Lucky To Be Loved: The Sequel to Connections

By Claudette King-Welcome

I closed my eyes while I was raising myself off the chair to fall into his arms. I kept my eyes closed while my head was pressed hard against his chest. I was afraid to open them to look, just in case I had mistaken him for someone else. And, I didn't want to utter a word about anything-just in case it came out wrong. The only thing I wanted to

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stratton Press
• Release date: Oct 5, 2020
• ISBN: 9781648952005

Book preview

Acknowledgments

Iwould like to express special thanks to my wonderful husband, Charles, my friends, family, and supporters who have never stopped asking me for more!

Chapter One

Being a journalist can sometimes be rewarding because of the wonderful stories waiting to be discovered. However, the not-so-wonderful ones are just as important. For instance, next week I will be heading out west to do a story on the homeless . Oftentimes I’m traveling to and fro, going about my business, and I never bother to pay any attention to the homeless people downtown. They are generally seen wandering around the Clover Park Bridge, and I do not go anywhere close to that area. However, my new assignment will be taking me to Malachi, which is a very big city about seven hundred miles away from home.

From what I was told, the homeless people in the city of Malachi are being approached by a certain group of doctors who are offering them money in exchange for healthy organs. So far, a few have returned with one less kidney and a pocketful of cash, while some have yet to be found.

I doubt that this is going to be anything like some of the wonderful stories I have delivered in the past.

My first priority is to verify if these doctors are legitimate, or if this could be a black market operation geared toward exploiting the poor and needy.

Tomorrow is Independence Day, and after I am done with the meeting and greeting of the old and the newcomers into the family business, I will be headed to Malachi to commence my assignment.

Independence Day is quite a large and memorable undertaking in my family.

My sister, Marlene, was always inspired by patriotism, and she has devoted plenty of her free time hobnobbing with a small group of influential Democrats in town. Knowing her, she will be going to extremes to impress her comrades at the grand affair tomorrow, which is another way of reminding them of her dedication.

Poor Monk, who is my six-year-old nephew, is still practicing the national anthem, which is to be recited at the grand family gala. My darling little niece, Bethany, who is only four, shall be waving the flag while Monk does his rendition.

There’s absolutely no need of putting the kids through this, in my opinion. But our views are mostly on opposite sides, especially when it comes to family matters. And because she thinks she knows so much more than I do, I am always happy to give her the benefit of the doubt.

She could not wait to graduate from law school so they could be married. Dad was very disappointed when she decided to marry Barchas. He argued relentlessly that she should be taking advantage of her education and working as an attorney.

They met in law school and are both attorneys now. But Marlene’s desire of becoming his wife and a mother was far more fulfilling than defending victims of crimes. The fact that she even became pregnant before they were married was not a bit surprising to me because having his baby was always on her mind. Anyway, when the news of her pregnancy came out, our father took it to heart and was dreadfully embarrassed that his daughter was pregnant and out of wedlock.

Knowing my father, he would not stop hunting until he found the jerk who had knocked up his daughter and tried getting away with it. And knowing my father, if that thought did not cross his mind, something close to that effect did.

On the contrary, knowing Barchas, the only reason why he stayed clear of Daddy was because he was deathly afraid of facing the music with him. My father was just so predictable that Aunt Carolyn called him the man with the glass suit.

Anyhow, with Daddy on the outs with Marlene, she drew much closer to Aunt Carolyn, coupled with the love and support of Grandma Gracie. And it was barely two weeks after the unnecessary loss of sleep when both sides of the family came together to plan a dream wedding for their son and daughter. Thanks to Aunt Carolyn for focusing more on Marlene and ignoring Daddy during his ranting and raging from the initial shock of the news.

Quite frankly, I never saw the imminent danger my father was trying to protect Marlene from. From the first time we met, I had a good feeling about Barchas, and all along I knew that one day he would marry her.

And now that he’s content that his daughter is happily married to one of the most prominent attorneys in town, Daddy is always proud to let his friends know that she’s his personal attorney.

Ironically, my father is now getting on my case about my single life. He’s constantly dropping little hints about seeing me settling down with Jax and giving him grandchildren. But he’s got to be out of his mind thinking that I am ever going to fulfill that wish. Time and time again, I have made it clear to all in the family that I do not wish to have children. And the task of landing a good husband is more than I care to take on—especially at a time when marriage seems to be so dead ended to me.

Every now and then, my boyfriend of three years, Jaxon, makes little hints about tying the knot. But I’m just not ready for that sort of thing. And moreover, he’s a divorcé with a thirteen-year-old son, whom I love very much. But unlike my sister, parenting is not something I care very much about. I care deeply for Jaxon, and I know that he loves me. But after losing my first boyfriend, Shavory, to that wretched Flavia Tompkins, I kind of lost my way and the desire to love anyone beyond the tip of my heart.

With just a few hours left before ending my day, I drove to the car wash to get mine detailed. The lot was pretty full with customers. I guess everyone wants his car to be shining and ready for tomorrow’s big event.

The parade at Buchanan Park is very exciting. The floats and fireworks display draw thousands from the area and neighboring towns to come out and share in the celebration. And it’s only that time of year when anyone gets the rare opportunity of eating Mr. Shorty’s peanut butter ice cream. But if for nothing else, it is always a dream for every child to attend the yearly event because of the fun rides and the clowns and, of course, to watch the skies above them transform into a ceiling of colorful lights.

I found a parking space much farther away from where I usually left my car until it was my turn to get it cleaned. I got out of the car and walked toward the waiting area and looked around to see if Ranger was there. I spotted him working tirelessly on a minivan, but I was willing to wait until he could get to my car because to me he was the best detailer on the lot.

While I was sitting there and trying to pass the time reading the newspaper, Jaxon pulled in and took a parking spot close to where I was parked. I rose to my feet and signaled him to come over to join me.

He was smiling as usual as he walked toward me. A few seconds later, I saw his son, Kennedy, exit the car and walk slowly behind his dad while he fidgeted with his with his new Pac-Man game. I walked to meet them halfway and was greeted with a nice hug and kiss from dear ole Jax. I then stepped aside to receive my usual hearty hug from Kennedy.

Jax, as I always called my boyfriend, appeared a little down—not like his usual spunky self. But this happens every time I have to go out of town on my assignments.

I tried to ignore the depressed look on his face and made small talk about tomorrow’s events. But he was not interested in my ramblings, so I turned my attention to Kennedy and asked him to show me his new toy. Jax suddenly took my hand as if to return my attention to him because he thought his concern was more important that his son’s game. Kennedy looked on for a short while, and then he stepped away because his dad’s concerns were disturbing his concentration on his game.

"You know something, Christina, I don’t know how much longer I can take this back-and-forth thing with you."

Come on, Jax! You know I don’t have the patience for this kind of thing. This is my job we’re talking about! What do you expect me to do?

"Look, honey, I don’t want you to get the wrong idea. You know how much I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Come on, Christina, let’s get real about this. We’ve been dating a little over three years now. And it’s like you’re just keeping me hanging on. Every time you go away on your assignments, I’m left with a sinking feeling that even after those years of loving you and giving you my all, I may not yet even begin to scratch the surface of your heart, not to mention being a part of it."

What is that supposed to mean, Jax? You know how much I care for you!

"Yes, my darling—that is the point! I believe that you do care for me, but do you realize, Christina, that you have never told me that you’re in love with me? Not once!"

Why are you doing this now? You know that I will be leaving in a couple of days. And good God almighty, Jax—you’re doing it again!

Doing what, Chrissy?

You are trying to put a guilt trip on me, Jax! Every time I have to go out of town to work, you always try to find a way to make my life and my trip as miserable as hell!

Come on now, baby, don’t make it sound so bad. You know how much I love you, and I only wish it were different between us.

Pay attention, Jax! I am thirty-five years old, OK? I am not ready to start thinking of marriage. I was hoping that you would find safety in our relationship, especially since you have been married before and it failed so dreadfully. Do you realize how damn lucky you are to have a woman like me? I’m independent, successful, and stable. I feel secure enough in our relationship, and I like it the way it is. I wish that you would only enjoy what we have here and now instead of bugging me about setting a wedding day! Getting married at this age is definitely not attractive to me, Jax. And you shouldn’t be rushing to getting back into another one, either!

That is the whole point, Christina! You are almost thirty-six, and I will be forty-two in a few months. I really would like it if we could be married and have a child together.

Are you out of your mind, Jax Wigginton! What the hell are you trying to do? Propose to me…at a car wash? You must be out of your freaking mind, Jax Wigginton. And whoever told you that I wanted to have a child? A child, Jax Wigginton? Oh, no, no, no! You must be crazy-stupid and out of your mind like an idiot, Jaxon Wigginton!

Jax remained quiet while I waited for a response. But he said nothing. I turned my head and looked around and noticed that I had created an audience out of the customers who were sitting close to us. I then realized that I was speaking and screaming very loudly and must have embarrassed him with my outrageous outburst. I turned my head to the other side and realized that Kennedy had returned to wait in the car, and I knew he was upset about my treatment of his father.

With his good old practical self, he simply rose to his feet and said, Come on, sugar, let’s get out of here and get something to eat.

Good idea, I said.

I immediately went to pick up my car and drove behind them to the Burger Pit, which was just a few miles away.

On my way there, I could not shake the feeling of disgust about the way I had treated Jax. He’s always treated me very well, and his kid is just so wonderful. But yet I always find a way to prevent him from getting any closer. I have reached my comfort level with him, and he just cannot see that I like things the way they are. Sometimes I wonder if this is a matter of control or a matter of fear or both.

I pulled up right next to him and parked. He and Kennedy exited the car, and I walked up to them. He took my hand, and we walked into the restaurant while Kennedy was still playing with his Pac-Man game.

As soon as we were seated, I tried to apologize for my behavior back at the car wash, but Jax softly said, Honey, let’s just order our food, and we’ll talk about this later after we get home.

You mean you’re coming home with me tonight, baby?

But of course, honey. I only have tonight and tomorrow left to spend with you before you’re off on your trip.

I looked at Kennedy, and he smiled at me as if to say, Christina, please be nice to my dad. I smiled back at him and told Jax that it was a great idea, and I asked Kennedy if he would like to come home with me too. Quickly he laughed out loud and said no, he would much prefer to go home.

While we were eating, I was still wondering about what was going to happen next after returning from my trip. I’d had several outbursts with him, but none as bad as the one at the car wash, and I was certain that he was thinking that I might have taken this way too far.

The food felt as if it was forming a bloated sensation in my throat as I became more anxious about my situation. I really feared losing him, but I was not interested in marriage. I just wanted to be with Jax with no strings attached. Sometimes I wondered secretly if it could be the family fortune that I was protecting. But then again, Jax was a successful surgeon and well-respected everywhere, but even more so here in Watertown. He may not have had near the amount of wealth as my family, but he had more than enough to be considered well-off.

He raised his head and looked at me. He noticed that I was not eating half as much as I used to, and he asked if I was all right. Quickly I forced a big smile and told him that I was saving my appetite for the big day tomorrow.

I hope you are not planning to change your mind about coming with me tomorrow, Jax. You know how much the family likes having you spend time with them. And you know how much Kennedy likes spending time with Brandon at the stables.

Where else would I be, Christina? You know that I’ll be on call, but other than that, I’m planning to spend the entire day with you.

I looked at Kennedy and asked him how he felt about the plan, and I saw that he was extremely excited.

Kennedy ordered chocolate fudge for dessert, and it sounded like a calming solution for my anxiety. I told the waitress that I too would like a serving of the same dessert. Jax had coffee, and soon after we were out of there.

Jax took Kennedy home and promised that he would see me later. I went home feeling a little better. But while I was driving back, I started getting flashbacks of something Jax had told me a long time ago. He had tried to be very diplomatic about it, but the bottom line was he perceived that I was emotionally unstable. There’s no doubt in my mind that he was thinking that same thing again today and all those other times I’ve verbally abused him.

I admit there were times when I got depressed about certain situations, especially from things in my younger years. But the way I look at it, everybody gets depressed, even if it’s for a short time. However, just for the sake of clearing Jax of his perceptions, I will be checking around for a therapist as soon as I return from my trip.

As soon as I was inside my house, I went straight to the bathroom for a quick shower and tried to relax in bed with a cup of tea. It was still early, about seven o’clock in the evening, and I knew that I would not be seeing Jax until about ten or so. I picked up the phone and gave my sister, Marlene, a call.

Hey, sis, what you doing?

Not too much. We just got through dinner, and I was just about to start cleaning up the kitchen.

You mean…you are cleaning up the kitchen?

Uh-huh. Allora took the day off. She called in sick today.

Well, that’s a new one for the books. My sister Marlene cleans her kitchen.

Shut up, Chrissy, and be nice for a change.

"I think you are so lucky to have Allora, sis. At least you can call me nice for helping out in getting her to come and work for you."

You are right about that one. I was glad when Miss Cassie told me that I could have her. I don’t believe that woman really liked the idea of having a Christian housekeeper around, especially someone who’s constantly talking about the coming of the Lord. But as you know, Miss Cassie is not afraid to speak her mind. Not even against Jesus when she feels like it. And sometimes I have to wonder if that old spitfire is a heathen. Anyway, I’m so glad you called, Chrissy. This gives me a chance to wind down and relax awhile.

Uh-huh. So how are my precious niece and nephew?

They are doing well, thank God. I’m sure they’re upstairs getting into some kind of trouble. But Monk better be certain to remember his lines for tomorrow, or else he’s going to be punished.

Good heavens, Marlene! Take it easy on him. He’s only six years old, you know.

My sister hates it when I raise my voice. Several moments of silence lingered after that unwelcome remark.

While I tried to be calm and waited for her to respond, I wondered what made her decided to name her son Monk. Good heavens! Why Monk? But I dared not start trying to rub her the wrong way again because she would certainly bite my head off. Thank goodness she took my advice and named Bethany after our grandmother, Gracie Mae. Bethany was her middle name, and we all agreed that it was beautiful.

And where’s my famous brother-in-law?

I was hoping when I asked her about her husband she would have a change of heart as she always does because she loves talking about him. And I did win her approval—just by the simple mention of him.

You know Barchas—he’s always rummaging around for something in the garage even when he’s not in need of anything. But this time I believe he’s out there sorting his boxes of fireworks for tomorrow night. Right now I could use a back rub after such a long and tiring day, but I better not bother him now since he’s out there working. I will just have to wait until later. Enough questions about me already, Chrissy! So why don’t you tell me what you have been up to lately?

"Girl, I don’t know what to tell you, other than I still continue to scream at Jax every time he gets into this marriage crap with me."

Excuse me, my sister!

Come on now, Marlene, you know what I mean. Don’t include yourself into that comment. This is not about you, even though you’ve tried to make me jealous from time to time. Everyone can see that you have the perfect marriage. I am very happy for you, and I hope it lasts forever.

Anyway, Chrissy, you’re right. Let’s not go there.

Yeah. So anyway, would you believe that Dr. Jax is on me again about settling down? And guess what, girl? He’s now talking about us having a child! Can you believe that?

Uh-huh, I can believe it.

Marlene, please, don’t even try pushing your speech! You are just as crazy as he is.

I think you’re the crazy one here, Christina. Just listen to yourself. Don’t you ever get tired of not understanding why you are so afraid of being loved? It is very obvious that you are dodging something. I’m sorry, sis, but any fool can see that there’s something screwy going on in that head of yours.

That comment from my sister floored me, and I realized that I was on the right path when I had decided a few hours before that I should be checking around to start getting some kind of therapy.

She waited for a response after spilling her guts about my behavior, but I smoothed over the comment because I did not want to deal with it at the time. So I told her that I was expecting Jax, and I needed to get off the phone to let him in.

I was happy to get out of that snag because she was starting to sound like a defense attorney, and I was not in the mood to deal with any facts or lecturing, especially when she was not on my side. And I should have known better—I know to call my grandmother when I need someone comforting to talk to.

I looked at the clock, and I called anyway, thinking that she could still be up. The phone rang, but it was Daddy who took the call.

Tate residence, was what he said when he answered the phone. That must be something new because he usually just said hello.

Hey, Daddy, what are you doing up so late?

Come on now, baby. You know your daddy don’t get in bed until half past ten every night.

So where is Grandma? Is she up too?

No, baby, your grandma ain’t here.

Where is she, Daddy? It’s almost nine o’clock.

I am just here by myself, sugar. Mama and Carolyn went by Miss Cassie’s house this evening, and they aren’t home yet. Is everything all right with you, baby? You sound worried.

Oh no, Daddy, everything is just fine. I just wanted to say hello to Grandma. OK, Daddy, I will see you tomorrow. I love you. Bye.

Within ten minutes of hanging up the phone, the doorbell rang, and I knew it had to be Jax.

As I was heading downstairs to get the door, the phone rang, and I had to run back upstairs to get it. It was Jax, calling to tell me that he had an emergency at the hospital and would be running a little late. That would be fine, I told him. After six months into the relationship, I had quickly learned that dating doctors is always a hit or miss when it comes to scheduling. Anyway, I hung up the phone and quickly ran downstairs to get the door. It was Brandon and his adopted brother, Simon.

I invited them to come inside, but I was very curious about what could have brought them here, especially at that time of the night.

Hey, big sister, what’s up? That was how Brandon greeted me, and he opened his arms to wrap them around my shoulders followed by a great big kiss. He’s really a nice kid, just a little on the loud side.

Look at you, all tall and starting to sound like a man. What are you two doing here?

Just passing through, he said. And Simon and I came out looking for more fireworks for tomorrow night. And I just wanted to stop in to say hi and see what you’re up to.

I told him that was very sweet of him, and I asked them if they wanted to have something to drink. They said no, but they were more interested in finding out if Kennedy would be coming to the family affair tomorrow.

I told them that Kennedy had been talking about it all week, and he couldn’t wait to join them so that he could have some real fun.

That’s awesome, sis! Brandon replied with much excitement in his voice. He said that he really liked Kennedy and that he couldn’t wait to show him his new horse.

By the time he finished his last statement, he put me in a state of shock.

What new horse, Brandon? You mean Dad bought you another horse?

"No, sis. Grandma Cassie got it for me last week after she heard that I made the honor roll."

Nice work, Brandon. How come nobody said anything to me?

I’m sure Grandma Gracie will tell you tomorrow.

OK, buddy, come over here and let me give you a hug for doing so well in school.

We chitchatted a bit longer while Simon was in the kitchen and talking on the phone. As soon as he was done, I noticed that he was hinting to Brandon that they should be on their way. Brandon got out of the chair and kissed me and warned me not be late tomorrow because he wanted to have a full day of fun with Kennedy, especially at the stables.

Brandon is now fifteen years old, and his love for horses started when he was about three. Daddy saw how excited he would become whenever he sees a movie with horses in it. Even if it was a coloring book of horses, he would be more attentive and anxious to complete it. So Daddy and Aunt Carolyn bought him his first pony for this fourth birthday. By the time he was ten years old, he had a pony and two horses. And now this—his grandma Cassie had gotten him another horse.

Brandon is Daddy’s only son, and he’s enjoying every minute of him. He’s Aunt Carolyn’s only child, and he has three grandmothers who adore him unconditionally.

Aunt Carolyn took home Simon as Brandon’s adopted brother after the death of his mother, Sue, who was Aunt Carolyn’s closest friend.

Of course, she put up a good fight to adopt Simon after his mother died in an auto accident fourteen years ago. Sue had just purchased her first car less than six months before the incident.

It was on a rainy day late one afternoon while she was on her way to get her son, Simon, from school. He was only seven years old at the time. She was rear-ended by a drunk driver, and she was thrown from the car after it spun several times—and she died instantly.

Poor Aunt Carolyn was devastated by the news. The tragedy took a terrible toll on her, and she could only find comfort within herself after the adoption was finalized.

It was right after that when she started the foundation People against Alcoholism. This is a disease she lived with firsthand because she watched her phony mother, Elizabeth, struggle to remain sober for many years. And she was only able to get clean after she was diagnosed with liver disease. I still don’t trust that witch. I swear I saw her a little bit on the tipsy side last Christmas.

I looked at the clock, and it was already midnight; I had spent the last few hours thinking about the family and everything that had been taking place over the sixteen years since Daddy married Aunt Carolyn.

I was really tired and did not feel like waiting up for Jax any longer. I turned the lights out and went upstairs to bed. And then the phone rang.

Hello!

Hi, honey! I’m so sorry about tonight, but I’ll be there in twenty minutes.

OK, Jax. I’ll wait up.

For a change, Jax was punctual. He did make it in twenty minutes, and I was happy to have him over. I could tell that he was pretty tired, but he was trying his best to be upbeat over the next hour or so.

I wanted to make up for my unforgiveable behavior, so I set a nice warm bubble bath for the both of us to relax into. I also lit one of my musk-scented candles. He looked delighted when I told him about the bath, and he immediately got up and went to turn on the stereo. Something special must have come to mind because it took him a while searching for his heart’s desire. And before long he found it: "I’ve been in love with you a little too long to stop now."

A sudden feeling of forgiveness washed over me, and most definitely I was in the mood for romance. I poured a glass of wine for him and apple cider for myself because I do not drink alcohol.

I took a sip, and he took a sip. He said nothing, and I took another sip and said ah, as if to totally exhale my fears. Then I unbuttoned his shirt and kissed his big, broad, hairy, and puffed-up chest tenderly with my eyes closed. I rolled my face from side to side, smothered between his breasts until I heard him say ah, as if he was more than ready to lay me down.

Still holding on to our drinks and each other, we went into the bathroom and slowly immersed ourselves into the high tides of the warm and sudsy water. We tried to relax awhile, and I tried waiting for him to finish his second glass of wine. But time was of the essence, and going by the way I looked at him, he sensed that the wine would have to wait or be taken in one big gulp.

He pulled me closer to him and thrust my head back to fill his mouth with my lips while his palms were fully loaded with my breasts. Then with my eyes still closed, I helplessly crumbled under his spell and made way for more.

With my hair soaking wet, along with everything else, and his huge muscles fully flexed and feeling twice as hard—along with everything else—it was time for me to make my move.

I slowly eased myself away from his caress so that I could climb all over him to give him his favorite lap dance. But when he touched me there and told me how much he loved me, I realized that he was more interested in reminding me that he was the greatest lover on God’s green earth. His huge but gentle arms firmly grabbed my backside and spun me around as if I were a toddler in a bath bucket.

The lovemaking was robust, pelting, and sometimes very terrifying. And it made me wonder if he was subconsciously trying to make me pay for embarrassing him so terribly.

I wanted him to stop sometimes. But the bittersweet movements deep inside of me only left me squirming and screaming his name.

Chapter Two

The next morning I had to set the tub again, but only for myself this time. I badly needed to make use of Aunt Carolyn’s homemade remedy for the aches and pain I was left with after Jax was through making love to me last night.

As soon as I was through with soaking myself in the herbal bath, I went and shook Jax until he was awakened and reminded him to go get Kennedy. He looked at the clock and realized that it was already half past nine, and we had not checked to see if he was OK. I hated when that happened. He was only thirteen years old; he should never be left home alone overnight. He hurried to get home to his son while I called to let him know his dad was on his way. However, all was well with him, and he was quick to inform me that he was already up and dressed and was very anxious to spend the day with my family.

By the time it was eleven o’clock, I was on my way to be with the family, and I was in a great mood.

The midmorning air on that beautiful summer morning was fresh and thin, and the sweet-smelling daylilies bearing clusters of large orange and yellow flowers were bursting with the fullness of the morning sun. As I walked along the garden path toward the main house, I could see Daddy and Brandon heading toward the stable, which was on the south side of the plantation. I continued walking towards the back entrance of the kitchen door when suddenly I was greeted by my beautiful niece, Bethany, and of course my handsome nephew, Monk, who was standing right next to her.

Hi, Aunt Chrissy! Do you want me to say the national anthem for you?

But of course, Monk! And who taught you the national anthem, baby?

My mommy.

OK, baby. Say the national anthem for Auntie.

Wait, Monk! my little Bethany screamed out. Let me get the flag ’cuz I want to wave it for you!

OK, he said, and then he waited anxiously for his little sister to return with the flag. But after waiting five or so minutes without her returning with it, we went inside to look for her and found her watching Sesame Street on TV. The puppets were performing in the parade downtown, and she was having a lot of fun, jumping and singing the Cookie Monster song. And the flag was nowhere around.

Monk was very upset with his sister, and I had to stop him from crying by giving him a kiss and a five-dollar bill. He was off and running, and I was certain that Jax would be his next audience by the time he set foot in the door.

I stepped inside the kitchen to say hello to Rosalinda, the resident housekeeper. She was her usual cheerful self, and as always, she was very hard at work.

The kitchen was never quite the same sweet spot since Grandma decided that it was time leave the cooking to someone else. Thankfully, at the request of my father, most of her recipes continue to take precedence over all others. But the absence of her humming and sporadic instances of belting out a Negro spiritual of olden days while she’s cooking reminds me of her invaluable presence in the family.

I walked up to the refrigerator and helped myself to a glass of the freshly squeezed fruit punch, which was also one of my grandmother’s recipes. It’s well worth making reference to her fruit punch because I believe she’s the only one to spice it with pimento seeds and cinnamon sticks.

While I was still savoring the soothing and wholesome drink, I left and went outside to sit on my grandmother’s rattan chair, which was next to the old rosemary patch. I reflected on the days when it was just we four and a pet in the family. There was Grandma and her cat, Becky, Daddy, Marlene, and me. Everything was so good and so much better back then. I was happy when Daddy built this new house for us. Well, I thought it would be just for us because that was what he told my sister and me while it was being constructed. And after we were through with college, our goal was to return home and take care of Daddy and Grandma. But those dreams did not materialize because Daddy started a separate family of his own.

I was barely fifteen years old and Marlene was thirteen when our mother passed away. Our mother was very beautiful, and her image follows me everywhere. Anything soft and pretty, anything warm and forgiving reminds me of her. Back then are the most memorable years of my life.

Thankfully, Grandma Gracie agreed to move in with us when Daddy asked her to, and she did her best to give us the best life. And I still remember the days when Daddy worked like a dog to keep us in college and built this beautiful home for us.

But times have changed, and before we were out of college, he found his new bride, Aunt Carolyn. Then came baby Brandon, then came little Simon, then came Rosalinda the maid, and then of course, four horses. These are the new additions to the family—and Daddy and Grandma Gracie are enjoying every minute of this new arrangement.

Sometimes I wonder if that was the reason Marlene started a family so quickly—so that she could marry and start a life of her own. That way she would not have to be directly involved in the life that Daddy had started for himself and Aunt Carolyn. But Marlene has never mentioned that she had a problem with it. She was always happy that Daddy found love and happiness. And of course, Daddy expanded her wallet quite handsomely after she got married. No wonder they were able to buy that mansion they now have. And because she is the family lawyer, she’s more in touch with the details of the company’s operation and day-to-day events.

Daddy’s landscaping business went public and is now franchised all over the country. He has his own line of tractors, lawnmowers, and gardening tools. Honestly, I must say that was Aunt Carolyn’s idea, and it has become a success story here in Watertown. The corporate office is located in downtown Watertown, not too far from the credit union where she once worked.

Aunt Carolyn does nothing! She makes money just by breathing. Her mother, Miss Cassie, turned over 75 percent of her wealth to her, and the balance is in a trust fund for Brandon. Aunt Carolyn, with her banking and stock market experience, bought hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of stocks, and she made millions from it.

Aunt Carolyn’s first home was given to me when I told them that I would prefer not to move back in with the family after I graduated from college. I know that her home is worth quite a bit now, but it’s nothing compared to my sister’s home and the family’s. Also, I am the only woman in this family who works, and I am starting to think, seriously, that something is wrong with that picture!

My thinking cap was blown off by a hearty hug and kiss from Marlene. She sneaked up from behind me and tugged on my ponytail. She looked wonderful, and I was thrilled to see her—and so we started talking.

"What are you doing out here sitting by yourself as if you were in dreamland?"

Oh nothing, my dear sister! I was just wondering what’s keeping Jax and Kennedy so long. They should have been here by now.

Oh, you worry too much, Chrissy. I’m sure they’ll be here soon. How is Kennedy doing nowadays? Is he still geeky?

You know that boy ain’t going to change. Ain’t got a thing to bother him, other than figuring out some new toy his dad just bought him.

And the handsome Dr. Jax? asked Marlene.

He’s fine, too, my dear—almost as geeky as his son. Anyway, before you start, let me be the first to say that I am not in the mood to talk about marriage or settling down or anything like that. So please don’t go there.

Uh-huh. Today is not the day for me to mind your business, Chrissy—just my own.

And Aunt Carolyn’s, I imagine?

Aunt Carolyn’s? Why did you say such a thing, Christina! And where did that come from?

I could not help but notice the grimace that suddenly stole her pleasing aura. I felt very badly within myself for upsetting my sister this way.

Never mind, Marlene, I don’t know why I said that. Please accept my apology. I was just trying to say that I know how much you love her. Please don’t think anything of it.

Chrissy, as I said before, I don’t want to talk about anybody’s business today but my own. All I want to do is enjoy my family on this beautiful Independence Day and eat as much as I can.

So that means that you aren’t upset with me?

You know what I think is a great idea, sis? Let’s just forget about it and go to the stable to say hello to our daddy and check out Brandon’s new horse.

That was really a great idea, and I was glad she got me off the hook. I felt like a brat, walking next to my younger sister. But that’s OK. I don’t mind being the witch in the family as long as I am finding a way to work my way back into my home.

As soon as we approached the stables, I heard the rumbling of an automobile a short distance away. I turned around and saw that Jax and Kennedy had arrived. I yelled to get their attention, and Kennedy was just too thrilled to get out of the car to run towards me—or so I thought. He raced past me and went directly to the stables.

I watched my boyfriend strolling in at a rather slow pace, taking in the magnificence of the gardens and the tranquility of just being there. As he walked and looked around the plantation, he threw his hands in the air, and with his head looking toward the sky, he yelled out, This is heavenly!

I said nothing. I just stood there and watched him rejuvenate as he got closer to me. Then suddenly I heard Daddy holler at him from behind me. Hey there, Jax, everything all right?

Couldn’t be better. And how about you, Mr. Tate?

Doing well! Can’t complain. I’m just out here helping Brandon with his horses. So how is life treating the good doctor?

You know how it is, Mr. Tate. Just work, work, and more work, all the time. But I love it!

By the time Jax finished his sentence, his beeper went off. He quickly gave me a kiss, and he was off again to the hospital to handle an emergency.

I turned around and moved close to Daddy and kissed him lightly on his cheek. I raised my head from his cheek, and he held my hand and said, Come on, girl, give your daddy some more sugar! I kissed him on the other cheek, and my lips were moistened by the salty sweat on his skin. I smiled and told him that he looked good. And so we started talking.

You know, honey, I miss you. You hardly come to see your daddy. And Mama just said to me the other day that she missed having you around. I know you work hard, and you are always going out of town. But I wish we could spend some more time together.

I know, Daddy, you’re right. Matter of fact, I was just thinking the same thing. I do need to spend more time with my old man. But don’t worry, Daddy, one of these days you will have me all to yourself."

That sounds like a good plan to me, sugar. Don’t take too long now, because your daddy is getting old.

I moved to step away from Daddy because I did not want him to see that my eyes were welling up with tears. I walked to the stables and looked at Brandon’s horses. They were beautiful, all white horses. Kennedy looked up and saw me looking at him grooming Star, which was his favorite of all of Brandon’s horses. And Brandon was busy polishing his saddle so that he could treat Kennedy to a ride.

Hey, Brandon! I hollered at him, followed by one of my friendliest smiles.

Hey, sis, I knew you’d be late.

That’s OK. As long as I’m here, that’s all that matters.

So what’s the name of your new horse? She’s so beautiful. I don’t believe I have ever seen any as pretty as her.

Mommy said I should call her Cookie.

"Cookie…Wow! Do you