19
NO MATTER HOW hard Sadie wanted time to stop, or even slow down, the holiday season didn’t want to cooperate. Thanksgiving came in a blink, whether her life was ready for it or not.
After that night in the hospital, JoJo and Sadie had settled into their same routine, although it was altered a bit by JoJo only having one working hand. With her wrist in a cast, it meant that she needed more help with daily tasks, and even though it pained her to do so, JoJo was getting better at not only asking for help, but also accepting it.
Between Gary, Moira, James and Sadie, they were able to check in each day and make sure JoJo was cared for, plus Jan and Evan from next door stopped by almost daily.
And Maddie now spent a day or two a week learning how to quilt and sew from JoJo. Sadie could see that having Maddie around boosted JoJo’s spirits. She was recovering well now the radiation was done and her wrist was more of a nuisance than anything else. Not that JoJo would ever complain if she were in pain, but she took her meds without fail and rested and did what was prescribed for her to heal.
James was right. They weren’t alone.
And Thanksgiving was Sadie’s favorite holiday. This year she and JoJo were invited to Charlie’s house for the day. James and Maddie were joining. His parents were on a cruise for the week and his brother’s family was going to spend the holiday with his in-laws. Charlie’s son, Eli, would be home but not her daughter. She and her boyfriend were spending the day with his family in Boise. Anne had left not long after their lunch together. She was vague about when she’d return but promised she wouldn’t be gone as long as before. Charlie was making the turkey and the rest of them were each bringing a side dish.
Sadie was putting the finishing touches on the sweet potatoes when JoJo came into the kitchen. Her favorite part of the dish was placing the small marshmallows all around the top, the design melting into a gooey, yummy addition to the meal.
“Those smell and look delicious,” JoJo said, as she popped a marshmallow into her mouth.
Sadie smiled as she watched her aunt. Her eyes were brighter every day and her cheeks had color. Earlier that week they’d heard from the doctor that all signs of JoJo’s cancer were gone. A miracle Sadie thanked God for every minute of every day since receiving word.
“I wondered if you and I could talk for a minute before we head over to Charlie’s house?” JoJo asked.
Sadie searched her aunt’s face for signs of something wrong and found none. In fact, the woman almost glowed. Sadie hoped that one day soon she would learn how to think positive thoughts before negative ones, but with the year they’d had, it took some doing, and a lot of prayer on her part. But she was getting there. Seeing JoJo improve every day, as well as having James and Maddie as a part of her daily existence, was helping her heart shift from fear to hope.
“Sure.” Sadie placed the last of the marshmallows on the potatoes and then washed her hands. “What’s up?”
“Let’s go sit in the family room.”
The two women settled into their spots, JoJo in her chair and Sadie on the sofa.
“I have some news and I wanted to tell you first before anyone else.” JoJo said, leaning forward in her chair.
Sadie’s gut clenched. That last time they’d discussed news it was about JoJo’s diagnosis.
Reading Sadie’s facial expression JoJo reached out a hand and put it on Sadie’s knee. “Don’t worry, Loves. It’s all good. Great, really.”
Was her aunt blushing? Now Sadie was really confused.
JoJo sat up tall and took a deep breath in and let it out. “Gary asked me to marry him. And I said yes.”
Sadie’s eyes went wide.
“Oh, don’t look so surprised.” JoJo batted Sadie’s leg.
“Surprised? I’m shocked!”
“Stop. You’ve always known how he feels about me.”
“I’m not shocked he asked. I’m shocked you said yes!”
Both women laughed.
“Okay. I’ll give you that,” JoJo said.
“Jo! I am so happy for you!” Sadie leaned forward and hugged her aunt.
Her emotions felt as if she had just ridden the Tilt-A-Whirl at the county fair. From fear that JoJo had bad news to shock at Gary’s proposal to her mind now racing with what that meant for her and JoJo moving forward, she was a tornado of thoughts and feelings.
“When did this happen?” Sadie asked as they settled back into their seats again.
“In the hospital. Gary said he realized it wasn’t the romantic way to do it, but he didn’t want to waste another minute. The two of us have been dancing around this for far too long.”
“I agree with that.”
JoJo scrunched up her face. “I’ll admit it was more my stubbornness than Gary’s that has kept us from being together all this time, but that’s what I was trying to tell you in the hospital. Don’t wait, Sadie. I went far too long not allowing myself to love Gary or let him love me. And I’m so glad you took my advice. You and James are perfect for one another.”
“I think so, too,” Sadie agreed. “But Jo, that was three weeks ago. Why are you only telling me this now?”
JoJo lifted a shoulder and let it fall. “I wanted some time to hold the news close, have it to myself. And Gary and I had a few things we wanted to work out before we told you.”
Sadie furrowed her brow. “What kinds of things?”
“Well, the main one being the house. I know you and I discussed selling it to pay off medical costs and help with the raise in rent, but Gary didn’t want me to give up my home. So, he’d like to move in here with me. He’s lived a bachelor’s life in a small apartment for years. Between his savings and what he makes at his shop we would have enough to cover the mortgage and that’s what he wants. What we want.”
Sadie could only imagine how hard it would be for Jo to accept Gary helping her financially. Based on the look on JoJo’s face, she could also imagine how being loved by Gary softened Jo’s stubbornness to accept the situation.
“He says he has nothing to spend his money on otherwise.” JoJo laughed. “The simplicity of that man is one of the things I love about him.”
Sadie’s heart filled seeing JoJo so happy. And what a gift for Gary to want live with Jo and help her pay the bills.
“And we both want you to know you have a home here with us for as long as you want it.”
Wrapped up in the joy of the moment, she hadn’t thought about what it would mean for her to have Gary move in. And although she appreciated their kindness saying she could stay, she couldn’t imagine being a third wheel to them after they married.
“That last thing I would want to do is cramp your style, Jo. You and Gary will be newlyweds. You won’t want me rattling around here with you.”
She meant the words and yet her mind spun a bit over the fact that she now would be looking for a new place to live. She mentally chuckled. If that wasn’t life though. Get one issue solved and another pops up.
But today was about focusing on all she was thankful for and with JoJo being cancer free, marrying Gary, and being happier than Sadie had seen her in a long time, there was much to be thankful for. Not to mention James and Maddie and all of her friends she would be celebrating with.
“Well, just know that you are welcome to stay as long as you’d like.” JoJo put her hand once more on Sadie’s knee. “And I want you to know and believe that me allowing Gary into my life and heart changes nothing between you and me. I love you so much, child. You are my heart. You are my daughter in every way. Nothing and no one can ever change that.”
Sadie leaned forward to hug her aunt. “I do know, and I do believe you.”
They let go, each of them wiping tears from their eyes, Sadie grateful that this time they were tears of joy.
“Let’s get the food wrapped up and get going.” JoJo said as she slapped her leg with her good hand and stood. “We have a celebration to get to.”
“Yes we do.”
As Sadie put a top on the potatoes and prepared to leave she smiled at the fact that JoJo was the only mother she needed. And it would always be them against the world, no matter who came into their lives. That only meant they’d be stronger. More love meant more of . . . everything. She popped a marshmallow into her mouth.
All the good stuff and more.
* * *
While Sadie wouldn’t be inclined to call Thanksgiving dinner a party, that’s exactly what it was at Davis and Charlie’s house. Their home was a large estate, really, outside of town. With Davis’ family being one of the founding families of Nearlake, his grandfather had made sure some of the historic homes stayed in the family, therefore guaranteeing their legacy would be preserved.
Sadie loved it.
On ten acres with plush fir trees and lots of space, the house itself was a Victorian design, complete with wraparound porch and large columns giving it a grand stature. Because of Charlie and the light, yellow paint she’d chosen, as well as flowers and greenery all around the house, although grand, it was warm and welcoming.
Gary and JoJo had shared their news over dinner and the group had toasted the happy couple. Sadie’s heart couldn’t help but fill with warmth over JoJo’s happiness. She wasn’t sure she’d ever seen Gary smile that big, either. Everyone was overjoyed for them.
It had snowed a few days before, but the sun was out and the weather close to fall perfection. And what Thanksgiving day wouldn’t be complete without a touch football game? It was evening, the meal eaten and cleaned up, naps having been taken by the men, their energy now revived.
Sadie, Charlie, and JoJo all sat on the porch sipping tea and watching the others play football in the yard. Hesitant at first to play with a former NFL wide receiver, Gary and Davis teased James about going easy on them. Which he did. Sadie loved seeing how relaxed he was, laughing with Davis and teaching Eli a thing or two about the game.
“I think it’s safe to say this is my favorite Thanksgiving ever,” JoJo said then sipped her tea.
Sadie had to agree. It was the most peaceful she’d felt in a long time. She stole a glance at Charlie who smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes. Sadie knew it was hard for Charlie to not have Gabby with them for the holiday. Accepting your kids had adult lives was different than the reality. Or so Charlie had said.
Maddie squealed as James grabbed her around the waist and spun her around, the football tucked firmly in Maddie’s arms. With her back tucked up tight against her dad, she kicked out her feet and laughed.
Maddie had only been in Sadie’s life a short time, but her heart already ached at the thought that one day she would watch Maddie drive off to navigate her own journey. What Charlie was feeling must be so much more in depth than that.
Davis broke away from the group and climbed the porch steps to where they were. “Any chance we can grab more pie?” He wiggled his eyebrows at Charlie who laughed.
“Of course. But I think there are only about four pies left so, pace yourself.”
Davis patted his stomach. “I’m no rookie, babe,” he said as he winked at Charlie then turned to the others in the yard. “Anyone else want more pie?”
A chorus of yeses was the reply.
The group began to make their way inside. As Sadie stood to follow everyone in, James slipped his hand in hers. “Can I talk to you for a second?”
Sadie set her tea mug down on a nearby table. “Of course.”
James led her to a corner of the porch then turned, taking both her hands in his. Where he’d been relaxed a moment ago playing football, he now looked almost nervous.
“Sadie, I’m not even sure I knew what loved looked like until I met you. Not long ago you said you feared you didn’t know how to love. But the way you love Jojo, your friends; the way you love Maddie and me. All of it is the purest depiction of love I’ve ever seen or known.”
With his hands still firmly grasping hers, he got down on one knee. Out of his pocket he pulled out a small box and opened it. An oval diamond in an antique setting sparkled against the black velvet.
Tears ran down Sadie’s cheeks, her smile wide.
“I love you, Sadie. Would you marry me? Let me love you for life?”
“Yes!”
He stood and scooped her up in his arms.
A window nearby squeaked as it opened. “Did she say yes?” Maddie asked through the screen.
James set Sadie down but kept her wrapped in his arms. “She did.”
A chorus of shouts and “woohoos” floated out the window.
“Maddie knew?” Sadie smiled up at James.
“Maddie knew. To be honest, she’s been bugging me to ask you. She kept coming up with all these grandiose ways to do it.”
They both laughed. “And you chose a quiet corner of Charlie’s porch?”
“I did. I chose a time when you’re surrounded by those you love and who love you.”
“Thank you. It’s perfect.” She looked at the house then back to him. “So, Maddie’s okay with this?” “She’s over the moon.” He cupped her face in his hands. “And so am I. I love you so much, Sadie Woods.”
“Soon to be Sadie Larsen,” she teased.
James smiled. “I love the sound of that.”
“I love you, James.”
His lips met hers and her world was complete.
She was home.