I asked why she didn’t call my brother about the house, before moving back. Her friend said Mary didn’t think she could handle the memory of my parents. She thought the world of them and couldn't be reminded of them every day. She was planning on telling Troy once she got settled into her friend’s house.
She also told me Mary was still hopeful we would be together. She said Mary really liked Amy and wasn’t going to pursue or try to win me back. Prior to leaving, she had accepted I was in love with someone else. I will never forget her and what she meant to me. Most of all, I will never forget the greatest gift she gave to me. I smile every time I look into Ellie’s eyes and see my blue eyes staring back at me. Mary will always hold a special place in my heart.
I was super excited to get back home. I had stopped and used a pay phone so I could tell Amy the good news. She told me not to be surprised if her parents had a welcome home party for Ellie when we arrived. I wouldn't be surprised. Her parents loved having gatherings and found any excuse to have one.
The trip home took forever. Ellie loved flying in an airplane and was easy to travel with. By the time we got back to Andalusia, it was close to 11:00 PM. We made our way down her parent’s long driveway. They had it lit up with white lights on both sides of the road, welcoming us home. They must have seen my headlights because they were all outside waiting when we pulled up. There were other people there as well. I didn’t mind. Ellie spent most of the evening sleeping, so there would be no way she was going to bed anytime soon.
I stopped and Amy and her parents came running to the truck. Ellie, seeing them, smiled a little bashful smile. Amy reached in and grabbed her out before she was swooped away by Beth. I heard Ellie say something about wanting her toys as everyone went inside. It was just Amy and me standing by my truck.
She was acting a little frisky tonight. I attributed this to being excited Ellie was home. She clasped her hands behind my neck and pulled close for a nice long kiss. She pulled away and smiled her beautiful smile at me.
“Someone’s happy,” I said.
“I’m just glad you're back. I missed you Darrel.”
“I was only gone for a day.”
“I know,” she said. “I miss you even if you are only in the other room.”
I kissed her again, “So, tell me what the doctor said.”
Amy paused and looked at me playfully, “Well, we need to get married pretty soon.”
“Why?”
“I don’t want to be fat when I walk down the aisle.”
“Amy, why would you be fat?”
She looked at me with a big grin, “Because I’m pregnant Darrel.”
My Blue Eyes Page 26