Page 66 of The Leaves In Autumn
According to her, Parrish was a different man when they met. A recluse, holed up on a foggy Atlantic beach. She was childless and free. A Montana girl with an extrovert’s spirit. It’s interesting to me, how the life that was meant finds you and ignores your plans.
“I wish Dove and Nobel could have been here,” Mom says. “But I’m glad the honeymooners will be.”
Teddy’s head lifts from the lighting he’s adjusting.
“Where are they? It’s seven.”
“They’ll be here. Hold on to your pantaloons,” Gaston says. “Teddy, should I keep the scarf, or lose it?”
“Looks good, Papa. Keep it.”
Aurora wipes the traces of her last kiss off his cheek.
“It’s nice not having to organize anything for the game. Very freeing.”
Teddy’s anxious to start. David and Tyler look bored waiting around.
“Can’t you tell us what it is? What’s the box for?”
A small used box sits center table. Across the top,DO NOT OPENiswritten in a red Sharpie.
“We need a few props. Never mind. We want everyone to hear the details at the same time.”
“What do you mean, we? The boys know?”
Sam, David, and Tyler answer for him.
“Yep. Ha!”
“Of course.”
“You’re gonna love it.”
Jillian is left in the dark like the rest of us.
“They’re only afraid if I know what they do, I’ll beat them.”
“That’s right, girl! Tell ‘em.”
“Speaking truth to power!” Barbra calls, fist in the air.
“You’re delusional, woman.”
Ha. Sounds like a Lyon. In fact, all of the Lyon men have usedwomanwhen talking to their love interest. I may have used it that night.
Van’s voice calls from inside the house.
“Anybody home?”
“Van! Layla!”
Mom’s up first, followed by Dad. They are always the most civilized of the group. The rest of us stay where we are, too comfortable to move that far. But we make appropriate welcoming sounds as the bride and groom get closer. Van won’t give a shit if we get up. That’s laughable.
The newlyweds appear in the doorway, tan and smiling like Romans after an orgy.
“Look at you!”
“I’ve never seen such satisfied expressions! That’s hysterical!”
