by Molly Cannon
“None of the drama we had to face. I wonder what it would be like to have a normal childhood. Two parents that love each other.”
Theo couldn’t imagine. “If she turns out like Linc and Marla Jean, that’ll be okay.”
“So, when are you leaving, Theo?”
“I thought I’d wait until after this weekend. Once the holiday is done, we can go over the jobs I finished while you were gone. Bart thinks he has a buyer lined up for my plane. So, once that’s done, I’ll be on my way.”
“Australia is a long way to go.” Jake’s voice was serious.
“We’ll keep in touch.” Theo didn’t want to get all sentimental.
Marla Jean waltzed into the room, smiling and gesturing for them to come with her. “Get in here and see this precious baby.”
As they got up and followed her down the hallway, Theo thought about the baby he might have had with Ree. The baby they’d lost that spurred his decision to join the Navy. He’d wanted to be a good provider, a good dad. And over the years he’d thought about that sweet child and wondered how his life might have been different if Ree hadn’t miscarried.
But Jake was right. A baby deserved a life with no drama and two parents who loved each other without question. His life with Irene had turned into nothing but questions, so in the end, things had turned out just the way they were supposed to, he supposed. He walked into Dinah’s room and cooed over the pink bundle in her arms.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
He spotted the basket right away. Yellow napkin and red bow. Just like she’d described it. He didn’t see Ree, though. He’d gone home after he left the hospital, showered and changed out of his Elvis outfit, and put on jeans and a T-shirt before heading to the park. The Sven Cornwell Memorial Park was filled with families enjoying the holiday. Kids kicked balls, played with Hula-Hoops, and threw baseballs. Blankets were spread out to enjoy the picnic baskets brought by families.
The baskets up for bid were lined up on a bandstand waiting for the charity auction to begin. The money raised would help fund a new senior center. Theo knew that was close to Irene’s heart. It was close to his, too. Folks like Lily Porter could use a place to socialize. He would bid extra for her basket, just to show his support.
He noticed Charlie examining the offerings on the bandstand, too. “Hey, Charlie, have you seen Irene?”
“Not lately. She was filling out more paperwork for the sheriff so he could finish his report about the parade crashes. She should be here soon, though. She asked me to deliver her basket for the auction.”
“She did?”
“Yes. We had a nice talk, and she’s offering me a permanent place at the foundation. So, to show my gratitude, I’m thinking about bidding on her basket. The house smelled mouthwatering while she was cooking.” Theo had expected competition, but not from Charlie.
He gave the man a hard look. “I thought you’d be bidding on Nell’s basket.”
“Not likely. After today, I’ve had my eyes opened where that young lady is concerned.”
Theo let out an ungracious sound. “Welcome to the club.” They paused to share a rare moment of camaraderie.
“So, what basket are you bidding on, Theo?” He had a sly look on his face.
Theo turned to give Charlie a lazy grin. “Ree described her basket in detail, so I think she wanted me to make a bid. I plan to do just that.”
Charlie nodded. “I understand you’re leaving town soon.”
“Next week most likely.”
“That’s probably for the best.”
“Why would you say that?”
Charlie shrugged. “I hate to see Irene get dragged back into a relationship with you if you’re not going to be around for the fallout.”
“I don’t think that’s your concern.”
“I guess it wasn’t my father’s, either.”
“Now you don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Maybe not, but I always wondered why Irene married him. She is a young, beautiful woman, so I could see why he’d want her for his wife.”
Theo turned away, not wanting to discuss any of this with Charlie of all people.
“I did some digging around since I’ve been back in town. Did you know that my father paid medical bills for Irene’s aunt before they were married?”
“What medical bills? From what she’d told me about her family, her aunt would have never agreed to that.”
“She needed an operation. I don’t think she knew who paid the bills. The payments were made to the law firm where she worked.”
“So, what are you saying?”
“It looks like Irene married my father for completely unselfish reasons. It was for her aunt.” Charlie dropped that bomb and then strolled away whistling.
Irene hurried to the picnic site. After the parade disaster, she had to meet with the company in charge of the fireworks display scheduled for later that night. Everything was ready to go, and the display this year promised to be better than ever.
Now she needed to get there in time for the charity auction. She was looking forward to spending more time with Theo. He’d be leaving soon. She knew it. Accepted it. Hated it. She’d never be able to pass that house on Overbrook Street without thinking of Theo and all the things he’d made her feel.
When she thought of living in Everson without him, she felt like her soul had been scooped out, and the hole left in her chest gaped, and throbbed, and threatened to bring her to her knees. She had ridiculous fantasies of the two of them living together in that small house. And in those fantasies, they were ridiculously happy. She planned weddings, he fixed houses, and sometimes he would take her flying. They’d land in some remote field and make love until they were wrung out, and sunburned, and sated.
She shivered, knowing it wasn’t going to happen, but she could hope to share a blanket with him tonight. Snuggle in his arms, drink some wine, and watch the fireworks explode overhead. Good practice being one of the many women he had in the many ports around the world. That meant keeping a smile on her face as she waved good-bye.
When she reached the park, she noticed the parade float judges gathered together discussing the winners and honorable mentions. She ducked her head and hurried past. The Penelope Bottoms Grand Prize trophy wouldn’t be hers this year. That was for sure, but she’d had fun building the float, and she’d felt like a real part of the community. So, no regrets. That was her new motto.
Things with Charlie were beginning to sort themselves out. He might never completely accept her as his father’s choice for a wife, but he seemed to think more highly of her than when he’d first gotten to town.
And then there was Aunt Jo. They were getting along better than ever. She’d been such a trooper on the float today. And Irene was so happy her aunt wanted to work with her at the wedding shop. And even when she’d told her aunt about the prom dress initiative, she’d been full of ideas, offering to alter some of the donated bridesmaid dresses into younger, more fashionable frocks that would appeal to high school girls.
All in all, her life was heading in a good direction. She waved at Lily Porter and said hi to Hoot and Dooley and their wives. She was trying to find Theo. She’d felt sure he would be here by now. The auction would be starting anytime.
Mayor Wolfson jumped up on the stage, waving to the townsfolk. “Hello, everyone. Welcome to the Fourth of July annual picnic. We’d like to thank the Sven Cornwell Memorial Fund for providing the fireworks this evening. Let’s have a round of applause for Irene Cornwell representing the foundation and its fine work.”
Irene waved to the crowd as they clapped.
“And now the parade judges will award the prizes for the parade floats. And of course, the Penelope Bottoms Grand Prize trophy for this year. Sarah Lee, will you do the honors?”
Sarah Lee Powers, a member of the city council, took the stage holding a piece of paper that held the names of the winning floats. She waved the paper at the crowd and grinned, trying to build ex
citement in her moment in the spotlight. She took the microphone and tested it. “Can y’all hear me?”
“We can hear you. Quit stalling,” someone yelled good-naturedly.
“Okay, here goes. Honorable mention goes to Romeo’s Pizza. Even though you lost control of your dough, the committee didn’t think we should hold that against you.”
There was a smattering of applause as Romeo jumped onstage and accepted his ribbon.
“Next we have the third place ribbon that goes to I Do, I Do. Come on up here, Irene. Those cupcakes were delicious. Good work.”
“Really! Oh my gosh. Thank you!” Irene was thrilled to get anything at all. She skipped up the steps and held her ribbon over her head, waving to the crowd.
“Second place goes to…” There was a long pause. “… To the Rise-N-Shine Diner. Congratulations, Bertie.” Bertie climbed the steps slowly, waving to the folks in the crowd.
“Thank you. Thank you. I accept this on behalf of my daughter Nell. She worked really hard on our entry this year as she does every year, and we appreciate it. To show our appreciation to the folks of Everson for your ongoing support, coffee is free all day next Monday.” Everyone went crazy applauding as though she’d offered free steak dinners.
Irene couldn’t imagine what float would take first with Rise-N-Shine’s out of the running. A sudden shiver spread down her spine, and then Theo appeared at her side. Her body seemed to have developed the ability to sense his nearness even before she saw him. “Congratulations, Ree. Third place is pretty good.” His deep voice played across her skin like rough magic.
She turned to face him and smiled. Holding out her ribbon, she smiled. “It’s better than good. It’s great.”
Sarah Lee cleared her throat. “Okay, folks. And now for the moment we’ve all been waiting for. The winner of this year’s Penelope Bottoms Grand Prize trophy goes to…”
A hush fell over the crowd.
“The Jones Accounting Firm float and their brand-new baby girl, Harper Mae Jones. She was born this morning at eleven forty-two and weighed seven pounds and six ounces. Congratulations to our grand prize winner. Since they are still in the hospital, Harper’s Aunt Marla Jean will accept on their behalf.”
Marla Jean darted up the stairs and hoisted the trophy over her head like she’d just won a wrestling match. “Thanks everyone! Harper thanks you. Her mommy and daddy thank you. And I’ll make sure they get this right away.”
Theo was laughing at Marla Jean’s antics, and Irene felt a moment of jealousy. She would never be part of that family. He would never look at her with such easy acceptance. She tucked the thought away, refusing to feel sorry for herself today.
Touching his arm, she said, “I think that baby’s the best winner possible, don’t you?”
Theo looked at her and said, “I sure do. A brand-new baby puts things in perspective. Reminds us of what’s important in life.”
She didn’t know where he was going with this. “What do you think is important in life, Theo?”
He put his hands in the back pockets of his jeans and rocked back on his heels. Quietly he said, “Family, connections, belonging someplace. That baby will have all of that and more.”
She thought he sounded a little sad. “You’re right. That’s what we all want.”
“And you’ve found it here in Everson, haven’t you, Ree?”
“I’m working on it.” But she didn’t have everything. Not really. Theo was leaving, and this time at least they were on good terms. She wasn’t going to mess that up by being clingy and needy.
The mayor got back up on the stage. “And now we’ll get started on our picnic basket auction. So, gather around, folks. The money we raise will help fund a new Everson Senior Center so please be generous with your bids.”
“Oh, that’s my cue. I have to go get in line by the stage. Don’t forget. Yellow napkin, red ribbon.” She smiled and squeezed his arm.
“I won’t forget,” Theo promised as she hurried away. He pushed his way through the gathered people so he could get a good view of the assembled baskets. Irene’s basket was fourth in line.
The auction got under way with a flurry of good-natured bidding. The note on the first basket promised ham, macaroni and cheese, and chocolate cake. Bo Birdwell and Clete Fraser got into a bidding war for the basket. Bo finally won when he upped his bid to fifty dollars. The crowd gasped. And the mayor declared Bo the winner. He smiled a big toothy grin and grabbed the basket, holding it over his head like a trophy. Sylvia Smith giggled while she took his arm, and they wandered off to find the perfect place to enjoy her food.
The next two baskets went quickly, and Theo got ready to start bidding on Ree’s. He thought he might start high to discourage competition. Thirty dollars sounded like a respectable amount of money. After all, it was for a good cause.
“Ladies and gentlemen, our next basket offers fried chicken, baked beans, and cherry pie.”
Theo raised his hand. “Thirty dollars.”
The crowd oohed their approval. “Way to go, buddy,” Hoot hollered.
Mayor Wolfson looked pleased. “That’s a nice starting bid. Any other takers?”
Theo looked around, thinking this was going to be easy.
“Forty dollars. I bid forty dollars.” Charlie stepped out from the edge of the crowd, grinning at Theo.
Theo took a deep breath, grinned back, and prepared for battle. “Forty-five.”
“Fifty.” Charlie smirked and took a step in Theo’s direction.
Theo studied Charlie and figured he needed to get serious. “Seventy-five.”
“Oh my.” A woman behind Theo cackled. “This is getting good now.”
Charlie paced back and forth, looking like he was considering his next move. Theo thought he might have him on the ropes when he declared, “I’ll bid one hundred dollars.”
“Two hundred,” Theo countered without pausing. He glanced up at Ree by the stage. Instead of looking flattered, she looked perplexed and worried. He waved to assure her it was all in good fun.
Charlie rocked back on his heels. “Two twenty-five.”
Mrs. Porter toddled up to him. “Theo, come on. Don’t let him win.”
“Two fifty.” Theo winked at Lily. “Don’t worry, Miz Porter.”
Charlie threw his hands in the air. “All right, that’s too rich for my blood.”
The mayor announced grandly, “We have a bid of two fifty. Anyone else? Going once. Going twice. Going three times. Sold to Theo Jacobson.”
Irene ran down the steps of the stage to greet him while he walked over to pay Carlotta Todd. “Here you go, Carlotta.”
Carlotta smiled as big as all outdoors. “Congratulations, Theo. I hope that’s some good chicken.”
“I’m sure it will be worth every penny.”
Theo reached up and got the basket from the stage. The crowd cheered, giving Theo and Irene a wide path as he took her hand and walked toward the picnic tables. He stopped at an empty table and guided her to her seat. Sitting down across from her, he met her gaze head-on.
“You shouldn’t have let Charlie goad you, Theo. What were you thinking spending so much?” She was smiling, though, so she must not have minded too much.
“I was thinking I hope your fried chicken is as good as you said it was. Besides, it’s for a good cause.” He opened the basket and pulled out a sealed container full of chicken. “I’m starving.”
She started helping, pulling out the other food. “I can’t imagine what got into Charlie.”
Theo thought it was obvious. “I think he was trying to make a point. He told me you’d offered him a permanent job.”
“So what’s his point?”
Theo shrugged. “That I’m leaving, and he’ll still be here. He all but warned me not to hurt you.”
Irene put her hands on her hips. “He overstepped his place, Theo. We did have a serious talk about his position here. He admitted he’d misjudged me all of these years, and at my invitation, he’s
agreed to work for the foundation permanently.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” He took a big bite of a crusty drumstick and rubbed his stomach dramatically. “Can we not talk about Charlie? This is great chicken.”
She spooned some baked beans onto his plate. “Eat up. There’s plenty.”
He handed her a plate. “I’m happy to share.”
He wanted to ask her about what Charlie had said about her aunt’s medical bills, but he didn’t want to ruin the mood. It made him question what he knew about her marriage to Sven, but maybe in the long run, it was none of his business.
So they ate and talked about nothing in particular.
A few yards away, they could see Lizzie and Matthew Long surrounded by friends and family celebrating the couple’s wedding. The two of them seemed deliriously happy. And they’d done that, he thought proudly. Together he and Irene had pulled off a wedding. He could understand the satisfaction Irene got from her new business and it had been fun to be a part of it. Not that he’d want to play Elvis again anytime soon.
In the other direction he saw Lily Porter surrounded by family, too. She was looking very patriotic, wearing a red shirt with a navy-blue skirt. On her head was a red, white, and blue sun hat. She’d introduced him to her daughter Katie and her son-in-law Dan earlier in the day. They’d driven in from Houston to spend the day with her. Her eyes twinkled when she’d introduced her granddaughters, Jenny and Jill, too. They were obviously the light of her life.
He looked across the table at Ree. She was so beautiful. Her face had a glow from the hot sun, while her dark hair was pulled back into a ponytail. She looked about eighteen. His chest hurt with a pressure he couldn’t identify. What he knew for certain was she’d been the light of his life these past few days. But the discussion they’d had the night before made it clear that this was a last supper of sorts.
Oliver Barton approached their table. Ree’s Aunt Jo was on his arm. Theo had heard him invite her to join him after the parade, and she’d agreed. “Afternoon, Mrs. Cornwell. I hate to bother you, but there is a problem with the fireworks,” Oliver said.