Page 82 of Home Body
“Life with you is never going to be boring, is it?”
“I hope not. What do you say?”
“I think it’s a great idea. Will this soirée be free?”
“No, maybe five bucks a person and eight bucks a couple. After paying the band, the money could go to local charities. I’m sure Mama will love the idea. You know Mama. The more people around the merrier.”
“I’ll have to work some Saturday nights when I get the weekend night shift. So, I won’t always be able to be there, but I say go for it.”
She burrowed into him again. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
“Your parents hate me.”
“Ummm, I wouldn’t say hate. My mom is a bit impulsive with her opinions. Dad doesn’t care as long as Mom doesn’t bug him about it, but she will. My brothers loved you. And my sister-in-law had a great time, so I think she’d good, too.”
“Thanks for trying, but your mom hates me.”
“We’ll work on that. But we won’t waste much time on it. She hates a lot of people, including my sister-in-law.”
“Poor girl. Hey, I love how Kenyon taught Rose to call you Daddy. And she started doing it right away. I thought it wouldtake her a while to adjust to the idea, but she was more than ready.”
“I confess, my heart melted. I became a husband and a daddy all in the same day.”
“And I became your wife. Am I a lucky girl or what?”
“I’m the lucky one.” Brody lifted up and covered his wife’s naked body with his. “Shall we do a little test to see who gets lucky first tonight?” He kissed her hairline, her cheek, her mouth.
“Oh, yes,” she cooed. “I’m aching to see which one of us that might be.” She reached down to fondle him.
“Oh my god, it’s gonna be me.”
“Maybe not. Race ya!”
They both got lucky, reaching the finish line at the same time. It took only minutes for them to fall asleep in each other’s arms, the big day having taken its toll.
Dalia dreamed of two-stepping with Brody toI Cross My Heart, George Strait singing just for them. Even in her sleep, she felt the rhythmic sway of her body cleaved to Brody’s as they danced to the sweet love song, the beat of their hearts becoming one with the music. Her heart soared with love, knowing that she and her husband would be there for one another for the rest of their lives.
She slept well that night in the arms of the man she loved with every bit of her being. The future held the promise of hope, where hardships would be shared to ease their burden, good times would be celebrated with abounding joy, and love would grow forevermore.
CHAPTER 49
TWO MONTHS LATER
Mamie flitted around the bakery kitchen like a hummingbird. Dalia clamored about like a freight train on a mission. Rose had learned to stay out of the way. All three wore pink “Mama Mamie’s Bakery” aprons.
“I’m here!” Kenyon rushed in the back door. “Hi all! Just tell me what to do. There’s already a line out front. Vic Van Natter is first.”
Without breaking stride from putting final touches on trays of baked goods, Mamie and Dalia broke into cheers.
“Whoo-hoo! People came!” Dalia yelped.
“Boo, we did it!” Mamie chuckled.
“Yay!” Rose clapped.
Dalia threw Kenyon an apron and the girl went to work. A moment later Dolly burst in through back. “Give me an apron! I’ll do whatever!”
