Dotty's Five W's And An H

Chapter 4

Saturday morning Amanda woke feeling more rested than she had in a while.

Getting up she noticed it was 8:30 and gathering her clothes she headed into the shower deciding to talk to Dotty about Lee, knowing exactly what she was going to tell her.

But a while later as she came downstairs she was startled to see flowers on the counter and Lee in her kitchen talking to her mother!

Amanda gulped and tried to not appear nervous as she greeted both and said to Lee, "Good morning. What are you doing here? Did we have work I didn't know about today?"

Dotty smiled."No, Darling. He came by to introduce himself and very thoughtfully brought these flowers over. But he was just about to explain some things-"

Dotty then looking at herself chuckled. "Uh, well...He just got here though and I'm not dressed. But as long as you're here, I'll just run up and change. Excuse me."

As Dotty headed up she called out, "There's coffee and muffins if he'd like, Dear!"

Amanda nodded calling back. "Yes, I know, Mother. Thank you!"

When she heard Dotty's bedroom door close she turned to Lee asking, "What in the Sam Hill are you doing here, Mister? We didn't talk about you coming over! Remember? Our own brand of the truth? I was ready to tell her my version without you being here. Wait. You didn't already meet the boys, did you?"

Lee pulled her close giving her a kiss and placing his finger over her lips he said quickly, "No. I saw Joe bring the boys out of the house when I was pulling up to the curb. No one saw me, okay? It's gonna be all right. But I thought maybe I could help you a bit here."

Amanda sighed. "I forgot the boys were with Joe today. But help me, how? Your showing up is just gonna make her be more suspicious, don't you see?"

Lee shrugged with a light smile. "Yeah, but if I don't appear at all it's as though you're ashamed to bring me around or that you do have something to hide. This way, she will know only what I tell her. Do you have poppyseed muffins by any chance?"

Amanda exasperated removed herself from his embrace and tersely answered arms over her chest, "Over by the stove, Mr. I-Don't- Eat -Breakfast. And you can just get your own coffee today-"

Just then Dotty came down and was appalled at Amanda's rudeness! "Amanda Jean! Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed this morning, Missy?"

Looking at Lee she shook her head sadly. "I'm sorry. Her late father and I raised her better than this."

Dotty then replied looking at her daughter, "I believe you owe your friend an apology, don't you?"

Amanda sighed with contriteness giving Lee a pointed look thinking quickly. "I'm-I'm sorry, Lee. It's just that you must have other things to do on a day off than to come over here, right?"

Taking the hint from Amanda's face Lee realized he did put her in a bit of a spot after all and slowly nodded. "It's all right. But I knew your mother must have had some concerns about the time we were away and I wanted to ease her mind if I could. I didn't mean to upset you. I'm sorry. I really should have called first before dropping by like this."

Dotty sensed the ice in the room melting a bit and smiled, "Well, you're here now. Why don't we all sit down and chat for a while, hmm? I'll get us some coffee. How do you like your coffee, Mr. Stetson?"

Lee and Amanda chimed together, "Cream, no sugar."

When Dotty's back was to them as she prepared the cups Lee kissed Amanda's temple lightly whispering, "We'll make this okay. I promise..."

TBC

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