Page 152 of Champagne Nights

“Wine sounds good. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Bye, Ben.”

I looked at David and noticed the huge grin on his face. “Good job.”

Now, I needed to decide what I was going to cook.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Paisley

My dearest husband,

Another week almost gone. Thanksgiving is next week and the first without you. I want you to know that I will always love you, no matter how many years pass. You were my first love, and I will treasure what we shared and had forever. I met a new friend. His name is Ben, and his wife passed away a year ago from cancer. He’s a fireman, and he builds beautiful furniture. It’s really nice to have someone to talk to who shares the same pain I do—the pain of losing the love of your life and trying to figure out how to move on. Until next week, my love.

Love forever,

Paisley

As I folded up the letter and slipped it into the envelope, my phone rang.

“Good morning, Mom.”

“Good morning, honey. I’m right around the corner at that little French bakery, and I thought if you were up, we could have pastries and coffee. I can be over in five.”

“I’m up, Mom. Come on over.”

“Great. See you soon,” she said with excitement.

I put the letter in the drawer and went to the kitchen to make some coffee. A few moments later, my mom walked through the door.

“Bonjour.” She smiled as she walked into the kitchen and gave me a kiss.

“Bonjour.”

She set the white box in the middle of the table while I poured us coffee. I opened the box and took out a croissant.

“Thanks for bringing these.” I smiled as I took a bite.

“Thanksgiving is next week, and dinner is at three o’clock. I was thinking maybe you could spend the night at my house and help me cook. Just like you used to when you still lived at home.”

I knew what she was doing. She didn’t want me home alone since it was my first Thanksgiving without him. I could see the desperation on her face as she looked at me.

“Sure, Mom. That sounds nice. It’s been a while since we cooked together.”

Her face lit up as she placed her hand on my arm. “It’ll be so much fun, Paisley. How’s Ben doing?”

I knew it was only a matter of time before she asked about him.

“He’s doing fine. In fact, he invited me over to his house for dinner tonight.”

“How nice. You are going, right?”

“Of course, I am.” I smiled.

“I’ll be right back,” she said as she got up and went out the door.

I sat there in confusion. Where the heck did she go?

---