South of Superior - Ellen Airgood [115]
The last time he was there and had run into Leanne, it was fine. They’d said hello, how are you doing, all the banal things people who were mostly strangers did say to one another. It was hard to believe they’d been married for six years. It was ancient history. The best part of the offer was that he’d be close to his folks again. He was worried about his dad, who was tired every time Paul talked to him anymore. What was that about? As things were, he couldn’t even take the time to run downstate and check on him.
Paul rubbed a hand over his face. He was sick of thinking about it. It made sense to take the job. The problem was that despite his chronic internal grumbling, he didn’t want to leave. Less than ever now. He loved helping with Greyson. He didn’t want to leave him, and really, how could he? Especially now. He hadn’t bargained for all this—involvement. But he didn’t regret it, either. It just left him unsure how to proceed.
As the October days passed, Madeline watched Arbutus and Pete with something like envy. Mild and wistful, but envy nonetheless.
Pete’s eyes lit Up every time he saw Arbutus; his smile for her was jaunty, a little amazed, very proud. Hers for him was merry, adoring, kind. They held hands every time they could. Arbutus sat right next to Pete whenever they rode in his car, her hand on his knee, and his face above the wheel always had a look of barely suppressed joy. There was so much tenderness and pleasure and devotion between them. Was this, after all, what life was about? Love? Could it be that simple?
For some people, apparently. Pete and Arbutus made an announcement at the supper table one night. They were getting married.
Gladys blinked and something raced across her face. Desolation? Of course. She had lived for her sister, done everything in her power to bring her home and take care of her. She had sold her possessions, made herself sleepless with worry, pushed herself too hard physically, braved the wilds of Chicago, laid aside pride and fear to ask Madeline to come stay with them, taken all kinds of chances. And now she was being deserted. How lonesome this house would be, with Arbutus gone—and who knew where. To Chicago? Wouldn’t that be ironic. But the shock and sorrow were instantly buried. Gladys clapped her hands together and said, “Married! Well, I’ll be. Congratulations.”
Arbutus was sparkly with happiness. “We want to do it right away. It’s too late in life to waste any time. We’re going to elope.”
“Elope!” Madeline was stunned.
“What does that mean?” Greyson held a drumstick in one hand and looked around at all of them with a baffled expression.
“It means they’re going to try and sneak off to a justice of the peace instead of having a proper church wedding, and I won’t have it,” Gladys declared.
Arbutus and Pete smiled at each other. “No, we’ve decided. We’re getting married in Crosscut at the courthouse. It’s what we want. Something quiet. We want all of you to come. Pete’s daughter Marion is coming, too, she’s the only one who could get away on such short notice. She said she wouldn’t miss it. We called her this afternoon.”
“You’re serious?” Gladys asked, dismayed. “What will Pastor Alton think?”
“Oh, never mind Pastor Alton. I want something simple, and quick.”
“But what about a reception, then?” Gladys asked, somewhat desperately. “Why, the whole town will want to come. You can’t deny them.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” Arbutus began, but Pete broke in.
“That might be a fine idea. It’d give me a chance to meet people I haven’t yet.” He turned to Arbutus as he said this and Madeline watched a look of Understanding pass between them. “I wouldn’t know how to organize something like that—” Pete trailed off, sounding regretful and helpless.
“And I’m afraid I’m not Up to it,” Arbutus added. “All that running around—”
“I’ll organize