She thought about it all that day, and the next day, and the day following, but clarity was impossible to find. It seemed like such an old cliché to say she loved them both equally, yet that was indeed the situation.
By the time the weekend rolled around, Suzanna’s heart was twisted into one giant impossible-to-unravel knot of uncertainty. And to make it even worse, the furnace at the school had to undergo major repairs and Gregg was at home all week. Him being there made it almost impossible to sort through her thoughts. She couldn’t look at him without seeing all the things that had drawn her to him: the warmth of his eyes and the laughter lines that crinkled the corners, the gentleness of his voice, the dark curl that tumbled onto his forehead no matter how many times he pushed it back.
She’d been attracted to him because he was handsome, but over time she’d come to see he was so much more than handsome. He was beautiful, both on the inside and out. There was no doubt she loved him, yet she still couldn’t rid herself of thoughts of Bobby; nor could she deny the fact that he was a part of Annie. Together they had created this beautiful daughter. Wasn’t that supposed to be a lifetime bond?
On Saturday, Suzanna remained at the shop longer than usual and arrived home after Ida had cleared the dinner dishes from the table. She’d planned to keep her alone-time with Gregg to a minimum, but when she walked in the door everyone was in the living room and they seemed to be waiting for her.
He gave a boyish grin and said, “I hope you’re hungry.” He came across the room and brushed her lips with a quick kiss. “I made dinner reservations at Alberto’s.”
Alberto’s, with its intimate atmosphere, cozy booths, and smooth music was sure to mean trouble.
“For tonight?” Suzanna said apprehensively.
He nodded. “It’s been a busy week, so I thought an evening out would help you relax and unwind.”
“It would, except that I’m kind of beat. Maybe tonight we could have a bite here then watch television with Grandma and Annie.”
“You’ll do nothing of the sort,” Ida said. “I’ve already cleaned up the kitchen. Besides, Gregg’s right, you could use an evening out.”
Annie giggled. “You gotta do what Grandma says, Mama, ’cause she’s the boss.”
A short while later they were ushered toward the back booth at Alberto’s, and by no small coincidence it was precisely where they’d sat on their first date. A bottle of wine and two glasses were on the table waiting for them.
“You ordered this?” Suzanna asked.
He smiled and gave her shoulder an affectionate squeeze as she slid into the booth. “Yes, it was the best I could come up with at the last minute. I had planned to take you to Le Bouchon tonight, but with you working late…”
“It couldn’t be helped; we’ve been really busy at the shop.” The words of yet another lie felt awkward and heavy in her mouth. Suzanna thought for sure Gregg would notice, but if he did he gave no indication.
He leaned forward, his eyes fixed on her face.
“I understand,” he said. “It’s just that I’ve missed our spending time together.”
She reluctantly allowed her eyes to meet his. “I’ve missed being together also.” After hesitating a moment, she plunged ahead. “But I’m glad to know you understand, because next Tuesday is going to be a late night.”
“You’ll be working at the store?”
“Part of the day, but I plan to leave about 3:30.” The thought that he might again stop by the store had crossed her mind, so she was prepared for it. “Colette is sending me to Atlanta for a retailing seminar. I have no idea how long it will run, but if it’s too late I may stay over and drive back early the next morning.”
A tiny bit of the happiness she’d seen in Gregg’s eyes disappeared, but his smile remained steady. “Colette seems to be grooming you for bigger and better things.”
Jumping on that thought because it was an easy topic of conversation, Suzanna quickly agreed, saying it was a great opportunity. For several minutes she rattled on about the countless things she’d learned working with Colette, how she loved her job, and how the money she earned enabled her to give Annie things she’d once thought impossible.
She was talking about how Annie would be able to go to college, which was something she’d not been able to do, when the waitress came to take their order.
“It’s late, and I’m not all that hungry,” Suzanna said. “Maybe something light?”
The waitress rattled off the names of a few lighter dishes; then Gregg suggested they share an antipasto.
“Sounds good,” she said.
Once the waitress was gone, Suzanna went right back to talking about the job.
After a few minutes, Gregg reached across the table and took her hand in his. “I know how much this job means to you, Darla Jean, but wouldn’t you like to stay home and spend more time with Annie?”
His voice was soft and the question filled with compassion, so it caught her off guard.
“Well, sure, but this is only for one night,” she replied. “Annie understands that if we want a better future, I’ve got to work. That’s a fact of life whether—”
“It doesn’t have to be that way,” he cut in. “I love you, Darla Jean, and I’d like nothing better than to see you be a full-time mother. Marry me, and I’ll give you the future you want. We’ll be a family. I’ll be a loving husband to you and a good father to Annie. When she’s ready, she’ll have an opportunity
