Miss Amalia, this is Addy and I have a favor to ask.”
“Oh, and what might that be?” Amalia swung her feet up on the lounge on her lanai.
“Well, Andy and I leave for Bible Camp on Saturday and I hate to leave my grandma alone for a whole week. I mean, she says she will be fine and I shouldn’t worry but…”
“She’s right, you know.”
“Maybe, but I don’t want her to get so sad again.”
“You’re a good kid, Addy; your grandma is very blessed to have you.” Amalia thought a moment. “Tell you what. I’ll call her and ask if I can come out on Tuesday. That will give her a couple of nights alone. Tell her that if she really needs me, I can come earlier, but she could pick me up Tuesday morning or even Monday night after the UFO meeting. How does that sound?”
“The strawberries are ripe. I was going to help her make regular jam and freezer jam, but maybe you can.”
“Good. That’s an even better reason. My mouth is watering for strawberry freezer jam.”
“Thank you. I’ll bake you a batch of cookies.”
“I’d love that. Bye, Addy, and you have a good time at camp and don’t worry about her.”
“I won’t with you here.”
Amalia stared at her phone. What a kid. When she and Ginny talked after the birthday party, she was so grateful Andy had talked with her, enjoyed the party, and come back to help around the farm the next day after church.
She dug her calendar out of her bag and checked to see what she would have to change. Not a lot. After tapping in Ginny’s phone number, she leaned back on the lounger and watched the birds flitting about in the maple tree. She was sure there was a robin’s nest in the higher branches. She’d seen both parents bringing nest materials.
“I heard the strawberries are ripening. Would you like the company of your I-don’t-want-to-wear-out-my-welcome house guest as of after UFO on Monday night?”
“Now that was a mouthful. Addy called you, didn’t she?”
“I’ll never tell.”
“They are,” Ginny said. “Already, I think, there are enough for jam. You want to come help and take some home with you?”
“Hm.” Amalia thought a very brief moment. “Ginny, come get me and let’s pick strawberries. Are you up for it?”
“I would love that. I’ll be there in a sec.”
It was more than one sec, of course, but Ginny showed up promptly. Amalia slid into the passenger seat. “Thank you, my friend. How big is the job? Any estimate?”
She sniffed, and tears appeared. Again. “Fred always picked. I don’t know.”
“Well, we’re about to find out.”
Spook greeted them as they pulled into the farm. Ginny brought buckets as Amalia walked down to the strawberry patch.
“What do you see?” Ginny asked as she stepped in beside Amalia.
“I see enough to make a batch of preserves already. Looks like you’re going to have a bumper crop this year.”
They began at the east end of the patch. As they parted leaves, ever more ripe strawberries appeared.
Amalia asked around a mouthful of strawberry, “So we’re on that I come stay with you after UFO on Monday?”
“That would leave me with Saturday and Sunday nights to get through and I am determined to do just that. I must admit that being on my own the whole week was beginning to concern me.”
“At least you’re being honest and keeping track of your feelings. I am proud of you, my friend.”
“Taking one day or even one minute at a time has various levels of difficulty. You know how Fred loved his strawberries. I even thought of not picking them, but that would be a waste and…”
Amalia gave her time to fight off the deluge. She even offered a tissue. “We’ll take care of it. And the raspberries and the blueberries and anything else. You know, Sam and Erica…”
“Yes, but they have their garden and berry patch too. Summer is always a busy time.” Ginny suddenly stood up and left.
Should Amalia get up and follow her or keep picking strawberries? Ginny returned with two more shallow buckets. “I had no idea there were so many ripe ones.”
Rocking back on her heels and wiping her forehead with the bandanna she kept in her pocket, Ginny asked, “Amalia? Do you like your little apartment?”
“Very much.”
“So you’re happy where you are.”
Amalia thought about that. “Yes, I am. Mostly. I like being able to bike nearly everywhere, but I sometimes miss not driving. And I miss this right here: being close to the earth, planting and harvesting. I have the pots on my deck, of course, but I miss the open space a farm provides.”
“Would you consider moving out here, to my farm with me?”
Amalia whipped her head around so fast, she got dizzy. “Here?”
Ginny tossed another handful of strawberries into her pail. “I don’t know. Maybe it wouldn’t work. But we could remodel the basement into an apartment, so you and I could each have alone time.” She smiled. “You know, get away from each other now and then. And together, I think we could do what has to be done to keep the farm going. I know I can’t do it all alone.”
Amalia quit picking and sat back, thinking and nodding at the same time. “Interesting idea.” She continued to nod. “I’ll consider this. Yes. A lot to think about. I take it you’ve already given it a lot of thought.”
“Yes—and prayer. The idea came to me when I was praying the other morning. I figure God had a hand in that.”
* * *
“Okay, Roxie, what’s up? You are not yourself today?” MJ stopped them in mid-stride.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, for starters, you’re not talking.”
“Sorry. I have a lot on my mind, several new clients, things like that.” And what do I do about Rich? That was the biggie, as she well knew, but she was not ready to talk about it yet. Mostly because did she, could she, love him like he apparently loved her?
“See, there you went again, off in some world of your own.”
“Okay, I have some decisions to make, and until I am sure of my answers, I’d prefer not talking about them. Nothing personal, mind you. You know what it’s like when you’re trying to figure out what God wants you to do.”
“I do, but I usually gain help and perspective by talking it over with Daryl or my friends.”
“Well, I don’t have a Daryl in my life to talk things over with.” And since that might be remedied sometime in the near future, oh, my land… “The answer will come, I know it, in God’s good time. After all, He promised.”
“Sometimes His promises take a long time to come through.” MJ got a good yank on her arm by the basset taut at the end of the leash, nose to the concrete.
“We need to hustle if we’re going to stop at Annie’s. I have a ten o’clock meeting with a buyer who wants to see the two houses I showed him before and make a decision.” Lucky man, has only two choices, or so he thinks.
She and Sir Charles caught up with MJ, who was being pulled along by a strong-willed hound.
“Looper, no, we are not going that way.” She planted her feet. “This way, Annie’s, puppy treats.” Looper liked the biscuits at Annie’s. They tied the dogs to the dog hooks and went inside the café.
“Hey, Roxie, someone this morning said she saw you at the country club with a good-looking man.” Anne grinned at her while making the lattes. “She was going to say something to you, but she said you were mighty cozy and she didn’t want to interrupt.”
Between the two of them, they were both too well known around here to even dream of privacy. “He’s just a friend of mine.” Liar.
“Right.” Anne gave her a knowing look. “I’ll bring your cinnamon rolls as soon as they are warmed up.”
They sat down in their usual place, as if it were kept vacant just for them.
“And? The puzzle pieces are falling into place. You must be speaking of Rich Owens, father of Nate Owens, who is dating Loren. And from what I hear, real often. Perhaps all these ice cream dates after UFO?” MJ’s eyebrows arched.
“All right, Mrs. Inquisitive. Good grief, one can’t keep anything private in this town. Yes, we went out to a very nice dinner at the club house, where I haven’t been for a very long time. And yes, we are doing things together. He is a fine man and we enjoy our time together. Now that is all I am going to say right now, so—” She looked up. “Thanks, Anne, oh, this smells so good.”
Speculative looks were becoming more frequent on MJ’s face. “He’s in love with you, isn’t he?” She nodded, her sleuthing look visible in her grin.
“No comment. Now, can we please drop it?” Roxie glanced at her watch. “I have to leave here in fifteen minutes. You know how I feel about being late for a client.”
MJ raised both hands in the air. “All right, all right, but you better promise me you will bring me up to date when you come to a decision. Now, how are Loren and Nate doing?”
“This afternoon Loren and I are going shopping for a little black dress for her, along with accessories.”
MJ clapped her hand over her heart. “Well, I never…How wonderful.”
“Now don’t go getting them married yet, all right? I am sure he’s in love with her…” Like father, like son. “But I don’t think she’s aware of it yet, thinks they are just friends.” Roxie stared hard at her best friend. “I better not hear from anyone that you passed on this tidbit, got it?”
“Yes, ma’am. Besides, Roxie, you know I don’t gossip.”
“Not to Amalia or Ginny even?”
“That’s not gossip, that’s good friends sharing.” She rolled her eyes toward the tin ceiling. “All right, I will not mention anything to anyone.” She did the motions as she said, “Cross my heart and hope to die…”
“Don’t get carried away. We’re meeting Ginny and Amalia for lunch here on Friday, right?”
“Yes, I have it on my calendar for noon. Looking forward to it.”
“Me too.” Roxie ate the last bite and drained her cup. “I’m out of here. Coming?”
“Two minutes, er, one minute.” She chugged her latte and took the last bite of roll. “Yum.”
After a fast walk home, Roxie met with her clients and recorded their offer on their favorite of the two homes they had seen before. “This is a good solid offer, but you know there will probably be negotiations. Are you willing?”
“To a degree,” the man said while he and his wife looked at each other and both nodded. “And all depends on the inspection. How soon will that be able to happen?”
“The owner has to accept your offer before we schedule an inspection. But I feel strongly that will go through easily. I’ll submit to their Realtor this afternoon and we’ll see. Be prepared.”
“We are.” They grinned at each other. “Looking forward to hearing from you.”
Roxie drove into her driveway half an hour later than she had hoped. She hurried inside to use the bathroom. “You ready?”
“Yes, be right down.”
Within minutes they were on their way to the mall. “Did you have lunch?”
Loren shook her head. “I got involved in planning my next display and the time disappeared. Let’s shop first.”
“You sure? You might need sustenance.”
“If the shock is too great, we’ll take a break.”
“Okay.”
It took two stores before they found a possible dress. “What do you think?” Loren modeled the dress in front of a mirror.
“I think it looks very nice, simple but decent-quality fabric and construction.” She had checked that out before Loren put it on. The others she’d tried were too frothy. “You can dress it up or down by the accessories. That print jacket on the rack would make it more casual, and the black one with the scroll trim would look dressier, not that you’d want a jacket so much in the summer anyway. And before you ask, it is very slimming. Now let’s get you a black bra, and panties, and then we hit the shoe department.”
Loren groaned. “All in one day?”
“Might as well while we’re here. By the way, why the change of heart?”
“Nate wants me to meet his mother so he’s taking us both to supper tomorrow at her favorite restaurant.”
“Which is?”
“The Royal Crown.” She flipped the dress over the fitting stall door.
“Okay, this will be fine. You can use my turquoise jewelry, will look great on that, and my black shawl if it gets chilly. Knowing that restaurant, you better take the shawl.”
Loren stepped out of the fitting room, shaking her head. “Jeans or khaki pants are much easier.” She glanced in the mirror and pulled her T-shirt down. “Let’s get this over with.”
“You are not sentenced to the guillotine.”
“Almost. And besides, what if she doesn’t like me?”
Roxie put her arm around her daughter’s shoulders. “She can’t help but love you. I’ve heard all good things about her.”
“If she’s so wonderful, why did they divorce?”
“Couldn’t get along in the same house but reverted to being the friends they were before the marriage. Rich said, ‘She gave me great children.’”
They finished their shopping, got Loren through the shock of spending that much money on fancy clothes, and stopped at Loren’s favorite restaurant, where the hamburgers were superb. They had celebrated many life events there through the years. “Let’s get that dress hung up and we’ll steam it. You’ll look smashing tomorrow for supper.” Roxie pulled into their driveway. “You might want to wear your hair up, look even more sophisticated that way.” She grinned at her daughter. “Want a bowl of ice cream?”
“Need you ask?”
A message from Rich was waiting on her house phone. She returned his call. “You called?”
“I did. Since Nate is taking Loren and his mother out for dinner, you want to come out here since you’ll be all alone?”
“You think I can’t handle being alone?”
“And here I was trying to be nice. So much for nice. Will you please come out here? We’ll have chicken on the grill, veggies, garlic bread, and some kind of potatoes, I suppose. Then we can watch the sunset over the water and the moon come up. What do you think?”
“I think it sounds heavenly.”
“Whew, you scared me there for a moment. Oh, I get it, you were teasing me.”
“You got it. See you about…”
“Three, no four. I have some things I need to get done.”
“So do I, so I will see you then.” She set the receiver back in the stand and went to check on Loren, finding her in front of the bathroom mirror. “How are you doing?”
“About done. It didn’t wrinkle much. I’ll be wearing brand-new shoes, with heels no less.”
“Your espadrilles have heels so don’t worry about it. Relax, sweetheart, you’ll have a good time, Nate will see to that.”
“Thanks, Mom.” She tucked the steamer back in its place under the sink. “You going out to Rich’s?”
“At four so I will help you get ready if you need me.”
“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?