Chapter Twenty-three 15 page

“She’s waiting up front for you guys,” Tully said after she told them that Jessica was there but had to leave. “Take it easy on her, okay? She’s had a rough couple of days.”

“That was generous of you,” Libby said, as if fishing for something to say as Tully led her to the swing by the water. “I’m sorry I was out there listening.”

“Don’t apologize.” Tully raised her finger in a request for Libby to stop talking. “It’s time you realize just where you stand in my life, what rights you have when it comes to everything.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“It has nothing to do with Jessica, my job, the house, or anything else you think is important to me.” Tully sat back and put her arm around Libby, still maintaining eye contact. “We’ve been watching television for days now, digesting just how much our lives will change if we decide to go back to New Orleans the way it is now.”

Libby pressed her hand to the side of Tully’s face. “I’ve been thinking about that myself.”

“All those people, Libby, standing on their rooftops waiting to be rescued because they either didn’t have a way out or refused to leave made my heart ache. It hurt me to see so much suffering, but it also made me start thinking.”

Libby kissed her. “Just tell me what I can do to help you process all this.”

When their lips parted, Tully reached for Libby’s left hand. “It’s a weird analogy, I know, but I’ve been living my life like those poor souls trapped in something not of their own making, but trapped nonetheless by their inaction.” She kissed the skin just under the ring she’d given Libby. “I don’t want to spend another night without you because someone doubts my commitment to you, especially if that person is you. If you’re willing, I want to have a ceremony, even if it’s small, and make this permanent.”

“You just tell me when and where, and I’ll be there.” Libby gently let go of Tully’s hand and put her arms around Tully’s neck. “I’ll be there because you’ve given me a chance at the life I’ve always dreamed about. You talk about me being your second chance, but in reality that’s what you are to me. You love me and gave me a family.”

“Then let’s start this rebuilding together.”

“Tully?” Alma called from the back porch of the house. “Jessica’s ready to go and wanted to speak to you again before she leaves.”

“We’ll be right in.” After one last kiss Tully helped Libby up and they walked to the house hand in hand.

“Did you have any ideas of what type of ceremony you’d like?” Libby asked.

“Actually, I do, and considering some of the things we’ve been through, I thought it might be appropriate. After we finish dealing with Jessica, let’s sit with the kids and talk about it. If you’re not okay with the idea, then we can do whatever you have in mind. It’s a day I want you to remember as special, so we’ll do whatever you want.”

“I spent more time dreaming about the woman standing next to me than the actual ceremony, and if you ask me, I’ve got that pretty well covered,” Libby told her before she let go of her hand when they entered the kitchen. Ralph and Bailey were sitting at the table having a Coke, appearing drained after their visit with Jessica. “You guys want something else?”

“When you’re done with Mama, can we go down to that place you like and have pie?” Bailey asked Tully. “I need to get out of here for a little while.”

“If you can convince Libby to let me have a piece, then sure.”

Jessica was standing at the front window looking out at the yard and only partially turned when Tully came into the room. “If you need me I’ll be on my cell. I realize it’s not working at the moment, but once we’re farther away from the damaged areas we should get decent coverage. I’ll call and check in when that happens.”

“Jessica, we can’t go back to the way things were, but do you need my help in any way?” Tully stepped closer but stopped short of touching her. “No matter what, we have a history and a lifetime connection because of Bailey and Ralph. If you need my help, all you have to do is ask.”

“Don’t be so patronizing. I’m sure you’re just waiting for me to crash and burn, but I’m not giving you the satisfaction.”

“That can’t be further from the truth,” Tully said, trying to find some of the compassion she once held for Jessica and hoping to reach her.

Jessica clenched her fist and jerked around to face her, making Tully think she was about to hit her. Instead Jessica shook her head and opened the door. “I’ll call when we get there.” Once she was outside, she practically ran to her car and left.

“What’s made you so angry, Jessica? And whatever or whoever it was, before you pass the point of no return I hope you realize how close you are to losing all you held dear.” Tully whispered the sentiment to the wind before she went back in to her family.

Date: 2016-01-03; view: 644