“Oh, Fred, I miss you all the time, but today will be so hard. You taught Sam well on grilling, but you were the best.” She mopped with tissue before the kids came up. Andy seemed to be doing well, but Grandma tears might rock his boat.
She had hung the HAPPY BIRTHDAY banner from the drapery rod in the living room, the same place it had hung for perhaps the last ten years. It was starting to look a bit worse for the wear but Addy had insisted. She was definitely tradition minded, not like so many kids of the day.
Ginny fixed a pitcher of lemonade and smashed some strawberries to mix with it. “You two ready for a cold drink?” she asked when she heard them come into the house.
“Out on the deck?”
“Of course. Pick it up and take it out.”
“Any cookies?” Andy’s voice crackled from low to higher and back.
His voice is already changing. Ginny poured the now-pink lemonade in the glasses with ice. Lord, these two are growing up so fast. Please keep them from pulling away. We all have tried hard to help them become independent and responsible adults. But please, no hurry.
She set the plate of several kinds of cookies in the middle of the table. “So what did you see?”
“There were four deer out in the meadow at the east end. We just sat and watched them graze. They didn’t mind us being there at all.”
“The Harrises’ dog barked at us and spooked Smoky.” Andy always rode Smoky.
“Ah, he was just looking for something to startle him. Any excuse to jump.” Addy sipped her drink. “This sure is good. Hope you made a lot of it.”
“Easy to make more.”
“I’ll go down and brush Magic and Smoky, turn ’em out.” Addy pushed her chair back. She shook her head at Andy. “I can do it. You visit with Grandma. She’s missed you.”
“Addy!”
Addy shrugged and gave her a sort of apologetic look, along with a wink.
“Glad you came over early.” Actually I’m just so glad you came, I could fly.
“Thank you, I tried before but…” He studied his fingernails, then looked at her. “Grandma, I couldn’t.”
“I know, honey, I know. There have been lots of things I’ve put off because I just couldn’t do them yet.”
“Like what?”
“Like sort all his clothes and give them to people who could use them. I open his closet door and then just close it again.”
“Oh.”
“And the hardest of all…”
He waited for her answer before finally asking, “What?”
To tell him or not. She inhaled and sniffed. “I can’t…I can’t go to the chicken house. At all.”
“Because that’s where you found him.”
“Yes.” Please, Lord, keep me from crying. She watched as a tear leaked over his lower lid and meandered down his face. The face that reminded her so much of Fred when he was younger, actually when they first met. “You look so much like him.”
Andy stared at nothing far away. “I think he was my best friend.”
“Mine too.”
Andy looked at her. “How come God took him to heaven?”
“I ask the same question, but there is no answer.”
“Do you think he and Grandpa Bill are together?”
“Yes, I do. The Bible says there will be a great crowd of people to welcome him home. I know your mom’s father is one of them.”
“I want him to come back but I know that won’t happen. But sometimes I dream he did come back but then he leaves again and won’t take me with him.”
“Nightmares?”
“Uh-huh. I feel like I’m screaming. Dad said sometimes I do scream in my sleep.”
“People tell me all these things will go away with time, just part of the grieving. And I can tell they’re right. But one thing I know he wants me to tell you is how much he loved and still loves you and always will. Andy, he was so proud of you. He loved to spend time with you and teach you how to take care of the animals and the land, use the tools. You learn so fast and try so hard. I’m so glad you can see that you weren’t just related, you are friends too.” She refused to use the past tense.
“I miss his cheering at my ball games. Remember how he’d yell at the umpire sometimes? At first it embarrassed me a little but all the guys on my team thought he was the greatest.”
“Such good memories we have.”
He was silent awhile but she could see he was struggling with something he wanted or perhaps did not want to say. His voice dropped to a whisper. “Grandma, I got mad at God and Grandpa too.”
“Boy, do I understand that!”
“Really?”
“Oh yes. Andy, such feelings are part of this whole thing. But they will go away, and the more we talk about him and remember the good times, the sooner we will be better. Pastor Mike has told me that several times. He stops by now and then.” She smiled. “He says it’s for the cookies. So I guess I finally believe it. I am so glad you are talking with me. I needed this and I think you did too.”
He nodded and reached for a tissue. “Yeah.”
Spook announced family again.
“They’re here.” He sat up straighter.
“So let the party begin.” She stood and reached for him. “I’m afraid that one of these days you won’t let me hug you anymore, so I’ll get them while I still can. I love you, Andy boy. I love you enough for both of us. And I know Grandpa is smiling down on us right now. He’s not here in human form, but I believe he is watching over us and cheering us on.”
Andy kissed her cheek, something he’d not done for the last couple of years. “I love you, Grandma.” He hugged her again and headed for the car to help unload.
Ginny watched him go. Thank you, Lord God, oh, thank you!
Chapter Twenty-Four
Roxie stared into her closet. The red or the ever-faithful little black dress, of which she had three.
“What’s up?” Loren sat down on her mother’s bed, her lap immediately occupied by Juno, who gave Sir Charles a superior look.
“Rich said to wear something dressier.”
“Where are you going?” She rested her cheek on Juno’s fluffy head.
“I have no idea. Red or black?”
“You already wore one black out with him, right?”
“Yeah, the plainest one.” She pulled out one with a band of black beading around the scooped neck and a short jacket with matching beading down the front. “This one?”
“They all look good on you. I think we need to go shopping.”
Roxie stared at her. “Are you feeling all right?”
“Mommm.” Loren heaved a sigh. “I think I need a little black dress and dress shoes too.”
“Considering you have, what—two skirts, one short, one long?”
“Yes, and the long one is black so perhaps I could just look for a dressier top.”
“Along with a dress, shoes, and perhaps even a bag.”
“I can use one of your bags.”
“True. How about tomorrow? There’s a good sale going on at the mall.”
Loren pouted. “I should have kept my mouth shut.”
“But you want to look extra good for Nate?”
“Well…” Another sigh. “There is that.” She stroked the cat. “I guess my style is casual, huh?”
“Ultra-casual. But you always look nice. Casual is good but even better is a willingness to dress up when you need to.” Roxie laid the chosen outfit on the bed. “Do not let Juno touch that.”
She was dressed and sorting through jewelry when her cell chimed. Rich. “Hi, I’m about ready.”
“Good, but I’m running about fifteen minutes late. So you needn’t rush. See you soon.” He clicked off.
She returned to her jewelry and the decision of what to wear. Rich was so considerate. Amazing how they had become good friends so quickly. As soon as she was ready, she sat in her office chair to return several phone calls, something she had to remind herself to be gratefu
l for. Returning phone calls as soon as possible was part of her reputation as a top Realtor to work with.
One was a possible new listing; she said she’d call on them early tomorrow. She and Loren would go shopping in the afternoon. The other two were asking for more information about certain listings. When she clicked off, she readied a packet to send to an out-of-state address. Someone needing to move here for a job who planned to buy immediately. The other she marked in her calendar for a Monday meeting. Life was far different now that people could go house hunting on the Internet.
She was just on her way down the stairs when she heard Rich in the driveway. “See you later, sweetie. Remember, there are leftovers in the refrigerator.”
“Thanks, Mom. Nate might be coming by later so we can go for a bike ride.”
“Oh, good.” That made her smile as did the doorbell. She opened the door to feel her heart kick up at the sight of Rich. “Just had time to return phone calls, so perfect timing.”
“Thank you, I try. You look lovely.”
“Thank you, kind sir.” She felt like curtsying, like laughing. When he extended his bent arm, she slid hers through and together they walked to the car, a silver Lexus, not his usual truck. He opened the door and assisted her to get seated. “How come this car is sporting the new car smell?”
“The air freshener. I like it and I think she does too.” He patted the roof as he closed the door. After he settled his seat belt, his smile lit up the car. “You look good enough to eat.”
“Hardly. I’d be tough and stringy.” She shook her head. “You must be crazy.”
“I think I am, crazy in love with you.”
Her mouth dropped open. “Ah, Rich, we’ve only known each other for, say, six weeks. You can’t—”
“Oh, yes I can. I’ve known since I first saw you walk around my house to the deck. I almost said so at that very moment but I didn’t want to scare you. Besides, I was in shock. Sorry, I was planning on this conversation at the restaurant.”
“Really?” Her voice squeaked. She stared straight ahead as he backed out of the drive and headed north. “W-where are we going?”
“Country club, François is head chef tonight and I asked him to make us something special. No idea what it will be, but he outdoes himself when given a chance.”
“I see.” But her head was still reeling.
“Have you eaten there before?”
“Perhaps, a long time ago.” She could feel his glances because her body heated up with each one. How could she tell him that she’d never planned on something like this happening, that she was very comfortable with her life as it was. Simple, busy, and so rewarding.
He laid his hand on her thigh. “Don’t stew about this, okay? We’ll take it one step at a time.”
“Right.” How could she not think about it? He tips her world upside down and sends it spinning off its axis, and her heart is screaming “woohoo” while her mind is just reeling. Okay, think about something else. Now, Roxanne Jean Gilburn! “Ah—how was your day?”
“My day was splendid. The latest sale is giving us a solid boost, drawing in many new customers, my daughter announced last night that she’s pregnant, and Nate is happy with Loren.” He grinned at her. “And yours?”
“I have a new out-of-state client who wants a house now because he would like to have some things in place before he starts work here in two weeks. He and his wife will arrive Monday and he asked if I can give them all the time they need to make good decisions. I think I have the perfect house for them from what he described. In fact, I have several to show them. My son is planning to come here for a visit now that school is out, so you’ll be able to meet him and his family.”
Rich’s head bobbed. “Good, that’s one of the things I was thinking about. It is time to meet each other’s family, beyond Nate and Loren. Thinking of hosting a barbeque at my house not this weekend but next. Are you available?”
“I think so, let me check.” She dug out her cell and called up her calendar. “Yes. What can I bring?”
“Yourself and Loren. I was hoping you’d come right after church and help me get ready.”
“Really?”
“If you don’t mind.”
The glow that warmed her insides seemed to be spreading. “No, I don’t mind. I’d love to. What else can I bring?”
“Let me think on that.” He turned off the highway at the sign and followed a paved road that curved around with lovely trees and flowering shrubs to the parking area. Of course the restaurant overlooked the lake.
“Do you golf?” she asked.
“Yes, but not as often as I’d like, just too busy, and I’d rather sail. I use both golf and sailing to entertain clients sometimes. We have the contract for furniture and furnishings for the new hotel in Green Bay.” He parked and turned to look at her. “There is so much I want to tell you about my life and learn about yours. Do you ever handle business properties?”
“I have, but I specialize in private homes.”
He came around the car and held out his hand to assist her. How long had it been since a man helped her in and out of a car?
Their table overlooked the lake with bright-sailed boats tacking back and forth across the water.
“Ah, perfect, thank you, Mark.” The man seated Roxie and laid her white napkin in her lap. “I have your order all under control, Mr. Owens. Your server tonight is Julian, and in the meantime, may I get you anything else?”
“Not that I can think of, thank you.” Rich turned his attention to the lake. “Perfect wind, see how the sails billow? If the wind is like this tomorrow, I’ll be taking my boat out. You want to come?”
“I have a meeting with a client in the morning, but after that I could.” She stared out over the amazing calm of the lake. How peaceful. “Swee’Pea!”
“What?”
“Jeff has his little peapod out on the lake. It’s finished and in the water! Look!” She pointed.
He watched the tiny craft a few moments. “Well, I’ll be. So he did finish it. It’s a cute little boat, just right for one person. Spritsail and rudder. Must be fun to sail.” Rich studied her with what looked like admiration. “All right, so you make people’s lives better by finding them the perfect home. But your good works go in all sorts of directions. Like that one. I’m proud to know you.”
What could she say? She sat kind of thunderstruck. She managed a “Thank you.”
Thank heaven he changed the subject. “Our dinner is all ordered, but would you like a glass of wine now or a mixed drink?”
“Wine would be nice.”
“Good, he’ll be bringing that. I ordered a Riesling, since that is what you drank before. So much I have to learn about you.”
“Well, uh, what is your favorite color? Mine is turquoise.”
“The blue of the lake in the sun.”
“Why am I not surprised?” She smiled back at him as his fingers reached across the table and clasped hers.
“Okay, what is your favorite sport?”
So they were playing a game of sorts. And she loved it. “Personal or professional?”
“Both.”
“I guess walking and biking and I have no great love for anything professional. Although Loren and I love to watch horse shows and rodeos.”
“Really?”
“Yes, we do.”
“Do you like to attend horse shows and rodeos?”
“Sometimes. I do love to watch Little League and softball games, especially when I know the kids who are participating. Like I usually go to Andy and Addy’s games. Those are Ginny’s grandchildren, twins who just turned twelve.”
“I see. What about your grandchildren?”
“Too far away and too small yet for team sports. At least that’s what their mother thinks. They are five and three. We did go to Regina’s dance recital last year. She wanted Grammy to come so we did.”
“My children seem to be late bloomers, although this pregnancy is Mara’s second. J
ason is nearing four. They live in Green Bay so it is not that far away. Jason loves anything to do with water.”
“Your boat?”
“Oh, yes, and I keep a rowboat for fishing and puddling around in. He loves to fish and usually snags more than his dad.”
By the time they’d finished their out-of-this-world dinner, as Roxie described it, they settled in to sip Irish coffees and to listen to the music. The string quartet added an ambiance that few other places offered.
When they played “Bring Him Home,” Roxie’s eyes watered. “I love that song.”
“I know, me too. Do you ever go to Chicago or Milwaukee for stage and concerts?”
She shook her head. “No, only local productions and sometimes to Madison.”
“Would you like to go to Chicago when something really good comes?”
She half shrugged. “I guess, just didn’t think much about it. Would you?”
“Yes, and I am a Chicago Cubs fan, so while I usually watch them on TV, Nate and I have gone down for some games. And we have season tickets to the Green Bay Packers.”
“Really? Football, eh?”
“Yes, but usually home games, not when they travel.” His thumbs massaging the palms of her hands made it hard for her to concentrate on what he was saying. They finished their coffee and prepared to leave.
“Thank you for this.” She gestured around.
“You’re welcome.”
Back in the car, they paused to see the moon rising on the other side of the lake. So instead of leaving, he pulled to the edge of the parking lot that faced the water. “You know these modern bucket seats sure make cuddling difficult.” So he took her hand instead. “One of these days you’ll get to see this from my deck or the great room windows that overlook the lake for scenes just like this.” They sat quietly for a moment, just taking in the view, enjoying each other’s company.
“You know,” Rich said softly, “I didn’t believe in love at first sight before meeting you. Sure made a believer out of me. I truly believe God brought us together and plans for us to share the remainder of our lives.”
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