Page 3 of Autumn Wishes and Pumpkin Kisses

I stare around at the now empty penthouse apartment. It seems like just yesterday Joe, my soon to be ex-husband, and I were moving in here. I was young and completely in awe of Joe and the life he lived. We were engaged. Once upon a time this was everything I had dreamed of. I truly thought I was madly in love with the man who has now become a stranger to me. It was never love, I see that now. Back then he was dangling all of my hopes, dreams and ambitions in front of me. He was offering me the one thing I wanted more than anything in this world, more than I wanted Keefer even. Joe was offering me a huge step up in the fashion industry.

Ever since I was a little girl, all I can ever remember was wanting to be a fashion designer. When other little girls were watching Disney movies and dreaming of being a princess...I was studying the wardrobe of the princess. In my mind I was cutting and layering and making her a whole new dress. My mom would buy my Barbie’s outfits and the next thing she knew, I had snuck into the kitchen, grabbed the scissors, and cut the outfit up. At the time, my only way to change them was to try and glue or tape the fabric. It never lasted, but I did it anyway. Once I got old enough, I asked for a sewing machine on my eighth birthday and never looked back. I’d save my allowance and do extra chores to earn more just to buy fabric and thread. Making my own clothes was my only escape. It was my passion.

Leaving Chicago felt like a kick in the gut for me. Chicago was lively and full of distinct individuals with their own definition of fashion and I loved it. Blue Ridge held nothing for me. It was some small, hick town on the side of the road, or at least that is how I felt until I got there. I didn’t fit in Blue Ridge but then again, I never fit in Chicago either. However, I made friends in Blue Ridge, Warbee and Keefer. Best friends actually. All of my best memories are tied into one or both of them. They didn’t care that my clothes were sometimes off the wall and a little out there. They didn’t care that I marched to the beat of my own drum. Those two accepted me for who I was.

Blue Ridge ended up becoming a safe haven for me, but leaving was all I ever wanted. When I got accepted into the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising or FIDM in Los Angeles, I was over the moon excited. It’s the only place I had ever dreamed of attending after high school graduation. I did as my parents asked and applied to tons of colleges. I was a decent student, so I was accepted into a handful of them, but attending FIDM was my only choice. I knew there was nowhere else I could be happy.

However, something happened a month before graduation. I fell in love. Well, technically I had been in love for years, but it was the first time it was real. Keefer Dunn was the love you dream about. So, even though I was planning on leaving Blue Ridge, I knew I had to ask him to come with me. It seemed like a shot in the dark, but he said yes. He gave up everything and followed me to Los Angeles. He said that as long as I was happy, he was happy. I was in my first semester at FIDM when I met Joe Erickson. I passed him one day in the hallway at school. He was standing with a group of well-dressed men. I knew those suits cost a pretty penny and as I passed by the reeked of money.

After my class wrapped, I found Joe leaning against a window across the hall from the classroom. He approached me, name-dropped a few of the fashion designers I've been inspired by throughout my life, made me laugh and told me he could make big things happen for me. I believed him. He had this aura about him. The next thing I knew, I was throwing away everything, but that’s a story for a different time.

This penthouse holds all the majority of my memories, both good and bad, of the last seven years of my life. It’s hard to imagine not calling it home anymore then again it was never really home. It was merely a stop in my destination. Our belongings have been divided and I know this penthouse will be placed on the market soon enough. Joe and I are done and while that makes me sad, it’s also for the best. This wasn’t how I planned my life, but then again life rarely goes according to plan. Joe and I may not have been right for one another, but I did get two blessings from our marriage, Silas and Seraphina.

I’m not worried about how they’ll do in Blue Ridge. They’re still young and will adapt easily. My biggest concern is that Silas follows Joe everywhere. When he actually manages to be around that is. He looks up to him like he’s Superman. I’m not sure what he’s going to do with his absence being more permanent. I guess only time will tell. At least in Blue Ridge, I have Warbee who will help me with the kids anytime and I’m hoping Silas will learn to follow in Warbee’s fiancé's steps. Rocker is great with kids and last time we visited Silas was stuck to him like glue. I hope it helps the transition.

“Mama?” I hear his tiny voice come from behind me. I turn around to see Silas holding Seraphina’s hand, both of their bright blue eyes staring up at me. They both look like me except for those eyes. Those eyes they got from their father. Silas may be four going on five, but he’s wise beyond his years. I swear, he can feel what others around him are feeling and judging by those big blue eyes, he’s feeling my sadness.

I pull the door closed because there is no use dwelling on the past now. When I turn around, I have my smile in place and kneel down so that I’m eye level with the two most important people in my life. “What’s up, baby boy?” I ask him.

His free hand reaches out and pats my cheek. “Don’t be sad.”

I shake my head and turn to kiss the palm of his hand. “Mama isn’t sad. She’s just fine. I promise.” I link my pinky through his before using my other hand to link my pinky with Seraphina’s. “We’re all going to be okay. I love you times all the stars in the night sky.”

“Are we going to see Auntie Bee?” His smile is contagious and at the mention of Warbee, Seraphina jumps up and down chanting Bee over and over.

Laughing, I nod my head and scoop Seraphina into my arms and take Silas’ hand in mine. We head to the elevator. I say farewell to the life I thought I wanted and prepare myself for the life I ran from.

THREE

Keefer

The drive to Blue Ridge is basically second nature to me at this point. By the time I reach the city limits of my new again hometown, I’m exhausted. Originally, I had planned on going into town and visiting with Warbee and Rocker. However, my eyelids feel heavy so I take the right off the highway and travel down the winding road. About two miles down, hidden in the midst of trees is the house I purchased. It’s much too large for just myself, but it was really the only place I could see myself settling down. It’s a beautiful two story, four bedroom, three bath home with a three car garage and almost three acres of land. The house itself is eye-catching with its siding that looks like wood. The pitched roof stands out with the barn red color taking place in the upper half of the house to really make the home stand out. The porch and stairs leading up is stone along with the gray roof and garage doors. When the real estate agent first described the house to me it sounded horrible. Like a Crayola box threw up on it, but there’s nothing else like it. Describing it will never do it justice. It’s a beauty you have to see with your eyes to understand.

The green of the trees in the background reminds me just how much I missed calling this place home. You don’t get a scene like this in Atlanta, that’s for sure. I pull up to the garage door and climb out of the truck. My muscles scream in protest. They’ve definitely been worked out lately between all the packing and loading as well as the trips. I stretch them the best I can before heading up to my front door. Luckily, all my new furniture has been delivered and placed just how I had hoped. Nothing hangs on any of the walls though, so it makes the house feel less. It’s a strange thing. Decorating has never been a talent of mine. The house looking as good as it does right now because of my mom and Warbee. I threw a credit card at them and they picked out all of my furniture. I guess they didn’t want to hang things on the walls.

I should probably unpack, but right now the large, rustic brown, leather couch is calling my name. Kicking off my boots I climb on top and sink into the cool leather. I sigh. It feels better than it should be allowed to. Before I know it, my eyes are closed, and sleep has found me.

The next morning, I’m awakened by the birds chirping and sun streaming in through the glass doors and windows that take up some of the exterior of the house. There’s nothing like seeing Blue Ridge at sunrise. I’m not sure how long I’ve been asleep, but I can honestly say it’s the best sleep I’ve had in months. If last night is any indication, then I will probably spend more nights on this couch then in my bed but that’s to be determined.

Once I manage to pull myself from the comfortable couch, I move around my house. One of the bedrooms has been made into an office for me and the master bedroom is set up. A red and black plaid comforter with too many pillows sits on top of the king size bed. I may have to retract my previous statement. This bed looks just as comfortable as the couch. I begin to yawn again followed by my stomach growling loudly. I need coffee and soon. Heading downstairs for the kitchen I find a coffee maker, but my cabinets and fridge are empty. Quickly, I dash outside and find my suitcase where I packed most of my basics before heading back up to take a quick shower.

The hot water steams up the bathroom and works the ache from my muscles while helping to wake me up a little bit more. The master bath is twice the size of my previous one. As I step out of the all-glass shower, I look towards the claw foot tub. It’ll never get any use, but the view from it must be one hell of something to look at. It’s been deliberately placed in front of a large picture window, so all you can see for miles are the trees that take up the property and the sky above. What a way to relax. After I’m showered and dressed, I head back out to my truck. There’s one place I know I can get coffee and something mouthwatering to eat…* * Bee’s Batter, Warbee’s bakery.

As I approach my truck, I take a moment to consider unpacking, but honestly most of it is just files for work. My office already has my computer and most of the electronics I need for work. I decide to unpack later, coffee first. As I make my way into town, I dial my mom. “Oh baby boy, I was beginning to worry about you,” she says, as she answers the phone.

“I’m sorry, mama. When I got into town, I was exhausted. I only made it as far as the couch.”

She makes that sound on the other end of the line, you know the one where it’s a sigh, but kind of a scoff because your mom feels bad for you. I know she is probably cringing over the idea of me sleeping on the couch but it actually wasn’t half bad. “Well, I have to run some errands this morning, but if you want to make me a list, I’ll go grab you some groceries later.”

I love my mama to pieces, but sometimes I think she’s lost without having kids to contend with. Keith and I have both been out of the house for so long, that she volunteers all over Blue Ridge now. Her offering to go buy me groceries is another way to keep herself busy. “I appreciate that, but I’m heading over to Warbee’s and then I’ll probably swing by and grab some myself. Don’t worry about me, mama. I can fend for myself. Although, I would like to have you, dad, Keith, Warbee, and Rocker over for a cookout later this week once I’m fully unpacked and settled.”

“Oh honey, that would be wonderful. I can make some of my potato salad.” My mom goes off to list all the things she can bring to help. I don’t interrupt her because even if I tell her not to, I know she’ll show up on my doorstep with enough side dishes to feed an army. It’s just who she is.

“I’ll get it all set up and let you know what day. I just pulled up to Warbee’s, so I’m going to run in and grab some coffee. If you need help with anything you give me a call.” I have to use a totally different tone on the last part because as much as my mother likes to take care of everyone around her, she’s the worst at letting anyone help her out.

She clicks her tongue, not approving of my tone. “Don’t you take that tone with me, Keefer Dunn. You might be a grown man, but I can still put you over my knee. Ya hear me?”

“Yes ma’am. I didn’t mean any disrespect. I just want you to let me help you if you need it.”

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