by ADAMS, J.
“This is my stop,” he drawls as he casually walks by, winking at me. This time Julian laughs out loud.
“Julian!” I whisper sternly, trying to keep from laughing, myself. “I can't believe you!”
“An' I cannae believe the lad was so bold. Maybe I should go after him an' bend him like a pretzel. Wha' do ye think, Jack?”
Dad laughs. “I would definitely pay to see it.”
Dad scoops Mark into a massive hug, almost lifting him off the floor. “It’s so good to see you.”
“It’s good to see you, too.”
Dad moves aside so Julian and I can greet Mark. “I’m so glad you could come,” he tells us.
“Thanks for invitin' us,” Julian says, putting an arm around Mark’s shoulder.
“It just wouldn’t have been the same without you guys.”
Mark walks us over to baggage claim to retrieve our luggage, all the while talking excitedly about the wedding plans. He also tells us about the things he has planned for us to do while we are here.
“I’m so glad you guys could come early.”
“Weel, we wanted ta be able ta spend time with ye before the weddin',” Julian says.
“And we can’t wait to meet your bride to be,” I add.
“I'm looking forward to introducing you. She’s pretty awesome.”
Mark holds Aidan, keeping him occupied while we keep a lookout for our luggage. Soon we have everything loaded into his mother’s minivan and are on our way.
“It’s so beautiful here,” I say, taking in the massive mountains in the distance, and Julian agrees.
“I can’t argue with you there,” Mark says. “It's so different from the east, and I never realized just how beautiful it really is or how much I missed it until I came back. It struck me all over again.”
“I can understand why,” Dad says.
“Tomorrow we’ll take you guys out and really show you some sights.”
Julian slaps him on the shoulder. “We look forward ta it.”
Chapter 5
Every beauty which is seen here below by persons of perception resembles more than anything else that celestial source from which we all are come.
Unknown
“You have a beautiful home,” Dad comments as we pull into the driveway and I readily agree.
Theirs is a large home of total southwestern design. From the flat, red tiled roof to the beige stucco, it is lovely.
“Everyone is back in the family room,” Mark says. “Just follow the loud laughter.”
Julian chuckles. “It does sound like everyone is havin' a good time back there.”
“All of my sisters and their families are here. Whenever we get together, it's an automatic party.”
Mark leads us into the family room and everyone converges at once, anxious to meet us. Mark quickly makes the introductions.
“Make yourselves comfortable,” his mother, Margret says. “Mark has told us so much about you, we feel like you’re a part of the family.”
“He’s told us a lot about all of you, too,” I say. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” Their kindness makes us feel welcome and at home.
“What a cutie,” Mark's sister, Afton says, cooing at Aidan. “How old is he?”
“He just turned a year old a couple of weeks ago,” I answer.
“He’s a little version of his dad,” Margret says.
Mark’s dad, Rick, holds his hands out to Aidan. “Hi, little guy.” Aidan reaches for his hand, then Rick holds his arms open and Aidan jumps right into them. “I think I’ve made a friend,” he says, chuckling.
“Looks like you have,” his wife agrees. “Must be those grandpa looks of yours.”
“Hey!” he says, pretending to be insulted. “Come on, little guy. Let’s go to the playroom and meet the crew.” Rick takes Aidan to meet the grandchildren while we all chatter on about the wedding.
“So where is your fiancee,” Dad asks.”
Mark grins. “She should be here at any time . . . now.” The doorbell rings. “That must be her.” He runs to answer the door. Ten seconds later he reappears with the love of his life, and introduces us to Sara.
“Isn’t she gorgeous?” Mark asks, beaming. It is definitely more of a statement than a question.
“She definitely is,” Dad says. “How did you get her?”
Sara laughs. “Well, I got so tired of him scratching at my door, I felt sorry for him and gave in.”
The whole room roars with laughter.
“Good one,” Mark says, hugging her.
The doorbell rings again.
“I’ll get it,” Rick says. “That must be Cassie.”
“Is she another sister?” I ask.
“No,” Mark answers, quickly filling us in. “She was married to our oldest brother that passed away a couple of years ago. She was pregnant at the time, but she lost the baby a few months later.”
“How sad,” I say, keeping my voice down.
“Yeah, it's was pretty hard on us all. But she is finally doing well.”
The grand-kids soon merge in with the adults. Aidan crawls to Dad and tugs on his pant leg. “Uh oh,” Dad says, picking him up. “I think someone’s sprung a leak.”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” I tell him. “Let me take him and change him.”
“That’s okay, I’ll do it.”
“Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“Not at all,” he says and I hand him the diaper bag.
Mark offers to show him to one of the guest rooms. “All right, little man, come with Grandpa.” Dad calls over his shoulder, “If I’m not back soon, send in the Guard.”
Julian laughs and calls back, “No way, yer on yer own.”
“You're a lot of help,” I say, poking him and he pulls me close.”
“Here's our little Spanish beauty,” Rick says, entering the family room with a curvy, petite woman.
“I’m sorry I’m so late,” she says.
“That’s okay, we were just getting started.” She hands him a large casserole dish.
“Mmmm, Mark says. “Smells good.”
“I got ambitious. I made plum pudding and sauce.”
“Now how did you know I’ve had a craving for your plum pudding?” Mark asks, his voice teasing.
“Oh, I guess it’s because every time I come over, you say, ''Boy, I sure would love to have some of your plum pudding.'”
Mark chuckles. “I guess you finally got the hint, then.”
When she smirks and says “Finally,” I snort, instantly liking her. Mark introduces us.
“It's good to meet you,” I say, shaking her hand, admiring her exotic features. “You're very beautiful.”
“Thank you,” she says shyly, tucking a lock of dark hair behind her ear, her Spanish accent thick.
We all migrate to the dining room and Dad returns a moment later. Mark immediately introduces him to Cassie.
I almost gasp as I watch Dad's eyes light up. No way! I glance at Julian and he winks at me. I can't believe it! Finally!
“It’s . . . it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Dad says, shaking her hand, a wide smile spreading across his face.
“It’s good to meet you, too,” she says and I watch the two staring at each other.
Wow! I mouth to Julian.
“Well,” Rick says, clearing his throat, “shall we have a blessing now?”
I know it is wicked of me, but as Rick blesses the food, I discreetly open my eyes and glance from Dad to Cassie, smiling as I observe them doing the very same thing.
The table is set buffet style, and after we fill our plates, we head out onto the patio where tables are set up for everyone to dine. Most of the family walk around with their plates and talk, but I decide it will be easier to sit and feed Aidan. I spot Cassie sitting alone and head to her table.
“Mind if I join you?”
She smiles. “Not at all. I would love some company.”
I pull out a chair and get Aidan situated.
/>
“He’s so adorable,” she says. “And he looks just like your husband.”
“Thank you. And my husband thanks you. He’s a handful, and definitely his father's son. ”
“I'll bet. You are very fortunate.”
“I am,” I agree. Taking in her somber expression, I find myself wishing I could read her mind because she seems so reserved. But then again, the hurt of loss runs deep, and though I don't know what it is like to lose a husband and a child, I can greatly empathize.
We talk for a while and discover we have many things in common. We love old movies, reading, traveling, and we possess a terrible dislike for sewing.
“I made a shirt during my senior year in home economics class,” Cassie says. “It turned out two sizes too small and I ended up giving it to a friend.”
I laugh. “Well, at least your friend got a free shirt out of it. I’m sure she was happy.”
“Oh she was. She told me to feel free to keep sewing and she would just sit back and patiently wait for me to furnish her new wardrobe.”
“That sounds like a plan.”
“Well, fortunately, my teacher took pity on me and let me do other domestic things.”
“Good teacher.”
“Yeah, I haven't touched a sewing machine since.”
During a lull in the conversation, I turn and scan the yard for Julian. Instead, I find Dad intently staring at Cassie. He smiles at her and she smiles back.
Oh, this is just too good!
“Mark told me how hard it was on your father to lose your mother.”
“It was. He left for work that morning, then came home to find her lying on the floor having had a heart attack. She was already gone.” I swallow hard against the swell of emotion I still feel at the memory. “It has taken him a while, but emotionally, he's in a good place now.”
“I understand.” She quickly looks his way again. “He's very handsome.”
Glancing at Dad, I mentally agree. He is a very attractive man. From his short, tousled, slightly-graying blond hair, to his amazing dimples and the small cleft in his chin, to his beautiful pale gray eyes. He's definitely a good looking guy. Dad has always kept himself in shape and he is almost as lean and muscular as Julian.
As I watch the object of our conversation approach our table, Aidan reaches up and tangles his fingers in my hair. When I pull his hand away, a generous amount of my hair is in his fist. My heart lurching from both shock and sadness, I quickly leave to give Cassie and Dad some privacy to get to know each other.
And to get rid of the hair.
Instead of going back outside, I change Aidan into his pajamas and sit in the comfortable rocker in our room, quietly holding him. He is so tired, he can hardly keep his eyes open, and I know in another minute he will be asleep. I hold his little hand in mine, pulling a stray strand of my hair from between his fingers. The laughter of the Hayes’ grandchildren softly filters through the cracked window and I smile, grateful for our own little boy. He brings so much love and laughter to our life and makes my heart lighter. I really need that now.
I frequently tell myself I should be ashamed that I haven't been handling the hair issue better, because there are so many people in the world with trials a million times greater than mine. Still, that fact doesn't make this any easier, but at the moment it strengthens my resolve to be more positive.
I look up as Julian sticks his head through the half-opened door.
“Are ye all right, love?” he whispers.
I nod and smile. “I'm fine, just a little tired.”
“I didnae mean ta abandon ye oot there.”
“You didn't abandon me, you were socializing. I'm glad you were able to get to know Mark's family. They are great people. And I enjoyed talking with Cassie. She and dad are really hitting it off.”
“Aye, they seem ta be gettin' on weel enough.”
I stand and place Aiden in the portable play yard Mark's sister was kind enough to lend us. Tucking the blanket around him, I watch him sleep for a moment. I can feel Julian's gaze and I try to brighten my countenance without much success. Julian slips his arms around me and it takes all my strength to keep from giving in to my urge to have a good cry. There would be no way I could blame that on being tired.
He kisses my ear. “Are ye sure yer all right?”
I lean back against him, longing to melt into him, and his arms tighten around me. “I'm fine.”
“Would ye like me ta sit an' hold ye a bit?”
“I would.”
We move over to the small sofa by the window. Wrapped in his arms, I close my eyes against the tears and rest my head against his chest. I love that he is so perceptive to my needs. He simply holds me in silence.
“I love you, Julian,” I whisper, feeling myself starting to drift off, the combination of the trip and the emotional strain taking a toll on me. I am sure a good night's sleep is just what I need.
His lips caress my brow. "I love ye, mo nighean donn.”
Julian
Something has been bothering Giselle for a while now. He can see it in her eyes at times, feel it in her embrace. He wishes he could read her mind, see inside her heart. He longs to take whatever is troubling her and throw it away, to heal whatever is hurting with his love.
Giselle has always been the most open and giving person he has ever known, always concerned for others and putting everyone else first. She is completely devoted to him and their son, and he can't imagine a better wife, nor can he imagine ever being without her.
Julian's thoughts stray to John and Libby and their failing marriage. To have a marriage fall apart after twenty-five long years together is a sadness he can't possibly comprehend. After being together so long, there shouldn't be anything a couple can't overcome. However, he will not judge. He can only keep Libby and John in his prayers and hope that one way or another, all will be well with them.
Softly rummaging his lips over Giselle's brow, he closes his eyes, again wishing to know what is wrong and how he can help.
Help me ta know, God. Help me ta know wha' tis in her heart an' how I can help. If she has need o me, I wan' ta be there for her. I need ta be there for her. She is everythin' ta me.
He holds her tighter.
Help me ta be wha' she needs.
Chapter 6
Truth exists for the wise, beauty for the feeling heart.
Friedrich Schiller
“She is amazing!” Dad tells us the next morning.
Julian and I exchange knowing smiles. “How late were ye oot with the lassie last night?”
“Oh . . . until after midnight.”
I whistle, shooting him a wide grin. “She's a special lady, Dad. And it's obvious to everyone she is as taken with you as you are with her.”
“She is something special,” Dad agrees. “But what about the age difference? I mean, I know there is ten years between you two, but there is twelve between us. You think it makes a difference?”
“No, Jack,” Julian answers. “In fact, I thin' I read in one o those magazines for women tha' the lassies are beginnin' ta like older men. Isna tha' right, darlin'?”
“Hmmm, and just when did you start reading these magazines?”
“Weel, when we get the new shipments in at the store, sometimes I cannae help pickin' up one every now an' then ta see wha' new thins' we men need ta learn ta keep up with ye females.”
Dad laughs and I snort. “An' just wha' new thins' hav' ye learned, ma husband?”
“Nothin' new, just the same auld thins' we already know. I guess we're so daft, thins' just need ta be repeated. Maybe one day we'll get it right, eh?”
I smile sweetly, continuing my imitation of his Scottish brogue. “I thin' ye just did, love.”
Julian smiles and kisses me. “Anywa', Jack, the age thing means nothin'. I thin' ye should just go for it. Go where the heart leads ye.” He smiles, caressing my face. “The heart t'will never lead ye astra'.”
I return my beloved husband's smile
, pressing my hand to his face. “I agree completely.” Staring into one another's eyes for a long moment, we speak everything that is in our hearts.
Dad clears his throat and smiles. “All right, I will, then. Thank you both.”
Chapter 7
The best part of beauty is that which no picture can express.
Francis Bacon
Mark and Sara's wedding is held at a reception hall owned by a family friend and is absolutely beautiful. Red and white floral decorations lit up by strands of clear Christmas lights adorn the entire hall. There is a live band playing during the reception, and even from where I stand in the kitchen, they sound great.
A moment later, a familiar voice takes me by complete surprise. I dash into the dance hall and hurry to the front, gasping in happiness as I meet Julian's sensual grin. It seems Mark and Sarah had asked him to perform with the band and he hadn't told me. My sexy husband is singing solo and playing a borrowed guitar! His tie is loosened, and his white tux jacket and vest are off, leaving him wearing only the white shirt and black slacks. Both fit his muscular body like a glove. I watch the women and teenage girls around me swoon as he sings one of my favorite Scottish folk songs.
I love a lassie, a bonnie Hielan' lassie,
If ye saw her ye would fancy her as well.
I met her In September, popp'd the question in November,
So I'll soon be havin' her a' to masel'!
Her faither has consented, so I'm feelin' quite contented
Cause I've been and sealed the bargain wi' a kiss.
I sit and weary, weary, when I think aboot ma deary,
An' you'll always hear me singing this:
He winks at me and I blow him a kiss as he sings the chorus.
'I love a lassie, a bonnie, bonnie lassie,
She's as pure as the lily in the dell,