Forever Country

CHAPTER THREE

  Abel Lee

  When I hear Savannah Mae lock the door, I hit Colonel on his butt and let him do what he does best. He gallops fast and hard down the street. Once we get to the farm, I feed and brush him before putting him up for the night. “I’ll see you in the morning, boy.” He walks up to me and takes the few sugar cubes from my hands. “Good boy.”

  I look over, and Bluebelle is standing at the stall. “Did you miss me, girl?” I feed and brush her, just as I did Colonel. She is very receptive to being groomed. I offer her a few sugar cubes and she graciously takes them. “You really are a sweet girl.” I pat her one last time before closing the barn doors.

  Standing on the front porch, I see snow flurries falling from the heavens. It’s just before midnight; it’s still Christmas day. It’s cold and I can see the fog from my breath. I didn’t notice the chill earlier.

  I down some water, place a few logs on the fire, and head to bed. I dream of returning home to New York, leaving Savannah Mae, and leaving my family. I also dream of Mia, Levi, and the baby.

  I wake up before the alarm and lying awake in bed, I reflect on the past month. When I arrived here a month ago, I wanted to stay only through Christmas. I should be heading back home today, but I haven’t even checked on airline flights.

  Coming back to my childhood home has put things into perspective for me. I left here over ten years ago to find myself, just to realize ten years later, that I was never lost.

  In the morning, as soon as I collect the eggs and feed the animals, I jog into town. I stop at the small market and get the newspaper and then I run to the post office to check the mail. I’m surprised to see there’s something for me in the mailbox. No return address and it’s written in shaky cursive writing. There’s other mail for my parents and I remember they check the mail only once a week. I open the letter addressed to me.

  Abel Kennedy,

  I’m watching you.

  Not a Fan

  I read it and turn it over. There’s nothing else written on it. It’s not a handwriting I’ve seen before. I look at the envelope again and nothing else is written on it; it’s just my name and mailing address. I’m a professional boxer, so it could be from anyone. I’m not too concerned, so I tear it up and toss it in the trash. I do wonder how anyone would know I am in Rose Farm.

  When I arrive home, Momma is in the kitchen getting ready to make breakfast.

  “Would you like to go out for breakfast today?”

  “At Peaches Place?” Momma asks.

  “Anyplace you want.” I lay the paper down on the bar in the kitchen.

  “Bud, is Mia workin’ this mornin’?”

  “She sure is,” he yells from the living room.

  “Do you mind if I run into Campbell’s afterward?” Momma asks as she adjusts the hairpin in her hair.

  “No, I have no place I need to be.”

  We have breakfast and visit with Mia. Mia tells the staff and all of the customers about the pregnancy. Everyone is excited, especially Momma and Pops. Momma says she’s going to start buyin’ something for the baby every week and puttin’ it back for when the baby is born. Pops reads the paper and nods.

  “Bud, did you hear what I said?”

  He smiles and looks over the paper and over his glasses at her. “Yes, Nelly.” He sets the paper down and repeats everything she said, word for word. That even impresses me. “Are you happy?” he asks.

  “Yes,” she pouts.

  He raises the paper and continues to read it. I take a sip of my coffee and say, “I had an idea the other night while we were at the church for the community meal.”

  Pops lowers the paper and removes his glasses. “We’re listening.”

  I chose my words wisely. “I was checking out the old Rose Farm School.”

  “Isn’t that a sight?” Momma says in disgust.

  “It is,” I admit. “However, it’s a well-built building with a solid foundation.”

  “That it is,” Pops agrees. He watches me and doesn’t look away.

  “Wouldn’t take much to fix it up.” I take a drink of my now lukewarm coffee. “Some money, and a whole lot of muscle. Savannah Mae tells me the township owns it.”

  “They do. The building’s been sittin’ empty since 1966. Mr. Gerald Clutter was the last principal there.”

  Momma says, “You got something cookin’ in that head of yours.”

  “I have an idea. Not sure if it’s a great idea yet.”

  “Well, let’s hear it,” Pops says, as he signals to Mia for more coffee.

  “I was thinking of buying it, and having something with a playground and a park or something. Turn it into something that’ll bring in jobs and benefit everyone in the community.”

  Momma smiles. “Does that mean you’re not leavin’?”

  “I would like to stay. I would also like to do something for the residents of Rose Farm.”

  Momma rushes up out of her chair and causes a scene as she rushes over to me. “My boy’s stayin’,” she says as she hugs me. “That makes me happier than a pig in slop.”

  Mia looks at me and smiles. I think I see her eyes glistening with tears. Momma sits down and Pops is also smiling. “We can go down Monday and talk to the people at the township.”

  “I’ll need a place to stay until I can find something.”

  “You can stay right where you’re at. We don’t use that room for anything.”

  “Nelly, he’s a grown man. He’ll want his own place.”

  “I have some business to attend to at home. I’ll need to sell the condo and clear my things out.”

  Pops says, “You thinkin’ if everything goes well, gettin’ to work on it this spring?”

  “I think the spring would be best.”

  “Let’s see what the township says next week.” Pops finishes his coffee. “Belle, don’t be sayin’ nothin’ just yet.”

  “And who do I got to tell?”

  “Who won’t you tell?” Pops says and chuckles as he raises the paper to read it.

  Savannah Mae

  The next morning when I pick up Sawyer Jackson from his daddy’s, I begin to feel anxious. My palms sweat and I take several deep breaths. I haven’t felt this way since our divorce. I don’t like feeling like this. I remind myself that I can’t do anything about it, so just breathe. I’ll pull up, blow the horn, and wait in the car for Ethan to bring Sawyer Jackson out to the car.

  A thin layer of snow is on the ground, but the streets are clear. I let out a sigh of relief when I see that Heather Sue’s car is gone. I stick to my plan and blow the horn. Ethan stands at the door, waving me in. I shake my head and blow the horn again.

  After several minutes, he carries Sawyer Jackson and a large bag out of the house. I get out of the car and buckle Sawyer Jackson into his booster seat.

  “You don’t want to keep that here?” I ask about the bag he’s holding.

  “This is what he wanted to bring; he left some things here for when he comes back.”

  “Oh, looks like Santa was good to him this year.”

  I take the heavy bag and place it in the trunk of my car.

  “Savannah Mae, about yesterday…”

  “Jesus, Ethan. I don’t want to talk about it.” I look at him and I suddenly want to cry. I just want to move on and get over the pain. “You don’t owe me an apology. It’s over between us.”

  “I’m gettin’ married.”

  “What?” I hold onto the car for support.

  “Heather Sue and I are gettin’ married.”

  I get a high-pitched noise in my ears and my head feels like it’s going to explode. I slowly walk and get into the car. As soon as I buckle my seatbelt, I pull off. I don’t remember closin’ my car door, and I don’t remember anything else.

  I drive to my parents’ house. I don’t cry, I don’t talk. I just need a minute. I need to process this without my son watching me. I promised myself I would neve
r bad mouth his father in front of him, but that has proven to be difficult to do. There is so much I have to say, but none of it is appropriate for a child or a teenager or an adult or anyone.

  My mom and sister are outside waitin’ for me when I pull up. Ethan must have called them.

  “I’m sorry, Sis.”

  “Aunt Sammie,” Sawyer Jackson says, excitedly.

  “C’mon, Buddy. Let’s go play a game.”

  I remain in the car and watch as my sister takes my son into the house. When they are out of view, the tears fall.

  “He’s gettin’ married.”

  “I know, Baby,” Mom says. “He called and said you left upset. He said he tried talkin’ to you.”

  “He’s gettin’ married. Ethan had an affair, he broke up our family, and he gets to move on,” I cry. “That’s not fair. I’m the one who should get to move on. I’m the one who should be happy. Not him.”

  Mom gets in the car and sits with me. “I wish I knew what to say.”

  “I don’t understand it.” I look at my mom through tears. “He cheated on me. Why does he get to move on, and I’m stuck here strugglin’? What am I supposed to do?”

  “You can always come back home. We have plenty of room for you and Sawyer Jackson.”

  “Thank you, but I can’t.” I think for a minute and say, “If he decides to stop helping me financially, I won’t be able to make it.”

  “He won’t, Savannah Mae. He wouldn’t do that.”

  “I hope not.”

  Abel Lee

  We go to church on Sunday and stay for the potluck lunch. I was excited about getting to see Savannah Mae but disappointed when she and Sawyer Jackson weren’t there. The sermon was about moving on and taking care of yourself in the process. It seemed to touch home for me today.

  We came to church a little earlier today. Pops and Momma wanted to bring in some more eggs and a few packages of meat from the pigs and cow they had slaughtered before the holidays. I think my paying off their mortgage is giving them more of an opportunity to help others — if that’s even possible.

  When the collection plate came around today, I placed a sealed envelope on it. I have made millions in my boxing career and have never paid my dues to God. This is the perfect time and place to do that. Coming back home to my country roots has opened my eyes and my mind.

  After church, Mrs. Hackler made her homemade chocolate cake for the potluck. Pops is the first one in line for it. I was second. I soon realize I need to join a gym. Momma is the best cook around, and she never misses cooking a meal. I never miss eating a meal, either.

  I see the back of a little boy’s coat. It looks like Sawyer Jackson and his aunt. How did I not see them in church? Sawyer Jackson has a coat and hat on, so I take long strides to catch up with them before they leave.

  “Hi, Savannah Mae’s sister, right?” I clear my throat and smile at her. She looks like Savannah Mae, but a younger version.

  “Oh, hi. Yes.”

  “We met at the church for the community meal.”

  “I’m Samantha Marie, Savannah Mae’s sister. I remember, how are you?” she asks, holding onto Sawyer Jackson’s hand.

  “Hi, Sawyer Jackson,” I say when he looks up at me. He waves. “Savannah Mae couldn’t make it today?” She isn’t here, so of course she didn’t make it. Just ask her where she is and get it over with.

  “Daddy’s gettin’ married and Mommy’s sad,” Sawyer Jackson blurts out. I raise a brow.

  Her eyes get big and she bends down to whisper something to Sawyer Jackson. She stands up and looks at me. “Sorry about that. She has to work today.”

  “I see. Is she all right, Samantha Marie?”

  “She’s okay. If you’ll excuse me, I need to get goin’.”

  “Of course. I didn’t mean to keep you. Bye, Sawyer Jackson.” He waves again.

  She smiles and takes her nephew by the hand. “See ya.”

  I stand and watch them leave the church through the kitchen. Looking around the room, I see everyone is finishing their dessert and having polite conversations. The preacher and a few members of the church’s congregation are in a deep conversation in the corner of the room. Talking about the amount of today’s offering, no doubt. They all walk out of the room together. Walking over to the window, I watch Savannah Mae’s sister and son get into the car and leave. Daddy’s gettin’ married and Mommy’s sad. It’s been a few days since I saw her. I don’t know much about her, and I know less about her marriage to her ex. Maybe I’ll stop in for a late lunch and see how she is.

  After getting a few things from Campbell’s, Momma, Pops, and I pull up at the farm and I ask, “Would you mind if I use the truck for a bit?”

  “It’s all yours.” Pops helps Momma out of the truck.

  “Headin’ someplace special, Abel?” Momma asks.

  Looking across the seat at her, I say, “Thought I might ride over to Peaches.”

  “Bein’ ya just ate, you aren’t goin’ for lunch,” Momma says, knowingly.

  I never lie to Momma, even though sometimes I want to. “Nope, not going for the pie, either.” I laugh. “Savannah Mae’s working today. I thought I might stop over for coffee.”

  “Coffee, huh?” Pops chuckles as he closes the door.

  I watch them as they make their way into the farmhouse before leaving. I pull up at the small diner on Main Street, and I can see Savannah Mae through the large picture window in front. She is talking to the only customer in the restaurant. He stands, and it looks like she is crying. I look away and stare straight ahead as I give him time to leave. It looks like a private conversion. They’re in a restaurant, how private can it be?

  He walks past me and gets into the pickup parked on the other side of the street. I recognize him as Savannah Mae’s ex-husband. He was at Megan Rose’s funeral, and Pops and Momma introduced us.

  When he drives away, I chance a look inside the diner. It seems empty. I tap my fingers on the steering wheel and try to decide whether I should go in or leave. Main Street is empty; it’s a typical Sunday in this small town. If I don’t go in, I defeat my purpose of coming to see her. The reason I wanted to see her was because Sawyer Jackson said she was sad.

  I decide to go in. The bell over the door chimes to alert the employees that a customer has arrived.

  “Take a seat, the waitress will be right with you.” The cook is standing at the serving window wearing a white chef’s hat.

  “Thank you.” Walking into the empty diner, I decide to take a seat furthest from where she was talking to her ex-husband. I pick up the plastic menu and pretend to browse it. Suddenly, I feel like my tie is choking me. I should have changed first. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.

  When I stand to leave, Savannah Mae comes out of the bathroom. Her hair is pulled into a high ponytail, and her eyes are red and puffy. She fidgets with her white work apron before she sees me.

  “Looks like you’re leavin’, Abel Lee.”

  “Nope, just getting here.” I sit down and loosen the noose, otherwise known as my tie, around my neck.

  “Coffee?”

  “Yes, please.” I turn the coffee cup over and wait.

  She shows up with a pot of fresh coffee. She says as she looks at the coffee as she fills the cup, “I’m surprised to see you here today.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “It looks like you’re just gettin’ out of the church. Didn’t you stay for the potluck?”

  I move the cup of coffee closer to me and say, “I did. I saw your sister and Sawyer Jackson; she said you were working today.”

  She looks sad as she stares at the coffee pot she’s holding. “I had to pick up an extra shift this week, and this was the only one available.”

  “Looks like a slow day.”

  “It’s Sunday. Sundays are always slow. ‘most everyone goes to church and then stays for the potluck.” She looks around the empty diner. “Are you havin’ lu
nch?”

  “No, just coffee.”

  “Let me put this back on the warmer, and I’ll be back to check on you.”

  She turns to leave and I reach my hand to stop her.

  “Savannah Mae?” She stops and looks at me. “Is everything all right?”

  “No.”

  Savannah Mae

  I walk away and set the coffee pot back on the warmer, and just stand there with my back to Abel Lee. My hands shake and I make a fist in each hand in an attempt to stop the shakin’. When he asked was everything all right, why didn’t I just smile and say yes? Because it would’ve been a lie. Sometimes a lie is better than the truth. Right? Not accordin’ to my Mom. “It’s better to always tell the truth,” she always says.

  “Savannah Mae?” a deep husky voice murmurs behind me. Why didn’t I just lie to him? I turn around and Abel Lee is standin’ closer than what I expected. I tilt my head back to look up at him.

  “Come and talk to me.”

  “I can’t. I’m workin’ in case you can’t tell.” I lift the bottom of my apron so he can see that I’m in my work uniform. I’m hopin’ a little humor will help. I even add a small smile. It’s the only smile I’m capable of.

  I see a hint of a smile. “I’m not leaving here until you talk to me.”

  I’m at work. I don’t want to discuss my problems with him, especially here. I think about the conversation Ethan and I had just before Abel Lee got here. My eyes begin to tear up. “I can’t.” I close my eyes and I can feel a single tear roll down my cheek.

  Next, I feel a large hand behind my head, pulling’ me into him. His chest is broad and muscular and hard. I don’t pull away, I lean into him instead, restin’ my face against his body. I hear his heartbeat and I feel safe. Why do I feel safe? I barely know him.

  “Tonight. I’ll be over tonight, and we’ll talk then.”

  I can only nod. I’m afraid to say anything. I’m afraid the tears will start and the waterworks won’t stop. The bell over the door rings, alertin’ us of a customer. Abel Lee kisses the top of my head before he releases me. I turn around with my back to the restaurant and stare at the coffee pot, willin’ my tears to go away. When the bell rings again, I know Abel Lee is gone.

  After work, I go home and find that my sister, Samantha Marie, has already bathed Sawyer Jackson. He is dressed in his Thomas the Train pajamas that Santa got him.

  “I missed you,” he says, jumpin’ up in my arms.

  “Oh, Buddy. I missed you, too. Were you good for Aunt Sammie?”

  “Yep. We went to church, played games, and I even had a bath. Smell,” he says, lowerin’ his head for me.

  I inhale deeply and I agree he does smell good.

  “Thank you for keepin’ him for me.”

  Samantha Marie gathers her coat and purse. “I love watchin’ him.”

  She leaves, and Sawyer Jackson and I play for awhile before bed. We both have milk and cookies. I remember the gift that Abel Lee got him for Christmas. “I have another gift for you.”

  “From Santa?” he asks.

  “No, this one’s from Abel Lee. He brought it over for you.” I stand and walk into the bedroom to get it. When I return, Sawyer Jackson is at the table smiling. “Here ya go, Buddy.”

  He eagerly takes it and smiles. I watch as he tears the wrapper off of the white box. He removes the box lid and smiles even bigger when he reveals a beautiful shiny harmonica. “This is so cool.”

  Sawyer Jackson removes the new harmonica and blows in it. I take the box and try to read the instructions that came with it. It might as well be written in a foreign language. Sawyer Jackson continues to inhale and exhale into the instrument. It’s the worst soundin’ thing I think I’ve ever heard. Abel Lee’s words come back to me. “You may want to hold off on the gratitude.”

  We finish our cookies and milk. “You can play with it more tomorrow,” I say, placing the noise maker, aka the harmonica, back into the box.

  “I wanna play it now,” he says.

  “Tomorrow.” I wanna tell him he can play it all day long to Abel Lee, but I don’t. Sawyer Jackson says his prayers before bed and he falls asleep quickly. The house feels colder than usual, so I add another log to the fire and adjust the furnace. I shower quickly and dress in a pair of sweats and an Ohio State hoodie.

  I hear the creakin’ sound of the wooden front porch, and it alerts me that Abel Lee is here before he knocks.

  When I open the door, he’s standin’ there and holdin’ an Adornetto’s pizza and salad. There’s nothin’ better than a salad and pizza from Adornetto’s. “Hey, come on in.” I hold the door open wide for him. He’s wearin’ jeans, boots, and a black leather coat.

  “I brought dinner.” He smiles and holds up the pizza box.

  “I can see that, thank you.”

  He takes the food into the kitchen while I lock up behind him.

  “I hope you like pepperoni,” he asks from the other room. “I covered the pizza box with my coat to help hold in the heat. My coat will smell good for the next few days.”

  When I get into the kitchen, he’s already removin’ the salads from the bag.

  “I do like pepperoni.” Adornetto’s has the best food around. I reach up into the cabinet and remove two plates. “Water or pop? I don’t have any beer to offer you, sorry.”

  “Not much of a pop drinker, water’s fine.”

  We take the plates and walk into the livin’ room to eat. I sit on the floor, in front of the fireplace, tryin’ to get warm. Abel Lee sits on the chair nearest the door. He opens my pop and his water before he begins to eat.

  “I gave Sawyer Jackson your gift you got him tonight.” I just watch him.

  He smiles slightly. “Did he like it?”

  I watch as he takes a bite of his pizza. “He did. A noise maker huh? When did you think that would be a good gift for a four-year-old?”

  He laughs, “‘A noise maker?’ Is that what you think that is?”

  “Sure didn’t sound much like music.”

  He leans up in his chair. “I was afraid of that. I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. It’s pretty nice. Doesn’t look much like a toy.”

  “It’s not. It’s a real harmonica. Maybe when he’s older, he’ll be able to learn to play it.”

  Halfway through the meal he asks, “So, are you going to tell me what’s going on?”

  Looking up at him, I say, “Abel Lee, you don’t want to hear about my problems.”

  “Sure I do.” He wipes his mouth off with his napkin and leans back into the chair.

  I shake my head. “You’re gonna regret this.”

  He rests his arm on the back of the chair in an attempt to get comfortable. “Something’s bothering you and I want to know what it is.”

  I tell him briefly about my marriage and catchin’ Ethan kissing Heather Sue last year at her birthday party. I also tell him about Ethan denying it and about our divorce.

  “He pays child support?”

  “We agreed to handle the child support outside of court. He helps me out whenever he can.”

  Abel Lee nods.

  “The other day, he told me that he and Heather Sue are gettin’ married. Isn’t that something? His life moves on as if he’s never been affected by our marriage or the divorce.” I take a deep breath. “While I’m sittin’ here, not really sure how to get my own life together, let alone my son’s life.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Me, too. We live in a small town and as soon as word gets out about the upcomin’ weddin’, people will start talkin’ — more than they already are.” I think for a minute and say, “It’s Sawyer Jackson that I’m worried about.”

  He leans up in the chair and rests his elbows on his knees. “When’s the wedding?”

  “He didn’t say, and I didn’t ask. It’s not fair that he destroyed our life together, and he gets to move on and be happy.” I close my eyes and pray this
is just a dream. Sayin’ it out loud only makes it even more painful.

  “Do you still love him?”

  I open my eyes and he’s watchin’ me. Do I still love him? “No, not anymore. I’m an old-fashioned girl. You get only one chance to hurt me. The night I saw him kissin’ her, that was it. I do miss the thought of havin’ a family.” I wipe away the single tear. “I’m sad that Sawyer Jackson won’t have his dad around. I feel sorry that my son will be missing out on so many things. He didn’t ask for this, and he doesn’t deserve the struggles that we face.”

  “Is he still giving you money?”

  “He came into work today and gave me some. He said work’s slow, but he gave me what he had. My biggest fear is that he’ll stop payin’ me altogether.” I think for a moment and say, “That’s a lie. My biggest fear is he’ll move on and forget about our son.”

  Abel Lee

  I watch as Savannah Mae breaks down in front of me. She tells me personal moments in her life and her worst fears. I doubt she has ever told anyone about this, other than her family. She fidgets with her hands before looking at the fireplace. I watch as she stands to add another log to the fire. She looks at me and smiles. It’s not a real smile. “Bet you wish you never asked.” She sits down on the couch and tucks her legs under her. “I’m a bit of a mess.”

  “I wouldn’t say that.”

  She laughs. “Really.”

  I wish I knew what to say to her. I wish I had the right words. “I see a strong, beautiful girl.” She shakes her head, but I don’t stop. “I also see a fighter.” I look her in the eyes. “I know a lot of women who would have overlooked a cheating husband. Ignored it, as if they didn’t see it.”

  She watches me with big eyes. “Really?”

  “Sure do. They would rather stay in a bad relationship because it’s easier, only to be cheated on again and again. Not a lot of women would have done what you did — stand up for something you believe in.” I watch her as she takes in my words. “It may not be easy, but you’ll get where you need to be. And one more thing.” She watches me. “If that ex of yours was stupid enough to cheat on someone like you, he’ll surely do it again.”

  She doesn’t say anything. I stand and walk into the kitchen to leave her with her thoughts. I put the pizza and the extra salad in the fridge.

  “Thank you, Abel Lee.”

  I close the refrigerator door and turn around.

  “I didn’t think it was possible, but I feel better. I have always second guessed myself for my decision. I wondered if I should have stayed because it would have been easier, or stayed for Sawyer Jackson’s benefit.”

  I interrupt, “And you shouldn’t have.”

  “I know that now. Thanks to you.”

  “You’re better than that. It may not seem like you’re moving on, but you are.” I look at the wall clock hanging over the door. “I should leave. Momma wouldn’t be happy if I kept a beautiful girl awake.”

  I watch as her face lights up with a smile. “Do you always do what your momma wants?”

  “Yes, ma’am. Always been a good rule to live by. Never wanna disappoint your momma.”

  She walks me to the door. I don’t open it until I’m ready to leave.

  “Thank you, Abel Lee.”

  “Savannah Mae.” I look down at her and take a deep breath. “Would you like to go out with me on New Year’s Eve?” We’ve been hanging out lately, and I think it’s time I asked her out on a real date.

  “I’m sorry, I can’t. It’s my holiday to have Sawyer Jackson.” Oh yes, the divorce stipulations or maybe this is a polite way for her to say no.

  “If I can arrange the best sitter in town to babysit, would you go to the American Legion with me in Roseville and bring in the New Year, country style?”

  She laughs. “In country style?”

  “In country style,” I repeat. Because country style is a style of its own.

  “Abel Lee, if you can get a sitter for Sawyer Jackson on New Year’s Eve, I’ll be happy to go out with you.”

  The way she said that sounds like it will be almost impossible to do. How hard is it to find a sitter on New Year’s Eve?

  “Good, I’ll be in touch.”

  “And not just any babysitter,” she adds.

  “No, ma’am. Wouldn’t dream of leaving your son with just anyone.” I open the door and say, “Good night, Savannah Mae.”

  “Good night, Abel Lee.”

  When I get home, I take my guitar and head out to the barn. Bluebelle and Colonel are standing at the stall door. “Hey, girl, did you miss me?” I stroke her and feed her a few sugar cubes.

  Colonel stands there and patiently waits his turn. It’s probably the only time I’ve ever seen him calm. I cautiously raise my hand to pet him. He moves slightly but allows me to stroke his nose. “I didn’t forget about you, ole boy.”

  Colonel takes the sugar cubes from my hands and eats them. I walk over and prop myself on the hay bales that sit in the corner of the barn. I form chords, strum the strings, and play a few songs from Garth Brooks and Blake Shelton. I think of Savannah Mae and our possible date on New Year’s Eve.

  The next morning at breakfast, I ask Momma about their plans for New Year’s Eve. She tells me that she and Pops will be going to the American Legion. “What’s on your mind?” she asks.

  “If I was looking for a babysitter, where would I find one?”

  “Abel, you got a child out there we don’t know about?”

  I quickly shake my head. “No Ma’am, no kids. I was thinking about taking Savannah Mae to the Legion for New Year’s.”

  “Findin’ child care on New Year’s Eve can be almost impossible.” She looks at Pops and says, “But I do know that Mia and Levi are stayin’ in that night. With her bein’ pregnant, they don’t want to be out in a crowd.”

  Mia? She’s friends with Savannah Mae. I think this might work. “Do you think she would watch Sawyer Jackson?”

  “I can’t say. You can always call her and ask.”

  I make plans to call Mia later. “I’ll do that, thank you.” Pops and I head out to talk to the township about purchasing the old Rose Farm school.

  Later that night, Mia and Levi come over for dinner. They called Momma and Pops and said they had something to talk to them about. I feel like it’s important, but Momma and Pops don’t say anything.

  At dinner, Mia begins to talk about the pregnancy. It looks like she is about to cry and Levi holds her hands. Momma, Pops, and I stop eating and give them our undivided attention.

  “As you know,” Levi says, “Mia had a test done to see if she’s at risk of carrying a baby with Down syndrome.”

  “This was the routine test they do with your pre-natal care?” Momma asks.

  Mia nods, but doesn’t say anything. Levi says in a shaky voice, “The test revealed that Mia is at risk and the baby may have Down syndrome.”

  I run through my mind all of the things that I know about the syndrome. It’s not hereditary, and Mia isn’t over the age of 35 to put the baby at risk. The severity of the syndrome varies. I soon realize that I know very little about it. “Are they certain?” I ask.

  Mia tries to smile. “Just because I’m at risk, doesn’t mean the baby has it.”

  Levi explains they did a blood test and Mia had some abnormal blood levels that indicated the baby may have Down syndrome.

  “Are there more tests they can do so you know for sure?” Pops asks.

  Mia pipes up, “There are.”

  Levi looks at Mia and says, “We talked about it, and whatever the test reveals won’t change anything. Mia’s pregnant and we’re thrilled about it. If our child has Down syndrome, we’ll still love him or her and we’ll take care of her, no matter what.”

  I’m not surprised by his statement, and I don’t doubt they’ll love and care for their child no matter the severity of the problem. I just hope the test is wrong.

  Momma says as
she holds Pops’ hand. “You’re right, Mia and Levi. It doesn’t matter and we’ll all love the baby, no matter what.”

  The rest of the meal goes by with us talking about the baby and the pregnancy. Momma and Pops have a way of making everything seem all right. I know this diagnosis could be a problem, but if they aren’t concerned, who am I to dwell on it.

  I do know that later on that night, I’ll research Down syndrome.

  Savannah Mae

  When Abel Lee asked me to go out with him on New Year’s Eve, I got butterflies in my belly. The good, excited kind of butterflies. I don’t want to get my hopes up because I know that childcare will be a problem. Not many people stay home on New Year’s Eve, and if they do, they are already babysittin’ their grandbabies or for someone they know. He said he’ll be in touch. I hope so.

  While I work, Ethan, Samantha Marie, and my parents keep Sawyer Jackson for me. Childcare has never been a problem for me. I’m grateful for that. I spoke to Ethan and asked him if he could start pickin’ up and droppin’ off Sawyer Jackson at my house. I don’t want to have to see Heather Sue if I don’t have to. I know one day I won’t have a choice, but today, I do.

  I work today and I pray for a busy shift, although I know it’s not likely. Everyone is catchin’ up on their bills from Christmas. I have a few regulars come in and I’m working with Mia. A winnin’ combination, although she’s been gettin’ sick and spendin’ a lot of time in the bathroom.

  “Why don’t you go home?”

  “It’s just mornin’ sickness. It should pass soon,” she says as she holds up one finger and runs into the bathroom. 

  We aren’t busy, but business is steady. After an hour, Mia is feelin’ better. I forgot how quickly mornin’ sickness comes and goes. We talk about her pregnancy, and she seems reserved. I wonder why, but I don’t ask. If it’s something important and she wants me to know, she’ll tell me. I share with her some things about a pregnancy, but I don’t tell her everything. The pain, she’ll have to experience that on her own.

  Abel Lee, Nelly, and Bud come in for lunch. I hug Nelly and Bud like I always do. I want to hug Abel Lee, but I don’t. I leave and let Mia attend to her table. I have a few customers and I’m glad for the distraction. Abel Lee said that he’ll be in touch. He hasn’t, so I’m assumin’ he couldn’t find childcare.

  I glance over at their table a few times and I catch him watchin’ me. He doesn’t look away like most guys, he holds my look. I smile but quickly look away. My cheeks warm, and I hope he can’t see the blush on them. There’s something about him and the way he looks at me. I like it. I’ve missed the feelin’ of attraction.

  I’m standin’ at the register cashin’ out a customer when Abel Lee and his family stand to leave. Abel Lee walks up to me and asks, “What time should I pick you up?”

  “For what?”

  “For our date on New Year’s Eve.

  “Did you find a sitter?”

  He stands tall and puffs his chest out. “I did,” he says, proudly.

  I can’t help but smile. “Who did you find on such short notice?” He looks behind him and my eyes follow in that direction. Mia is standing at the coffee pots. “Mia? Mia is your babysitter?”

  He looks back at me. “What time should I pick you up?”

  We talk it over and decide on a time. They leave and I’m still smilin’. Mia rushes over and hugs me. “You’re datin’ my brother-in-law.” She squeals, “One day, we could be sisters-in-law.”

  “Stop it. We are not getting’ married.”

  “No, but you are datin’.”

  “Mia, it’s one date.” I want her to understand that one date does not mean marriage. Throughout the day, we talk about what I should wear. Mia is the fashionable one out of the two of us. She tells me that she’ll be over to help me find something unforgettable to wear.

  Abel Lee

  Pops, Momma, and I leave the restaurant and head to the farm. I’m excited about my upcoming date with Savannah Mae. It won’t be like other New Year’s Eve celebrations I’ve attended over the last decade, then again, Savannah Mae isn’t like the other women I’ve dated.

  It’ll be nice not wearing a tuxedo and spending a few thousand dollars in one evening. I’ll need to find out what the dress code is for the American Legion.

  Mia and Levi haven’t told anyone about her test that came back abnormal. They are both going about their lives as excited expectant parents. I was reluctant to ask Mia about babysitting Sawyer Jackson on New Year’s Eve, but when I mentioned it, she was excited and eager to keep him. I’m not sure if it’s because she likes Sawyer Jackson, or she likes the idea of me dating Savannah Mae. Maybe it’s both.

  Momma makes a pot of coffee and we all sit down at the table. We discuss the meeting with the township over the Rose Farm School. The school was actually up for sale with no interested buyers. I put a cash bid in and they accepted it fairly quickly.

  “So, Abel, what are your plans for the school?” Pops asks.

  “I’m not sure, to be honest. I want to do something to benefit everyone in the township.” I look at Momma. “I want to put in a playground and some benches, for sure.

  “There’s a lot you could do with it to benefit the community. A park and playground would be enjoyable for everyone. I’m sure you’ll decide on something wonderful,” Momma says.

  “I’ll need to return home for a while. I’d like to get my condo on the market.”

  “You still plannin’ on startin’ to work on it this Spring?” Pops pushes aside his empty coffee cup.

  “Yes, as soon as the weather breaks.”

  I get a rental truck to get through the next week. I have a date with Savannah Mae and I definitely need my own vehicle for that. I’ll also need a vehicle to get me to the airport. I have a truck in New York, and as soon as the condo sells, I’ll load the truck up with some of my personal belongings and drive it home.

  It’s New Year’s Eve and Momma and Pops left early to help the American Legion set up for tonight. I’m beginning to wonder if there isn’t anything that Momma and Pops aren’t involved in. I decided to wear a pair of jeans, brown boots, a white button-up shirt, with a brown winter blazer. A little cologne and I’m ready to pick up Savannah Mae.

  I leave a little early to allow time for us to drop off Sawyer Jackson at Mia and Levi’s house. I’m surprised to be feeling this excited about seeing Savannah Mae. When I knock on her door, she yells for me to come in. I stand at the door and wait.

  “Abel Lee, I’ll be just another minute. Grab a beer from the fridge if you want, and have a seat,” she yells from the other room.

  I wish that with the killer still loose, she would be more careful about inviting strangers into her home. “How did you know it’s me?” I stand by the door, not sure if I should make myself at home.

  “I saw you pull up. Who else would be knockin’ on my door on New Year’s Eve? You’re early,” she adds, still from the other room.

  “I wanted to allow enough time to drop off Sawyer Jackson.” I look around the room and decide to pass on the beer and have a seat on the couch facing the hallway. I want to see her when she enters the room.

  “Mia picked him up a couple hours ago.” Her voice fades deeper into the next room.

  “I didn’t expect Mia to pick him up.” I stand and walk closer to the hallway, but I still stay in the living room. If we’re going to have a conversation, I think I should be closer to her. There’s just something about yelling from room to room that doesn’t seem right.

  I hear footsteps and I move away from the hallway. Savannah Mae walks into the living room, adjusting her belt. She’s wearing a pair of skinny jeans with a white button-up blouse, a brown belt, and a pair of brown cowboy boots. She looks hot. When she sees me, she begins to laugh. She looks at me and then she looks down at herself.

  “Should I go change?” she asks, still laughing.

  “You look beautiful. Why would
you go change?”

  She laughs again. “We’re dressed just alike.” I look at her and then I look down at myself again. We sure are. White shirt, jeans, brown boots. I smile. It looks like we’re a couple who color coordinated our outfits.

  “Are you wearing that jacket?” I nod toward the blue jean jacket she’s holding in her hands.

  “I am.”

  “Then we don’t match.” I think I like the idea of us matching. I’m not sure why. I look at her again and her belt buckle is larger than I expected. I look closer and she laughs. Her silver, overly large belt buckle reads, “Catch and Release.” My mind drifts to the several meanings the belt buckle could mean. I remember her saying she held the Perry Country blue ribbon for catching the largest fish and releasing it. Maybe that’s what it means. I don’t say anything. I’m not going there on our first date. I nod to her jean jacket. “You might get cold.”

  She looks out the window and asks, “Is your truck warm?”

  “It is.”

  “Then I won’t get cold. You ready?”

  I hold the door open and wave my hand for her to go first. “After you.”

  We pull up at the American Legion in Roseville; the parking lot is full. I decide to park at Shriver’s Pharmacy along with several other patrons. As I pull into the parking lot, I see Savannah Mae’s ex-husband walking in with a girl. Savannah Mae also watches. After I park the truck, I ask, “Are you all right?”

  Her eyes glisten. “My ex-husband is here with his fiancé.”

  “Do you want to leave? We could always go somewhere else.” I have no idea where. It’s New Year’s Eve. It’ll be impossible to get in anywhere without a dinner reservation.

  “Abel Lee, can you dance?”

  “I can.”

  “Are you any good?” I see a hint of a smile on her beautiful face.

  “I am. Won the ‘Perry County Line Dancing Contest’ three years in a row.” I smile, brightly.

  “Did not,” she says, sternly, still smiling.

  “C’mon, I’ll prove it.” I get out of the truck and walk over to her side and open her door for her.

  Savannah Mae

  Abel Lee and I walk into the American Legion hand in hand. After I watched Ethan and Heather Sue walkin’ in, I wanted to go home. Abel Lee tried to take my mind off it by sayin’ he won the “Perry County Line Dancin’ Contest.” I never heard of such an event. It worked. All I can think about now is Abel Lee boot scootin’ boogiein’ across the dance floor.

  Abel Lee and I walk straight over to where his momma and daddy are. Lucky for us, they came early and saved us a table in the corner of the room. I wanna look around the room to see where Ethan is, but then again, I don’t wanna see Ethan or Heather Sue.

  We greet his family before takin’ our seats.

  “What would you like to drink?” he asks.

  “Budweiser in a bottle unopened, no glass, please.” I know from the way he’s lookin’ at me, he thought I was gonna order a girly drink.

  I look at him, and he smiles and says, “Not a wine or champagne kind of girl?”

  Can’t usually afford wine or champagne, but I don’t say that. “Nope, always been a Budweiser girl. You got a problem with that, Abel Lee?”

  He smiles, but his smile doesn’t reveal his single dimple.

  “Nope, not at all, Savannah Mae.”

  He leaves and when he returns, he opens my beer and hands it to me.

  “Do you always order your drinks unopened?”

  “I do. Don’t laugh, but I have this fear of someone puttin’ something in my drink.”

  He pauses for a moment and says, “That’s smart thinking, Savannah Mae. It would be nice if everyone were that vigilant.”

  “I wasn’t always like that.” He sits down in the seat next to me. “There was at a party once, and this girl went crazy. She got really mean and violent. They had to call her parents and they took her to the hospital. Later they found out she had drugs in her system. She didn’t even do drugs.”

  “Was she a friend of yours?”

  I look at him and I can see his concern. “She’s my sister. It was at the end of her senior year of high school and a bunch of kids went out to celebrate their graduating. They had a party with food and drinks at someone’s house. My sister’s friend was there and noticed Samantha Marie was acting strangely. She wanted to take her home, but some of the guys thought it was funny and were trying to get my sister into one of the bedrooms to ‘help calm her down.’”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Thank you. I’m just glad her friend called my parents. She’s better, and now we always order our drinks in a can or a bottle, unopened.”

  “I’m glad everything worked out for her.”

  “Me, too.”

  We order a cheeseburger and French fries for dinner and we both have another beer. I can see Ethan and Heather Sue out of the corner of my eye, but I try to ignore them. Abel Lee makes it easy to think only of him. He sits close and puts an arm on the back of my chair. He’s very protective and it feels good. I feel someone watchin’ me, but I don’t look to see who it is. I don’t care.

  When the music starts, I excuse myself from the table to go to the little girl’s room. When I walk in, Heather Sue is standin’ at the sink warshin’ her hands. I stay in the bathroom stall longer than needed, because I want to make sure she’s gone. Of course, she’s still standin’ there when I open the stall door. I look at her and use the sink next to her. I don’t say anything, I have nothin’ to say.

  “Ethan said that he told you about the weddin’.”

  “Congratulations,” I say sarcastically as I continue to warsh my hands.

  She smiles and rubs her hands over her belly, “He failed to mention the baby.” I hold onto the sink for support. I blink a few times and I wonder did I hear her right. “We were goin’ to get married anyway, but the baby kinda put a rush on the weddin’,” she says, smilin’.

  I stand a little taller and grab a few paper towels to dry my hands on. Instead of crumblin’ over like I want to, I say, “Who’s the baby’s daddy?”

  She looks shocked. “Ethan, of course.”

  “Rushin’ the weddin’, huh? Wouldn’t want the good people in the community thinkin’ you were a home-wreckin’ whore now, would we?” I watch her and when her mouth falls open, I leave.

  I see my date sittin’ at the table, watchin’ me. I smile, and when I reach the table I pull him by the arm. “C’mon, Abel Lee, it’s time to show me some of those dance moves.”

  “I thought you would never ask.” He follows me to the dance floor, takin’ the lead. We dance and laugh through every song. He is light on his feet and is a very graceful dancer. We dance fast, and then we dance to a few slow songs. After several songs, we sit down and have another drink, but this time we both have ice water.

  After a few moments of silence, he asks, “Did something happen in the bathroom with you and Heather Sue?”

  “How did you know Heather Sue was in the bathroom?” 

  “I watched her go in before you. I’m not a creeper, but I try to be aware of my surroundings.” He leans in closer to the table and says, “Did something happen?”

  “Can we go?” I ask.

  He walks up to the bartender and I watch as he settles up the bill. He takes my hand and leads me out of the buildin’. As we walk towards the car, I say, “She’s pregnant.”

  He doesn’t falter in his step. He opens the door for me and I get in. He doesn’t say anything as he closes my door for me. I wonder if he heard me. I don’t want to have to repeat those words. My stomach clenches at the thought. Abel Lee gets into the truck and pulls off without sayin’ anything.

  “Are you all right?” he finally asks.

  “I am. I have no idea why this bothers me so much. It’s not like I didn’t know he was seein’ her all along. As soon as we separated, I used to see them ridin’ around town together. After the d
ivorce, Heather Sue even called me to tell me some personal details of their relationship. Like I cared what she and Ethan were doin’. I did care and it hurt, but I wasn’t about to admit that, not to her or to anyone else. I should be thankful that she didn’t get pregnant while we were still married.”

  “I’m sorry,” he says as he drives in the direction of my house.

  I look over at him and say, “I’m the one who should be sorry. I didn’t mean to ruin your evenin’.”

  He looks over at me. He doesn’t smile and he doesn’t say anything. I remain quiet the rest of the way home. I blew it. I blew my one and only chance with the only man I’ve been interested in since my divorce. I fold my hands, place them on my lap, and remain quiet the rest of the drive home.

  We almost make it home before Abel Lee pulls over into an empty parking lot. I look over at him and he watches the clock in the truck. “Something wrong with your truck?”

  He looks over at me and says, “No, my truck’s okay.” Of course it is, it’s a brand-new rental. “I want to kiss my date at midnight.” My belly does a flip and my breath hitches. I slowly look away from him and then I look at the clock on the dashboard. It’s 11:59 p.m. Abel Lee lightly touches my chin and turns my head slowly to face him. I stare at him as he leans in and kisses me. It’s a sweet, soft kiss. He slowly backs away from me but is still close enough for me to smell his cologne. I lean into him and he does the same. This time, the kiss is more intimate. I wrap my arm around his neck and pull him in for more. He cups my cheek with his hands and he kisses me aggressively. I feel like I could kiss him forever. Not only is Abel Lee smooth on his feet, but he is also an excellent kisser. He slowly stops and I release my hold on him. I keep my eyes closed as he rubs his thumb over my bottom lip. “It’s just as good as I imagined,” he says. I open my eyes and he is just inches from my face. He smiles that dimpled smile and leans in and kisses me quickly, before releasing his hold on me. “Happy New Year, Savannah Mae,” he says, still watchin’ me closely.

  The clock on the dashboard now reads 12:01 a.m. I whisper, “Happy New Year, Abel Lee.”

  Abel Lee

  I reach over and hold Savannah Mae’s hand on the ride to her house. “Do you need to get Sawyer Jackson tonight?”

  “No, Mia and Levi are keepin’ him overnight. They didn’t want me to take him out this late.”

  I nod my understanding. When we pull up to her house, I say, “I’ll get your door for you.” I always hold the door open for her whenever I can, but she usually beats me to it. I was almost expecting an argument from her, but she waits for me to walk around the truck to her side. When I open her door, she hops out of the truck. I laugh. She really is quite amusing.

  “Did you buy a new truck just for our date?” She holds the blue jean jacket tighter around her.

  “I did.” I close her door and lock it.

  She stops and her mouth falls open. Her eyes are big with shock. “No, you didn’t.”

  I smile and walk the short distance to her. “I didn’t. It’s a rental.”

  “Does your momma know about the lies that come out of that mouth?”

  I take her hand and lead her to the front porch. “I reckon Momma wouldn’t be much happy with me tonight.”

  “Why do you think that?”

  “Kissing a beautiful girl on a first date. Momma would expect more from me.” I hold out my hands and give her my dimpled smile. “Keys?”

  She reaches in her purse and hands me her house keys.

  I start to walk in after her when I hear a glass breaking. We both stop to listen. I look around the street to try to find out where the noise is coming from. Glass breaks again. It’s not coming from inside the house, it’s coming from outside. “Go inside and lock the doors.”

  I turn to leave and she says, “Abel Lee…”

  “Do it now, and leave the lights off,” I demand.

  “Abel Lee,” she says as I jump from the porch. I don’t look back, and I don’t answer. I hear more glass breaking and it’s coming from behind her house, in the direction of the old school. It’s dark and difficult to see. The moon is covered with clouds, giving off barely enough light to see.

  I see someone pick up a brick and I wonder if it could be the man who killed Megan Rose. I watch as he throws the brick at the already broken glass window at the old school.

  I watch as he throws another brick and bends down to pick up another one. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

  “Why’s that?” he yells.

  “Because it’s destruction of property, that’s why.” I walk closer and realize it’s a teenage boy.

  “No one cares about this old buildin’.” He raises the brick again and throws it at the already broken window, breaking the rest of the glass.

  “I own this building, and I would appreciate it if you would stop.”

  “You do not, the township owns it.” He watches me before he bends down to pick up another brick.

  “I bought it this week.” I watch him, but I can also see a light come on in Savannah Mae’s kitchen. She didn’t listen. I told her to leave the lights off in the house, “Looks like you’re waking up the neighbors.”

  “I don’t care. Why would someone buy a stupid old buildin’?” He throws a brick again.

  I take a few steps closer. I have to wonder why he’s out this time of night. “Because I want to turn it into a business with a community park or basketball court or something.”

  He looks at me and watches me carefully. “You got kids?”

  I expect him to pick up another brick, but he doesn’t. “No.”

  “Then why do you want to build a park? You ain’t a pedophile, are you?”

  I want to laugh, but I remain stoic. “No, not hardly. I just came back to town and I want to do something for the children in the community.” I figure honesty is the best policy.

  He watches me and I wonder if he believes me. “I’ve lived here my whole life. Why haven’t I seen you around here before?” I hear a screen door open and close and I know Savannah Mae is coming out the back door.

  The boy bends down and picks up another brick. I’m getting nowhere with this kid. More truth, Abel. “I’m Abel Kennedy. My parents live on top of the hill.” I hear footsteps behind me, so I turn slightly in that direction. I see Savannah Mae getting closer and I really wish she would have listened to me and stayed inside.

  “Hi, Savannah Mae,” the boy says. He knows her?

  “Johnny, does your momma know you’re out here wreakin’ havoc on the neighborhood?”

  “No, Ma’am.” I watch as he lowers his head and drops the brick. Savannah Mae just got here and she is already making more progress than I am.

  She stands tall and puts her hands on her hips. “If you take your tail home, I’ll think about not tellin’ her.” She looks down the street. “If you hurry home, you might be able to get there before she does.”

  “Yes, Ma’am,” he says as he starts to walk away.

  Somehow this doesn’t seem right. “Johnny?” I say.

  He stops and says, “Yeah?”

  Savannah Mae clears her throat and glares at him.

  “Yes, Sir?”

  I look over at her and her arms are now crossed over her chest. She doesn’t look at me, but she is watching Johnny intently. “Do you have a job?” I ask.

  With his head still down, he says, “No, Sir.”

  “Do you want one?”

  “No one will hire a sixteen-year-old.”

  “Johnny, if you want a job and if you want to work, I’ll pay you to help me fix this place up.”

  Now Savannah Mae is watching me. Johnny looks up at me, “Really?”

  I nod. “It won’t be until March. Too cold to work outside in the winter. Especially with all the broken windows. The first weekend in March, I want you to show up here and be dressed in work clothes and be ready to work.”

  “You’ll forget about me b
y then.” He hangs his head and begins to walk away.

  “Johnny, look at me.” He stops and looks me in the eyes. “I’m a man of my word. You show up here and I’ll remember you. Besides, it’s kind of hard to forget the person responsible for this.”

  “I’m sorry about that.”

  “No problem. I’ll see you when?”

  “On the first weekend in March.”

  “Go right home, Johnny. I mean it.” Savannah Mae taps her foot in the grass, arms still crossed.

  “I’m going. Good night, Savannah Mae.”

  “Good night, Johnny.”

  “Does he need a ride home?” I whisper.

  “Nah, he lives two houses down.” She loops her arm through mine and we begin to walk towards her house. “Mind tellin’ me why you told that boy you bought this buildin’?”

  “Because I did. I bought it this week. I want to turn it into a business to help the community.” I look over at her and ask, “Do you mind telling me why you didn’t stay in the house when I told you to?”

  “Because you didn’t ask me to.” I put it to memory that Miss Savannah Mae doesn’t like to be told what to do.

  We walk arm in arm to her house. “You comin’ in?” she asks when we reach the back porch.

  “I want to, just not sure if I should.”

  I hold the screen and the door open for her.

  She says, “C’mon in, your momma won’t like it if you leave me here alone with some hoodlum runnin’ loose.”

  “You think Johnny’s a hoodlum?” I ask, walking into the house behind her.

  “No, not at all. I just said that so you’ll come in.”

  I lock the doors and then start a fire in the fireplace. We talk about the old schoolhouse, and I tell her my plans and she listens. I can see the excitement in her eyes and it fuels me to want to get started on it as soon as the weather breaks.

  “I need to leave for a few weeks,” I reluctantly say. “I need to return to New York to sell my condo and get my affairs in order.”

  “When will you be leavin’?”

  “I plan to leave this week. I want to get things wrapped up there, so I can move on with my life here.”

  “When you come back, you’ll be stayin’?”

  “That’s my plan, yes.”

  When I stand to leave, I ask, “Savannah Mae, would you lock up when I leave?” I stand at the door, waiting for her to answer.

  She laughs instead. “Since you asked nicely, yes, Abel Lee, I will.”

  “May I call you while I’m away?”

  She looks embarrassed. “I haven’t had a cell phone since my divorce.”

  “No landline?” I ask.

  She shakes her head, “Sorry.”

  I lean in and kiss her, “I’m going to miss you.”

  “Me, too, hurry home.”

  Savannah Mae

  Abel Lee has been gone for two weeks already. He stopped in at work on his way to the airport to tell me goodbye. He said he wanted to hurry up and get his affairs in order so he can begin his life here. I remember the excited feeling I got in my belly when he said that.

  It’s Wednesday, our day to work the community supper at the church. I pick up Sawyer Jackson from his daddy’s and head over to start preparin’ supper. Since Abel Lee stocked the kitchen with food, Nelly, Bud, and I have been fixin’ dinner there. I have to admit, it makes it a lot easier than totin’ the food from my house to the church. I haven’t talked to Abel Lee since he left. I’m hopin’ Nelly and Bud have heard from him. I miss him. I’ll have to remember to hold back my excitement if they share anythin’ about him with me.

  When we walk into the church, it smells of food. Pearl and a few other ladies are in the kitchen helping Nelly. I wave before I see Bud with a mixer in one hand and a book in the other. I try to hold back my laugh. There’s nothin’ sexier than a man readin’ a book, but there’s somethin’ about the mixer part that brings a smile to my face.

  Sawyer Jackson throws his coat and hat on the floor before takin’ off and runnin’ to Larry.

  “Hey, little boy, this isn’t where that goes,” I say, pointin’ to the pile of clothes on the floor.

  He rolls his eyes and runs back to me. “Sorry,” he says as he picks everything up. I lay my coat and scarf on top of his on the chair in the corner of the room. I watch as he talks to Larry, probably about makin’ him something out of balloons, no doubt.

  I walk over to Bud and offer to finish the mixin’. He smiles and it’s a friendly smile. “Readin’ something good?” I ask.

  “Abel sent me a box of books the other day. I already read this one, but it’s just as good the second time around.”

  I look at the title and it’s an old Western book. Riders of the Purple Sage, by Zane Grey. Zanesville was named after Ebenezer Zane. Zane Grey was a member of the Zane family; in 1872, he was born in Zanesville.

  I say, “Western, huh?”

  “It’s an old schoolbook. Nothin’ like the cowboys you read about these days,” he says, laughin’.

  I’m sure it’s not.

  He adds, “Not everyone likes this book. H. Allen Smith once visited a dude ranch, where a cowboy learned that Mr. Smith was a writer of humorous books. The cowboy then said, ‘Never read but one book in all my life … book called Riders uh the Purple Sage … never gonna read another’n’ long as I live.’”

  I finish mixin’ the brownies and get them in the oven when a little girl about four or five years old with brown pigtails walks into the kitchen. Her momma isn’t far behind. Pearl stands up and smiles. “I want y’all to meet my grandbaby Jewel.” Pearl picks up her granddaughter and I can see the little girl looks like she has Down syndrome. She has flat facial features, small ears, and upward slanted eyes. I put on a smile and walk over to Pearl and Jewel. Jewel smiles and appears happy. My heart is sad for the little girl, Pearl, and her mother.

  “Hi, Jewel,” I say.

  “Pearl, I didn’t know you had grandchildren,” Nelly says.

  “I have three. Jewel and her momma and daddy are here visiting. They live in Michigan and came for a quick visit.” I look behind me and see that Pearl’s daughter is wearing a toothy smile as she looks at her daughter and her mother.

  “She’s beautiful,” I say because it’s the truth.

  “C’mon, Jewel. Let’s go and see your daddy,” Jewel’s momma says.

  They leave the room and Mia and Levi come in and help with dinner.

  Mia places her hand on her pregnant belly while looking at Jewel. “Aww, who’s that little cutie?”

  Nelly says, “Pearl’s granddaughter, Jewel.”

  Mia smiles. “Pearl? Jewel? Think she’s named after her granny?”

  Everyone in the room laughs out loud.

  “I didn’t think of that, but yes, I do.”

  “Do you need help?” Mia asks.

  “No, I believe that we have everything almost done.”

  “I’m going to talk to the little girl’s mother,” Mia says.

  I wonder why she would want to speak to the little girl’s mother, but I don’t ask. During dinner, I notice that Mia and Levi are eating with Pearl, her daughter and son-in-law, and Jewel. It looks like they are in a deep conversation. Mia and Levi are very attentive to Jewel. I can’t help but feel like something is goin’ on.

  Sawyer Jackson and I eat with Nelly and Bud.

  “Abel sent you and Sawyer Jackson something to the house today,” Nelly says.

  “He did?”

  “It’s wrapped up with a note attached.”

  My heartbeat quickens and I get butterflies just at the thought of Abel Lee. “How is he?” I try to ask in a monotone voice.

  Bud says, “He’s good, he said he thinks his condo sold.”

  “That was fast.” To sell a house in Rose Farm would take years if it would sell at all.

  When everything is cleaned up after dinner, Nelly gives me a note and t
wo wrapped gifts from Abel Lee. I want to open the envelope now, but I wait until I get home. I’m excited to read what he has to say. I knew I would miss Abel Lee, I just didn’t expect to miss him this much.

  When Sawyer Jackson and I get home, I open the card and read it before I give Sawyer Jackson his gift.

  Savannah Mae,

  I miss you. I didn’t want to begin with that, but it’s the truth. Things are going better than I expected. The condo has a potential buyer, so hopefully I’ll be home soon. To be honest, I didn’t expect it to sell so quickly. New York is beautiful, but it’s cold and dreary in the winter. I think the view of Central Park from the master bedroom might have been the selling point. It really is a beautiful sight.

  I saw something and I thought Sawyer Jackson would like it. It’s not much but a little something so he knows that I’m thinking about him.

  How are you? Did I say that I missed you? I do. I also found something for you, and I wanted you to have it. Okay, to be honest, it’s probably more for me than for you. I’ve prepaid it for the next year.

  See you soon, Abel

  I give Sawyer Jackson his gift, and he excitedly takes it. “Mommy, I like Abel Lee.”

  “You do? Because he bought you a gift?”

  “Because he makes you smile,” he says, innocently.

  I can feel the smile on my face, and it makes me proud that my son sees it. “Yes, he does, Sawyer Jackson, and I have a feeling as soon as you open your gift, you’ll also have a smile on your face.”

  Sawyer Jackson quickly opens his gift and I’m surprised when I see the movie The Toy Story, and a box of six moveable figurines of the characters from the Toy Story films. There’s Sheriff Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jesse, Bullseye, Rex, and Hamm. I open the box and Sawyer Jackson is excited to play with his new toys. He holds Buzz up in the air and says, “To infinity…”

  I finish, “… and beyond.”

  I put the movie in the CD player and he watches it while I open my gift. I’m excited and I have no idea what it could be. I’m surprised when it’s a Samsung Galaxy Note 5. It looks like a cell phone, but it’s the size of a small tablet. I remove the item from the box and it covers my hand completely. It’s huge. I have never seen a cell phone this big before. I don’t know whether to laugh or read the instruction booklet. I turn the phone on and read the instruction manual. It’s even more complicated than I thought it would be. Is there anything this phone can’t do?

  After the movie, I put Sawyer Jackson to bed. He insists on sleepin’ with all six of his new figurines. After I shower and get ready for bed, I read the note from Abel Lee again, and then I play with the phone. I download a few free apps and read more of the instruction booklet.

  The phone buzzes and I get excited, thinkin’ it’s from Abel Lee.

  Abel Lee: Don’t be mad, I needed a way to contact you.

  Savannah Mae: Why? Did something happen?

  Abel Lee: No, I just missed you.

  I get those butterflies in my belly again.

  Savannah Mae: I miss you, too. You said your condo may have sold.

  Abel Lee: I’ll know in a few days. I want to return home as soon as I can.

  Savannah Mae: Thank you for the phone and for Sawyer Jackson’s gifts. He loves them.

  Abel Lee: Good, I wasn’t sure what to give him. Never shopped for a little boy before.

  Savannah Mae: You did good, thank you.

  Abel Lee: No problem. Do you work tomorrow?

  Savannah Mae: I work tomorrow night.

  Abel Lee: Can I call you tomorrow? I miss that country accent of yours.

  I have to laugh out loud. I don’t think I have a country accent. Unless that country is the USA. If anyone around here has an accent, it’s Abel Lee. 

  Savannah Mae: Abel Lee, I don’t have a country accent.

  Abel Lee: Okay, whatever you say. I’ll take that as a yes. I’ll call you tomorrow after lunch.

  Savannah Mae: Night, Abel Lee.

  Abel Lee: Good night, Savannah Mae.

  The next day, Sawyer Jackson and I run into town to get a few things. The store is busier than usual. Campbell’s is runnin’ a sale and I’m thankful I have the money to stock up on a few much-needed items. Sawyer Jackson is too big to sit in the cart so he walks behind me. When I look behind me and he isn’t there, I begin to panic. I search the aisle and he’s nowhere around. I head to the front of the store searchin’ the exits frantically. Just as I begin to ask someone for help, I hear him yell, “To infinity.”

  I yell, “And beyond.”

  I hear, “To infinity,” again and I walk in the direction of Sawyer Jackson’s voice.

  I smile and feel so much relief that my boy is safe. “And beyond,” I yell one more time. When I finally reach him, I find him in the toy aisle. There is a woman holdin’ his hand, walkin’ him towards the front of the store.

  “I assume he belongs to you,” she says, lettin’ go of his hand.

  He runs up to me and hugs me tightly. I try to replace the fear on my face with a smile, but my heart is still poundin’. My mind races with thoughts of what could have happened.

  “Thank you,” I say to her. She smiles and continues shoppin’.

  I kneel down and hug my son. “You scared me.”

  “When I looked up, I couldn’t find you.”

  “It’s okay, Buddy.” I lift a too-big Sawyer Jackson and place him in the grocery cart.

  “Mommy, I’m too big to be in a cart.”

  “If you can get lost, then you’re not too big for the cart.”