I hope that was fast enough! Much thanks for all help given, it's so much easier when you can discuss part of stories and ideas with others. Sorry this chapter is really long, but Edie's family won't shut up!
I don't own the characters and never will, but enjoy knowing Pete has Edie and Edie has Pete.
Chapter 10
Edie switched on the bed lamp, reaching for the clock on the table nearby to check the time. The hands stood at the 1:00 mark. 'Great' she thought and placed it back on top of the knitted lace doily her mother kept in all the rooms. At this rate she was never going to get any sleep and she would need to be at her best tomorrow. Two hundred and fifty people were invited to the reception and she prayed earnestly that it wouldn't rain or be cold because there wasn't any way they'd all fit inside.
Since she would essentially be her mother tomorrow she would be in charge of making sure every one had a place to sit, that food was available and the open bar would remain open until the last Nolan, Miller and Wisniewki had had all they could hold. But it would be nice seeing old friends and relatives and celebrating Ashleigh's marriage.
She was very tired that wasn't the problem, nor was it the size of the bed, a twin, or the fact that this room tended to be the warmest one in the house. She missed Pete. The young woman smiled thinking of the first time she realized that she felt lonely in any bed where he wasn't laying beside her, where she couldn't hear him breathing steadily in and out, the nicest music to fall asleep too. She loved that the feel of him lying beside her was the most reassuring thing she had ever known and she never wanted to be without it. She remembered the first night they spent together the next night the whole apartment had been hollow and empty, and her bed fairly comfortable just a mere hours before had lost its appeal. Was he all right? Did he miss her like she was missing him?
Glancing back at the clock, the hands now showing it was ten minutes past the hour she briefly thought of calling him but decided against it. If he were asleep, he needed it and she didn't want to confuse him if he had awoken from a bad dream which please God don't let that be the case. Not to mention there wasn't a phone in the house where she could have privacy or not wake someone up.
She slid her feet into Pete's old slippers, not caring they were falling apart or were too big, and pursed the book selection on the small shelf by the door, noticing that the mysteries and psychology books she had left had been replaced with ones on the catechism and the saints. 'That must have been for Shayla's boy when he stayed here,' she thought. Shayla was Aunt Gerry and Uncle Stan's third child who had probably caused more trouble than the nine Nolan's offspring or their twenty all together but strangely no one ever seemed to talk about it. Shayla Marie wasn't quite 30 and had three children all boys from different husbands. When she would grew weary of one she'd go cry to her mommy and someone else in the family would take a boy and she'd get a divorce and then track down the next victim. 'Good family values there Shay.'
Edie settled back under the covers, rolling over on her left side. She honestly couldn't remember the last time she had slept alone; even when Pete had been in prison she had had Sherlock with her, who while a cat, he had been a warm spot on the other side of the mattress. She half thought of trying to persuade Macy to come in with her but the dog was too well trained and knew at night she was supposed to be in her bed in the kitchen. Some people weren't that well behaved.
Her mind went back to earlier in the evening, after she and Lisa had finished the almonds they put them in a box of decorations for the next day and decided it was about time they tried a piece of the chocolate cake that Aunt Iris had mentioned earlier. A key had turned in the front door, Peg Hart coming in and saying a breezy hello to her daughter and daughter-in-law, asking anxiously if they had gotten "them done."
"Yes ma'am." Lisa had nodded. "All netted, tied and boxed and now it's time for cake. Would you like a piece?"
"I couldn't eat another bite. Thank you for doing that," she had kissed each girl on the cheek, and headed upstairs. Ashleigh, the bride-to-be followed, running to give Edie a hug. "I'm glad you're here." She had told her older cousin. "Aunt Gerry and Aunt Ivy didn't send you an invitation like I instructed, they said something about your schedule, but I'm glad it worked out you can be here at all." Her eyes were sparkling with happiness Edie couldn't help but notice. Her long dark hair was piled up on top of her head, two curls framing her face, giving her a lovely, serene appearance very much like the pictures of her mother. But despite this both Edie and Lisa had noticed her eyes were watching the door like a hawk.
"It's all right." Edie had assured her about the invitation. It was so hard to believe her little cousin was getting married. "Can I get you a piece of chocolate cake?"
Ashleigh nodded and went over to sit with Lisa, while Edie brought her a plate and a glass of milk, and sat down beside her. The three sat talking and enjoying their cake, Lisa excusing herself when she saw Ben come in the door.
Ashleigh took a sip of milk, kept one eye on the door and turned towards Edie with an apprehensive look. "I need to talk to you later please; I just really need to ask you something."
"Of course Ash, what is it?"
"Ashleigh Victoria Miller! What did I tell you about that?" Aunt Gerry's voice cut into the conversation, reminding Edie at that moment of a bull horn."
"Aunt Gerry," the young girl sighed. "I AM getting married in the morning, remember? I'm 21 years old, I need to talk..."
"We've done all the talking you need." Her aunt had thundered. "Go sit with your Aunt Ivy until it's time to go to bed."
Picking up her plate of cake, she had given Edie a smile. "I don't think so. Maybe Aunt Ivy should sit with Uncle Homer for once in her life. So good night!"
"She's still such a child," Aunt Gerry shook her head. "I'm not sure if this marriage is such a good idea. But no one will listen to me."
"Why?" Edie had had to ask. "She's 21 and a college graduate. I haven't met Ryan but he sounds nice and I know Ash has good taste."
The woman made a sound in her throat as though she regarded Edie to be even younger and more foolish than Ashleigh, which also clued the blonde into the fact that her relative was concerned about something much more dreadful than whatever she had been alluding to. "And how are you doing Miss Edith?" Her aunt wedged herself between her two nieces and looked at Edie critically.
"How long has it been since you've been home—three, four years?"
Edie opened her mouth to answer but as so often happened her mother's sister kept right on talking. "I'm really very glad you're were able to come and help your Mother when she needs someone. She said you put the drapes back up and hung the curtains in the kitchen, which I know she really appreciated. And it looks so professional, Edith. I don't know what your mother would have done having to depend on one of the girls around here if they had had the time from taking care of the kids. And I doubt any of them would have known the first thing about it anyway, since their husbands do most of the heavy work, so your Mama is very fortunate indeed you were able to come."
Edie gave her best fake smile and started getting up, an 'excuse me Aunt Gerry, it's been a long day,' ready when the woman drew in closer and touched her arm. "Your Mama did tell me you are seeing someone, she didn't mean to I dragged it out of her, so don't be angry with her please. She said he was quite the fellow with a fancy police job and a new suit every night and really rakes the money in."
"He does make good money yes, but only because he's the best and you have to agree that you pay for quality." Edie insisted. "I have no idea where she got the new suit business, he does dress well but when you are paying a lot of money you don't want a bum working for you. And he's a private investigator Aunt Gerry; it's not the same thing as a policeman. Sometimes he helps the police, but he's independent. He can get into places they can't." She knew Pete would tell her defense of any kind wasn't necessary, but she wasn't going to let her aunt get away with this.
"Honey, I've heard it all boils down to money in the end. And Peg tells me your man is doing pretty well in that department. She also informed me he's doing well in your department. What would've happened if someone in the family not as reliable as me had heard that or Ashleigh had and actually thought it was acceptable for unmarried people to carry on that way."
Edie had swallowed the words that came rising to the surface, but as she had pulled back her chair she had realized she was trapped against the wall. "Will you excuse me please Aunt Gerry?"
"Well of course dear, sleep well." Her Aunt smiled, moving her chair so Edie could get out. "It is fairly late , but I guess you are much more used to that then the rest of us, working until what two or three every night and then going out or should I say in with your gentleman friend."
Edie had turned quickly not wanting her aunt to see her red face and the tears that were falling despite her best effort when she felt the warm arms of her father going around her. "Gerry, you don't mind if I steal my daughter from you?" he kissed the top of her blonde head. "She's the one person I haven't seen yet," and before the woman could answer he walked Edie out of the kitchen, his arm securely around her.
"Just ignore her Doddle-bug, she's not worth it." Michael Hart smoothed his daughter's hair and smiled down at her. "You know she likes to get people riled up."
Edie had nodded and kissed him on the cheek. "I know, she's just so irritating and all her back-handed compliments and what she said about Pete. " she stopped abruptly "I was beginning to think I wasn't going to see you."
"There wasn't any way you were going to come all the way here and I was going to let that happen. He held her back for a minute looking at her carefully, 'How are you?"
"Not bad." Edie found her voice and hugged her father close again.
"Liar," he chuckled. "You can't fool your old Papa. Come on; let's go raid the back porch fridge and you can tell me all about it."
They had sat out on the back porch steps wrapped in a blanket, each with a bottle of Budweiser, Macy laying between them. She couldn't recall the last time she had laughed so hard listening to Papa talk about trying to loose twenty pounds to fit into the suit Mama had gotten him when Ashleigh had asked him to give her away and how his friend Arnie had tried to take his bus home when he retired.
"How's Pete doing?" he asked after the man that held his daughter's heart. Less than a year ago he had gone to visit Mr. Peter Gunn and confront him on certain issues involving his little girl and had ended up taking the first punch in a fight that had left Pete with a black eye, split lip and a possible concussion.
Mike and Edie didn't speak for three days and he had feared she'd be angry with him forever, but while staying with her and Pete who had to be watched carefully for four days, he had learned a lot about the man Edie loved. And some how through it all he and Pete had become friends.
"I worry about him Papa." she sighed, leaning her head against his arm. "His nightmares aren't getting better and he won't talk to anyone about them. He says he's fine but he hasn't taken a client in a month. He doesn't even go to the police precinct anymore, Jacoby comes to see him or they met for lunch or coffee."
"I'm sorry Mama talked me into calling you." He let out a huge sigh. "He could have come with you..." his voice dropped.
"This is not the time for Pete to meet my family and you know he walks a tight-rope around Mama. He likes her very much and she likes a part of him or at least she says she does."
"Is there anything I can do to help? "
"I honestly don't know." She shook her head.
"What about his father, have you talked to him about Pete?"
"I have." She nodded, trying not to yawn.
"Maybe he could help Doodle-bug, maybe you should invite him down."
Edie sat thinking for a minute, gave Macy a final pat on the head and kissed her father good night. "Thank you Papa, I love you."
"I love you too Doodlebug. Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite."
But it was 3:00 now and sleep wasn't coming. If she were at home what would she be doing? On an uneventful night she'd either be sneaking bites of pie off of Pete's plate or be curled up with him in front of the fireplace. In the early days they would have lain there until he couldn't hold off any longer on taking her home but in the last few months it was laying there until one or the other of them got enough energy to help the other up the stairs. On nights that he was working or came in late and she went on home she'd be reading, or writing in her diary, maybe trying to put a puzzle together while chasing Sherlock around the apartment. That silly cat loved stealing the pieces and hiding them in various places for her to find later.
There was a soft almost hesitant knock at the door, Edie whispering loudly "come in."
Ashleigh quietly closed the door behind her. "I was hoping maybe you were awake. When I got up to use the bathroom I thought I had you walking around. Is it all right?" The brunette walked over to the bed and sat down. Her long hair was in a braid down her back, her pink pajamas covered with a brown cardigan.
"Not at all." Edie sat up and swung her legs over the side, her feet reaching for the slippers. "Doesn't matter what I do, I just can't seem to get to sleep."
The younger woman nodded her head in agreement. "I have way too many thoughts swirling around in my head. I can't believe I'm getting married tomorrow! Married! Me! I'm getting married. I'm going to marry Ryan Wisniewki and be his wife. It's overwhelming to me."
"Love tends to do that to you, it gives you the most incredible euphoric feeling and it also can frighten you to death." Edie took her cousin's hand. "I'm so happy for you sweetie ."
"Is that how it is for you and Mr. Gunn, um Pete. I know I'm not supposed to know about him, Aunt Gerry thinks I'm five or something and Ryan and I are just playing house. Aunt Peg and Uncle Mike, Aunt Gerry and Uncle Stan, Aunt Ivy and Uncle Homer, the whole family has done a lot for me and I love them, but they treat me like a child."
"They tend to smother." Edie nodded. "They don't realize that they were given the chance to lead their own lives and we need that chance too. You know that when I was 17 I left home to be a singer."
Ashleigh nodded. "You have a beautiful voice."
"And I had my failures and successes but when I had the chance to come back home I didn't. I wanted that chance to be my own person and make my own choices because as much as I love my parents I like living my life, not their life for me.
And yes, that's exactly what being in love with Pete is like. It's the most wonderful thing that's ever happened to me. "
"Edie?" The blonde noted a small waver in Ashleigh's voice. "What's the matter sweetie?"
"I'm also scared. Tomorrow Ryan and I are standing in front of a priest and vowing to love each other forever. And I truly believe that we will but after the ceremony and the pictures and the reception we are going to be alone, really alone for the first time and it will be our wedding night and I'm, I don't know what to do or expect really. I heard Aunt Gerry talking to your Mama on the phone and they were discussing you and Mr. Gunn and I… what's it going to be like?"
They heard the toilet in the bathroom flush next door, reminding them how paper thin the walls could be. "Are you wearing shoes?" Edie asked her heading for the closet. She found a pair of old canvas sneakers and gave them to Ashleigh, grabbing her coat from the closet. "It's one long step from the window to the first branch and then the rest of the tree is easy." Edie told her cousin, her own tiredness easing away. "Can you do it?"
"If you can, I can."
The window almost didn't budge, apparently no one had tried to open it for the past 11 years but the determined blonde got it up without too much noise and grabbing the flashlight from under her pillow (Pete had taught her when she slept alone, it was a good idea), she watched as her cousin made the climb and then found she could go down the branches as easily as she could at 17. It was a chilly night, the dew making the grass damp on their feet. Edie grabbed a blanket off the back porch and they headed for the glider beside the fish pond that Papa had built one summer. Together they huddled underneath it until they had adjusted to the cooler air.
"Making love for the first time should be a wonderful experience not just for the man but the woman too. You'll both be nervous and maybe a little scared and it doesn't matter how old you are that first time you always question if you're doing it right and the whole time your body is telling you for God's sake just do it "
Ashleigh couldn't help but laugh at that. "We've kissed of course and we hold hands and I love it when he puts his arms around me but we've never really gone past that. It's not that we haven't wanted too; we just haven't had a chance really. But Edie, haven't most men, I mean Ryan's 23; he's probably lost his virginity a long time ago, don't you think?"
"He may have, but not necessarily. Ben's first time was on his wedding night, but don't tell him I told you that, he'll kill me. He was 27. Most men are more experienced but not always."
"Can I ask you something really embarrassing?" Ashleigh clasped her hands together. ""How old were you,.
Was Mr., Gunn…."
"I was 20 although you'd never get Aunt Gerry or even Mama to believe that." Edie hugged herself. "It was a guy in the combo at the nightclub I was singing backup at. It seemed right at the time. I knew I didn't love him but I thought it might happen. "
A fish jumped in the pond below startling them both which caused a myriad of giggles.
"Ash if you really want to know, you do have the right as Ryan's almost wife to ask him, if he's been with other women." Edie paused, 'why was it that no one talked to girls, women about this kind of thing—it would have been so helpful for her.' "But even if it's not the guy's very first time, it's his first time with you and he should want that to be special, especially when he's made it clear that he wants to only be with you for the rest of your lives."
"Is that how it was with Pete?"
Edie smiled and nodded lost in the memory of that night for a greedy moment. "He's such a gentleman, even in that situation. He always makes sure that I'm happy and my needs are being met and that's nice because not all men are like that. But you as a woman need to remember to treat the man the same way.
Men, men tend to want everything to go fast and women most of us like a slower pace. Never be afraid to tell your partner, I'm not comfortable with this, we need to slow down or maybe we should try it a little differently. Sex is a two way street Ash, and both of you should enjoy it. And I'll tell you frankly, men will enjoy just about anything. They usually get aroused faster, a lot of them don't like sex play and their objective is to get it in there and find that climax."
Ashleigh's face turned an even more brilliant red than before but she told her cousin to go on. "Sex play is important to women, and a good man will know that. He'll know when you're as ready as he is and he'll take his time. You'll both get better results that way. And one important thing, there is no right way or wrong way to make love—how you and your man do it and find comfortable and sexy is the right way for you. But, and this is a big but, it takes time and don't laugh, practice. It's just like playing any team sport; you can't play exactly right with everyone on your team until you've practiced. The more time you spend, the more you learn what each other likes and doesn't like. It's fine to start out slow and learn each other's bodies and responses but then when you think you've got that pretty good, you might learn something new. Is any of this helping at all?"
"Yes." The young woman nodded. "It is, a lot." She drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Thanks Edie. I don't quite feel quite so scared now. I guess I just think of it like field hockey." She giggled.
"Crazy." Edie shook her head. "Seriously Ash, it should be a magical night, one you can look back on for years. And one you like to redo as often as you possibly can."
"Thank you." Ashleigh hugged her. "I don't really remember my Mama very well but I've been really missing her getting ready for the wedding."
"I love you Ash."
Carefully they climbed up the tree and back into the room, Ashleigh giving her cousin a hug, then padding softly towards the guest room. Edie took off the slippers and her coat, crawling into bed. She laid in the darkness and cried herself to sleep.
PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP
The wedding mass was scheduled to start at 11:00 and the ceremony would take about an hour. The reception was set to start at 1:00. The main course of pork loin, barbeque chicken and grilled salmon had been ordered from a local caterer who had supplied the food for several of the families' big anniversaries. They were supposed to come set up right at 12:30. There would be an open bar, Nolan sibling #7 Ted was a beer and wine distributor and two bartenders from the catering company had been hired to pour and mix drinks.
Edie's alarm clock went off at 7:00 and after hitting snooze twice she got up, took a quick shower, changed into a pair of slacks and a Princeton T-Shirt and ran downstairs to see what would need done.
"Coffee?" Her brother asked as she stepped into the kitchen.
"Please." Ben brought her a mug of coffee and a muffin and sat down with one of each for himself. "Lisa's mother called last night. She thinks Emma might be coming down with something or other and she's got Lisa worried we should head home early. "
"What are you planning to do?" She hated to see Ben and Lisa go. It was like loosing backup.
"I'm going to check with her in a minute, and see if she's heard anything else. She told her Mom to call Dr. Parker and see what he said. It's a three hour drive but I could probably make it in even less time on the weekend. I hate to miss little Ash getting married and I feel like I'd be leaving you stranded."
"I'll be just fine." Edie assured him. "Just do what you need too. At least Barabara is at your place with the girls, so that should save you sometime if you do have to go. "
Peg came into the kitchen, kissed her children and said how nice it was to have them both home at the same time. She helped herself to coffee and checked the outdoor thermometer.
Ashleigh came down a few minutes later and poured herself a cup of coffee everyone asking if she slept well and was she excited. The young woman nodded and sipped her coffee. "Once I got to sleep, it was great and I'm a big mix of excited and nervous. There are muffins?" she asked, Ben getting up to give her one.
"What's first on the list today Mama?" Edie asked finishing her last bite of muffin.
"Aunt Gerry will be here in about twenty minutes Ashleigh. She will take you to the hair dresser and to get your nails done. I think she will take you to the church from there and your bridesmaids are supposed to be there to help you get ready."
"Edie, Iris will be over in a minute to take me to get my hair done and then I'll come back here and get dressed and make sure your Papa is ready. Could you please make sure he gets up and has some kind of breakfast in his stomach. And please check on the rental company when they come to set up the tables.
"Of course Mama."
"I have a list of things that I thought of. It's in the living room by my chair."
Stifling a yawn, Edie went to retrieve the list reading down the endless tasks her mother thought needed done before 1:00. Well, she might as well get started.
The morning went by in a blur. Relatives came and went all morning while she worked, the place was more hurried than Grand Central Station. Mama left with Iris and Aunt Gerry whisked Ashleigh away to the hair dressers and Uncle Max had to get the tailor to open on a Saturday when it was discovered he had the wrong jacket for his suit. Edie washed the table cloths her mother had collected from friends, relatives and neighbors, Lisa collected them from the dryer and ironed them while Edie scrambled some eggs with cheese for her father and hoped that toast with apple butter would hold him over until the reception.
The tables got up, the linen clothes put on, and the flowers and center pieces were delivered. Thankfully the caterers arrived on time, Uncle Ted asked her where she wanted to put the bottles of wine and did she want only domestic beer because he had some German and Australian and a couple of English Ales. The bartenders came five minutes late but had arranged for extra ice for the mixed drinks and Papa showered her where the bottles of rum, vodka, scotch, bourbon, whiskey and tequila had been bought over the months and stored away.
The phone rang several times, Edie hadn't the time to get anywhere near it, but she was assured each time either by a cousin or second cousin that it wasn't anyone important. Taking one minute to steal a drag off of Uncle Ted's cigarette she wondered why the phone was making her so nervous. Surely, it wasn't Pete; Pete was all right wasn't he? She'd try to call him later if she had a minute.
She saw Iris bring Mama home, then hurry to her own home to get ready. Mentally she went down the list, drinks, plates, silverware, flowers, food, bar, water, iced tea, soda, on and on it went until she couldn't think of anything else they needed for the day. And it was 10:30. Ben and Lisa came down the stairs, her brother in a black tux looking oh so smart, Lisa in sunny yellow but forgoing the high heels she had brought, opting for a pair flats. "Have you heard anything about Emmy, Lisa?" Edie asked her, helping her step off the curb in to the car, Ben had pulled around to the front. "Nothing yet. But Dr. Parker is on his way. " She smiled.
"We might not be coming back for the reception Ede, Depending on what Parker tells Barbara we'll probably go straight home the minute the ring is on Ashleigh's finger. Call when you get back home and we'll talk more about that visit."
"Thanks Benny, I love you. Good luck Li. Tell Emmy I love her."
"I love you too, and you'll be fine. Just remember you're a Hart."
Stepping back into the house, Macy met her with an agitated look, Edie trying to smooth out the dog's worry wrinkles and telling her everything would be all right. "Mama?" she called up the stairs. "What do you plan to do with Macy?"
"For what?" the answer came back.
"For the reception, you know she doesn't like a lot of people being around."
"I'm sorry Macy girl." Peg's voice was getting closer. "The Thompson boy was supposed to come and get her for the day. I told him we'd pay $50."
"Well he's not getting it now." Mike declared. "Let's go."
"She can stay at our house." Iris said, coming in behind Edie. "I'll take her back over with me. She's always gotten along with Alfredo." The Alfredo mentioned was Max and Iris's white cat that weighed at least 20 pounds and followed Macy around like she was his mother. "Thank you Aunt Iris." Edie flashed her smile. "I'll go get Macy's leash."
"What do you need Iris?" Peg asked her sister-in-law as she walked down the last step. "Um, I don't remember, oh yes, Max wanted to know if you had any Tums. His stomach isn't feeling so good."
"Edie, will you get Iris the Tums, while you're out there?"
She grabbed the small carry along tin and filled it full, bringing it to her aunt along with the leash. "Mama you look so beautiful." Edie told her. She had never seen her Mother with her hair up before; it had been done into a French twist with small curls around her face. She was wearing the string of pearls Papa had given her for their 25th anniversary and a pair of earrings to match.
The dress was also one she had never seen, a lovely powder blue that fell across Peg's shoulders and came down cinched at the waist. The shoes a pair of moderate heels matched the dress completely.
"Doesn't she now?" Mike agreed, coming up behind his wife and laying a kiss on her cheek. "If I didn't know better I'd think she was the bride."
"Stop it." Peg swatted at him but the look on her face showed she was enjoying the attention. "And thank you honey, are you sure it looks all right?"
"Perfect." Mike and Edie said together.
Iris had gotten half way out the door with Macy and the Tums when she all most ran into Aunt Gerry coming in the door demanding to know what was keeping everyone. "We don't dare be late; I've heard that some of the Miller's are coming!
"They sent back their RSVP's" Peg told her.
"They do have a right to come." Mike said. "Ash is their grandchild, or niece or nephew and they helped raise her as much as you let them. I'm surprised you let her father have her at all."
"Mike hush." Peg pulled at his arm let's go."
"The two of you can ride with us." Gerry said. "Stan drives faster than you do."
"No, thanks, we'll take our own car." Mike was firm.
As they headed for the door, Papa took a minute to kiss his daughter on the cheek. "Don't work too hard, doodle bug. You've done more than your share already. "
"By the way Peggy." Aunt Gerry stopped at the front door. "I'm glad you decided to wear that dress after all. It seemed like such a shame to just let it hang in the closet year after year waiting for..."
"Geraldine, let's go." Mama reached around her sister and tried to open the door. "You're right we don't want to be late".
"Waiting for what Aunt Gerry?" Edie asked, trying to stop the cold feeling forming in her stomach. She had to find out.
"Edith, we have to go." Her mother pushed the door open. "Anything Aunt Gerry wants to say she can tell you later tonight all right?"
"No. Aunt Gerry said it was in your closet and it had been hanging there for years, because you were waiting to wear it. Why?"
"Honey it's just a dress I bought awhile back that I haven't really had a place to wear before today. It was pretty and on sale and I thought it would work today, so I wore it."
Edie nodded, watching Mama and Papa walk out the door of the house, Aunt Gerry following. The blonde was heading for the kitchen when Aunt Gerry turned around. "Edith."
'Ma'am?'
"Your mother bought the dress about five years ago at Lord and Taylor's. It was on sale and she thought it would be perfect to wear when her daughter got married. Every mother has a dream of her daughter getting married from the time she's born. And when she saw that dress she knew it was for the day her only daughter would walk down the aisle and she'd be sitting there in front wearing that beautiful dress.
"But you are a greedy selfish girl who is breaking her Mother's heart. Because getting married in a church and settling down isn't good enough for you. You and Mr. What's-his-name are too busy fornicating to make it legal, so when Ashleigh asked your Mama to take her mother's place, she did it happily. After all, it's her only chance. Think about that you tramp."
Edie took a big breath in and let it out slowly, trying to brush back the tears that were filling her eyes. She didn't have time for this now. She'd worry about it later.
PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP
She let the water run in the tub until it got a toasty warm, swirled in some of her mother's bath beads and slowly sunk into the depths of the claw foot tub. That was one thing she really missed, having a bathtub. Her apartment had a sizeable shower and although she had moved since the incident of finding a dead man in her shower, she still got a queasy feeling. Pete had a tub and a shower but it wasn't this long or this deep and it was hard to get a good soak. Not to mention you could barely get two people in it.
After her bath the clock on the wall told her it was getting late, so she hurriedly put on the dress she brought for the occasion a rose colored cocktail dress that showed off her shoulders and went past her knees. Afterwards she pulled on her stockings and slid into her new shoes, thankful they went on as easily here as they had in the store. She dabbled a hint of mascara, eye shadow, and powder on her face and then slipped the silver and diamond earrings from Pete (they were an I love you present) in her ears and declared herself ready to go.
The combo was setting up on the platform her father had built and she could hear the familiar sounds of instruments warming up. It would be a beautiful reception she thought looking at it from the back door. The day was warming up nicely, the food smelled delicious, the wedding cake was exquisite and the music would be fun and lively. As for herself, she would enjoy it as and keep away from Aunt Gerry as much as she could.
"Edie Hart?" someone asked and she looked around to see who it was. "Edie? No, I'm right that is you Edie."
"Owen!" She walked over to the musicians, giving the trombone player a big hug.
"What are you doing here?" They asked at the same time."
"This is my parent's house. They are throwing a wedding reception for my cousin.
"I live in Pittsburgh and teach music during the week at a private school and play with the guys. I just started with them a few days a go. This is my first gig."
"That's crazy." Edie smiled. "It's nice to see a familiar face. "
"You too. How's Mother, still as spunky as ever?"
"Even more if you ask me. And Barney is still there of course."
"That son of a gun, I miss him. Emmett still there, playing away?"
"Yes. "She nodded. "Until the building falls down around him."
"So, tell me, are you and Peter Gunn still an item? And please don't break my heart."
"Oh Owen you were always so sweet. But I'm afraid I will have to do some damage to that heart of yours."
"Lucky bastard." He said under his breath. "The best cars, the best clothes, the best girl. I'm very happy for both of you; I hope you stay disgustingly together forever."
"That's one of the sweetest things anyone ever said to me." She smiled.
"Yeah well, that's me Mr. Sweetheart. Are you singing today, we didn't get a notice?"
"No. I'm here because my mother broke her wrist about a week ago so I'm basically her today, which means I better go and get busy because I hear cars upfront."
"That's a shame Edie Hart; everyone should be able to hear you sing at least once before they die."
"Watch out I'll tell Pete you said that."
"He was the one who said it originally."
She ran towards the front to see who had arrived, feeling tears pricking in the corner of her eyes. How much more could she love that man? Please, she thought, please never let me stop.
PPPPPPPPPPP
The reception was going perfectly. People loved the food choices, the bartenders were busy, and the waiters were friendly and prompt at refilling coffee cups and glasses. The band played light numbers in the background while everyone ate and all the talking and laughing sounded like waves on the beach. Edie was enjoying her role as hostess, going around to each table making sure everyone was happy and had everything they needed. She was very pleased when she met Ashleigh's husband, Ryan. He was tall and broad shouldered, with gentle brown eyes and a quick smile. It was no wonder her cousin had been attracted to him. Like Ashleigh he was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania but instead of her elementary education degree he had studied mathematics. Just that morning he had been hired over the telephone for a position in an important company in Chicago and the newlyweds were very excited at the possibility of starting their life in a new city. Edie couldn't help but wonder what Aunt Gerry must think about that, but after talking to Ryan a bit longer she was sure that no matter what her aunt or mother might say, it wouldn't matter in the least.
Cousins were everywhere, mostly on the Nolan side. Aunt Gerry's other daughter Kayla was there with her little girl Christie. Kayla was so different from her sister Shayla it was easy to doubt they actually were related. Their brother Declan and his lovely wife Etsu were also there, Declan telling Edie that his wife's name meant delight in Japanese and she most certainly was. And they would be adding another delight to their household in about four months, he said beaming with pride.
She spent some time taking to Grandpa Nolan, who said he was alone today as Grandma was feeling under the weather. Ever since she could remember he would kiss her forehead and ask how his little golden-rod was doing and then slip some money into her hand. "Gramps, I don't want to take your money." She held the $10 bill back out to him. "I'm sure you need it more than I do."
"I don't have much left to give anyone anymore Goldie." He told her. "And what I do have is mine and I want to do with it what I want. Don't think I'm giving or have given one of those to every cousin you have here, just my favorites. Now, go by something useless from your Gramps."
She leaned in a kissed his cheek. "I will. I love you."
"Run along now and do something hostess like." He said gruffly but his eyes were smiling.
Ryan's parents Philip and Susan Wisniewki were a lovely couple who thanked Edie for her part in making their son's reception a success and said how happy they were to meet her. "We had understood originally you weren't going to be able to come and Ashleigh had told us so much about her cousin Edie, so we're very glad to meet you."
Edie found a vacant chair and took it and a glass of wine over by the hedge that divided their home from the McDonald place. She had heard Florence McDonald had died last year but the flower gardens didn't have weeds and a fat cat sat on a rock sunning it's self. Had she sold the house before she passing away?
"I see you Edie Hart." She heard a voice that sounded like it was coming from the other side of the hedge. Turning her head to the left she didn't see anything but felt someone tap her right shoulder. Whoever it was could tap faster than she could turn and despite trying not to she was laughing so hard she was starting to hiccup. "Show yourself!" she demanded.
"Move your head back."
She did as she was told albeit carefully, her blue eyes coming into contact with a pair of warm brown eyes—that were laughing at her. "Robbie McDonald, I hate you."
"I'm glad to know some things never change."
"Can you come over?" she asked, getting up from her chair to give her old friend a hug. Robbie had lived next door with his family as long as both of them could remember, he was half way in the middle of the Hart children age wise and had been friends with both of them. Despite their mothers' wishes Robbie and Edie had only ever been friends, but had gone to a few dances at school to keep the peace.
"I wasn't invited."
"You are now, get over here!"
Robbie had lost weight since the last time she had seen him but otherwise he looked the same, curly brown hair and those dark brown eyes. "You look like a million bucks." He told her as he came around to stand beside her. "I guess the singing stuff worked out pretty good huh?"
"It's not bad at all. What about you? I thought Mama said you had married Claudia Fields and gotten a job in Florida?"
"Guilty on both accounts. But I'll tell you more about that later. Did you say something about food?"
"You're right some things never change."
As the afternoon passed, toasts and speeches were made and Ryan and Ashleigh had the fun of cutting the cake. Edie sat down beside Papa, who put his arm over the back of her chair and she leaned into it. Cake was served, but she said she'd get a piece later, happy to watch everyone go by. Someone started a story about the time three year old Ashleigh thought weeping willow trees needed cheered up and soon both of the new couple were having tales told on them.
Finally Papa, Uncle Max, Uncle Ted, and few of the boy cousins laid out the wooden platform that Mike had made for dancing and the combo started to play. Couples went out on the floor dancing to At Last, That Old Black Magic and Isn't it Romantic?
"And now if everyone would clear the floor temporarily it's time for the bride and groom's first dance." Owen announced. Ladies and gentlemen may I present Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Wisniewki. The song they danced to was Unforgettable, Edie singing the words quietly.
Unforgettable. Tho' near or far Unforgettable, that's what you are.
Like a song of love that clings to me. How the thought of you does things to me.
Never before, has someone been more.
She didn't realize that she was crying until Aunt Iris passed her a Kleenex and Papa rubbed her shoulder.
They had everyone out on the dance floor again and Robbie came over asking if Edie would like to dance. Still wiping away tears, she took his hand and he led her to the corner of the floor. "What's the matter Bug?" he had delighted in using the shortened form of her parents nickname for her since she was born, knowing it bothered her. When he had asked Ben why the heck they called her Doodlebug to begin with her brother had said it was because when she was asleep as a baby and you touched her she'd curl up in a ball like those bugs in the garden.
"I want to go home." She said quietly.
"But I thought this was your home?"
"No, this is my childhood home, my hometown, where my parents live and I love it here and I love them and I love coming back to visit but I want to go home, I need, I want to get home to Pete."
The danced for the next three or four times and while they did they talked. She told him about Pete, everything—meeting him, falling in love with him, breaking up with him and what they had just been through, Mama and Papa and even what Aunt Gerry had told her today. Robbie wiped more tears away and held her close in an attempt to comfort her.
She admitted she was hungry and they stopped by the still laden food table, Edie helping herself to the barbeque chicken and a baked potato and Waldorf salad, Robbie taking a bit of everything. While they ate, she asked him about his situation and he told her of his divorce and fighting for custody of his girls and how after his mother died he bought his sisters' shares of the house and decided to live in it. "I'm just going to stay for a while, its nice being in the old neighborhood."
At one point, Owen stopped the music and said he had a treat for everyone and then proceeded to say that he had one of the finest singers in America for their entertainment and called Edie up to the stage. "I'm going to murder you." She whispered in his ear.
"It will be worth it. Sing True Love for the bride and groom." She had no choice when the music started and so she sang
I give to you and you give to meTrue love, true love
So on and on it will always be
True love, true love
For you and I have a guardian angel
On high, with nothing to do
But to give to you and to give to me
Love forever true.
The combo played through it again, but she bowed and made a quick entrance. Her father met her as she walked off the floor and asked if he might have this dance and she happily obliged"I know this hasn't been the best weekend for you Edie, but please don't forget that no matter what your Mama and I love you and we always will."
"I know Papa." She rested her head on his shoulder. "Me too."
The newlyweds told everyone that they could stay and eat and dance until either the band got tired playing or the Harts kicked them out of their yard but they had a plane to catch in a few hours and would every one please excuse them. Edie made sure the caterers got everything they came with, paid the bill and thanked them for the wonderful food. She was heading for the bartenders when her cousin Bridgette approached giving her a big hug. "I'll clean up here. You look tired."
Edie gratefully accepted, she knew it was Bridgette's way of saying I'm not upset any more about the relentless lieutenant and his questions. She was glad; she and Bridge had always gotten along well.
"Hey Hart, I've got some nice cold beer." She heard Robbie call from the sidewalk. "No offense but you look like you could use one."
"Shut up." She tried to smile. "I'd love one and maybe just sit in peace and quiet for a while?"
"As long as you don't mind fat cats and little dogs."
"Not a bit. Just let me go tell someone. She ran upstairs and changed into a cotton dress and Pete's slippers, grabbed a sweater and asked Kayla if anyone should ask that she would be over at Robbie McDonald's for a little while.
His screened in porch was a lot like theirs and they sat on the porch swing and listened to music from a local station, Robbie's cat Moonglow curling up beside Edie. She finished the beer gratefully and he asked her if she'd like another and she nodded. "I need to call Pete." She said. "I've been worried about him all day especially after someone called the house a couple of time and James said it wasn't anyone important. James is 16, no one is important to him." She grimaced
"You can use my phone." And he brought it out to her. "Extra long cord." He grinned.
But when she dialed the number she only got a busy signal. "Maybe he's talking to his father or Jacoby or someone. I shouldn't worry so much. But he's had so many nightmares and wakes up not knowing where he is or at least twice not who he is for a minute."
Robbie wasn't sure what to say, but told her she could try again in a minute. She had been asleep against his shoulder for about 15 minutes when her friend saw a girl running through the gap in his hedge and head for the back door. "Hello?" she called in. "I really need to tell Edie something."
"Come in" He recognized the girl as the bride and wondered when their plane was leaving, it was after midnight. "Edie, she touched her cousin's arm. "Wake up Edie, it's really important."
Lifting one eye, the girl singer looked up groggily. "Ash? I thought you and Ryan had left by now."
"No, our flight leaves in an hour. Edie, I was just over at your house picking up my purse and I heard Aunt Peg and Aunt Gerry talking on the telephone and they were saying something and your mother said to whomever she was talking too that you weren't home. And then Aunt Gerry said something to her and she shook her head but Aunt Gerry kept insisting and then Peg said, I'm sorry Pete but she met an old friend at the reception tonight and she left word she's gone over there to spend the night. I'm not sure what it might mean but I'm really very sorry. Not that you shouldn't expect such things. "
"The hell she did." Edie was fully awake now. Jumping up from the swing she made the short distance in no time at all, running into the living room where her mother was still sitting by the phone, Aunt Gerry gone. "Mama, what did you do?" she asked her. "Please tell me Ashleigh misunderstood, why would you tell Pete something like that?"
"Oh honey, I'm so sorry." Peg got up and tried to hug her daughter but the woman pulled back. "I don't know what came over me, Gerry was here and she was talking and reminding me about certain things and it just kind of slipped out. I'm sure he'll know that if your love is as strong as you say it is you won't have a problem. Please honey. I didn't mean too."
"You didn't mean to insinuate that I was cheating on him? Because Ashleigh said that's what it sounded like to her. I know you hate him, but how could you?"
"I'd say she did you a favor." Aunt Gerry suddenly appeared.
"That's enough Geraldine." Michael Hart came into the room, his hands shaking. "Get out of my house now before I get mad. Peg, you keep trying to call Mr. Gunn until you get a hold of him.
"Thank you Papa." The blonde hugged him hard. "I'm going to go pack, when I get done will you take me to the airport please?"
"But you're plane doesn't leave until Tuesday morning." Her mother protested. "It's only Sunday."
"Mama." Edie shook her head. "Not now."
She was able to get a flight 75 miles past their airport and from there she took a taxi home. Since he didn't take credit, she gave him every bit of cash she had, including every penny. It was 5:00 in the morning when she opened the glass doors of the apartment complex with her key. The door man said he'd bring her suitcase up later if she'd like and she gratefully accepted. Taking the elevator, she carefully unlocked the door to the apartment and looked around, everything seemed normal. "Pete?"
She heard a thump and the next thing she knew Sherlock was running towards her his meow sounding almost desperate. "What's wrong baby?" she asked the cat, picking him up. He didn't try to jump down but he kept pushing his head in the direction of the stairs and so urgently she took them three at a time.
"Pete!" Scrambling down on the floor she put her head to his chest relieved to find a steady if weak heartbeat and his breathing also stilted was working. "Pete, honey." She wrapped her hands around his. "Pete, it's me Edie, I'm home."
He opened one eye and tried to focus. "Edie?"
"Yes, Pete I'm right here." She kept tight hold of one hand while the other she moved to his face, stroking his cheek gently. "I'm here, really here."
"I love you." He said in a low voice. "Please don't go."
"Never again."