by Terry Fowler
Leah had never seen this side of her mother. “Cecily’s very nice. She hired me to help clear her husband’s closet and now we’ve moved on to the rest of the house.”
“And she’s won you over because she wants to get organized?”
Leah protested. “No. She really is nice. Like you, she has her moments. Some things I couldn’t pry from her fingers. And she says I’ll understand better when I’m older and have a family.”
“Good for her. You should listen to that advice, particularly during those times you’re so devoted to getting rid of people’s memories. Just how far did you get here before I stopped you?”
“Mailing the letter was the worst of it. Though I did trash some of your junk mail.”
“Not my catalogs, I hope.”
“No catalogs.”
“Good. Now what’s this I smell?”
“Early dinner.” Leah stood. “You two rest while I get the food ready to serve.”
Marty stood. “I’ll help. I’ve been waited on for a month now. I need to get back to normal.”
Mother and daughter worked together dishing up the food and placing it on the kitchen table. Leah refilled their glasses with ice and poured more tea, cutting thin rounds of lemon for everyone.
“Ben, come eat.”
They talked and Leah admired the little Eiffel Tower her mother placed on the table.
“There are a few other things in my new suitcase.”
“Mom.” Leah groaned.
“You can’t go on a trip like this and not buy souvenirs.”
“Yes, you can. Just say no.”
“You say no. I like my little trinkets. Nothing useless,” Marty promised.
Leah glanced at the little tower and eyed her mother.
“That’s a decorative ornamental piece that will look great in your condo.”
“Yeah, all my friends will want to know when I went to France and I can tell them my parents went.”
“Your friends already know you didn’t go.” She looked hurt. “I thought you’d enjoy it.”
Leah felt guilty. She couldn’t even be an appreciative daughter. “I will. But you’ve already sent me so much. Your shipping bill must be outrageous.”
Her dad spoke up. “Not so much in the big picture. We shipped a lot of stuff home for us, too.”
“I know. I brought boxes in every day. Stacked them in your office.”
“Not every day,” Marty protested.
“Okay, every other day. You have plenty of new things.”
“And more on the way. I bought Christmas gifts and I plan to redo our bedroom in a romantic Parisian theme.”
“Ooh là là. What do you think about that, Daddy?”
“C’est la vie.” He brought his wife’s hand to his lips. “Je t’aime. Je t’adore.”
Leah chuckled at his French. “What did you say?”
“That’s life. I love you. I adore you.” He grinned.
“Works for me.”
“I’ll have you know your dad was the one who suggested we redo our bedroom.”
“Oui. It was I.”
Having her parents back felt good. This had been the longest time they’d ever been apart.
“So tell us what else is going on in Wilmington.”
Leah fought back the desire to share her feelings of inadequacy. She would not dump that burden on them tonight. “Nothing new. Josiah and I went over to Mayfaire for a concert on our first date. It was nice. You should check out the schedule.”
“Maybe after we dig our way back out from this vacation.”
“The concerts will be over by then.”
Her dad helped himself to another serving of the pork. “It’s back to work and the norm.”
Marty glanced at her husband. “The Fourth of July is next week. We have the party.” She looked at Leah. “You mailed the invitations, right?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Make a list of what we need and we’ll do the shopping this weekend,” Ben said.
“I can help. Cecily has leased a condo at Topsail Beach and plans to live there for the next six months. Said her husband hated the beach and she loves it so she wants to live there. With her move, she only wants to work a couple of days each week, so I’m free.”
Marty smiled at her. “Thanks, honey. That will be a big help.”
“Would you mind if I invited Josiah and Cecily?”
Her parents looked at each other.
Ben spoke up first. “I’m not sure that’s such a good idea.”
“I’m sure they already have plans with their friends,” Marty said.
Her mom’s distress worried Leah more than her father’s comment. “I don’t think so. Josiah asked if I wanted to go downtown and watch the fireworks with him.”
Ben glanced at his wife and back to his daughter. “Let us think about it. We’ll give you an answer tomorrow.”
“Okay.” Leah knew better than to pursue the subject. All her life their decisions had been mutual, based on what they considered best for everyone involved. This one would be no different.
They finished the meal and cleaned up the kitchen. Leah left them to get settled in and headed home.
She could still see her mother’s expression when she asked about inviting the Byrds to the party. Leah knew her mom didn’t want them there. But she wanted her parents to meet Josiah and Cecily. To see they were nothing like they feared. Her mother’s last words lingered in her thoughts.
At the door, Marty had kissed her cheek and whispered, “Protect your heart. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
What had she meant by that? Did her mom believe Josiah would hurt her? Had her relationship with his father been so bad that she had no hope for the son? Leah knew the potential for mayhem hovered in the future but could only pray things would be okay.
Well, she’d wait for their decision. Somehow she didn’t think her dad could avoid Cecily Byrd for long. Now that she knew he was in Wilmington, she was determined to renew their acquaintance.
* * *
At home that night, Josiah called Leah. “Hi. Parents get home okay?”
“I picked them up from the airport and had dinner with them tonight. They had the time of their lives.”
“That’s good. Mom called. She wants us to go with her to see the beach condo tomorrow. You interested?”
“I told Mom I’d help her but I doubt she’ll do much. They’re jet-lagged. Sure, I’ll go.”
“Great. I’ll pick you up around nine.”
“Aren’t you working?”
“I will later. It’s important that I see this place and assure myself Mom’s going to be safe.”
They talked for a few minutes longer before Josiah hung up. He’d become comfortable with Leah and it hadn’t struck him as strange that he’d thought to invite her along.
Cecily wanted Leah’s help in gathering the items she’d need to make her stay at the beach more comfortable. They could inventory the condo tomorrow and work on packing items from the house and buying anything else she might need.
Josiah picked Leah up early the next morning and took her to breakfast before heading for his mom’s new home. The condo was about forty miles away, little more than an hour’s drive.
After Cecily showed them around, Leah suggested she fix them something to drink and disappeared into the kitchen.
Josiah liked the unit his mom had leased and admired the view from her balcony. “It’s nice but why not Wrightsville or Carolina Beach? They’re closer to home.”
“And more expensive. I can live here for a fraction of the cost and still see the same beach every day. Besides, eventually I plan to travel and don’t want all my funds tied up in a condo.”
&
nbsp; Josiah had to applaud his mother’s frugality. Sure, they had the connections to find her something local more in keeping with her budget but she’d made these plans on her own. He respected that this was what she wanted and fought his urge to control her plans.
“A number of people who live here are close to my age and I’ve already made new friends. My plan is to take the experience as it comes. I might decide I don’t like living at the beach and want to go home. Or I might divide my time between the two homes. We need to see where the future leads us both.”
He suspected she meant him dating Leah. She was very happy that the two of them were seeing each other. “Don’t get ahead of yourself, Mom.”
“Leah’s a great girl.”
Josiah agreed. Leah had lots of great attributes. She was attractive, loyal, kind and thoughtful. She was an undemanding date, not insisting on expensive restaurants and outings but equally pleased with the simple things, such as an ice cream cone and a walk along the beach.
He’d enjoyed their dates. Leah had a way of making the experience fun no matter what they did. Josiah found himself wanting to keep their dates to the two of them even if they were around strangers.
But there was something else that drew him to her. Something he couldn’t quite put his finger on just yet.
His heart told Josiah he cared for Leah. His head warned him to take care. He had no idea where this thing with Leah was headed but figured it couldn’t hurt to go along for the ride.
Leah carried the tray out and slid it onto the table. “Iced tea for everyone. I really like this place, Cecily. I think you’re going to enjoy living here.”
Cecily put an arm around Leah’s waist. “I think so, too.”
Chapter 10
“Your father and I discussed your request and decided this might be the best solution for everyone involved.”
She’d phoned after her mom got off work to hear their decision. Leah almost wished she’d never asked but since Josiah was in her life she felt it important that her parents get to know him. Tradition from the time she started dating had been for them to get to know the young men she dated. And she didn’t feel this was any different.
And while she’d hoped Cecily’s new home arrangements might sidetrack her from her intention to see Ben Wright again, Leah was glad her parents agreed.
“This way we’ll be part of a larger group and less likely to be uncomfortable.”
“Mom, if you think...”
“We want to meet Josiah. And we promise not to prejudge him.”
“Thank you. He is not his father. In fact, from what I know, Josiah and his father didn’t get along.”
“How sad. Has he told you why?”
She could hear pots and pans rattling and knew her mom was preparing dinner. “He felt his father resented his presence.”
“That’s ridiculous. Joseph made his decisions. Not his son.”
“Exactly what I told him. He got upset with me.”
Concern changed her mother’s tone. Fierce lioness protecting her cub. “Upset? What did he say?”
“Something about me upsetting his life.”
Marty relaxed. “Oh, I can understand that.”
“Mom.”
“Well, you did mail that letter.”
“So you’re okay with me inviting them?” Leah repeated the question, wanting to be one hundred percent positive she hadn’t misunderstood.
“We are. Can you go shopping with me tomorrow? I have a list.”
“What time?”
They made arrangements to meet around nine. Leah hung up and called Josiah.
“Mom and Dad are having their annual Fourth of July party next week. Would you like to attend? They want to meet you.”
He didn’t accept immediately. “Do they know who I am?”
“Yes, Josiah. They know. So will you come?”
“Sure. I love a good party.”
“I’m going to call Cecily, too. Mom says it’s okay to invite her.”
“You’re inviting my mother?” Josiah sounded suspicious.
“You know she wants to see Daddy and my parents think a party environment will be easier for everyone involved.”
“Your mother won’t bring up my dad, will she?”
Would he ever stop harping on that? No matter how many times she reassured him, Josiah feared the situation would blow up in their faces. “Your dad is the last thing my mother wants to talk about. She tells me it’s in the past and needs to stay there.”
“She’s got that right.”
“See, you already share something in common. I’ll call Cecily’s cell.”
As Leah thought, Cecily Byrd was very eager to see her old high school friend again.
“I can’t wait to see Ben. He was the nicest of Joseph’s friends.”
And despite all that had happened, Leah had no doubt that her parents would treat Cecily and Josiah well.
“Josiah has directions to my parents’ place so we’ll see you there next week.”
Leah spent the next few days helping her mother prepare for the party. Marty had returned to work on Monday and Leah came over in the afternoons. She rooted decorations out of storage and added some new items they had purchased.
Wreaths, flags, bunting and decorative accessories went up inside and outside the Wright home. Cecily had suggested Leah take the week off and she went over on July 3 to finish the last-minute shopping and prepare the food they would serve the next day.
As always they invited church members, neighbors, her mom’s coworkers and her father’s partner and office staff. Leah also invited a couple of friends along with the Byrds.
That afternoon, her father checked the weather forecast and with the all clear took responsibility for the tables and chairs, arranging them about the garden. Marty trailed after him, shifting the tables this way and that until she was happy.
When she complained about the lack of color in the garden, Leah drove to the store and purchased trays of annuals. They hadn’t planted their usual flowers because of the trip. They worked until dark planting them in beds and planters about the yard. Earlier in the week, Leah had filled tiki lanterns with oil and set out citronella candles to repel the mosquitoes that were as unpopular at outdoor events as ants. They even added a couple of pop-up tents in the sunnier sections of the yard.
The day of the party dawned sunny and bright with clear skies. By 10:00 a.m., the tables sported patriotic coverings and flower arrangements with small flags that fluttered in the warm breeze. Ben set up large coolers filled with ice to chill cans of soda and bottles of water. The party would start around three and continue into the evening.
In the kitchen, her mother carved a watermelon and filled it with balls of sweet melon, cantaloupe and honeydew. The previous evening, she had baked a huge flag cake and made cake pops and brownies that could easily be enjoyed by all. A friend had volunteered to bring banana pudding and Leah knew there would be other contributions as well.
Her father fired up the grills, preparing to cook the burgers, sausages and hot dogs that would feed their guests. The previous evening he’d worked on a pot of his famous chili that he planned to serve on the burgers and dogs.
Leah used a mandolin to slice garden fresh tomatoes and cucumbers. She readied ears of corn for the grill and cried as she sliced onions. Her mother prepared baked beans and coleslaw and a mixture of salads. One of the neighbors sent over jars of bread and butter pickles. The island surrounding her father’s grill station would be covered with a bounty of summer foods.
Josiah and Cecily arrived around three-fifteen. Leah greeted them warmly and brought them over to introduce them to her parents. “Cecily and Josiah Byrd, these are my parents, Ben and Marty Wright.”
Cecily stepped forward and hu
gged Ben. “I’d know Ben anywhere. You haven’t changed a bit.”
While Leah considered her father handsome, she seriously doubted he looked like the youth Cecily had known.
Ben smiled at her. “Cecily, it’s great seeing you again. How have you been?”
She smiled prettily. “I’m doing well, thank you. I don’t know if Leah told you we lost Joseph to cancer last year.”
He nodded. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
“I can’t tell you how thrilled I was to learn Leah is your daughter. She’s beautiful.”
“We like to think so.” He glanced at Marty and smiled. She stepped forward and took his outstretched hand.
“Nice to meet you, Mrs. Byrd. Josiah.”
“Oh. Cecily, please.” The women shook hands.
Marty turned to Josiah. “Welcome. We’ve heard only good things about you from Leah.”
He stretched out a hand and shook Marty’s and then Ben’s hand. “My pleasure.”
“How many years has it been?” Cecily went off on a trip down memory lane and Ben flipped burgers and listened as she brought up stories from a time long since forgotten.
Leah could tell her mother didn’t like hearing them rehash the past. “We’re so glad you could make it today,” Marty said to Josiah.
He glanced around at the number of people filling the area. “You throw quite a party.”
“Our one summer fling.”
“Well, you certainly do it with style.”
“Harder this year with us returning from the trip so close to the party but we wouldn’t want to miss having everyone over to celebrate. Leah, why don’t you get Cecily and Josiah something to drink and introduce them around while I help your father with the grill. We need to get food on the table before we have an uprising on our hands.”
Ben smiled. “I’ll catch up with you later, Cecily.”
An older, tall, rangy man walked up and clapped him on the shoulder. “Need help, Ben?”
“I’ve got it under control, Peter. Glad you could make it.”
“Wouldn’t miss your annual bash.”
Leah paused to kiss his cheek. “Hi, Uncle Peter.”