Beyond Shattered Dreams: (Sequel to Just Below the Surface), page 21
I can see the hurt in Billie’s eyes as she remembers.
“Then, after Audra was born, I kept feeling guilty. Guilty that my baby girl was perfect and my neighbor’s baby was suffering. Like somehow, because they were having problems, I didn’t deserve the health of my child.”
“I’m so sorry you felt that way,” I say softly.
“Thank you,” she answers. “But I realized then that it wasn’t the time to feel guilty. It was a time to stop, and with all gratitude, thank God that my baby was healthy. Was it hard? Yes. But then after thanking the Lord, I took a moment and prayed for that mom and her baby. I don’t know what has happened with them beyond those hospital doors, but I can tell you that I have added a new woman and child to my prayer list. I pray for them whenever they cross my mind. And then I got thinking, what if God had me hear about that, not to make me feel guilty, but to pray for her? What if she has no one praying for her? Now I feel honored that God would put her in my path.”
I stare at her for a moment. Wow. I would’ve never seen things that way. “Thank you,” I finally say. “Thank you for sharing that. It makes so much sense.”
Billie smiles, and we both look over as we hear a little cooing noise.
“Well, Posey will be excited she’s waking.”
“Her and her little cat naps.” Billie shakes her head but smiles.
I stand once more. “I need to get to work. Thank you again. So much.”
Billie comes over and hugs me. “Love you girl,” she says. “And trust Him. He knows exactly what He’s doing, and nothing is by accident.”
When I leave Billie’s, I feel so much lighter.
Chapter 34
It’s been a while since I’ve gotten to talk with Ben, Al, and Mabel. Today is one of those days. Al and Mabel are cleaning out some of their personal things from the store as they transition into retirement.
“Are you taking this?” I ask Al, trying to keep a straight face.
He looks over and sees what I’m holding up and laughs.
It’s a love note. Or, rather, a creepy note that we found so hilarious, we pinned it to the bulletin board in the back office.
A few years ago, an elderly woman named Edith came into the store, looking for some antique bookends. Al was his usual charming, friendly self. He treated her the way he treats every customer. But somehow, Edith took to the notion that Al was in love with her. She ended up sending him a card with a letter that basically said that she knows Al is a faithful man who would never leave his wife. But, should Mabel ever die, here was her information, and she’d be waiting.
We laughed for days every time we thought about it. Mabel was the one who pinned it to the bulletin board. She told Al that it served as a great reminder that if he ever got angry enough with her to take her out, he should remember that Edith will be coming for him.
That made us laugh even harder.
Al snatches the card from me, and I’m reminded of all the great times I had with these two. It was always more than a job. They’ve become family.
Ben asks about the letter and we explain, which now has him cracking up as well.
I’m going to miss Al and Mabel. I’ll miss the family feel that Old Things, New Things has always had. I know Ben will be a great new owner, but it will be different.
After lunch, Al and Mabel take off for the day, leaving me and Ben in the quiet store.
“So,” I say, bringing a newly upholstered dining chair to the front for a window display. “How have you been? It’s been a minute since we’ve gotten to chat.”
Ben smiles. “Actually, it’s going really well. I, uh,” he runs a hand through his thick, black hair. “I met someone.”
I swear I see him blush through his bronze complexion.
“Oh?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.
“Yeah.” He looks like a little boy talking about his first crush. It’s so endearing. “Her name is Olivia.”
“From the party!” I say, recognition dawning.
He looks surprised. “You met her?”
“No, but I saw you with her. Billie told me who she was.”
“Oh, I see. Jealous, were we?”
I laugh at the humor in Ben’s statement. Things have been really easy between us, and I’m so glad. If it had gotten weird, I may have found myself looking for another job. But Ben has completely released the possibility of there ever being anything between us, and there are no hard feelings whatsoever. That’s why I’m thrilled to hear that he’s met someone.
“You wish,” I tease back. Then I say sincerely, “I’m so glad for you, Ben.”
He grins. “Thanks. I’d love for you to officially meet her sometime.”
“Yes! Me too.”
I set up the display in the window and then head back to the counter.
“How’s Posey doing?” Ben asks.
“Really well. I just received more paperwork for the adoption process. But things are going great. Moving along smoothly. Vicky’s been great, too. She doesn’t want custody, but she wants to be fully involved in Posey’s life. Which will be a huge blessing,” I add. “Just having that extra support.”
“Anne, that’s fantastic,” Ben says, and I can hear the sincerity in his voice. He truly is happy for me.
We chat a little longer about life, just catching up with one another. Before we know it, it’s closing time. As I head to the door to lock it and turn off the sign, Ben snaps his fingers as if he just remembered something.
“Oh! I can’t believe I forgot to tell you!”
I turn from the door, all ears.
“Mrs. Downing’s son Jake has a girlfriend.”
“What?” I practically squeal. “When? How did you find out?” I’m back at the counter now where Ben stands, balancing the cash drawer.
“So, she came in Friday. She was just beaming, so I knew something had made her happy. At first, I thought she was going to ‘just remember’ that a friend’s daughter was newly single or something, so I was kinda bracing myself. But then she just blurted out: ‘My Jake is seeing a nice young woman now!’ I was so caught off guard that I started laughing.”
I cover my eyes. “You didn’t.”
“Oh. I did. And she asked me what was so funny. I had to apologize and swear I wasn’t laughing at her. It was a mess. But after a few minutes, she calmed down enough to tell me all the details.” He rolls his eyes. “And I mean, all the details.”
Now I cover my mouth. I can just picture Mrs. Downing capturing Ben in the corner and not letting him move until he heard every last drop of the story.
“Well,” I say, “hopefully she’ll stop trying to fix her poor sons up with every single woman they come across now that she sees they can do it on their own.”
“I highly doubt it, but it’s a nice thought,” he says, laughing.
A few minutes later, we leave the store, locking it up behind us in easy, comfortable silence.
* * *
It’s after dinner, and Posey and I cuddle up on the couch after our showers in our pj’s.
“Popcorn?” I ask.
“Check!” Posey says, clutching her bowl tightly.
“Hot cocoa?”
“Check!” She nods to hers, sitting on the end table with a special long straw so she doesn’t have to grip the hot cup with her hand and wrist.
“Cuddlers?” That’s what we call her big, plushy, stuffed animals.
“Check!”
We’ve been playing the “check” game for a while now. I love it. It’s one of those little things that kind of just happened, and now it doesn’t seem like movie night without it.
We settle in, choosing a new release—an animated princess movie, of course.
I sit here as the opening score plays, and I watch Posey. This little girl, so full of light and happiness. So thankful for everything she has. Such a blessing to everyone she comes across—and she isn’t even aware of it. The Lord knew exactly what He was doing, bringing her into my life.
I watch her as she quickly becomes engrossed in the story, eyes widening at exciting parts, mouth opening at surprising plot twists. She laughs delightfully and gasps, eagerly awaiting the next turn of events.
I could just sit here, watching her enjoy the movie, and be happy. Lord, I pray silently, thank You. Thank You again for bringing Posey to me. Thank You for everything I’ve learned since she came to me. Thank You for changing me for the better. Help me to always be an example of Your love to her. Help her to grow up knowing You.
I spend the next few minutes praying over Posey and her future, giving her wholly over to God.
When the movie ends, we move on to our bedtime routine. We clean up after devouring our snacks and cocoa, and then we head to Posey’s room so I can tuck her in.
“Anne,” she begins, burrowing down a little further under the covers. “When you adopt me, can I call you mom?”
I freeze. We’ve been talking about this for the last few days. How I’m going to adopt her officially, and how we are going to finally be family for real. But it hits me then. I’ll be Posey’s mother.
I have to give myself just a second before answering, for fear I’ll open my mouth and just start crying.
“Of course you can call me mom.”
She smiles so huge and genuine, and I can’t stop tears from filling my eyes. Oh, well. It is what it is. If I cry, I cry.
“You know what, Anne?”
“What?” I ask.
“Remember when you showed me that movie, the one with the Anne, just like you?”
“Anne of Green Gables,” I say. It’s my all-time favorite book and movie. Not just because her name is the same, but because the story gripped me when I was Posey’s age and never let me go.
“Yes,” she agrees. Anne of Green Gables. ‘Member how her lady (that’s what she calls Marilla, and I love it) said to her, ‘I wouldn’t trade you for a dozenbees’? What are dozenbees?”
I cover my mouth, trying not to laugh. “A dozen boys,” I say. “Marilla was telling Anne that even though she got a girl by mistake, now that she had her and got to know her, she wouldn’t trade her for a dozen boys. A dozen is twelve.”
Posey looks thoughtful. “Oooohhhh,” she says slowly, as if it’s all making sense now. “So, she wanted just one Anne, ‘stead of twelve boys?”
“That’s right. One Anne was enough for her to be happy for the rest of her life.”
Posey looks up at me, as serious as I’ve ever seen her. “Anne?”
“Hmm?”
“Is one Posey enough for you?”
Somehow, I manage to laugh with tears streaming down my face. I lift her up and hug her fiercely. “Posey,” I say, with all the sincerity in me, “you will always be enough.”
Chapter 35
It’s Friday evening and I’m getting ready to go out with Prescott. Billie is bringing Audra over and staying here with Posey. I had offered to drop Posey off at her house, but she insisted on coming here. She said she’s dying to get out of the house, but isn’t ready for a big, busy place like the mall just yet. Especially just before Christmas.
Posey has been so cute; she cleaned her room up and set out all her favorite toys across the bed “so Arda can see them.” I didn’t have the heart to tell her that she’s too little to appreciate the masterpiece that is Posey’s bedroom.
Posey sits at the kitchen table coloring on the laptop. We found this great app that lets her touch the screen to add color, since she can’t hold the crayons. When she’s fully immersed in her newest picture, I get ready in my room. Prescott told me we’re going to a nice place to eat, so I scan the dresses in my closet until I find the perfect one. I know he loves me in red—ever since the red gown I wore to the military ball—so I choose a cute, red off-the-shoulder dress I’ve only worn one other time. After dressing, curling my hair into soft waves, applying just the right amount of makeup, and checking on Posey several times, I’m ready to go.
Less than five minutes later, Billie and Audra arrive. I hug Billie and give Audra the appropriate amount of “auntie kisses.” (Yeah, I know she’s technically my cousin. But being an auntie is so much more fun.) We’ve just had a quick catch-up when my apartment buzzer rings. I let Prescott in.
I draw in a breath. He looks incredible. He’s wearing a dark navy suit and crisp white dress shirt with no tie. He’s had the sleeve of the suit tailored to his arm, and he looks sharp and handsome. I can’t take my eyes off him.
He leans in and places a soft kiss to my cheek, and oh, gosh does he smell good. I close my eyes for the briefest of seconds and savor his scent. This is one of those moments I think I want to remember for a long time to come.
“You ready?” he asks, after saying hello to all the other ladies in the room.
“Yes,” I say, polite and a little breathy. I’ve been seeing Prescott for more than a little while now, but I’ll never be immune to his masculine charm and good looks. Especially when he’s all “debonair gentleman-like.” It’s every male main character fantasy I’ve ever had.
Prescott takes my arm and ushers me out the door, and then we head to his truck.
* * *
I enjoy all the lights on our drive to wherever we’re going. Prescott hasn’t told me yet. I love surprises, though, so I don’t mind.
“Ooooh,” I say. “Look!”
Prescott glances in the direction I’m pointing. “Whoa. That’s cool.”
It’s a house decorated in the Peanuts theme. There’s a huge blow-up Snoopy wearing a Santa hat right in the middle. There’s an evergreen tree decorated with lights, and Woodstock is at the top like a star. The other characters adorn the yard in their sweaters and scarves.
“So cute,” I croon.
I continue to appreciate the yard decorations as we drive, until we finally pull up to a barn.
Wait, what? Why are we at a barn, dressed for dinner?
Prescott gets out and comes around my side to open my door. I take his hand and get out of his truck, still puzzled.
He leads me to the doors, and when they swing open, I gasp.
Beautiful isn’t the word I’d use to describe what I see. It’s so much more. There are flowers and lights and candles and music. There is a table in the center, adorned with lace and the nicest china dishes I’ve ever seen. There is a band. What? Then I spot Prescott’s niece, Nicole. She’s with the band, holding her violin. She smiles at me, and I laugh and wave.
“Prescott,” I manage to get out. “What is all this?”
“This, my dear,” he says, making a sweeping motion with his hand, “is all for you.”
“What? Why?” I ask lamely. It’s not my birthday, it isn’t Christmas yet, and I can’t think of any other occasion we would be celebrating.
“Maybe I just thought you deserved to be treated like the princess you are for once.”
“You planned all this?
“Well, you know I had some help.”
“Billie?” I ask.
“Billie,” he agrees.
I walk further in, trying to take in everything. It looks like something out of a fairy tale. Out of my dreams. Then, just as I’m thinking this couldn’t get better, the most delicious scents waft over to me, and my mouth waters. Some kind of Italian food, I’m thinking.
Prescott lets me look around for a moment, then he gently leads me to the table, where he pulls out my chair for me. I sit down, giddy.
“Oh my gosh,” I nearly squeal. “This is amazing.
Prescott lets out a relieved breath. “I’m so glad,” he says. “It’s not easy keeping secrets from you.”
I laugh. “Well, I have been a little preoccupied.”
All of a sudden, a waiter—yes, a waiter—comes to our table.
Prescott looks unsure. “He’s not really here to take orders. There’s only one thing on the menu—lasagna.”
I smile. “My favorite.”
“I know.”
The waiter speaks up. “I am here, though, to ask what the lovely lady would like to drink.”
My smile widens. “Such manners,” I say to Prescott. To the waiter I say, “I’ll have an iced tea with lemon, please.”
“Sweetened?” he asks.
I laugh. “Is there any other way?”
Prescott asks for a coffee and the waiter heads off to get our drinks.
I look around again, sighing.
“So, where exactly are we?”
“Remember George, the gentleman that gave me a job and a chance?”
“Yeah,” I say, smiling.
“Well, his daughter Ginny and her husband are starting a wedding venue business.” He sweeps his hand, palm up, indicating the space around us. “This is it.”
“Oh,” I say in wonder. “So that’s why this is the prettiest barn I’ve ever seen.”
Prescott smiles. “And, when I mentioned to George that I wanted to do something special for my girl, he told me that Ginny and Matt were setting up some stuff for photos for their website. They wanted to have some lively pictures, not only staged ones. So, he said they’d be willing to allow me to plan a special, private dinner, if they could take a few pictures sometime tonight—when we’re ready, of course—and use them for their site.”
I grin. This kind of stuff is right up my alley, and Prescott knows it.
Then a thought hits me. “Wait. So you didn’t actually plan all this yourself.” I raise an eyebrow skeptically.
Prescott holds up his hand in defense. “I didn’t say that. Billie and I got with Ginny and Matt and planned everything. They just want the photos.”
From the platform where the band is playing, I hear Nicole call, “It’s true, Aunt Anne!”
I look at Prescott. “I’m not her aunt,” I say, shaking my head as one would when saying kids.
Prescott grows serious, then stands from the table. “But you could be,” he says.
And then. AND THEN. He drops to his knee.
“If you’ll marry me.”
