Bridge to a Distant Star - Carolyn Williford [26]
Maureen sat back, absentmindedly chewing on a cuticle, pondering the significance of her discovery. Then Bobo brought her attention back to the mundane, stretching himself up to scratch her bare foot. “Need to go outside? As always, great timing, little one.” She unlocked and opened the back door, depositing Bobo outside. And caught a flash of blue.
Maureen turned toward the birdhouse and discovered a male bluebird perched on top. Mesmerized, she took in the entire scene. Noted bits of lint in his beak, remnants from a dryer vent. And then, to Maureen’s ultimate delight, he fluttered into the birdhouse. Was out of sight for only a few seconds before he flew out of the small round hole—and was off again. Obviously in search of more materials for building a nest.
The female soon followed, carrying a twig that Maureen doubted would fit through the hole. But as she watched, enchanted by every move the bird made and smiling in her delight, the female skillfully maneuvered the twig into her home.
“Bobo,” she cried out, sweeping the startled dog up into the air. “The bluebirds are moving in! They’re making our little house a home.”
Maybe now … maybe this is the turn I’ve been hoping for, she excitedly thought to herself, the ringing of the phone intruding into her raised hopes. Running inside to catch it in time, panting in her excitement, Maureen grabbed the receiver from its cradle. And then—she couldn’t help herself—she moved to the window so she could continue watching the busy papa and mama.
“Hello?”
“Maureen? It’s me. Emilie. Surprised I got you. Thought I’d have to leave a message, that you’d still be at work.”
“No, um, long story.” Maureen felt instantly uncomfortable, as if Emilie could see into her memories of the morning, read her thoughts. She felt herself blush in shame all over again. “What’s up?”
“You won’t believe it. God’s answered our prayers. Mo—he’s come home. Ed came home for good last night, can you believe it? I just can’t wait to tell everyone about it tomorrow. Won’t it be fun?—I can hardly wait.” Emilie was nearly babbling, giddy in her excitement.
“Em, that’s … wow, that’s wonderful news.”
“He says he realized what a horrible mistake it all was. Missed the kids. Hated the motel room and being away from us.”
Maureen gathered her thoughts, seeking the best way to obtain delicate information. “You mean he’s moved back into the house? Clothes and everything?”
“Yes, he has. His razor’s back where it belongs. I even tripped over his sneakers this morning and it made me cry out of happiness.”
“But do you mean … I mean … did he?”
“If you mean”—she coyly giggled—“did he move back into our bedroom? Oh yes. And we are really serious about having another baby now. Isn’t that great news too?”
Maureen slumped against the wall, mouth dropping open, struggling to find words that Emilie would want to hear. “Um, sure, Emilie, what an answer to so many prayers.”
“I’ve got to run. Just couldn’t wait another moment to tell someone. What luck that I found you home. Oh, and don’t call Sherry—she’s been so critical of Ed—or breathe a word to Vanessa yet either. I want to tell them myself—see their faces. What fun. We’re meeting at that fish place near St. John’s pass, right?” Without waiting for an answer, Emilie trilled on. She was nearly babbling again. “That reminds me. I want to fix something special for dinner. What do you think? Steaks? Or should I make lasagna? Ed loves that recipe his mom passed along to me.”
Emilie didn’t give Maureen a chance to answer. “I probably won’t have time to do lasagna or the Spanish dish. Better stick with the steaks. I made an appointment to get a manicure. And a hair cut. Can you tell I plan on looking good when Ed gets home?”
Emilie finally stopped to catch her breath—granting Maureen the opportunity to jump into the void. “Em, this is wonderful news, it really is. So, did you and Ed talk about counseling? I know you told me you didn’t want to go by yourself. But shouldn’t both of you go now?”
There was