by Aj Harmon
“What if you knew that a good guy wanted to love her and protect her and provide her with all she needed and she refused him?”
Matt looked at Adam and knew who that good guy was. “Adam. Have you told her?”
He shook his head. “I only just figured it out myself.”
“Your last name may be Anderson but you really are a Lathem,” Matt grinned. “We always figure it out before the women do. But that’s a good thing,” he added. “We get to prove to them that we deserve their trust and respect and their love.”
“And will it work?”
“We’re all happily married, aren’t we?”
Adam couldn’t argue with that.
15.
Pedicures… & More Prodding
Ella wanted a pedicure, so Katy declared a Spa Day. All the women, even the toddler women, would go into town and be pampered. Taxis were called and diaper bags were packed. Sophia and Lindsey were fortunately feeling well enough to join, so only men were left at home.
Maureen was thrilled with idea of three generations of Lathem women spending a few hours together and said so repeatedly on the drive to town and to the spa.
“When Shelby has a baby, we’ll have four generations!” Maureen declared.
The statement had a duel effect on Shelby. She was pleased and grateful that Maureen considered her a grandchild. The Lathems had shown her nothing but love and kindness and treated her as Mark and Katy’s daughter. But on the other hand, the idea that they were all waiting for her to settle down with a husband and children unnerved her. It wasn’t exactly irritation, but more a feeling of knowing that she couldn’t fulfill their desires and unable to vocalize her feelings. She’d tried with Adam and he hadn’t understood. So Shelby just smiled and looked out of the window and waited for someone to change the subject.
The manager of the day spa greeted the three vans as they pulled up in front of the building. She remembered Janie and Ella from their past visits, a tradition for mother and daughter to have perfectly painted toes for the beach, and hurried the group inside where lemonade and piña coladas awaited. They would have to be divided into smaller groups to accommodate the large number of them, but within seconds the women had paired off with children included and the fun began.
Lindsey and Sophia and their three girls stood together in a group. Nic held Annie’s hand, and Beth had Isabelle with her, promising Rory and Andrew she would never leave her eyesight. Maureen decided to join with them, leaving Katy, Janie, Ella and Shelby to form the last group. Shelby, watching Lindsey contend with her girls that were tired of standing still, took a step towards them.
“Why don’t you and I be partners, Amanda? Will you help me pick out nail polish for my toes?” Shelby asked the four year old.
“I’d love to,” Amanda beamed. “I know all my colors.”
“Thank you,” Lindsey mouthed as Shelby swooped up Amanda into her arms.
“We can take the girls while you’re getting facials,” Katy added.
“I think this is going to be fun,” Sophia grinned as they were led off to the different areas of the spa.
As Janie and Katy settled in on the massage table, Ella on the table next to them, they both were thinking the same thing. Shelby had confided in Katy that she wasn’t planning on having children, fearing her lack of maternal nature.
“She’s convinced herself of something that isn’t true,” Katy frowned. “She will make a wonderful mother. She has a heart full of love just waiting to blanket another person with. Why can’t she see it?”
Janie agreed. “I think it’s fear. She’s just scared. Maybe, when she realizes that, she’ll be able to work through it. Sadly, we can’t do it for her.”
The massage therapists worked their magical hands up and down their backs and the muscle tension slowly oozed from their bodies, leaving them relaxed and refreshed.
“It will happen,” Janie said as they wrapped themselves in the soft robes, ready for their facials. “I see in Adam’s face a determination that wasn’t there before. He has decided he wants something and I’m assuming it’s Shelby,” she shrugged. “You and I both know that there’s nothing more persuasive than a Lathem man,” she grinned.
“Let’s hope so,” Katy replied.
*****
Just like she’d offered, Shelby let Amanda pick out the polish that would be painted on her toes. Bright yellow would not have been her first choice, but Amanda was thrilled with it, so yellow it was. In fact, Amanda wanted them to match so they both ended up with neon yellow toenails.
They chatted away about Dora and The Little Mermaid and why her mommy didn’t like bacon anymore. Shelby laughed as the conversation turned to her dad and how much hair he had on his face when he didn’t shave. She didn’t like it and Shelby had to agree. She preferred clean shaven men, too. She didn’t like beards…not at all.
I’ve never seen Adam unshaven, she thought and somehow the thought gave her comfort. He had a beard…the bastard who’d almost killed her. No, Shelby didn’t like beards either.
With the manicures completed and toenails painted, it was time for facials. All the children were ushered into the back where the manager had offered her two teenage daughters as babysitters. The moms eagerly accepted the generous offer, allowing all the women to enjoy quiet time as the pampering continued.
The conversation drifted to babies and motherhood, Beth asking question after question, unable to conceal her excitement and obvious inexperience.
“I don’t feel any different,” Beth said.
“Yet,” Lindsey laughed.
“Thank your lucky stars,” Sophia groaned.
“You poor thing,” Janie sympathized. “You’ve had some rough pregnancies.”
Sophia sighed. “You know, I remember being sick with Alex, but it didn’t knock me out like this. Not that it would’ve mattered. I still would’ve had to work two jobs anyway.”
“I can’t even imagine,” Janie frowned.
“Ben is wonderful though,” Sophia grinned. “So considerate and thoughtful. And having mom and dad across the street helps, too. They love to come and play with Charlie and Lisa and give me a break. Although I’m always sick, I know I get a baby at the end, so I’m not going to complain too loudly,” she grinned.
“I want to experience it all,” Beth said wistfully. “This may be the only pregnancy I have so I want to treasure every minute of it.”
Maureen smiled and patted her daughter-in-law’s hand. “It took us almost five years to have Matthew. And then look what happened. Boom, boom, boom, boom! A total of seven and they came quickly,” she chuckled. “Don’t rule out anything. God has a plan for you, my dear. Just wait and see.”
Shelby listened but didn’t offer any pearls of wisdom from experience. She had no experience…no idea what they were all talking about. But she listened intently as all three pregnant women spoke with such love about a bunch of cells in their womb. They spoke of these cells as if they were already a child and completely head over heels in love with it. She didn’t share her confusion. She just listened.
*****
The girls compared toenails as the taxis returned them to the estate. It had been a great way to spend a day and each of them had enjoyed it. The bond between these women was unbreakable. They were the best of friends and the closest of sisters, with Shelby accepted as one of their own.
She’d also enjoyed the day. She loved a day of pampering like the next woman, but she also loved the Lathem family, even though at times she thought they were all a bit crazy.
As the taxis pulled into the circular driveway and the men ran out to help everyone out of the cars and into the house, Shelby found herself with Adam at her arm.
“Have fun?” he grinned.
“I did,” she smiled. “Amanda picked out my nail polish. Like it?” she asked as she lifted one of her feet and wiggled it in the air.
“Sexy,” he winked. “And, you’ll be able to jog in the dark.”
&
nbsp; “Ha ha,” she grinned.
They walked into the house where kids were running everywhere and a steady hum of voices talking made it difficult to think.
“Wanna go for a walk?” she said, looking at Adam.
“Sure.” He took her hand and led her through the great room and out the French doors that led to the walkway down to the beach. Several pairs of eyes watched them go.
Katy waved her arm to get Janie’s attention and nodded in the direction of their kids. Janie smiled and hooked her arm through Matt’s.
“Just let them find their own way,” he whispered into her ear. It fell on deaf ears.
*****
“Can I ask you something?”
“Of course,” Adam replied.
Shelby kept walking, kicking and splashing water with her feet as she went. It was several seconds before she asked her question.
“How soon do you feel the baby?”
“Huh?”
“When a woman is pregnant, how soon does she feel it?” she clarified. “I mean, I’ve been through medical school and I understand what happens and everything, but when do you feel it?”
“I’m not an OB,” he prefaced with, “but I would suppose from everything I’ve seen, around eighteen weeks, give or take.” When Shelby didn’t respond, he added, “Why?”
“Oh, I’m not pregnant!” she gasped. “If that’s what you were thinking.”
“Okay.”
“Just some of the stuff they were talking about today made me wonder.”
They continued walking along the shore, the afternoon sun providing nourishment for the soul.
“Shelby, if I asked you to dinner, would you go?”
“Of course,” she scoffed. “When have I turned down a free meal?” she joked.
“Shelby.” Adam stopped walking and grabbed her arm. “Look at me.”
She did.
“If I asked you to dinner…If I asked you on a date, would you go with me?”
“Why would you ask me on a date?” she whispered.
He stepped closer and moved a strand of hair caught in her eyelash. He gently tucked it behind her ear but didn’t pull his hand away. Rather, he cupped her cheek and lowered his head ‘til he was just inches from her face.
“Shelby,” he whispered, and brushed his lips across hers for just a moment. “Would you have dinner with me?”
“Okay,” she choked out.
“This evening?”
“Okay.”
He brought his lips back to hers and pressed softly…a chaste kiss…gentle and sweet.
“Thank you,” he smiled and stepped back. “You’ve made my day.”
Taking her by the hand, he turned them around and headed back to the house. They walked in silence until they reached the screen doors.
“Seven?” he asked.
Shelby nodded and bit her bottom lip. Adam wondered if it was to hide a smile. He kissed her cheek and headed for the pool house. As she walked into the great room, Katy stood watching her, eyebrows raised.
“I won’t be here for dinner,” she said matter-of-factly.
“I’ll let Cynthia know,” Katy said.
“Thank you,” replied Shelby as she dashed up the stairs.
*****
Soaking in the bath tub, Shelby let her mind wander back to the kiss on the beach. He’d startled her, but she’d liked it. For twelve years they’d been friends and now? She’d felt it the other day on the beach…when they were playing in the water. She’d wanted him to kiss her. The realization had come like a wave crashing over her that Adam was more than a friend…and had been for some time. She just couldn’t admit it.
But now. Now he’d crossed the line. He’d kissed her and she’d wanted him to. Yet the fear of allowing someone to get close still persisted.
“But it’s Adam,” she said out loud. “He’s already close.”
Another realization. She slid down into the warm water, allowing it to cover her head. It’s just dinner!
Drying herself and then her hair, Shelby took her time getting ready. She used lotion scented with vanilla and pear and rubbed it into her soft skin. She pulled a dress from a hanger hung on the bookshelf. It was a pale mint green halter dress that went half way down her thighs. She added wedges to her feet that showed off her marvelous yellow toenails. With her makeup expertly done, her hair cascading down her back, she was ready with fifteen minutes to spare. She grabbed her clutch and headed downstairs.
Before she hit the last step, the cat whistle made her look up. Mark and Peter sat on the leather sofa, both looking up at her and grinning.
“You are a gorgeous girl,” Peter smiled. “If only I was fifty years younger.”
Mark chuckled. “You do look beautiful, Shelby. Where are you off to?”
“Just into town for dinner,” she smiled, blushing slightly.
“And what lucky young man gets to spend his evening with such a lovely young lady?” Maureen asked as she handed Peter a glass of water and then sat down beside him.
“That would be me!” Adam beamed as he entered the room through the open French doors.
“Well, that’s…that’s just wonderful!” Maureen replied, obviously surprised at the revelation. “You two have a good time.”
“We will,” Adam grinned. “Ready?” he asked Shelby.
Shelby nodded and stepped off the last step and took his waiting hand.
“A woman who’s ready early! How can I be so lucky?” he chuckled as he escorted her through the doors and onto the patio.
“Well look at you two!” Janie said, as they walked by her. “Have a great time.”
They just smiled and kept walking.
16.
Dinner
“This is crazy!” Adam snorted as they stood waiting for the hostess to show them to their table.
“What?”
“How many meals have we eaten together?”
“I don’t know,” shrugged Shelby. “Hundreds?
“Exactly! So why am I nervous?” Adam chuckled.
Shelby was nervous too but she wasn’t about to acknowledge it out loud. She just laughed at Adam and followed the hostess through the patio and to the corner table that overlooked the marina.
Adam held the chair for her and she smiled up at him, appreciating the gentlemanly gesture. The hostess handed them menus once Adam was also seated and then disappeared, leaving them alone. The sounds of the Caribbean, the metal drums, filled the air, as they watched two men a few hundred feet away playing for the tourists. The sun was slowly setting and the warm evening breeze fluttered the tablecloth.
Shelby glanced down at the menu as Adam placed their drink order from the bar. “Thank you,” she smiled, Adam having ordered her favorite beer.
“I guess I should have asked you first. Sorry,” he looked chagrinned.
Shelby chuckled. “Do I ever order anything else?”
“Well, no, but I should’ve asked.”
“It’s fine,” she smiled. “I would’ve placed the same order.”
The beers arrived, the waitress took their order and they sat in silence for a few minutes, watching the ocean. A young man, in his early teens, Adam guessed, approached their table with a basket of flowers.
“Buy your lady a flower?” he asked.
“I would love to buy my lady a flower,” Adam grinned and pulled his wallet.
“Five dollars.”
“Do you have change for a twenty?”
“No, but I’ll give you four flowers,” the boy grinned.
“Deal,” Adam chuckled and pulled four roses from the basket and handed them to Shelby.
“Thank you,” she smiled and inhaled the rich scent from the buds.
The young man turned and moved on to the next table.
“Oh, he’s good,” Shelby nodded as they heard the people at the next table get the same line.
“I certainly don’t mind buying four flowers for my lady. I should have bought the whole basket!”
<
br /> “Adam,” Shelby said.
“I know! You aren’t my woman but we don’t have to tell him that! It’ll break his heart.”
Shelby smiled again as the waitress arrived with the first course of a delicious meal.
*****
Pulling into the driveway, they could see a few lights still on in the house. Adam opened the door and Shelby slipped out of the car and they walked to the front door.
“I had a good time. Thank you,” Shelby smiled.
“Thank you for accepting my invitation. Do you think, sometime, you’d have dinner with me again?”
“Maybe,” she grinned. “We’ll have to see what kind of mood I’m in when, and if, you ask me.”
Adam laughed as he opened the door. They were met with laughter coming from the dining room. Following the noises, they found Tim and Beth, and Paul and Lindsey, and Andrew and Rory playing a card game, and obviously having a great time.
“Wanna join in?” Rory asked as he looked up to see them watching the chaos that was going on. Cards were being flung all over the table and there was a lot of cussing and swearing as well.
“Um, no thanks,” said Shelby. “I have no idea what you guys are doing.”
“NERTZ!!” screamed Lindsey, throwing her hands in the air and looking like she’d just won a gold medal.
Adam grinned and ushered Shelby to the kitchen. Opening the fridge, he pulled two bottles of water and handed one to Shelby. She took the bottle and said good night, leaving Adam alone. He wandered through the great room and out past the pool. Matt and his mom were swimming.
“Hey, honey,” Janie smiled. “Have a good time.”
“I think so,” he said as he walked to the pool house. “Goodnight.”
Janie looked at Matt and began to say something.
“Nope!” he said, shaking his head. “Leave it. He’ll work it out.”
Janie sighed. “I guess you might be right.”
“Huh?”
“I said I guess you might be right,” she repeated.