Chapter Thirty-One
Madison
I read a saying on social media about how important it is to show recognition to those you love while they’re still alive. To give people their flowers in person while you still can.
As I look around the crowded bedroom of familiar faces, I’m overcome with emotion as, one by one, each guest expresses their feelings about how much Ralph Jamison means to them. Through a kind word, a smile, or a warm grasp of his hand, I watch every person willingly give Ralph their “flowers.”
Nurse Gale kept Ralph comfortable all afternoon, although the sweet man did nod off several times because of the pain medication.
But when he was awake, something about his joy and tired smile evoked a sincere gladness as each friend expressed how he touched them.
The room was a literal garden of sorts, with people and daylilies everywhere, the conversations blooming in the spirit of love.
George sat next to his grandfather, his wide eyes and broad grin after each story reminding me that we had done the right thing by postponing our wedding. It wasn’t the ideal time. We had a lot to discuss and plan before we took our vows.
Today wasn’t about us. Today was all about Ralph.
Earlier, when we returned to the main house after our reunion by the pond, we quietly told Jenny, Janie, Betty Lou, and Nurse Gale our change of plans.
There were no questions. No judgment or worry.
They quickly got to work and turned the afternoon into a beautiful celebration of life party for Ralph.
“Would you like a piece of cake?” I ask George.
He looks up at me with his cerulean eyes and nods. “Bring one for Pop, too, for when he wakes up.” Even though Ralph hasn’t eaten in several days, George seems hopeful and eager.
I cup his bruised cheek with my hand, my heart filling with angst, knowing Ralph’s impending death will be hard on him. Hard on all of us. I try to stay focused on the happy.
“Okay.”
Making my way into the kitchen, I spot Jenny and Miss Betty efficiently cutting up the beautiful pink cake on the large island.
These women are remarkable. And their knack for switching up a wedding ceremony to Ralph’s celebration has been a blessing for everyone involved.
We couldn’t have done this without them.
“Hey,” Jenny greets with a broad, red-lipstick smile. “Are you ready for some cake?”
I come up beside her and marvel at the sweet treat being cut into perfect portions. The decadent scent of strawberries and cream in the air is mouth-watering.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I’ll be back for another round,” Betty Lou says. I watch her hoist a big tray of cake servings onto her shoulder and exit the kitchen.
“I’ll be ready for ya,” Jenny hollers, continuing to efficiently cut into the remaining layers. She nods at me.
“I remember when Ralph tried his very first piece of my strawberry cake. He said, ‘Jenny, this is the best cake I’ve ever put in my mouth. How do you do it?’” She chuckles before her hands still, and she hangs her head.
“Jenny?” I palm her shoulder and realize she’s crying. “Oh, Jenny.”
“I’m sorry,” she sniffles. “I just adore that sweet man so much. I’m gonna miss him.”
“We all are,” I console.
Dabbing the corners of her eyes with the edge of her apron, she nods. “For what it’s worth, what you and George did today was very selfless and generous.”
“We wanted to,” I say, waving her off.
“No, Madison. Hear me out. The entire town of Heartsboro is grateful for you. A sure peace settled right over Ralph when you showed up yesterday. It was like he knew George was gonna be okay with you by his side. You gave him that peace.”
I’m stunned by Jenny’s kind words, unsure how to reply. “Well, I love him very much. And I love George too.”
“We know you do, sweetie. And all of us love you too. You’re family now.”
Jenny puts her arms around me, and we hug. The sound of laughter coming from the bedroom makes me smile.
“Oops, sorry to interrupt.”
I pull back from Jenny and notice Beverly standing in the doorway. I divert my attention to my sister. “Jenny was just telling me another Ralph story. You want some cake?”
“Sure, in a minute. But first, can I talk to you outside on the porch for a sec?”
“Okay.” I look at Jenny and say, “Save me a couple of pieces, would ya?”
“No worries. I brought enough to feed the entire town.” She offers me a genuine smile and resumes her cutting.
Bev pushes open the screen door, and we walk outside. I scan the crowded lot of parked cars; the turnout for our wedding-turned-celebration party, impressive.
“First of all, you were right. I love him,” Beverly says, crossing her arms across her chest.
My smirk is immediate, and I playfully bump her arm with my fist. “Told ya.”
“He’s so handsome, and the way he looks at you… Wow. That man is definitely in love.”
I feel a rush of heat across my cheeks. “I love him too. I do.” I’m still wearing my makeshift bride outfit and tuck my loose hair behind my ears.
“I’m proud of you, Maddy.”
“You are?”
“Mmhmm. You finally did it. You changed your life for the better. You’re practically glowing.”
I’m thankful for my sister’s compliment. “I don’t look like a displaced bride in this get-up, do I?” I open my arms wide.
“No. You look incredible, sis.”
“Thanks. So do you. I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Me too.” Beverly approaches the porch railing and places her hands on the wood. She looks out over the land and sighs.
“What’s wrong?”
“I overheard something I think you should know.”
“What?”
She grabs my hand and guides me down the stairs a few yards away from the house. It’s as if she doesn’t want anyone overhearing our conversation.
“What is it, Bev? You’re scaring me.”
A gentle breeze blows her hair back from her youthful face, and she hesitates.
“Tell me.”
She nods. “Some of the guests inside were talking about Kip. And it wasn’t good.”
“Who?”
“A couple of the guys I’m assuming are farmhands. You know, the big guys wearing boots and jeans?”
Anger flares in my belly, and I unconsciously fist my hands. “What did you hear them say?”
“They said they'd look for work elsewhere if Kip buys half the farm. Apparently, he’s a horrible boss.” She takes a step toward me. “Maddy, those men don’t want anything to do with Kip. The only reason they’ve stayed this long is because of Ralph.”
I’m stunned by this news. The thought of these men leaving George high and dry is unsettling. He needs them. I need them. The only person we all agree we don’t need is Kip.
“I thought you should know,” Bev says.
I nod. “Thank you. I’ll take care of it. After today, I don’t think Kip will show his face around here anymore.”
Especially with his black eyes and swollen nose, I think to myself.
“Why? Did something happen?”
There wasn’t time to tell my sister about how I found Kip by the side of the barn after his brawl with George. I press my top teeth into my lower lip and nod.
“Something huge happened between Kip and George today. It’s been a long time coming. Let’s just say Kip won’t be in charge of these guys anymore. He’s about to get fired.”
Beverly gasps. “No way!”
“Oh, yes. He’s done enough damage around here. He might’ve pulled one over on Ralph but won’t be so lucky with me.”
“So, is that why you canceled your wedding? Because something happened between Kip and George and not because you got cold feet?”
“What?” I’m confused.
She folds her arms across her chest again. “You canceled the wedding ceremony and turned it into a celebration of life party. Did you get cold feet or what?”
I sigh, realizing my sister doesn’t know the whole story.
“No, it’s nothing like that. We both realized today wasn’t the right day to get married.
Ralph is barely hanging on, and George and I still need to work out some of the details of our relationship.
” I suddenly laugh out loud. “And who would want to get married to a bride wearing this, huh?”
“Stop it,” she giggles. “I already said you look amazing. But for the record, I’m excited we’ll get to go dress shopping now.”
Her dark eyes, which remind me of my father’s, focus on my face as she lifts her chin into the air. “Just… promise me you’ll give this new soft life a chance, okay? It totally agrees with you, and I love seeing you so happy.”
“I will. I already have.”
She shakes her head. “No. Pinky-swear promise.” She holds her pinky up between us.
I smile and link my pinky with hers. “Pinky-swear promise, Bevvy. I’m choosing to slow down. I’m choosing George and a new life here, on this farm. I’ve stopped running. I hope you’ll come visit me every chance you can get.” I lean in and press my forehead to hers.
“I will.”
“Don’t get your hopes up for any homemade banana bread or crocheted doilies when you come. But I promise to learn how to make the good coffee.”
Bev laughs. “Atta girl.”
We’re quiet for a moment, our heads still pressed together, pinkies linked.
“You’re my best friend, Beverly. Your approval means the world to me.”
“Oh, I approve.”
I step back from her, my eyes scrolling her pretty features. I’m thrilled by her support.
“Seriously?”
She nods, her voice cracking in her response. “You and George were made for each other.”