Marry Me on Main Street

by LuAnn McLane

“So this is why you’ve spent the past ten years avoiding me?”

  Susan nodded slowly. “Yes. I was so embarrassed. I mean, imagine how I felt. Having you ask me was like a dream come true, but it was all fake. And I wondered if anyone else knew the truth and was making fun of me.”

  “No. I didn’t tell anyone, Susan.” Danny wanted to scoot closer and take her hand, but he didn’t want to break the spell of her opening up to him. “Listen, I always thought you were so pretty and sweet. Asking you to the prom wasn’t something I didn’t want to do. It wasn’t a pity date and I had a great time too. When you avoided me I thought you just didn’t like me.”

  “Oh, not true.” Her cheeks flushed a pretty shade of pink.

  “So how about we make up for lost time?” This time Danny risked scooting closer. “Say you’ll have dinner with me tonight.”

  When Susan hesitated he thought she would refuse, but she finally nodded. “Yes.”

  “Sweet.” Danny felt like cheering. “Is Wine and Diner okay with you?” He would have suggested the brewery but he knew they would draw a lot of attention there and he wanted something more intimate.

  “I love the food there.”

  “Awesome. I’ll pick you up around seven? Is that a good time?”

  “Sure,” she said, but frowned.

  Danny stood up and offered his hands to help her to her feet. When she accepted his assistance, Danny wanted to pull her into his arms for a long kiss, but the bell dinged, alerting them that someone was coming into the shop. Instead, he gave her a light peck on the cheek. “Call me if you get into another sticky situation.”

  “I will.”

  Danny nodded, reluctant to leave now that she was warming up to him. But he’d promised Mattie that he’d help out at the bistro and he was already late. He put the tree in a standing position. “Do you want me to carry this somewhere?”

  “I have to make space in the showroom. But thanks.”

  “I’ll see you tonight.”

  Susan gave him another shy smile that he found both sweet and sexy. He walked through the showroom with what had to be a goofy grin on his face. After he pushed the door open and walked out into the brisk afternoon breeze, he did a fist pump into the air. He had a date with Susan Quincy.

  Tonight could not come soon enough.

  11

  Just One Kiss

  When Susan spotted Betsy struggling with a big, heavy box, she hurried outside to help her into the shop. “Looks like the residents of Whisper’s Edge have been busy.”

  “Yeah, busy having fun. Those folks know how to have a good time. They were having happy hour when I arrived. Dancing and singing to Christmas carols. Can’t really vouch for what these ornaments will look like.”

  “Happy hour? It’s only three o’clock.”

  “I don’t think they care about what time of the day it is. I get the feeling they pretty much do what they want whenever they want to do it. I’m considering moving there.”

  “Um, you’re hardly ready for a retirement community.”

  “Yeah, well their social life beats the hell out of mine. Just sayin’. Hey, why do you have a weird look on your face? I only had one whiskey sour and it was forced upon me.”

  “Really?”

  “Sort of. As in, it was placed in my hand.”

  Susan chuckled. “Well … I have a bit of a crisis on my hands.” She helped Betsy carry the box to the back of the shop.

  “Are we out of candy canes again?”

  “No.” Susan rolled her eyes while they carefully lowered the box to the floor. “It’s bigger than that.”

  “Spill, girl.”

  “I might be going out to dinner with Danny Mayfield tonight.”

  “Might be?”

  Closing her eyes, she inhaled a breath. “Okay, I am.”

  “Well butter my butt and call me a biscuit!” Betsy did a little happy dance. “How did this come about?”

  Susan explained the tree debacle. “It was horrible.”

  “I swear, only you could Velcro yourself to a tree.”

  “Well, it was the bells on the sweater that did it.”

  Betsy fisted her hands on her hips. “I love your mama but those sweaters are a danger to your well-being, as you just found out. All that blinking and jingling. I prefer the pretty, flowy clothes you usually wear. Way less dangerous, I might add.”

  “Apparently so.” Susan laughed but then shook her head. “I still can’t believe that I said I’d go out with Danny. Am I setting myself up for heartache?”

  “I highly doubt it, but if you ask me it’s worth the risk anyway.”

  Susan played with the fringe on her sweater. “But what if I’m boring and he falls asleep in his soup?”

  “You’re not boring! And Danny doesn’t think so or he wouldn’t have asked you to go out with him. Embrace how awesome you are. Don’t you have a Pinterest page that tells you all that encouraging stuff written in those little boxes?”

  “Yes, do you?”

  “Aubrey keeps telling me but I don’t know how all that stuff works. She insisted that I get a smartphone but the phone outsmarts me every time I try to do simple things, like take a picture. And this FaceTime stuff?” Betsy raised her arms skyward. “Who wants to see this mug on their phone, anyway? But let’s get back to you and your awesomeness. I can feel that you have more to tell. Come on, girlie.”

  “Well, Danny also said that he really wanted to take me out again after the prom. I told him that I knew the truth about why he asked me in the first place.”

  “So much for your pity date theory.”

  “Well it was, at least at first.”

  “Any teenage boy who would do his mother a favor scores high points to begin with. And the fact that you two hit it off is just the icing on the cake.” Betsy snapped her fingers. “And so you’ve wasted all of these years avoiding the cutest boy in Cricket Creek. Susan Quincy …”

  “Well, I’m still nervous. I haven’t been out on a date in too long to remember. So we have to close early and make a beeline for Violet’s and find something pretty for me to wear.” Her heart started to thud. “Maybe I should have waited until I do could an entire makeover … Oh, why did I agree to do this tonight? I am totally not prepared.”

  “It’s only dinner, sweet pea. You’ll do just fine and dandy. And for the record, you don’t need a makeover. You always look pretty. Now, do you want me to hold down the fort for a while and meet you there or come with you right now?”

  “Oh, you have to come with me.” Susan looked around and shrugged. “It’s been slow. Closing a couple of hours early is okay. By the way, when Aubrey is here she can help us out if she wants some extra spending money for Christmas.”

  “Oh she’d love that. Thanks, Susan.”

  “Having her help out will give me time to do some shopping of my own. I can also be on the lookout for more inventory for us to sell. I sure wish I knew who made that rocking chair I bought a few weeks ago. I think handmade furniture would go over really well in Cricket Creek.”

  Betsy nodded. “I agree. We have people looking for furniture all the time.”

  “I’ll have to put some research into it.” Susan looked at the bare tree branches. “I’ll have to get up early and decorate. I’m curious to see the Whisper’s Edge ornaments.”

  “Just be careful of attacking trees and whatever you do, don’t touch the elf on the shelf.”

  “Right, you keep moving the elf,” Susan said.

  Betsy raised an eyebrow.

  “Don’t you?”

  Betsy shrugged. “Maybe it’s a little bit of holiday magic.”

  Susan laughed as she went to grab her purse and coat. “Don’t forget that you’re doing some shopping too,” Susan reminded Betsy. “I’m going to hold you to going out tomorrow, so don’t think you’re off the hook because of my date.”

  “I guess,” Betsy replied slowly as they walked out the door.

  “What do you mean, you guess?
You shared a hot kiss with a handsome man and I’ve got a date tonight. I think something magical might have happened when we danced in the snow.” She locked the door and looked at Betsy.

  “Yeah, it was called bourbon.”

  Susan laughed. “It just seems like things have gotten interesting ever since that afternoon. I prefer to think it’s a special Christmas spell.”

  “And you’ve been watching way too many Hallmark Christmas movies.”

  “Maybe.” Susan shrugged as they stood at the curb, waiting for the light to change to green. “I mean, I’m super nervous with a million butterflies in my stomach but I’m excited too, in a good way, you know?”

  “I am so glad, Susan. You’re beginning to blossom and it’s so wonderful to watch.”

  “You should give John a chance.”

  “Oh, I don’t know …” Betsy reached in her pocket and pulled out a glove. “Only one. Where do all of the lost gloves go?”

  “With the lost socks and hair ties. But seriously, you should.”

  “Yeah, I suppose.” She smiled briefly but Susan could see the flash of fear in Betsy’s eyes.

  “Is that a yes?”

  “Maybe …”

  Susan wondered if Aubrey’s father put that fear there. She wanted to ask but didn’t want to spoil the mood.

  “Main Street is beginning to look a lot like Christmas,” Susan said, admiring the colorful window displays and wreaths hanging from the lampposts. “It’s hard to believe that just a few years ago Main Street was struggling to survive. It’s so wonderful to see Cricket Creek thriving again.”

  “It sure is. This little town was on the ropes until Noah Falcon came back and built us a doggone baseball stadium.” Betsy shook her head. “Now we have a recording studio and a venue for weddings that brings in people from all over the place. It’s amazing what can happen when a caring community comes together.”

  “Oh I know.” With the stately old brick buildings and mature trees, Cricket Creek really was a picture-perfect small town, simply oozing charm. While Susan longed to travel and explore, she knew that Cricket Creek would always be her home. She couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. “Christmas just has that certain special feeling, you know?”

  “Yeah, panic,” Betsy replied.

  Susan fell into step with Betsy, giving her a glance to see if she was serious or joking around. “Is that how you really feel?”

  “Not so much anymore. But when Aubrey was little I couldn’t afford much in the way of presents. I always hated that I couldn’t give her everything on her list.” She blew out a sigh. “My daddy left my mother when I was little and so she didn’t have much either. Brady left me when Aubrey was only two so I wondered how I would make ends meet.”

  “I’m sorry, Betsy. Who does that?”

  “Eh, I managed.”

  “Did Brady say why he wanted to leave?”

  Betsy looked straight ahead and for a moment Susan didn’t think she would answer. “I got pregnant with Aubrey while Brady and I were just dating. We were married by the justice of the peace and got off to a rocky start. Brady didn’t want the responsibility of a child or marriage. So he … bailed.”

  “That sucks.”

  “Well, I guess in the long run, it was better than being in an unhappy marriage. I eventually got a divorce on the grounds of desertion and he did have to pay child support. I mean, yeah it was horrible that he just up and turned his back on me, but how can you leave your baby girl?” She shook her head. “Aubrey is the light of my life. As you know, having her go off to school has been tough. And recently she’s been talking about going into law, meaning even more years of school.”

  “I know, Betsy. My parents were so protective of me and my mother sure didn’t want me to move off the farm and into town. But finding my independence was the best thing for me.”

  “Yeah, the empty nest thing translated to an empty life for me. At least your mom has your dad.” They stopped at the next street corner. “Oh, would you just listen to me bellyache. I need to count my blessings. Christmas is just a bit of an odd time emotionally.”

  “It’s perfectly fine to vent your feelings. I know you can’t say these things to Aubrey.”

  “No, and my mother doesn’t understand. She loves me in her own way but she was glad when I moved out. But enough of that. I’m so proud of my little girl. I wouldn’t change a thing and she knows it.”

  “Well then maybe you need to jumpstart your own life again. Truly consider giving John a fighting chance. Forget about all of that different world garbage. We’re all just people. And he grew up in Cricket Creek. He might have become a big-time attorney but his roots are here in Kentucky.”

  “That’s only part of my hesitation.” Betsy shrugged and they started walking across the street. “I guess in my experience men just up and leave. I suppose that’s why I never put my trust in one again.”

  “That’s not fair to the good guys out there, and especially not to you,” Susan said as they reached Violet’s Vintage Clothing Shop.

  “True, and I don’t want Aubrey to have that kind of jaded opinion about relationships, but I’ve raised her to be independent and not depend on a man for money or happiness. Look, I want to believe in love too, Susan, but getting hurt like that sticks with you. I just want Aubrey to be realistic and choosy.”

  “Nothing wrong with being choosy,” Susan said as she opened the door. “And she sure can be. Smart, gorgeous, and fun, just like her mama.”

  “Well hello, ladies!” Violet said with a big, welcoming smile. Susan guessed Violet to be somewhere in her early seventies but she had a timeless sense of style and radiated beauty. With her silver hair pulled up in a French twist and deep red lipstick, she had an Audrey Hepburn elegance coupled with Southern sass. As always, Violet was dressed to the nines and today she wore a long black velvet skirt and a cream-colored silk blouse.

  “Hi, Violet.” Susan walked over and gave the sweet store owner a hug.

  Betsy gave her a hug as well. “You look lovely, as always. What’s your secret to staying so young?”

  “Laughter keeps my heart pumping strong. Music soothes my soul. I try my best not to sweat the small stuff, keeping stress and worry out of my life. People today move at such a fast pace.” She shook her head. “I like to move more slowly and enjoy small pleasures.”

  “Excellent advice,” Betsy said. “In other words, stop and smell the roses.”

  “Precisely.” Violet waved her delicate hand in an arc, causing the gold bangle bracelets on her wrist to jingle. “I’m stocked up with some beautiful things for the holidays, both old and new. What brings you two here on a blustery afternoon?”

  Susan unbuttoned her jacket, revealing her sweater. “I need a wardrobe update.”

  Violet’s eyes widened. “Oh mercy. But you have such a lovely sense of style, Susan.”

  “Oh, I wear these because it makes my mama happy. And they are a conversation piece.” She moved her shoulders, causing blinking and jingling.

  “I can believe it. Well, I haven’t seen you in a while but I guess the Christmas season has your shop busy.”

  “More so on the weekends but yes,” Susan replied.

  Betsy looked around. “Actually, we both need a wardrobe update. Do you have a rack of petite clothes?”

  “Of course.” She smiled at Susan. “And tall as well. My shop has something for all shapes and sizes. And if you find something that needs altering, I have someone who can do that for you too. So let the shopping begin! Oh, and be sure to check out the shoes at the back of the shop. It’s the Heels for Meals charity. They’re all donated and one hundred percent goes toward the soup kitchen over on Third Street and for shut-ins unable to leave home.”

  “We will certainly do that,” Susan said.

  “As you know, the fitting rooms are behind the curtain. If you need anything, let me know. I have some great jewelry that I just bought at an estate sale that I know you’ll love. It’s in the gl
ass case. Let me know if you want to try some of it on.”

  “Thanks, Violet,” Susan said and turned to Betsy. “Are you ready? I don’t have much time before I need to do my hair and makeup.”

  “Wait,” said Violet. “Is this a special occasion?”

  “I have a dinner date,” Susan whispered and felt a bit of a blush heat her cheeks.

  Violet clapped her hands together. “Wonderful! I’m surprised you’re still single—someone as lovely as you? Do I know this lucky young man?”

  “Danny Mayfield.”

  “Oh, he’s a handsome one. You two would make an adorable couple.” Violet tapped the side of her cheek. “Oh … I have a dress that you must try on. It’s a midnight blue empire waist and will bring out your coloring perfectly. And I’ve got a whole section of Betsey Johnson clothing and accessories. Her line is feminine and whimsical. Kind of a retro look with a modern edge. I think you’ll love her style, Susan. Betsy, the petites are over there in the far corner. I have a few outfits I think you’ll like too.”

  “Thanks, Violet. I’ll just browse,” Betsy said. “We need to concentrate on Susan’s date emergency first.”

  “The two of you can put on a fashion show,” Violet said. “I’ll put a few of my choices in the dressing rooms for you both.”

  “That would be fun!” Susan laughed, but she felt as jittery as the one time she’d tried a Red Bull and then weaved ten rugs, washed her car, cleaned her apartment, and baked a cake.

  Susan started pushing through the clothes on the Betsey Johnson rack, wondering if the styles were too over-the-top for her to pull off. She chuckled when Betsy complained about the lack of choices for petites.

  “Short people get the short end of the clothing stick,” Betsy grumbled. “At least Aubrey got some height from her daddy. It’s the only danged thing he gave her.”

  “Betsy, you might be vertically challenged but you have a nice figure,” Susan said. “There’s got to be something here that would look amazing on you.”

  “Yeah, if those What Not to Wear folks got ahold of me they’d toss out my entire wardrobe of khaki pants and boring blouses.”

  “I often wonder what Stacy and Clinton would think of my closet.” Susan sighed. “I miss that show. But you know I have a hard time tossing anything out. I would have played tug-of-war with my clothes and won.”