by Judith Keim
Sukie smiled and waved, then frowned. “Where’s Grace?”
Lynetta explained the situation and slid into the booth, leaving enough room for Carol Ann on the end.
The waitress came over to them. “What’ll you have today, ladies?”
“I’ll just have a salad,” Carol Ann said, reminding her stomach to stay calm.
“Sounds good to me,” said Lynetta. “I’m trying to lose some weight.”
Sukie and Tiffany followed suit, each ordering a salad garnished with grilled chicken.
After the waitress left with their orders, Sukie turned to everyone. “What’s new?”
Tiffany let out a long sigh. “I promised Regard and Muffy that I’d bring Vanna to Charleston for a weekend visit. I’ll leave tomorrow morning and come back on Sunday. One night is all I can handle with them.”
“Are you going alone?” Carol Ann asked with alarm. She knew very well how dominating Beau’s parents could be.
“They weren’t happy to hear it, but Beau’s parents finally agreed that having Kevin drive us was all right with them.” Tiffany gave them a sheepish look that Carol Ann understood. “I’m not ready to meet them on their terms. Kevin makes me feel safe.”
“Oh, I understand,” Carol Ann replied, thinking of Ed.
“Carol Ann, you look glowing today. How are you doing?” said Sukie.
Carol Ann felt her lips curve happily. “I’m doing great! I have the most exciting news—news I’m finally able to announce.” She clasped her hands together. “I’m in love. Totally, completely, head-over-heels in love.”
“Does this have something to do with Ed Pritchard?” said Lynetta, giving her a sly look.
Carol Ann gasped. “How did you know?”
“Honey, whenever the two of you are together, sparks fly!” She gave Carol Ann an affectionate look.
“Oh, but that’s awful!” said Carol Ann. “It has to be kept a secret.”
“Don’t worry. Nobody else in the office has mentioned a word about it. I know you well enough and sit close enough to you at work to pick up on these things. I think it’s wonderful.”
Carol Ann slumped back against the back of the seat with relief. “Good. It’s really important for y’all to keep my secret. I don’t want any complications to come up.”
“Tell us all about it,” said Tiffany, leaning forward eagerly. “We’re happy for you. Now spill.”
Carol Ann drew a happy breath. “Ed and I have liked each other for a while now, but we didn’t want to do anything to break company policy. Then when I started doing the decorating work for him, he finally told me how he feels about me.” Her eyes filled. “Can you believe it? He told me he loved me, and he wanted to see where our relationship might go. But before he could say anything else, I told him I was pregnant. That stopped him cold. I mean, how could I even think of a relationship with him when I was pregnant with someone else’s baby?”
“Wha-a-a-t!” said Sukie.
“No way,” said Tiffany.
Carol Ann held up a hand “Hold on. He told me the baby wasn’t an issue with him, that he’d always wanted children and this one would be ours. Then, when I told him I had to think about it, he said the relationship wouldn’t go forward until I told him I wanted it to.”
“Wow, so he left it up to you?” said Sukie.
Tiffany drew herself up. “Good for Ed for taking that stand. I’ve always liked him.”
“And so?” Sukie prompted.
“And so I told him on one of our secret days together that I loved him and want to grow our relationship.” She let out a sigh. “I didn’t know it could ever be this wonderful. I truly love him.”
“Carol Ann, I’m so happy for you.” Sukie blew her a kiss. “Hugs when I can get out of the booth.”
The murmur of their congratulations quieted when their salads came. In the stillness that followed as they sampled their salads, Carol Ann’s heart filled with love for her friends.
“You’ll keep my secret for now, won’t you?” Carol Ann said to them. Going forward, she wanted to be sure everything would be fine at work.
“We promise,” said Lynetta, giving her a sweet smile, “but it’s hard to hide love like that. You both deserve to let everyone know. And really, do you think the company is going to fire either one of you? You’re both considered valuable employees. I say let it all out.”
“Oh my God! Does your mother know?” said Tiffany.
Carol Ann shook her head. “Not yet and not for a while. She’d just find some way to ruin it for me.”
“Good idea not to tell her.” Sukie looked down at the table top and remained silent for a moment or two before lifting her face. Her troubled expression caused everyone to stare at her.
“What’s the matter?” said Tiffany.
“My news isn’t as good,” Sukie said. “Chloe’s mother is claiming she was forced to give her up and now wants Chloe back in her life.”
“Can she do that?” asked Carol Ann. She thought of her own baby and the child’s father she didn’t know at all.
“Cam talked to his lawyer. The papers terminating her rights were properly signed and notarized. But he said we have the option of letting her see Chloe.” Sukie let out a sigh that spoke volumes. “Cam and I had a big fight over it. He doesn’t believe his ex-girlfriend is sincere. He thinks she’s only after money like she’s always been. But as a mother, I can’t imagine not seeing my child. I think we should give her a chance. But then, I don’t want to confuse Chloe. She’s a happy little girl.”
“What if the woman is after money, after all? What’s to say she wouldn’t try to abduct Chloe?” Lynetta asked, looking concerned.
“Cam and I would never let her be alone with Chloe,” said Sukie. “We’ve agreed on that.”
“I say have Cam meet with her alone before she sees you or Chloe,” said Tiffany.
“Oh, yes,” said Carol Ann. “Then he’ll see if she really is sincere.”
“All good ideas,” said Sukie. “I want to do the right thing for Chloe, but I’m scared to death this woman will end up hurting her.”
They discussed it for a while longer, then Lynetta checked her watch. “Time to go back to the office. But, Sukie, is there anything we can do for you?”
Sukie shook her head. “Just be here for me.” Her gaze swept the group. “All of you, like you always are.”
CHAPTER THIRTY
GRACE
Grace awoke and quickly dressed for their early flight back to Atlanta. The stay with Kate and Josh had been more emotional than she’d thought possible. Even now, sorrow mixed with anger, causing her stomach to roil.
She knocked on Misty’s door.
Still in her pajamas, Misty opened it and waved Grace inside.
“Why aren’t you dressed?” Grace asked, studying Misty’s red, swollen eyes with alarm.
“I’ve finally made my decision. I’m not going back to Atlanta with you,” said Misty.
“Why not?” Grace sank onto Misty’s bed, fighting nausea. “You’ve got school. You have new friends. You have me.” Grace’s vision became blurred with tears.
Misty sat down beside Grace and took hold of one of her hands. “I’m not going to desert you, Mom. But I have to do this. For Kate. In the five days we’ve been here, Kate’s health has gotten much worse. She’s not going to last much longer. How could she? She’s nothing but skin and bones, and all she does is sleep.”
“Then why ...”
Misty cut her off. “Kate took me in. That’s what I tell myself I need to remember. I want to do this for her. For you, too.”
“For me?”
Misty nodded. “It’s all been such a stupid mess because of a man who was really evil. I want to make it right.”
Grace listened to Misty, feeling as if she were the child not the adult. Even as tears rolled down her cheeks, Grace reached for her daughter.
They embraced.
“All right, I understand,” said Grace, “but I don�
��t like the way Josh is around you. He dictates what you should do, what you should say, how you should act. I know he’s part of that group Kate became part of, but I don’t think it’s healthy for him to try to influence you.” She stared steadily into Misty’s eyes, willing her to see the truth behind her words. “He’s part of a cult who thinks a woman is here to serve him. Don’t get dragged into it again. Hear me?”
Misty looked away and then returned Grace’s steady look. “I’ll be all right. After Kate dies, I’ll leave as soon as I can.”
“And will you promise to talk to me on a regular basis, so I know you’re okay?” Grace held back a sob. By all that was good and kind, Misty’s decision was right. But it didn’t make it easier to leave Misty once again in the home of her cousin.
Bile filled Grace’s throat. She got up and raced into the bathroom, unable to fight the nausea any longer.
When she came out of the bathroom, Misty gave her a hug. “I love you, Mom.”
###
Later, in the airport waiting to board the plane, Grace thought back to the first time she’d left Misty at her cousin’s house and realized she had no better choice today than she’d had then. She prayed the Higher Power everyone talked about would keep Misty safe and return her to Atlanta and her new life there.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
CAROL ANN
As she waited for Ed to pick her up that evening, Carol Ann felt as if she were part of a fairy tale—a princess waiting for her knight in shining armor. She was a little nervous too. Escapes was a very popular restaurant. Who knew who would see them there together? She was looking pregnant. Would everyone assume the baby was Ed’s? If so, would he mind?
So many unanswered questions, she mused, checking the clock in the kitchen one more time.
Promptly at seven, she heard a knock at the door.
Smiling, she raced to answer it.
Ed stood there, holding a single red rose in his hand.
Carol Ann put a hand on her heart. “For me?”
He smiled and held it out to her. “Red roses signify love and romance. I thought it was perfect for tonight.”
She hugged the beribboned flower to her chest. “It’s perfect, Ed. Absolutely perfect.”
He bent to kiss her, and she kissed him back.
“Let me put this in water, and then we can leave.”
“You look nice, Carol Ann.”
“Thank you. Tiffany lent me this dress.” It was a simple black dress that did a lot to hide the baby bump. She looked down at the bulge in her midriff and faced Ed.
“People are going to think this baby is yours, Ed. How are you going to feel about that? It’s a pretty awkward situation.” She held her breath and waited for him to speak. His response was so important to her.
He took hold of her free hand. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about you, about us. The nicest thing for the baby would be to let people think it’s mine. You and I know what we want for the future. Let’s make the situation easy on all of us.”
Carol Ann closed her eyes to hold back the tears that threatened to ruin her mascara. When she opened them, she looked into Ed’s eyes and sighed happily at the love she saw there.
“How did I get so lucky?” Carol Ann said softly, her throat thick with emotion. She turned away and then back to him. Never had she felt so unworthy. “I don’t deserve you,” she blurted.
He grinned. “You might not think so after we get to know one another better. Hurry up and get the flower in water. We’re going to be late for our reservation.”
Carol Ann all but floated into the kitchen. She drew tap water into a tall glass and lovingly placed the flower in it. She’d keep it alive for as long as possible, and then she’d dry it as a keepsake for one of the most wonderful moments in her life.
Minutes later, sitting in Ed’s car, she wondered how she could ever repay him for all his loving kindness.
“What are we having? Boy or girl?” Ed said, grinning at her.
She shrugged. “I haven’t wanted to know. I’m hoping for a girl.”
“A girl would be nice. We could name her after my mother.”
Carol Ann lifted her eyebrows. “And that would be?”
“Carolina. We could call her Caro or Lina like my mother. And Carol is part of your name.”
Carol Ann nodded thoughtfully. “Maybe. What if it’s a boy?”
Ed laughed. “Edward Junior?”
Carol Ann shook her head. “How about Wade? I’ve always liked it.”
“I don’t know about Wade. Maybe something different?” He reached for her hand. “We have time to think about it.”
It didn’t seem like much time to her, but she remained silent, wondering exactly how things would unfold between them.
At the restaurant, Ed pulled into the valet’s space. Carol Ann waited for the young man to open the door for her, and then she stepped out onto the brick sidewalk. The last time she’d been here was for Sukie’s wedding. She’d always thought it was a beautiful spot.
They entered the restaurant and were met by the hostess. After Ed gave his name, the pretty, young girl said, “This way, please. We’ve reserved a table in the French room as you requested, Mr. Pritchard.”
Hearing her speak to Ed so formally, Carol Ann realized that if everything went as planned, she’d be called Carol Ann Pritchard. She let out a little sigh of happiness. That sounded so much better than Carol Ann Mobley.
The corner table in the French room lent an air of privacy Carol Ann liked. She looked out over the other tables in the room, loving the intimacy. Pale yellow walls added a subtle brightness that matched her mood. Small, white-linen-covered tables were strategically placed to give diners enough space for privacy while filling the room. The clink of glasses and the light buzz of conversation combined with soft classical music to add a touch of class to the space.
“What sounds good to you?” asked Ed, perusing the leather-bound menu he’d been handed.
Carol Ann gazed at the choices on the menu with confusion. “What would you suggest?”
“The sole meuniere looks wonderful.”
“What’s that?” Carol Ann asked, taking a chance on sounding stupid.
“It’s a nice white fish with a lemon, parsley, and butter sauce. It’s served with fresh asparagus.”
“Oh, that sounds nice,” she said, grateful for Ed’s calm description. “I’ll have that.”
Ed smiled. “Would you like an appetizer?”
Carol Ann shook her head. “No, thank you, but order what you want. And, Ed, if you’d like to order wine, go ahead. I won’t have any, but you certainly may.”
He gave her a grateful smile. “Thanks.”
After the waiter took the order for Ed’s wine and her bubbly water, Ed reached across the table and took her hand. “You look especially lovely tonight, Carol Ann. I think becoming a mother is doing nice things for you.”
She smiled. “You are the one who’s making the difference,” she said, knowing it was true.
The dinner proceeded pleasantly. Carol Ann found she could talk to Ed about anything, from decorating his condo to the awkward relationship she had with her mother. Now she told him about the latest conversation with her mother.
Ed frowned. “You shouldn’t allow your mother to talk to you that way.”
“I know,” said Carol Ann. “I guess I’m just used to it.”
“Don’t be,” Ed said. “You deserve to be treated better than that.”
Carol Ann remained silent as the waiter cleared their plates. But her thoughts remained on her mother. Someday, she’d have to deal with her, set her straight.
“Would you like to see a dessert menu?” the waiter asked politely.
Carol Ann shook her head. “Not for me.”
“I’ve already ordered it,” Ed said, looking flustered. “I hope you don’t mind.”
“No, that’s all right. I’ll have just a taste.”
Ed gave her a nod of satisfaction. �
��Good. Coffee? Tea?”
“A cup of decaf coffee sounds wonderful,” she said, wondering at the smile that was crossing Ed’s face. She knew he was a foodie, but didn’t realize he had such a sweet tooth.
Coffee was served, and then the waiter brought a little cake with what looked like strawberry icing on it. Sitting in the middle of it was a sparkler, emitting bright little sparks that drew the attention of everyone in the room.
Carol Ann clasped her hands. “Oh, how fun!”
Ed grinned at her. “I thought you deserved some sparkles.”
As soon as the sparks faded, the waiter pulled the sparkler out of the cake and stepped away.
“Will you please slice the cake for me?” Ed said, handing her a small cake knife.
Carol Ann blinked in surprise but took the knife from him. “How should I cut it?”
“Right down the middle,” said Ed, leaning forward to watch her.
When she went to slice it, the cake fell apart. Carol Ann stared numbly at a little black box wrapped in clear plastic.
“Go ahead. Take it out,” urged Ed.
Heart pounding, Carol Ann lifted the box off the plate and unwrapped the plastic around it. She looked to Ed for direction.
He nodded. “Open it.”
Carol Ann lifted the top of the box and gaped at the large diamond glinting at her in the candlelight. She blinked in surprise, wondering if this scene was real. “Oh, Ed ...”
He got up and came over to her chair. Dropping down onto one knee, he looked up at her with moist eyes. “Carol Ann, will you marry me?”
She leaned over and clasped his face between her hands. Lowering her lips to his, she kissed him with all the love she felt. Moments later, she became aware of the clapping around them. In a daze, she smiled at the people in the room and then cried a little as Ed slid the ring on her finger. In the candlelight, the diamond reflected a rainbow of colors.
“It’s beautiful, Ed.” Carol Ann couldn’t stop staring with amazement at the large, marquis diamond offset by two sizeable, round diamonds. “Are you rich?” she asked before she thought to curb her tongue.