Page 43 of Ardently Yours

“If you install a pull-up bar low enough that she can reach it and some gym mats, she’ll be less likely to get hurt if she falls. Whenever she tries to hang or tumble, redirect her to do it safely. It’s not a 100 percent solution, but it could help.”

“It’s a good idea.”

“What about gymnastics class? Tumbling? She could get the wiggles out and learn how to do it safely at the same time.”

“That sounds like it could work. I bet she’d love it.” Enthusiasm creeps into her voice. “Maybe I could get a swing set with a slide, so she can climb that way, too, and pump those little legs on the swings.”

“My boys love swinging, especially Henry.”

“It’s worth a try. I’ll order the gym mats and pull-up bar tonight.”

She pauses, then huffs a laugh. “How do you do that?”

“Order gym mats?”

She snorts. “No. How can you take my absolute worst days and make me feel ready to try again?”

“Someone else could have seen this as a battle of wills they had to win. You’re the one who turns things around.”

“Not without you.”

Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)

The Emails

Next Day

September 5, 1998

Arden,

You and I are in a FIGHT!

I was going to get her one of the little metal swing sets myself. Instead, I pull into our driveway to discover a freaking PIRATE SHIP playground on my front lawn.

The SHERIFF saw it and pulled me over to ask where it came from and how I afforded it. >:( The man has never stopped looking for an excuse to harass me.

The thing is almost as big as the trailer I live in! Of course people here are curious. It’s the kind of thing you’d see on a rich person’s lawn.

Do you want someone poking around and finding out about you? If so, this is exactly how you get your wish. Then the press will show up here, digging around in my life.

I can’t tell you to take it back because Bronnie would be heartbroken. She’s been walking around pretending her finger is a hook and answering every question with, “Argh, matey!” all night long. You’ve put me in a position where I have to keep it or be the bad guy and break her heart.

You had no right to do something like this.

A stuffed hedgehog and flowers on special occasions are one thing. Christmas is different.

You can’t just give us something so expensive out of nowhere. I looked up the cost online, and I’m mailing you a check from my savings to cover it. (It cost as much as my used car did, Arden!)

If I pay you, then when people ask, I can say I bought it without lying. YOU’RE the one who said I’m bad at lying. I have to make it “true” that I bought the ship or no one will believe me.

I feel like your equal when we’re talking about our regular lives. But that pirate ship on my front lawn reminds me that the scales between us are wildly unbalanced.

I know your heart was in the right place, but next time, tell me your idea, and I’ll figure out if I can afford it or not.

I can’t send your boys a pirate ship. But watch your mail for a package. Bronnie and I made you guys chocolate chip cookies as her “thank you” for your gift. They’re made with extra love—which means Bronnie licked the spoon then stuck it back in the batter before I could stop her.

Sincerely Ticked Off, Charlotte

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