Chapter 30
M aggie stepped out of the entrance of the administration building and pulled the hood of her arctic parka over her head. Susan’s car waited at the curb. She clutched the hood closed at her throat and hurried down the wide stone steps to the car.
“Thanks for picking me up,” she said as she climbed inside.
“Of course,” Susan replied. “It’s far too cold for you to walk to the library.” She reached over and ran her hand along the quilted arm of Maggie’s coat. “This is nice and warm, isn’t it?”
“It sure is,” Maggie said. “I didn’t think I’d ever need it here in Westbury, but I’m glad you gave it to me as a ‘just because’ gift.”
“Aaron bought me one for Christmas, and I thought the same thing,” Susan said. “Then it got so cold a couple of weeks ago, and I was thankful to have it. When I saw the forecast for another record freeze, I decided to buy you one.”
“You are the best daughter,” Maggie said. “Thank you—and happy Valentine’s Day.”
“Same to you, Mom. What are you doing the rest of the day?”
“John made reservations for us at Stuart’s Steakhouse tonight.
After the grand opening of the sewing machine exhibit at the library, I thought I’d head home and finish my day there.
I’ve worked late every night for the past week.
I don’t have any meetings today. If it hadn’t been for Anita’s exhibition opening, I would’ve worked from home the entire day. ”
“I like the sound of that,” Susan said, pulling into the library parking lot. “And instead of working when you get home, I suggest you do something you enjoy. You’re entitled to an afternoon off.”
“What are you doing today?” Maggie asked, changing the subject. “You’re awfully chipper. Are you feeling better?”
Susan parked the car. “It’s like I’m a new person,” she said. “I haven’t had morning sickness for the past two days. It’s like someone flipped a switch—no more nausea, and my energy level is back to normal.”
“That’s wonderful, honey,” Maggie said. “You must be past the first trimester.”
Susan nodded. “Last time, I was sick my whole pregnancy. I hope this one is different.”
“Are you and Aaron going out to dinner?”
Susan shook her head. “We didn’t make reservations because I was so sick. We’d never get them now, anyway,” she said. “Plus, we don’t have a babysitter.”
Maggie cocked her head to one side. “You remember that you just told me to take the afternoon to do whatever I want?”
Susan looked at her mother and nodded.
“The thing I’d most like to do is spend time with Julia. Can you bring her to Rosemont after we’re done here?” Maggie’s eyes sparkled. “Since you’re finally feeling good again, why don’t we keep her overnight? You and Aaron can take our reservation at Stuart’s, and I’ll make something at home.”
“Oh, Mom, that’s so nice. But I don’t want to interfere with John’s plans for your Valentine’s Day.”
Maggie rolled her eyes. “You know as well as I do that there is no person on the face of this earth he would rather spend an evening with than his granddaughter. We can go to Stuart’s anytime.
” She took her daughter’s hand. “I know how miserably sick you’ve been, honey.
I’d love to give you and Aaron a chance to enjoy yourselves without worrying about Julia. ”
Susan pressed back into her seat, a smile spreading across her face like kindling catching flame. “Honestly, Mom, I can’t think of anything we’d like better.”
“It’s a plan, then,” Maggie said. “Now let’s get inside. I don’t want to miss Anita’s remarks. I hope this cold weather doesn’t keep the turnout down. She’s put in a lot of effort.”
“I had the same thought,” Susan said. “So I called our book club members the day before yesterday. All of them are going to attend.”
Maggie grinned at her daughter. “I adore the way the women of Westbury support each other.”