*****
Robert gripped the steering wheel when the arguments from Sandra ceased and they both fell silent. He felt the sweat in his hands against the leather and chided himself for succumbing to the pressure. Truth was, he had no idea how bringing a woman to dinner would sit with the family. He could only hope his guest’s presence would squelch the constant memory-flashes they always dragged into present-day conversations. Lately, he felt they forced the reminiscing, like a desperate custom they didn’t know how to break. Mildred had been the glue that kept harmony flowing between the four of them. To some extent, they were Daddy’s girls, but probably more miniature replicas of their deceased mother.
At the inn, Robert and Sandra parted with a simple wave. “See you at supper.” He was hard pressed to keep from showing the tension he felt about making the call home. In his room, he grabbed his cell and settled in the comfy chair. May as well get it over with. He’d try Cynthia first. She was usually in a good mood this time of day.
Two rings and her jovial voice answered. “Hello, hope you’re having as good a day as me.”
“As a matter fact, I am,” said Robert.
“Daddy! So nice to hear from you. How are the wedding plans going?”
“Great. The venue is doing half the job for me. It’s gorgeous here. And I have a volunteer assistant that is second to none.”
“An assistant? I thought you worked alone.”
“Usually do. This woman is the groom’s mother.”
“Drat! One of those.” He could almost see her face screw up in horror. “I feel sorry for you.”
“No, you’re confusing her with the bride’s mother. The groom’s side is much more agreeable.”
“Are you staying straight through Christmas Eve?”
“I am. Dressing up as Santa to deliver the couple’s wedding gifts.”
“Whose idea was that? You’ve never got involved in the day before.”
“It was my assistant’s idea, and I thought it would be fun,” said Robert.
“Well, you could dress up for our Christmas celebration here,” Cynthia groaned. “You did slot us in on Christmas Day, didn’t you?” Her voice held a touch of mockery. She never understood his need for an outside job. “The kids would like it.”
“Maybe I will arrive for lunch in a Santa suit.”
“Dad, you sound like you’re always on the edge of saying something else. What’s the matter?”
“Nothing is the matter. In fact, I’m a very happy man and I’d like to bring the reason home for dinner on Saturday – to meet the family.”
“A woman? Franny will flip.”
“How about you? You okay with me bringing a woman home?”
“You didn’t elope, did you? I’d not be okay with that.”
“I wouldn’t do that, Cindy.”
“So, is it the assistant? The groom’s mother?” asked Cynthia. “You do realize that cupid hangs out at weddings, shooting arrows everywhere to target his next sucker.” Robert caught the hesitation in her voice. “I’m sorry, that was stupid.”
“Things better between you and Joe?”
“Deteriorating fast, and I can’t fix it – not even sure I want to anymore.”
“Maybe I can talk to him on Saturday, see if he opens up to me?”
“To the enemy? Good luck, Dad.” His daughter’s voice sounded bitter. “These days, I need to bribe him to come anywhere close to a family event.”
“Will you phone your sister and give her the heads up about Saturday? You can probably soften the blow about Sandra better than me.”
“That’s her name; Sandra?”
“Dristoll. She’s a widow from Nashville, Tennessee, and the only woman who has ever sparked any interest for me since your mother died.”
“Franny’s not ready for your woman, and I’m not sure I am either,” said Cynthia. “Dad, you shouldn’t bring her. There’s too much tension here as it is.”
“It’s a sad day when your father is not welcome to bring a special friend to his daughter’s home.”
“I’m sorry,” Cynthia said. “Against my better judgement, come test the waters, around noon. We’ll make it lunch. Gotta run. The kids are due off the bus.”
Robert heard the phone disconnect and threw his cell on a nearby table. Maybe he was rushing this. Common sense advised him to go home and speak to the girls alone, but he didn’t want to. He felt the anger rising inside. When had his daughters started to dictate his life? He’d need to be firm with them. Sandra was worth all the trouble they would throw his way, and he couldn’t stand the thought of losing his chance with her because of a family who refused to move forward.
Caution nagged at him while he prepared for the evening meal. And one glance at Sandra’s contented face, clinched his decision. He’d go home alone, just this once.
Sandra took the news casually. “It’s probably a good idea. There’s no rush for me to meet your family. It’s not like we’re the ones getting married in another week.”
Robert silenced his reply. He’d marry her tomorrow – that’s how sure he was. It’s just something a man knew in his heart. And waiting wouldn’t change the fact that he was falling in love at the speed of a runaway bulldozer launching over a cliff. She was his destiny, and he’d fight tooth and nail until it became a reality.
Sandra watched Robert’s rented car pull out of the resort parking lot and head for the highway on the way home to visit his girls. The man was like a bull in a china shop when it involved settling details. And he considered her a detail that needed addressed to his family. One week and he’d already professed an undying adoration. It wouldn’t surprise her if he returned
