Chapter 9 – Perfect

Ben pulled the buggy to a halt in front of Mrs. Bradley's, but before he could get down and knock on the door, Ellie came running out to greet him. "Marjorie is taking a nap, and I didn't want you to wake her," she explained. "She didn't sleep well last night."

"Is she alright?" Ben was concerned, Mrs. Bradley had been so nice to both him and Ellie.

"She seems to be. Just couldn't sleep." She climbed on board the buggy before Ben could get down to help, and kissed him on the cheek. "I'm so happy you're here. I couldn't wait for church to be over today."

"Looking forward to tomorrow?" Monday was the first day of school.

"I always look forward to a new year. Old faces coming back, new little ones to fill in the blank spots, a brand new start for everyone, even me."

"You really do love it, don't you?" Ben asked as they drove along the busy streets of Baton Rouge.

"Yes, I do. It's one of the great joys of my life." She opened up the satchel that she carried. "I brought a bottle of wine I thought you might like."

"Good. I forgot one, so your thoughtfulness is welcome. I did bring glasses. I don't know what I thought we were gonna drink." Ben gave a little laugh. He'd been so determined to get everything else perfect that he'd forgotten the wine.

"See there? We work well together. I forgot the glasses!" And Ellie smiled like a schoolgirl.

Ben drove them north of Baton Rouge, along the Mississippi River, until they escaped the noise of the city. He found a grove of Red Maple trees and pulled the buggy under them, in the shade where the breeze from the river reminded him of Little Bend. Ellie looked around with wonder. "Oh, isn't this beautiful!" she exclaimed. This time Ben got around to help her down, then grabbed the picnic basket from the back seat. There was a blanket over the top, and he found just the right spot and spread it on the grass.

"Here, let's have some wine first," she suggested, and helped him retrieve the glasses. Ben poured half a glass each, and then offered a toast.

"To the finest schoolteacher in Baton Rouge, and to sharing many more Sunday afternoon's with her." They drank some of their wine, then Ben leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. Her eyes sparkled, and he kissed her again, this time on the lips. The kiss was soft and tender, and she responded with one of her own. "I think we better eat before this wine goes to our heads."

"You're probably right," she agreed, and they began emptying the basket. Fried chicken, potato salad, corn bread, and giant pickles, plus a variety of cookies for dessert. "My goodness, there's enough here to feed a small army."

"That's just what I feel like," Ben replied. Ellie was about to be exposed to the Maverick appetite.

They ate and talked and drank wine. Ben filled Ellie in on the Maverick family tree, including his brother and nephews in Little Bend and his niece and her babies in Montana.

"You certainly have a colorful family. And an interesting one, too," she told him. "Have they ever come to visit Baton Rouge?"

"Beauregard and the boys have been here, but not their wives or the grandkids. They're such a big bunch, it's hard to travel. Of course, that's partly Bart's fault, he and Doralice just kept havin' those babies. I'm surprised they stopped at five. And to think there was a time the boy thought he wasn't cut out to be a father!"

"Speaking of being a father, how does Beau feel about having a new baby, since the other two are almost grown?"

"He's thrilled. They've wanted one for years, and it just never happened. And now Dani's gonna be a momma again. Now if Beau could just be happy with his business, his life would be about perfect."

"He doesn't enjoy being a land broker?"

"Not really. There was one thing he really loves, and he was good at it, too. But Danielle would probably have a fit if he went back to it."

"And what was that?"

"Operating a saloon. He ran the one in Montana, The Four Mavericks, and he loved it. I know he misses it somethin' fierce. And he was good at it, too. Not that he ain't good at the land business, he just doesn't care for it."

"And Danielle doesn't want him to be happy?"

"Oh, she does, she just wants it to be her kind of happy."

"Society happy?" Ellie asked.

"That's it. I try not to interfere. But I wish he would say something to her. He seems so miserable every day when he goes to the office."

"Can't he keep the land business and buy a saloon, maybe something small at first, so they can both be happy?"

"We'll see. I think he's about ready to suggest that." Ben yawned. "See, I've got my belly full, now I'm ready for a nap."

"Lay down." Ellie patted the blanket next to her, and Ben took Ellie up on her offer. He closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, and soon Ellie was lying next to him. An hour later Ben woke with Ellie's head on his shoulder. He kissed her eyelids, and her eyes opened slowly.

"Didn't know you were gonna join me," he murmured before he reached down and kissed her again, just as soft and tender as the first time.

"A girl could get used to that," she whispered back to him.

"So could I," he told her as he kissed her one more time. He gathered her into his arms and held her close; he could feel her heart beating. "Ellie . . ."

"Shhh. Just kiss me, Ben." And so he did.

XXXXXXXX

"What time will school be over tomorrow?" Ben asked as he drove her home, later that evening.

"Around four o'clock."

"Can I pick you up?"

"If you'd like."

"I'd very much like."

"Ben, there something I wanted to ask you."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Would you go to church with me next Sunday?"

"You sure you want to be seen with me?" he laughed.

"Yes, sir. I certainly do."

"Alright. I'll come pick you up around ten o'clock. Is that good?"

"It's perfect."

'Yes, it is,' Ben thought.