Sorry, Pop.”

  Marty smiled. “Yeah, sorry, Pop. I didn’t–” he thrashed around. “Wait. Dennis, there’s something in here!”

  Jeremy shook his head at the boys. Should’ve known they would torment the poor girl. Poppy leaned over the edge, her eyes nearly ready to pop out of her skull.

  “What?” Dennis whirled, sending a spray of water over the girl. She didn’t flinch, intent on discovering what they were yelping about. “What was that? It just swam past me.”

  Poppy’s lips trembled. “I told you. Get out of the water. The fish will bite your legs off.”

  Dennis started swimming toward the boat.

  “Hurry, Dennis!” Marty thrashed. “It’s got me. Pop–”

  Poppy started screaming as Marty went under. “Mr. Jeremy, Mr. Jeremy, the fish ate Marty!” Tears streamed from her eyes as she scuttled away from the edge.

  Sarah glanced at him from the front as she handed the fishing rod back to Sophie. “Jeremy.”

  “Fine.” He stood. Time to end the torture. “Poppy, they’re just messing around.”

  “But he went under. Look!” She grabbed his hand. “See!” She led him to the gate and peered over the side of the boat.

  Dennis slapped the water’s surface. Marty popped up and sent a wave of water cascading over Poppy. The boys hooted and swam towards the back.

  Poppy sputtered. Her face flamed. “Stupid boys! I’ll get you back!”

  “You can try, Pop-tart.” Dennis cackled.

  Jeremy chuckled. “Ignore them, Poppy. Just ignore them.”

  She glared at him. “You’re just a man. You’re on their side.” She crossed her arms, gave him a hearty huff, and stalked to the front of the boat.

  Sophie smiled and gave her a hug when she sat on the small deck. “Catch a fish. Then when Daddy fillets it, you can put the guts in their shoes.”

  Poppy’s reply was lost as Jeremy turned his attention to his wife. Sarah punched his shoulder. “That was mean. Letting the boys pick on her so.”

  “Ah, she’s needs it. Besides, she enjoyed it.”

  “She’s got a temper, Jer. Those boys better watch out.”

  He arched a brow at her as he joined her under the canopy. “What can she do? Have to catch a fish to put the guts in a shoe.”

  “David’s been teaching her.”

  “Oh boy.” He glanced at the boys. They had their heads together, conspiring. “I can’t wait to see what she plans.”

  “Hey, Mom!” Sophie stood up and waved. “It’s Aunt Darlene and Uncle David!”

  Sarah turned to the kids behind her. “Boys! You better head in, David’s coming.”

  They quickly swam to the boat. Their laughter mingled with Sophie’s. He turned to Sarah. “You do have the towels and food in something waterproof, right?”

  She sighed. “Yup. Sophie, you and Poppy stand behind the gate, honey.”

  The girls closed the gate and knelt on the side seats, shielding their eyes from the sun.

  Poppy looked at Sophie. “What’s happening?”

  Sophie smiled at her and then returned to watching the others approach.

  Jeremy shook his head. “He’s coming in fast. Showing off for Maggie.”

  “And for Poppy.” Sarah grabbed his arm and ducked her head closer to him. “Oh, I hate it when he does this.”

  Jeremy chuckled.

  D
avid rode circles around Marty Sr. and Darlene’s boat, jumping and splicing the waves. The roar of the Jet Ski’s motor increased. His smile flashed across his tanned face. Maggie’s smile matched his.

  “Maggie’s just as crazy.” Jeremy cringed as his brother rode the Jet Ski full throttle at the boat.

  Poppy’s hand flew to her mouth. “He’s gonna crash!”

  Jeremy slipped on his sunglasses, stretched his arms out along the seat, and smiled. He loved this part.

  David veered sharply, sending a tall wave of water cascading over the deck of the boat. Jeremy gasped as the cold water hit him. Sarah yelped. Dennis and Marty shouted at David as he rode away.

  Jeremy wiped at his face as Sophie laughed.

  She pointed at Poppy. “Oh, Poppy!”

  Poppy placed her hands on her little hips and turned to face Jeremy. A big clump of weeds hung over her head and down her face. “That’s it. This means war.”

  : : : : :

  David reclined in the side seat of the pontoon. The sun beat on his face and legs, drying his soaked shorts and hair.

  “You’re going to get burned, you know.”

  David cracked his eyes open and peered at his brother. “Yup. Maybe.”

  He raised his head. The pontoons had been lashed together and beached on the small island in the middle of the lake. The kids’ laughter bounced through the trees and off the water as they looked for mussel shells along its shore.

  “Marty’s got the grill going.” Jeremy sat opposite of him, arms stretched out to the side, ankle over knee. “Don’t know about you, but I’m famished.”

  “Yup.” David laid himself down on the seat, one leg bent. “Water’ll do that to ya.”

  “This was a great idea that Maggie had. Good for Poppy, although I have to warn you. She’s after revenge.”

  David turned his gaze to Jeremy. “Really? For what?”

  “The ski splash.”

  “Oh.” David laughed. His little flower couldn’t stay mad at him for long. Besides, he taught her everything she knew, anyway. “Well, I figured if I took her for a ride on the ski, then maybe she’ll forget about that.”