Page 120 of Love Unforgettable
Chapter 38
Cole
My parents arrive about thirty minutes before I’m due to pick-up Lexie from her hotel room for the pre-dinner/ceremony reception. So, I walk over to their room to meet them. My dad immediately pours us both a whiskey neat and steers me over to the side of the room.
“Your momma is a little off her rocker about this evening. Just warnin’ you. Babs has got her convinced you plan to propose tonight.”
I clear my throat and take a sip of my drink before saying anything.
“No, sir, that is not my intention. That gonna throw a wrench in Momma’s world?”
“Well, you know your momma, she’s going full steam ahead no matter what.”
I look across the room to where my momma is sitting with Babs and Mavis, the three of them sippin’ martinis and cacklin’ like hens. No doubt namin’ all the kids that they won’t let me conceive for another year.
“I know Momma’s got in her head about this, but I don’t want to scare this girl. She’s gun shy as it is and I come on Texas strong by myself without the lot of you taggin’ along.”
“You mean to have her as yours, she’s got to get used to us sometime.”
“I know. She’s kinda fragile. Just a little thing. No real family to speak of, just Mavis and some friends. Thing is, I don’t know if she gets overwhelmed easily, and we are suprisin’ her tonight with you and Momma and Babs. Her friends already surprised her—”
“Son, she’s like a new foal you gotta break in a bit. Get ‘em used to bein’ around the herd. They’ll be shy and timid at first, but if it’s meant to be, they’ll blend in and become one of many. You mean to make her a Mason, she’s got to blend at some time.”
“I know. Okay. You’re right.”
“You better go on now,” he motions across the room with his head, “Take that martini shaker outta Babs’ hand before she pours them all another one and we got three ladies who’re three sheets to the wind.”
I head across the floor and do just that. I’m about Babs’ favorite out of the whole family, so there’s not much I can do wrong in her eyes. Including monitoring her alcohol intake.
“Ladies, it may be a long night. Just for your own sakes in the morning, maybe y’all want to have water between each cocktail?” I hand them each a water bottle. Momma and Babs both thank me, Mavis gives me a dirty look. “Miss Mavis, you look positively fetching by the way, I just want to ensure you don’t wake up with a headache, is all.”
“No hang overs,” she says waving her hand.
“Well, that’s what I’m trying to prevent, yes.” I smile big at her. She doesn’t return it. I tell you, that lady can put them away for sure. I wouldn’t be surprised if her insides were pickled all the way through at this point. “I’m going to go soon,” I continue, “to escort Lexie to the reception before the ceremony. Will I see you at the table around seven o’clock?”
“Yes, you will,” Momma says. “And, Cole? Try not to slouch, sweetheart. You’re such a good-looking boy and when you slouch it just makes you look sloppy.”
“I will certainly try, Momma,” I answer.
“Cole? C’mere,” Babs says. She licks her thumb then runs it across my left eyebrow. “You got some stragglers stickin’ straight out. My goodness, don’t you trim those things?”
“No, ma’am, I don’t.”
“Well, you should start. Along with your nose and ear hair. Can’t be too careful. Those things’ll sneak up on you and pretty soon folks’ll be askin’ if you’re seventy or something.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I lean in to give them each a kiss on the cheek.
“You have nice smell,” Mavis says to me.
“Thank you, Miss Mavis. I appreciate it,” I smile at her.
“But is very heavy,” she continues, “Stand outside. Let it thin.” She waves her hand and forth in front of her nose and face, indicating a bad smell.
Wonderful.
If ever a man starts to think too much of himself or his power in the world, just have him visit his southern Momma or Grandma for a few minutes. Humble pie is served, and everything is put back to its natural order of things.
