After dinner, Anne cleaned the kitchen as Merle sat at the table, chatting with one of his construction foremen from Colorado over the phone. He hung up smiling. The projects were all right on track. Merle watched Anne milling about in his kitchen. She seemed nervous, almost jittery this evening. Maybe she was thinking about the first time they’d had dinner here; of course, they’d never actually eaten, but that didn’t matter. It occurred to Merle that she didn’t know if he was serious about her or not. “Come sit down a minute, Anne.” Merle motioned to the chair next to his. He wanted to talk to her.
Anne sat in the chair and listened as Merle talked about his plans for the next few years. He wanted to continue running the company in town for at least another five years, slowly cutting back on his hours. After five years, he figured Jim would be able to take over for him, with Merle coming in occasionally as support. He was considering having Jim take over his other two companies if he couldn’t sell them, but he wasn’t decided on that yet. Next year he would travel back down to Virginia to spend the holidays with his children and grandchildren. He’d been away too long. Merle outlined the next five years to Anne before taking her hand in his. “Anne, I’m hoping you’ll be there with me, you know.”
Anne looked at Merle in some astonishment. Well, that made what she was going to ask him seem easier. “Merle, I was just going to ask if you wanted or would be willing to come to my daughter and son-in-laws’ for Thanksgiving.” Anne didn’t bother telling Merle he was being too serious or moving too quickly. At their ages, they didn’t really have a lot of time to waste. Besides, being with Merle just felt right, but she didn’t want to put the cart before the horse. She wanted Merle to meet her children and grandchildren; but she also wanted him there for moral support. Franklin and Donna would be at Rose’s, too.
Merle laughed. Anne never skipped a beat. He was practically asking her to marry him, and she just invited him to Thanksgiving dinner. Well, he’d show her. “Yes, Anne, I’ll have Thanksgiving with your family. I’d really enjoy that.” Merle refused to let Anne leave. He practically begged her to stay with him for the weekend. He even offered to let her sleep in one of the guest rooms if she preferred. Anne laughed at him. She was beginning to think she should just give the kids Merle’s number for emergencies.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Anne was nervous Thursday morning as she dressed. Merle had convinced her to spend Friday and Saturday night with him. She wondered if the kids would be able to tell that she was sleeping with him. She hoped not. That would be too embarrassing for words. For the thousandth time she reconsidered going to Rose’s. Franklin and Donna would be there, but so would the rest of the kids and grandkids, and she really didn’t want to miss out. She hadn’t seen Jason and Alex yet, and she wanted to be certain everything was cleared up. This would be the only chance she might get before the wedding; and Christmas was just around the corner. Anne dabbed her neck with perfume. Merle would be there soon. It was only nine in the morning, but Rose lived a good four hours away. Even with Merle’s driving it would be one before they arrived. Anne wanted to be able to help cook the food. She’d warned Merle that Franklin would be there, but he assured her it wasn’t a big deal, and not to worry about it.
There was a soft knock on the front door and Anne scrambled down the stairs, her heels slowing her progress. She took a deep breath before opening the door and letting Merle inside. He’d never been in her house, and Anne was relieved that she’d spent so much time in the last few weeks cleaning. Merle looked at Anne in surprise. She was absolutely beautiful. Her hair was artfully piled atop her head, and her eyes, lips, and cheeks were brushed with just enough make-up to bring out their natural beauty. She wore a deep red, long-sleeve velvet blouse over a matching tank with a v-neck. A lovely Christmas tree pin sparkled at the crevice between her breasts. Her black skirt was shorter than he expected, just brushing her knees, and flaring out from her hips and thighs in a rather appealing manner. Black calf-high boots with heels that made her at least two inches taller completed the outfit. She didn’t look like a grandmother, exactly, and Merle appreciated the effect.
Merle, for his own part, was wearing a dark red dress shirt, something he’d bought after asking Anne what she was wearing. His charcoal gray suit brought out the darker strands of his hair without hiding the gray and his Christmas tie, a gift from his grandkids that was covered in brightly colored Christmas tree bulbs, highlighted the outfit. Merle grinned as Anne invited him in. There were already three inches of fresh snow outside. They’d be lucky if it stopped within the next few hours.
Anne gave Merle a quick tour. She was a little embarrassed that everything in her home was so well used in comparison to Merle’s, but he didn’t seem to notice. He was quite taken with the layout of the house, open and airy: not something common when the house was built, nearly thirty years before. Anne explained that she’d wanted open spaces so she could see the kids from wherever she was on the main floor. She showed him through the house somewhat nervous as she came to her bedroom. It seemed odd showing Merle the bed her ex-husband had gotten her. She opened her bedroom door, letting Merle walk in front of her into the large room. He looked around in curiosity, but said nothing and Anne sighed in relief when they finally climbed in the car to leave.
The drive to Rose’s house was even slower than usual. The roads were slick, the snow falling in blinding bursts. Merle was a careful driver, and Anne had to admire his patience as he weaved his way down the road through the snowdrifts. She would have given up and gone home or pulled over until the storm cleared up a bit, but Merle just kept driving through the storm. Anne chattered nervously, afraid of an accident, and Merle listened half-heartedly as he concentrated on the road. Anne told him which turnoff to take and Merle followed her lead as she directed him down the deserted city streets to Rose’s house.
Rose opened the door and was surprised to see her mother on the arm of an older man, being escorted to the door. When the storm hit, Rose had figured her mother and her guest wouldn’t even be coming. Her ‘guest’. Rose had assumed it would be one of the single women from work. She greeted the couple warmly, Mr. Johnson seemed like a nice man, she thought, as she ushered them inside and out of the snow. They were an hour and a half late, no big surprise with such a storm.
Anne took pleasure in introducing Merle to her family. She stuttered momentarily as she introduced Franklin and Donna, but Merle was undaunted. He shook Franklin’s hand warmly and nodded politely at Donna as Anne made the introductions. Anne hugged her kids warmly as she introduced them, beginning with the oldest, Michael and his wife Kelly, then Rose and her husband Brandon, then Jason and Alex, who Merle knew the most about, and lastly her daughter Trisha. The grandkids rushed in for hugs and Anne introduced Michael and Kelly’s three children: Micah, Hannah, and Haven; and then Rose and Brandon’s two children, Bishop and Robyn. Merle insisted that Anne’s kids call him by his given name instead of Mr. Johnson if they were willing. He wanted them to feel comfortable with him.
Anne hugged Alex again, relieved that the girl held no hard feelings. She asked about the pregnancy and the baby and took delight in Alex’s varied questions about Anne’s pregnancies.
The women finished dinner while the men watched football and supervised the children. Anne was surprised that Merle fit in so well with her family. He immediately attached himself to Jason, who was his rival in architectural knowledge, though not experience, and Anne laughed as she heard them debating the proper way to design a cornice. Merle even seemed able to accept Franklin without any discomfort, something Anne was grateful for.
Dinner was hectic, each dish passing from left to right. Anne sat between Merle and Alex, who sat next to Jason. Jason and Merle continued debating good-naturedly over Anne and Alex’s heads until Anne offered to move so the two designers could sit next to each other. Everyone chattered contentedly throughout the meal. Anne and Alex took turns feeding the twins, who sat in high chairs just behind them while R
ose and Brandon fed Bishop and Robyn from their laps. The kids cleared the table for dessert once the babies were finished, and Anne found herself holding Merle’s hand as she watched her sons and daughters and ‘in laws’ make trips to and from the kitchen, refusing to let the “grandparents” help, as Rose had coined Anne, Merle, Franklin, and Donna. It was awkward sitting at the table with just Franklin and Donna, but Anne ignored it as best she could.
When at least six pies were sitting on the table, Merle stopped the chattering by lightly tapping his knife against his glass. The room went quiet as everyone looked at Merle expectantly. Merle cleared his throat, nervously, before beginning. “Before we finish this feast, and partake in these delectable looking desserts, I have something I would like to ask you, Anne.” Merle looked at Anne’s surprised and reddening face, wondering, for a moment, if he should wait to ask her in a more private place. Jason uttered a loud ‘here, here,’ giving Merle the courage to continue. He’d asked Michael and Jason while they watched football together in the living room what they would think if he asked their mother to marry him. He didn’t want to upset either of them, and after talking to them for a while, he’d come to the conclusion that they were both level-headed and reasonable. Both young men were surprised at his question, but neither had any complaints or reservations. “Will you marry me?” Merle asked, pulling a ring from his pocket as he knelt by her chair.
“Oh my God,” Anne whispered looking at Merle and then the beautiful diamond ring he held out to her. It occurred to Anne that he’d been asking her to marry him before, talking about his plans for the next few years, and she’d missed it entirely. She knew he’d been talking about making a future with her, but she hadn’t realized he’d meant so quickly. Well, she certainly couldn’t miss it this time. No one could, she thought, glancing around at her family, watching her with interest. Franklin’s eyes were gleaming in delight, as were Donna’s and everyone else’s at the table.
“Anne?” Merle asked, his voice deep and gravelly, his eyes full of sincerity. He prayed she’d say yes. He couldn’t imagine losing her.
“Yes, I’ll marry you.” Anne looked at Merle, smiling. She couldn’t believe her good fortune as she hugged him quickly. Merle kissed her head, hiding the tears that welled in his eyes.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Anne and Merle talked nearly the entire way home that evening. The snow hadn’t slowed down a bit, and Anne doubted they’d be able to get into her driveway until it was plowed clear. Merle took her cell phone as she prepared to call her neighbor. He’d already talked to Jim about plowing his drive. Jim planned on doing it sometime around eight at night, whenever the baby went to sleep for a bit. Merle wanted to take Anne back to his house; it was starting to feel horribly empty whenever she left, and he didn’t want to be alone tonight.
It was late when Merle finally pulled into his driveway, his eyes burning from the strain of driving in the snow and darkness. They hadn’t left Rose’s house until well after six, and the weather added a good hour and a half to the drive. It was nearly midnight before Merle turned off Anne’s car and looked at her sleeping form next to him. She’d finally dozed off at about eleven. Merle smiled, “Anne, we’re home, wake up.” Anne opened her eyes, slowly. She let Merle lead her into the house; they’d talked a lot on the drive home. It wouldn’t be long before they were married. Neither saw much reason for waiting. Anne sank onto Merle’s bed gratefully, barely even bothering to take out her earrings before snuggling under the covers against him.
Just over a week later, Anne and Merle arrived at the church thirty minutes before the wedding. People Anne had never met filled the rows of the small Catholic Church as she snuck a peak into the chapel from the vestibule. The rows were decorated with white ribbons. Merle left Anne to be seated second to last, as he followed Michael, who was acting as an usher, down the aisle. Merle waited for Anne patiently. Her daughters sat behind him, whispering to each other. Franklin sat next to him. Since neither man knew what to say to the other, they sat in an easy, companionable silence. Merle knelt and prayed for a bit before Anne was led down the aisle on Brandon’s arm, followed by Alex’s mother, escorted by Michael. Anne was radiant. Her hair was piled cleverly on top of her head and she wore a simple lavender dress.
Anne smiled and held Merle’s hand throughout the ceremony. Alex was stunning as she walked down the aisle in her white, lacy gown. Jason had eyes only for his bride, and Anne couldn’t help the tears that welled in her eyes. She’d very nearly missed this. Merle pulled her against his side as she sniffled. If it hadn’t been for Merle she wouldn’t be at the wedding. The ceremony was short. Jason and Alex didn’t want a long ordeal, especially since Alex was still exhausted much of the time. The reception was full of well-wishers to the young couple. Anne watched the guests mill about while Merle went in search of punch. Christmas was just around the corner, and then New Years would be upon them. Christmas. Anne wanted to have Christmas at the house. It would be the last year. She was already starting to move a few things here and there to Merle’s at his request. He was getting tired of her running home to change every morning. The morning after Thanksgiving he’d had to come shovel her car out because she’d gotten stuck in her driveway. They’d been talking about selling her house. There was no reason for them to own two homes, and Anne was finally ready to say ‘goodbye’ to her past.
Anne took the punch Merle offered her, smiling. He made her so happy; just sitting on the couch in front of the fire or having dinner with him made her day brighter. “What?” Merle asked. Anne was giving him the most adoring look he’d ever seen.
“I was just thinking about how I wouldn’t even be here if it weren’t for you.” Anne hugged Merle close. Before he could answer, music started softly, and Jason led Alex onto the dance floor. They watched the couple dance for a few minutes before the DJ requested that the parents of the bride and groom join them on the dance floor. At first Anne thought she’d be dancing with Franklin, but Merle surprised her by ushering her onto the floor. Franklin appeared with Donna, and Alex’s parents followed shortly after. It was the first time Anne had danced in years. It was only fitting that it was with Merle.
Merle and Anne drove home in silence. Anne was frustrated because Merle had insisted on giving Jason and Alex a check for five hundred dollars from both of them. Anne wouldn’t have cared if Merle wanted to give them a gift from him, but including her name on the gift wasn’t right. She didn’t want Alex and Jason to thank her, when it was really Merle’s gift to them. After about thirty minutes of strained silence, Merle gave up. “Anne, come on now. We’re getting married. What’s mine is yours.”
“Merle…”
“Anne, don’t be angry, please.” Merle looked at her pleadingly. He hadn’t even thought about the gift. He’d put a check for five hundred dollars in the card and signed it Merle and Anne. He didn’t think of Anne as a separate person anymore.
Anne sighed. “I’m not angry, Merle. It’s just…you gave them the money, not me. It should be you that they thank.” Anne didn’t know how else to explain it. Of course, maybe the kids would thank Merle anyway. Alex seemed fond of him. In fact, Anne had been surprised when Alex insisted on having Merle included in the wedding photos, saying he was part of the family. Oh well, Merle wasn’t going to ask for a personal ‘thank you’ anyway; he wasn’t the kind of man who needed one.
“I’d rather have you thank me anyway, sweet,” Merle cajoled. Anne groaned to hide her laugh.
Chapter Thirty
The weeks before Christmas were hectic. Anne worked late most evenings, trying to catch everything up in the office. She planned on taking at least two or three weeks off after the wedding. Merle would finish the Anderson project soon, so they’d both be able to slow down, and Merle had convinced Anne that they should go to Europe. Neither of them had ever been, and Merle was determined to take Anne, no matter how she argued over the expense. Besides preparing for her up-coming marriage, Anne was decorating the hous
e for Christmas. The kids were all coming for one last holiday ‘on the farm’ as they had coined the house. She wanted it to be perfect. She’d been debating on inviting Franklin and Donna, but much to her relief, they were spending the holidays with one of Donna’s kids out of state, so Anne’s decision was made for her.
As Christmas neared, Anne spent more and more time with Merle. He picked her up for lunch, or brought something to the office almost every day. On the rare occasion he couldn’t leave the construction site, Anne would run by with something for him to eat. She never stayed. It was too busy, and though Merle never said anything, she felt as though she was in the way. Jim would be back in a few more days, and then Merle could slow down a bit. The house would be finished the week before Christmas.
Anne was surprised to come home to a house full of people the Friday before Christmas. Her boss had asked her to finish filing before she left the office, so Anne was slow getting home. Now she noticed her boss’s car, Claire’s truck, and a variety of other vehicles waiting for her. Poor Merle. He was expecting her for dinner. She’d only stopped to grab her phone charger. Her cell battery died while she was at work and she couldn’t even get her phone to turn back on. Anne had a moment of irritation before she forced herself to calm down. There was no reason for her to get upset; obviously they were trying to surprise her.
Anne opened the front door to find at least fifteen to twenty women chatting pleasantly in her living room/kitchen. Rose, Alex, Kelly, and Trisha greeted her at the door, smiling. They’d managed to plan a surprise wedding shower for her. Anne didn’t know what to say. She really didn’t need anything. It wasn’t like she was a young bride, just starting out. Between the two of them, she and Merle had everything they needed for the next ten years. It was a nice gesture, Anne couldn’t argue that, but she had no idea what sort of gifts her guests could possibly give her. Anne smiled at the girls. Oh well. It was the thought that counted anyway.
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