THIRTY-EIGHT

The next morning, Janie left the hospital―for the second time that month. Melody drove her home. When they opened the door, eleven women screamed, “Surprise!”

Janie jolted, and threw her hand to her mouth. Melody hugged her from behind and then ushered her inside. Vases of roses dotted the living room and get well cards lined the coffee table. A spread of her favorite foods waited in the dining room.

Janie could barely take it all in. She wiped a tear from her cheek. “Y’all are something else.”

They led her to her favorite reading chair and waited on her hand and foot. With a tumbler of cold lemonade perched on the coaster and a plate full of food on her lap, she opened each get well card, read it, and smiled. “Thank you. Each of you. I’m so blessed to have so many wonderful friends.”

After an hour, Melody herded the Bunco biddies out, stating Janie needed her recuperative rest. Janie motioned Betsy Ann to stay. “I have an apology to make to you.”

Ethel waved good-bye and closed the door.

Betsy Ann sat on the couch. “Whatever for?”

Melody took the cue. “Mom, I’m going to put fresh sheets on your bed. Back in a few.”

“Thanks, Mel. I appreciate that.”

She hobbled over to the sofa and sat next to her dear friend. “I’ve been jealous of you and George.”

Betsy Ann took her hand. “I understand. He has sort of butted in. You and I don’t see as much of each other, do we?”

“It’s more than that. I am envious of what you two have. I miss having it myself.” Her voice quivered. “When Jonathan started courting me, at first I resisted. Then I realized how much I relished having a man put me on a pedestal.”

“I’m so sorry. What a shock to discover he had gone to the dark side.”

Janie gazed at Betsy Ann through shimmery eyes. “I’m afraid he bruised my heart.”

Betsy Ann handed her a tissue. “I know. So, this probably isn’t the best time to tell you. But as you’re my best friend, I wanted you to find out before anyone else.”

“What?”

Betsy Ann’s cheeks blushed. She dug into her skirt pocket and pulled out a ring. She slipped the diamond setting on her left finger. “He proposed last night—after we learned you were all right, of course.”

Janie squealed and drew her into a hug.

Melody dashed back into the living room, a pillow halfway into a pillow case. “Mom! What is it?”

She flashed her daughter a huge, eye-twinkling smile. “A wedding in our future. Betsy Ann and George. Isn’t that grand?”

Mel raised her hand to her open mouth as tears of joy etched the edges of her eyelids.

Janie clutched her hands together. “Oh my. Have you set a date? We need to decide on so many things. Catering. Antonio’s would be the only one I would choose. It will be held at the church, right?” She began to wave her hands like a lopsided helicopter blade and continued chattering. “I think a sunset affair...”

Betsy Ann motioned to Melody. She cupped her hand to her mouth and pointed. “She’s back.”

Melody bent to her ear and whispered. “Yes. Now, I know she’s all right.”

They both shook their heads and laughed.