“I’d rather go there.”
“Now, now. Let’s go have ice cream. I’m having rocky road.”
“Me too.” Sir Charles padded down the stairs in front of them, and Juno met them in the kitchen, reminding them it was time to feed their furry-faced kids.
* * *
“Just think, when we’re married, we can have evenings like this all the time.” While the breeze had driven them inside, Rich and Roxie were seated on the love seat looking out over the lake.
She sat straight up to turn and stare at him. “Pretty sure of yourself, aren’t you?”
“It’s all a matter of time. When God gives you a gift, He’ll also say when to open it.”
“That is not a Bible verse.”
“Bet I can find one or many to support it.” He pulled her back with his arm around her shoulders. “I see our whole relationship as a series of mini miracles, starting with how we met, or rather, how you met my son. At just the right time. You realize Nate is in love with Loren?”
“I got that feeling. His eyes light up when she walks into the room.”
“And now he is making sure she meets his mother. First woman he has ever done that with. I tell you, it is only a matter of time.”
“Oh, look, the rim of the moon. How lovely.”
“Yes.”
She glanced at him. “You’re not looking at the rising moon.”
“I know, you look at the moon, I’ll look at you.” When the moon had cleared the trees on the far side of the lake, he tipped her chin with one finger and kissed her, lingering to savor the moment. “There, I’ve been waiting for that.”
Sometime later, she pulled away. “I need to get home; I have to submit a proposal and I have an early morning appointment.”
“I know. Me too. Two busy people.” He brushed her lips with his. “Just to remind you that I’m not kidding. I love you.” Hand in hand, he walked her to her car. “Call me when you get home.”
“I will.”
Glancing in the rearview mirror, she saw him still waving. She punched the horn twice and reminded herself to pay attention on the roads. His comment about evenings like this all the time when they were married: That idea was seeming more appealing all the time. Crazy woman, she scolded herself. The main question? Are you certain you love him?
* * *
“We’re celebrating,” Roxie announced the next day when the four friends were gathered around a back-room table. “I sold another house, a very nice one.” They all clapped. “Loren met Nate’s mother, she even bought a little black dress and accessories, and Nate looked stunned. She was indeed beautiful. Oh, and his mother thinks she’s perfect for her son. Now, who’s next?”
“I lost five pounds and have not yo-yoed this time.” MJ spoke firmly, as if warning the weight away. “I will get rid of the next five and keep them off.” More applause.
“I finally got Mr. Grump to turn down his TV by bringing him those earphones that I saw advertised. They work and the rest of us at the home are rejoicing in the relative quiet.”
“Brilliant.” They applauded.
“And Addy and Loren are both at the library. I think Addy is going to help Loren with her display because she wants to learn how. So much to be thankful for.” Ginny blinked. “Sorry, most anything makes me tear up, even happinesses like these.” She raised her glass of lemonade and iced tea. They all touched glasses and nodded.
“Okay, now Roxie, isn’t there something you’ve been meaning to tell us?” Ginny’s smile looked innocent.
Roxie glared at MJ, who raised arms and eyebrows. “I did not say anything.”
“If you are referring to Rich Owens…” All three nodded. “Yes, we have been seeing each other often and talk most days on the phone.”
“And?” The three leaned forward in unison.
“And…” Roxie sucked in a deep breath and dropped her voice to a whisper. “He asked me to marry him.” At their gasps, she held up a hand. “But…” Heaving a sigh, she frowned. “But I’m not sure I love him enough to change my life all around. I love to be with him, he’s a wonderful man, and he says God has given us this gift of each other and I am beginning to think so too but…” Her head moved side to side slowly, as if of its own accord. “I like my life just the way it is.”
“Don’t turn your back on more happiness and God’s gifts, please?” Ginny implored. “We all need to use and appreciate every gift He has given us. Please pay attention. Too often, good gifts go away before we’re aware how good they are.”
MJ stared at Ginny. “You’re right, we overlook too much.”
“Preach it, sister.” Amalia leaned forward and patted Roxie’s hand. “You’ll know for sure. When the time is right.”
When their orders arrived, MJ offered the grace and they fell to, as always starting with the homemade rolls that came in the basket with butter.
Anne stopped by their table. “Everything okay?”
“Come on, Anne. Always better than okay or we wouldn’t come here all the time.” Roxie pointed to what was left of her roll. “You or Gary?”
“This time it was me. He was doing cookies. At least we have the super-duper mixer now with a dough hook that really works. With the other one, I’d finish the kneading but now we are using more dough so I broke down and invested in a new one.”
“Good for you. You know, the only complaint I’ve heard about your café is that the portions are so big.” MJ pointed to her salad. “See, it’s huge.”
“I know, but I don’t want anyone to go away hungry. Take after my mom, I guess.”
“She didn’t run a restaurant.”
“How about more Arnold Palmers?” At their nods, she motioned to her young waiter, who brought the pitcher over. As she left, she stopped by Roxie. “Anytime you can dispel the rumors, which by the way, are all excited for you.”
“Anne!”
“Just sayin’.” Her grin made them all chuckle.
Roxie rolled her eyes. She raised her refilled glass. “Happy Friday to all of us.”
As they left the café a bit later, Amalia turned to Roxie. “I just have one question.”
“What?”
“What are you waiting for?”
Roxie stared at her friend. “Good question.”
“Ginny was so right. Grab your moments, every moment you can, and be thankful. You never know what tomorrow will bring.” Amalia nodded with a smile that spoke of love and experience and sound advice.
Roxie hugged her. “Thank you. I will.”
“That’s what friends are for. I mean, after all, we are all UFOs when you think of it. God said He would do the finishing.”
Roxie stared at her wise friend. She nodded slowly and sucked in a breath. “I will. Tonight.” Inside, she felt like fireworks going off. She headed for her SUV. What she wanted to do was drive out to Rich’s office and ask him out for coffee. Or did she want to call him and set up a date for this evening? Or take the time to plan a celebration? Or… She stared out the windshield. Was something memorable important? No matter what she did, telling him was the important part. But where? How?
Her cell blipped with a text from Loren: Going with Nate for hamburgers and movie. Later.
She texted back: Thanks for letting me know. Have fun.
Then one for Rich: Want to watch the moon come up again? I’ll bring dessert.
He replied: Sounds good. I have a meeting that should be over by about 7:30. See you at 8 at my house?
She responded. Perfect.
She spent part of the afternoon following up with several clients, getting some papers out, and then she baked brownies, with walnuts, just the way he liked them, powdered sugar dusted on top, no frosting. She stopped for a bottle of good champagne, grimaced at the cost, and set it in the cooler with the ice cream wrapped in plenty of ice.
Driving up his driveway was always such a pleasure. The big gray heron patrolled the banks of the pond while ducks paddled out in the middle. Green lawn
made the beds of columbines and tuberous begonias sparkle. How he found time to take care of all this was amazing. But then, he was an amazing man. And he loved her. The smile started in her middle and tickled the edges of her mouth. Yes, his truck was parked in its assigned place.
He and Sophie got to her door before she could gather her purse and push down the handle, Sophie barking excitedly. “What a fine way to end this day.”
Her heart kicked up. “It is.” She reached for the cooler on the backseat.
“Let me get that.”
She greeted Sophie, ruffing her ears and murmuring doggy greetings.
“Okay, back off, girl, she’s here to see me.” Sophie sat, her fluffy tail sweeping the concrete.
Rick took Roxie’s hand and with the other swung the cooler. “Did you see the general at the pond?”
“If you’re referring to the heron, yes.” She gripped the container with brownies.
“Did you eat supper?”
“Yep.” Not that she’d had much but it was enough.
Instead of walking around the house, he opened the front door and gestured her in. “I take it there is ice cream in the cooler?”
“How’d you guess?”
“What else would need a cooler?”
“Let me put this in the freezer, and since it’s breezy out here, how about lighting the fire pit?”
“Okay, I’ll do that.” He gave her a questioning look that she made sure she answered with an innocent smile.
She put both the champagne and the ice cream in the freezer and the brownies on the counter, then followed him outside, where Sophie greeted her again. Roxie stared out over the dancing lake. Bright sails were still billowing in the wind, with many of them on their way to the docks. Seagulls dipped and squawked, some settling on the ridge of his boathouse. Her hair fluffed in the wind and she wrapped her arms across her middle.
“Are you cold?” Standing behind her, he put both arms around her and nuzzled her neck.
“Just chilly. This view is so peaceful and lovely.”
“It is. I come out here to unwind after the crazy days and putz with the pots and planters. Always reminds me to breathe and let it all go.”
She let her head fall back against his chest and did as he suggested—took a deep breath and let it all out. Turning in his arms, she clasped her hands behind his neck. “I am a woman on a mission.”
“Oh, really?” He kissed her nose.
“Stop that or I can’t think clearly.”
“Okay. I take it thinking clearly is important.”
“It is. Number one.” She stared into his eyes. “I love you, Rich Owens, as much as I am able and plan on loving you more day by day. Number two, I think you mentioned marriage.”
“Yes, I distinctly remember that.”
“Would you like to ask me again?”
He nodded, his smile spreading. “Roxanne Jean Gilburn, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
“Yes, Richard Donald Owens…” She started to say something more but talking and kissing did not work together.
“You have just made me the happiest man alive.”
“Good. I’m glad to hear that. Oh, Rich, is this really happening?”
“I think so. You better pinch me to make sure I’m not dreaming.”
“You’re not. Two people cannot share the same dream at the same time.” This time she initiated the kiss. “Now, let’s get the champagne out of the freezer; it should be chilled enough by now. And while you pour that, I will dish up the ice cream to go with the brownies I baked a couple of hours ago.” She leaned her forehead against his chin. “I love you. I really and truly love you, and I am still in the shock of realizing that.”
“Good. Stay that way because our next order of business is to set a date. I do not want to wait. In fact, we could elope tomorrow.”
She shook her head. “I want a very small wedding with just our families and very closest friends. I want it in my church because Pastor Mike has seen me through many life events and—”
He laid a finger against her lips. “Whatever you want to do is fine with me. But let’s make it soon.” He popped the cork and poured the champagne. “To us, with God’s blessing.” He touched her glass with his. His grin kicked her heart into even higher gear. They took their glasses and dessert back out to sit by the fire pit, snuggled where they could see both the moon rise and the fire crackle.
“You make the best brownies, just the way I like them. How did you know?”
“Nate mentioned one time when we were talking about the brownies Loren had made.”
“I’m curious, what happened today that made you sure?”
“Amalia reminded me to not waste a moment of God’s gift to us. And then she said something really interesting. She said we are all unfinished objects and that God promised to finish us in His good time. I really like that idea, so down to earth, just like her.”
“Hmm, I’d think at our age, we must be half finished, don’t you think?”
She thought a moment. “I don’t think age has anything to do with it.”
He paused. “Roxie, are you familiar with Robert Browning?”
“The poet?”
“Yes. This is from ‘Rabbi Ben Ezra’: Grow old along with me! / The best is yet to be, / The last of life, for which the first was made: / Our times are in His hand / Who saith “A whole I planned, / Youth shows but half; trust God: see all, nor be afraid!”
He paused and swallowed, along with a sniff. “I want lots of years ahead with you right here beside me.” The glory of his smile made her eyes fill. “Unfinished objects, eh?”
They stared across the lake as the moon floated free of the horizon and rose on its journey. Their journey together was just starting. Who could dream what great things God would do with the remainder of their journey?
Epilogue
MJ stood behind the podium looking out over the faces gathered to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the UFO group. Around tables that sat eight, the laughter and conversations made her nod and smile especially when she looked right in front at their table. Roxie and Rich, inseparable since before their marriage eight months earlier; her daughter, Loren, and his son Nate, who finally had announced their wedding date; Amalia, wearing a new hat in honor of the occasion; Ginny, also wearing a hat thanks to Amalia’s influence; and MJ’s husband, Daryl, who gave her a thumbs-up sign. She tapped the mike but that did nothing to attract attention.
She looked to Addy, seated with her family at the next table. Addy and Andy both nodded and the double whistle blasted around the room. Instead of quieting, the crowd first laughed, then waved to MJ, and then quieted, in spite of a few more giggles and chuckles.
“I can tell we are all celebrating and so busy chatting and sharing that I could just sit down, but since we are here tonight to honor those who completed UFOs and catch up on all our news, we shall begin.” She puffed out a breath and straightened. “First of all, we now have five UFO groups in Fond du Lac and who knows how many elsewhere.” She held up her spread fingers. “When I call the group you belong to, please stand. And yes, I know, some of you go to more than one. So if you do, please stand for each one. Now, the beginning group that still meets at Maureen’s Yarn Shop. Roxie, please count for us and while you do that…” She started the applause.
“Twenty-three.” Roxie stayed standing as the group waved to others.
“Thank you. This group has altogether finished sixty-one projects. By the way, I hope you look through all those finished projects displayed on the table around the room. Jeff’s peapod greeted you at the entrance. That little boat has already seen many hours on the lake.”
Jeff waved and did a half bow. “Just remember, I had lots of help. Helping each other is at the heart of these groups. The canoe we worked on didn’t quite make it here tonight but not for lack of our trying.”
“Group two, the first spinoff meets in the morning at the senior center, please stand. Roxie, please
count again. This group has finished twenty-eight projects.” The applause brought on plenty more smiles.
“Seventeen,” Roxie called out louder, to be heard over the murmurings. “They have more members who couldn’t be here tonight.”
Amalia and Ginny gave each other a high five. Ever since Amalia had moved out to the farm in the fall, their shared housing story had encouraged several other people to do the same. And they had managed to finish even more unfinished objects, especially from Ginny’s collection.
“That young lady with them is the proud owner of Addy’s Cookies, and her project is a tasty success. Many of you have ordered cookies from her, and she says she has started a fund for her dream to go to cooking school.”
“Not that she needs more training in great cookies,” someone called out.
“Thank you. The third group started at the senior housing complex, and while it is a small group, they have not only completed twelve UFOs, they pooled their resources and donated four baby quilts to the pregnancy center.”
Amalia stood for the third time.
“So, what does Amalia do? Count her same UFOs with every group?” That question came from another table.
“Hardly.” Amalia rolled her eyes and raised her voice. “Now that sounds like a good idea. Why didn’t I think of that? Sorry, but I work on something different in each group. Fabric, crochet or knit, and other.”
“Sometimes she helps someone else finish something too. Like many of you, she always has something to work on in her pocket or bag.” MJ nodded to Amalia, who held her ball of yarn and the beginnings of a crocheted lap robe in the air. “Any more questions?”
“By the way, before I forget, don’t you all forget to forage in that bin of yarn we have back there and take home what you can use. We wouldn’t want you to run out. Our next group meets at the Lutheran Church and it too is open to the public. They meet in the afternoon after a potluck lunch, so we have mornings, afternoons, and evenings and all on different days of the week.” She motioned to Roxie, who came to stand beside her.
“I have a letter here that I thought you all might enjoy.” Roxie took a card from an envelope and held it up for all to see. “This is from Hawaii. ‘Dear Roxie and all our friends in the Fond du Lac UFO groups. Ours is the story of another kind of unfinished objects. We had both been single for a few years and then met at the first UFO group. We found ourselves enjoying the visiting at the meeting. One night I mentioned I was frustrated with the latch on my front door. George volunteered to come see about it. He ended up putting in a new handle and latch so I offered to cook supper in return since he refused payment. The rest is history. We were married ten days ago and are on an extended honeymoon spending time on each of the islands. We will be sure to attend the first meeting when we get home, unless we choose to take a round-the-world cruise that leaves not long after we get back. We both dreamed of having a travel companion but marriage was not in our plans. That is, before UFO.
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