Chapter 9
CHAPTER 9
Carter
" M om missed the brunch window. Did you tell her I made reservations for dinner?"
Lacey nods, her mouth full of toothpaste. The soft sound of her toothbrush against her teeth echoes in the small space.
"I could have waited until you were finished." Amused, I watch as she again nods, small fragments of white paste dotting the corners of her mouth. Her eyes meet mine in the mirror, a hint of humor lingering behind their usual sparkle. With a determined rhythm, she completes the task then turns to me.
"When I went to her room, Rose said she'd be ready soon." She pauses, then her expression grows more serious. "Have you noticed anything different about your mom?"
"Not really. Why?"
She shrugs. "Just asking."
"Have you?" I respond.
"Maybe." She presses a forced smile to her lips, and I feel a check in my gut. "She has seemed a little run down. I thought you might have noticed the same thing."
I stop and search my thoughts, but come up with nothing. "I'm usually pretty good at deciphering subtle clues about Mom's moods when I speak with her on the phone which, as you know, is a couple of times a week. Maybe what you see as fatigue is actually some lingering emotions. Me and Declan ... I think Mom's getting too old for this shit, you know?"
"I guess."
I pull her into my arms. The sunlight that streams through the window dances across the yellow tiles. "I'm sure a nice, relaxed dinner will do everyone good." I give her a quick kiss. "I'm going to go downstairs and see if Mom's ready."
"Okay." She pulls away. "I'm going to change into a sundress. I'll be down in a few minutes."
I grab her wrist and snatch another kiss. "I'll meet you on the porch."
We part in the hallway and, as I descend the stairs the old wood creaks. My mind races with excitement and nerves as I think of what I'm about to reveal. Something I've planned for a while but have shared with no one.
I follow the sound of running water and the scent of dish soap fills the air. It hits me as I enter the kitchen. Mom smiles at me as she stands near the sink, drying a mug with a towel.
"Mom, can I talk to you out on the porch?" My tone belies my nerves and concern fills her expression. "It's all good. I promise."
She nods, places the cup down, and follows me outside. The sun still warms the air. I'm hyper-alert, sensitive to sound so as to detect Lacey's footsteps should she chance discovering my secret. I go to the farthest corner, as far away from the door as I can. Birds chirp in the tree behind the house and summer flowers that enjoy the heat are in full bloom on the trellis beside me. I quickly muster my words and pivot. Mom's eyes go wide as I place my hands on her shoulders.
"I’m going to propose to Lacey," I blurt.
"What? When?" Mom's face lights up with joy and surprise. I peer over her shoulder to ensure that we're safe from Lacey's ears.
"Sometime this week."
"Oh, my gosh. Carter!" Mom's hands come up to her chest and cover the space where her heart resides.
"Shh." I place my finger to my lips. We share a smile, staring at each other as seconds pass, neither of us saying a word as we, instead, let the excitement of this upcoming milestone settle in our hearts. "I had it all planned, but ..."
"Hmm. Now I know why you were so upset with your brother." Understanding dawns in her eyes, and she pulls me into a hug. "Lacey's going to be so happy. I'm excited for you, son."
"I just have to figure out when to do it. I want to do it right, you know?"
"I do, and I'm sorry, honey. I know how important this is to you. Does Declan know?"
"No. I haven't told him yet but, that was also part of my plan; to ask him to be my best man. Now, I don't know when I'll have some time with him." I shrug nonchalantly. "I did have everything laid out, but it's all good, Mom. I'll pull the pieces of this together. I just hope she says yes."
"Of course she will!"
"Mom!" I chuckle. " Shh. She's going to hear you." Concern washes over me as Lacey's observations find the forefront of my thoughts. "And you saying you're sorry is completely unnecessary. It's me who should be sorry. I didn’t mean to blow my top. It's just, I had planned to ask him, then Marisol showed up.”
"Of course you were upset," she exclaims, then claps her hands together. "You know what? We’re not going to let anyone, or anything ruin this for you. This is fantastic news!"
I hear movement in the house and put my finger to my lips. "I'll figure it out, but I wanted you to be the first to know."
"I’m so glad you told me." She whispers.
The screen door squeaks. Lacey stands in the doorway as beautiful as ever in a bright yellow sundress. "Is Declan here yet?"
"Not yet, sweetheart," Mom replies as she reenters the house. I follow behind her and take a seat in the rocking chair next to the front door. Mom compliments Lacey's dress and I watch as the two of them chit-chat. A few minutes later, Declan and Marisol appear.
I watch Marisol as she looks around. She takes in the living room, its well-worn charm seeming to miss her as her posture stiffens.
"Marisol, would you like to join Lacey and me tomorrow? We're going to the outlets."
"What’s an outlet?" She asks.
"It’s a store that offers discounted prices on designer items," Declan explains.
"I don’t need discounts on anyth?—"
Declan interrupts her, his tone convicting. "Stores like Movado and Michael Kors are there. I'm sure there are other designer shops as well."
"Designers, usually, come to me," she states with a superior-sounding tone.
"Not everyone has that privilege," he retorts cooly with a hint of impatience.
Marisol says nothing but her snobbish attitude isn't lost on me.
"I'll treat us all to lunch. It will be fun," Mom adds.
"It will be," Lacey confirms. "And I'd love it if you would help me pick out a few new things. I'm sure you have a perfect eye when it comes to fashion, and I can use a little help. I don't follow the trends and let's face it; you set them."
Marisol's brows perk as if to confirm Lacey's comment. I dismiss her, mentally brushing her off like she's an annoying bug, then stand, corralling everyone so we aren't late for dinner.