Page 69 of Sensing Selma
That seemed to put an end to the discussion, and I had to let it go.
“Wasn’t Holly so wonderful last night?”she said after a beat.
“She’s always been very talented,” I said. “She’s truly blossomed into a mature woman these past weeks. I’m afraid to say it, but I almost think that heartache did her some good.”
“Well, speak of the devil.”
I followed the direction of my mother’s gaze to see Holly coming up the drive in a silver sports car. The top was down, and she looked like the star that she was behind her oversized sunglasses.
She parked the car on the edge of the drive and got out to come see us. “Precisely the two people I wanted to see.”
“How are you this morning, dear?”Mother said.
“On a cloud, Mother. On a huge, fluffy, gorgeous cloud.”
“I imagine you’ve received great reviews after your show last night,” I said.
She nodded. “Yes. There have been some...but my happiness is not due to that.”
“Oh? What is it? Did some grand producer approach you for a record deal?”Mother said with a chuckle.
She held her hand out in response. On her finger was a sparkling diamond ring.
I looked at her in disbelief. “Major Cooper?”I said.
She nodded, tears of happiness lining her eyes. “Oh, Holly.” I pulled her into my arms for a warm hug. “I’m so happy for you. You deserve a man like Major Cooper. And he seems to love you very much.”
“You have no idea how kind he’s been, Susan.” She smiled, then frowned. “Oh, and believe you me. He does not treat me like a princess.”
“But, Holly,” Mother said. “Isn’t that what you want? Don’t you want a man who will spoil you and treat you like the princess that you are, dear?”
“No, Mother. That’s what I’ve learned with Major Cooper. I’m not a princess. I’m a mature woman with responsibilities. I have a career to build. I have you to take care of, Mother.” She turned to me. “And I think that it’s time I showed my appreciation to my big sister who’s given so much for me.”
I choked back the tears. I knew she’d matured, but this?
“Don’t get me wrong,” she went on. “Major Cooper is kind beyond anything you could imagine, and he treats me like the very special lady in his life that I am. But he doesn’t let me get away with any selfish tantrums or childish wants.”
“Good for you, dear,” Mother said, wheeling herself back away from us. “I’m very happy for you, but...Sorry to cut this short, but nature calls. I have to hurry back.”
“I’ll bring you, Mother,” I said.
“No. No,” she said, as she continued away. “You stay and chat with your sister. I’ll make it back just fine.”
“Do you think she’s happy for me?”Holly said. “She was so taken with Damen.”
“Believe me, she got over that one. No. She likes Major Cooper very much.” I watched Mother wheel herself away.
“He told me that he’d been left at the altar years ago,” she said.
“Really? How awful.”
“And it left him a little hesitant...you know...about me. But...well, you saw him last night. He was so happy. I was so happy. I really do think that we’ll be happy together.”
We took a few slow steps, our eyes on Mother in the distance.
“And what about you?”she said. “Do you approve?”
“Of Major Cooper? Why, yes! Of course. He’s such a wonderful, kind man...very responsible, respectful, successful.”
