Royal’s grandfather had taken the news stoically and considered it a sign that it was time to retire from moonshining. Besides, Royal, his best driver, had announced she was leaving town to follow a different career path.
Two weeks had passed since Lovey had shown up on Royal’s doorstep. It had felt like a dream, like a honeymoon. Well, as much of a honeymoon as anyone could have staying in the same house with your mother and a younger brother. Royal had moved her things out of the rented room right after Wade was arrested with the plan to pool all her cash for a place that she and Lovey would find together. And today was the day they were setting out to do just that.
They’d made an attempt to talk with Lovey’s father, but he wouldn’t even see them. Lovey left word with Cal as to where she’d be in Charlotte if her father ever decided to seek her out. She hoped he would, but she wasn’t going to put her life on hold any longer just to please him.
Lovey carried out the last bag, and Royal added it to the things that were already in the trunk. She slammed the lid and turned toward her mother.
“Now you girls be careful and you write to me as soon as you’re settled at your friend Dottie’s, okay?” They’d made plans to stay with Lovey’s friend from college, Dottie, and her husband, Richard, until they found a place of their own in Charlotte.
“We will, Momma.” Royal’s mother pulled her into a hug. Then Royal gave her brother an awkward, sisterly hug. Her grandfather was last. She clung to him for a few minutes longer than necessary.
He walked her to the driver’s side of the car while Lovey said her good-byes.
“Royal, you’re kin and I love you. I don’t pretend to understand everything about your life, and maybe that’s just as well.” His voice broke a little with emotion. “I suppose I raised you to be more of a boy. And maybe that’s because I missed your father so much.”
“I think you raised me to be who I was meant to be.”
“Now listen, I’d like to think I had a hand in who you turned out to be.” He smiled and patted her shoulder. “Don’t forget that I also raised you to think for yourself, stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves, and to take care of those you love.” He looked in Lovey’s direction when he said the last part.
For a minute, Royal thought he might actually start to cry, but he sniffed, wiped at his eyes roughly with the palm of his hand, and held the door open for Royal to climb in.
“I’m sure you’ve got better places to be than standing out here talking to an old man.” He pushed the door closed after she climbed in, but the window was down. Royal leaned with her elbow through the opening.
“I’ve always got time for you.”
Lovey climbed into the seat beside her. They waved back at those gathered on the porch as they pulled away from the house. It was early and sunlight bounced off the tall, dew-laden grass of the front lawn as they drove past.
“I’m sure Dottie can help me get placed in the school system in Charlotte. She said they’re always in need of good teachers.” Lovey placed her hand on Royal’s thigh. “We’ll be able to get our own place in no time.”
They pulled onto the gravel road, and Royal shifted into high gear as the sedan gained speed.
“It just so happens there’s a motor speedway near Charlotte where they do this thing that they call stock car races.” Royal gave Lovey a sideways glance.
“You don’t say. Funny you’re just now mentioning this.”
“I only just discovered it. And get this, they pay you to drive fast and you don’t even have to carry moonshine.”
Lovey laughed. “Well, I guess we both have a bright future waiting for us in Charlotte then, don’t we?”
“I think you just might be right about that, Lovey Porter.”
“That’s another thing I’ve been meaning to talk to you about.” Lovey shifted on the seat beside her so that she was partly facing Royal, her voice sounded serious. “If we’re going to set up housekeeping together then I think you should start calling me Lovey Duval.”
Royal grinned. “Yes, ma’am. I mean, yes, Miz Duval.”
“Mrs. Duval,” Lovey corrected her as she slid across the seat and leaned her head against Royal’s shoulder.
“Who’d have thought? The daredevil poet and the bee charmer, riding off into the sunset together, living happily ever after.”
Royal glanced sideways at Lovey. “Don’t you mean sunrise? We are heading east, you know.”
Lovey laughed. “Okay, into the sunrise then.”
Royal put her arm around Lovey and pulled her close.
“I love you.”
“And I love you.” Lovey leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.
Royal turned the large dark sedan with the broken headlight and the dented fender northeast onto the main paved highway. The sun flamed brightly against the cloudless blue sky as it crested the ridge in front of them. It was the beginning of a glorious day, the first day of their new life, together.
About the Author
Missouri Vaun (MissouriVaun.com) spent most of her childhood in rural southern Mississippi, where she spent lazy summers conjuring characters and imagining the worlds they might inhabit. Missouri spent twelve years finding her voice as a working journalist in places as disparate as Chicago and Jackson, Mississippi. Her stories are heartfelt, earthy, and speak of loyalty and our responsibility to others. She and her wife currently live in northern California. Missouri can be reached via email at: Missouri.Vaun@gmail.com.
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