Chapter 54
Tulia dropped me at my front door a little before eight after she left Gin at her place. Norland had volunteered to drive Reba home. Dusk had fallen, and the sky was more dark than light, with deep shadows lurking in every corner and behind every tree. Even without Lincoln’s caution, I would have asked one of the group members for a ride home. Plus, teetotaler Tulia was a permanent designated driver, a role she embraced.
“See you at my parents’ party tomorrow, right?” I asked her after I thanked her for the lift.
“Wouldn’t miss it for anything.”
“Drive safely home,” I called to her through the open window.
“Always, Mac.”
The lights of our cottage were on inside and out, and the sight warmed my heart. I’d called Tim before I went to the restaurant. He’d said his ankle was okay, and that he’d be home all evening. He might already be asleep by now, but I hoped not.
The best sight in the world greeted me when I walked in the front door. My wide-awake husband beamed me a gentle smile from where he sat, foot elevated on a cushion on the coffee table. Swing music played softly from a Wi-Fi speaker. He set down the book he’d held and extended his other arm wide open to welcome me.
I dropped my bag and slid into his embrace. I loved his scent, a mix of rainwater shampoo, bread, and healthy man. After an entirely satisfying exchange of affection, I sat back. “How’s the ankle, husband of mine?”
“Tired, as is its human, but I think we’re getting there. I know I overused it today, but I’m sure a good night’s rest will work wonders.” He stroked my hair. “How’s my favorite PI? Did you guys crack the case?”
“Hardly. We learned a few things and stayed out of trouble—mostly.” I giggled. “Except for the inimitable Reba.”
“That woman is a pistol of the first order. What did she do this time?”
“She showed up at Jimmy’s Harborside, saying she’d tailed Carl O’Connor and Sita Spencer there. She was all clandestine spy, whispering to us about them.”
“Had she followed them?”
“She had,” I said.
“And she was thoroughly delighted with herself, yes?”
“A hundred percent. Except Lincoln appeared right behind her. He’d been surveilling the couple from his car, and he saw exactly what Abo Reba did. He basically told her in no uncertain terms to quit it.”
“Did she listen?” he asked. “Is she going to comply?”
“What do you think? I’m not entirely sure she will. At least tomorrow she’ll be busy with the party.” The party. “Shoot. I was supposed to get with Derrick and figure out last-minute stuff for the celebration. That didn’t happen, and it’s not going to tonight.” Some daughter I was.
“It’s all going to be fine, Mac,” Tim said. “I checked with Astra while you were out. The members of the UU teen group have mobilized to make all the logistics happen. One of the kids is at the vocational-technical high school and is a senior with a focus on catering and event management. He’s excited about managing the celebration, small potatoes though it is, and he’ll get school credit for it.”
I twisted to stare at him. “Seriously?”
“You bet. You know how much young people adore your father. And your folks didn’t want you and Derrick to do any of the heavy lifting. The kids are going to decorate and set up tables and chairs, manage linens and dishes, serve and clean up food and drinks, the works. The music selection might end up pretty, shall we say, young. But your parents put in a few song requests. It’s going to be awesome.”
“That’s incredible. I can’t say I was dwelling on the party too much, even though I should have been.”
“You’ve had a few things on your mind, sweet wife.”
“Mmm.” I nestled into his strong, warm arm again.
“I’m looking forward to celebrating our own fortieth anniversary.” He squeezed my shoulder.
“Wow. We’ll be in our seventies. That’s kind of hard to fathom.”
“It will be a rich and joyous path to travel with you, that’s all I know.”
I smiled at him, imagining us. Hopefully not ill or decrepit, but certainly life-worn, age-spotted, with skin creased by experience. And, hopefully, with grandbabies running around.
But we still had to navigate the here and now. “No more word from Jamie?”
“No.” He fell silent.
“And that worries you.”
“A lot. I tried to call her earlier. Today is when the older kids were supposed to move to their dad’s. I wish I knew a friend of hers out there who I could ask to drop by and make sure she’s all right. But my troubled sister has alienated more friends than she’s made.”
I squeezed his knee. I was the luckiest woman in the universe when it came to family and partner and friends, and I knew it.
He yawned. “I’d better turn in.”
“You’re not going early tomorrow, are you?”
“When I can make a lazy breakfast for my beautiful bride?” He gave me an adoring smile. “Not a chance.”
“Good. I’m not working, either, and I told Orlean and Edwin to close the shop at one.”
“Perfect. It’ll only take me an hour or two to decorate the cake, and I’ll have plenty of time after breakfast.”
I swore softly as a thought occurred to me. “I don’t have a gift for them, for Mom and Pa.”
“They don’t want material things, hon. You know that.” He pulled me in close and engaged my lips in a most luscious kiss. “I bet they’d like another grandchild, though,” he said in a husky tone that made me want to get to it right there on the couch. “What do you say we—”
His cell rang. He groaned. He looked at the display. He swore, and not under his breath. He disengaged from me and stood.
“It’s Jamie?” I asked.
“It is. I’m sorry, my love. I have to take it.”
“You do. Go.”
He connected the call and disappeared into the bedroom, closing the door behind him.
Poor Tim. He was the most superlative person I’d ever been with, and he had the least-functional sibling in the world.
I wandered into the kitchen and ran a full glass of water. I sat at the table, sipping and thinking. Tim had called my mom about party arrangements. He’d cleared his work schedule for tomorrow. He had even put Belle to bed. And he’d been about to take me to our own bed.
It was true, I’d once again entered my ovulation window. But we had a few days yet this cycle. I was well aware my parents would love the gift of another grandbaby, or more than one.
Who knew, maybe Derrick and Neli would have a child. Granted, my bro was in his early forties, but Neli was younger than me. Little kids keep you young, anyway. Plus, Cokey would be ecstatic to have a younger brother or sister, and certainly to have a cousin.
Pa would say it was in God’s hands, whether Tim and I conceived a child or not. And I supposed it was.