Choosing Love by MB Panichi

Author:MB Panichi [MB Panichi]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781594935473
Google: P9lXvgAACAAJ
Barnesnoble:
Goodreads: 32072993
Publisher: Bella Books
Published: 2017-05-09T03:00:00+00:00

Takoda and I were the last of the immediate family to arrive at the reception lunch. Walking into the church basement was something of a déjà vu as I flashed back to Mom’s funeral. Clusters of friends and relatives filled the rows of white-plastic tables and metal folding chairs. The aroma of casseroles and coffee surrounded us. For a moment, I half-expected to see my dad working the room the way he always did at these kinds of gatherings, then I sniffled again, knowing why we were here.

I clutched Takoda’s hand, and she squeezed back. Tom, Bethany and their families were seated at the table closest to the buffet. They’d already started eating. The priest and Bethany’s pastor were at the head table as well. There were no empty seats. I was both annoyed at being left out and relieved we wouldn’t have to sit with them.

Rose marched up and guided us to the table on the side where all my friends sat. My true family.

Rose patted my shoulder. “Let’s get some food in you.”

“I’m not hungry.”

Takoda said, “You should get a little something at least.”

“Besides, it gets you out among the people, and they can see you, and that counts as being sociable and appropriate,” Rose added.

Sighing, I let Rose lead the way to the buffet line. A handful of relatives and friends of the family stopped me as we made our way to the buffet. I appreciated the words of comfort and reminders of how well-liked Dad had been. It was wonderful so many people had come to remember him. Ray Marasich had a big heart, a friendly smile, and was always willing to help. The fact that I heard a lot of quiet laughter in the room told me his life was being celebrated as well as his loss being mourned. Dad wouldn’t have wanted this to be a miserable, solemn occasion. He would have wanted to be remembered for his sense of humor and his positive outlook on life.

As we neared the buffet table, Father Bennett approached us. “Are you all right, Amry?”

Surprised by his concern, I said, “Yes, I’ll be fine, thank you.”

He smiled at Takoda and held out a hand. “Thank you for being here for Amry,” he said.

She shook it. “I’m glad I could be here to support her.”

“I’ve known Amry since she was a little girl. She’s grown into a lovely woman.”

Takoda smiled broadly. “Yes, she has,” she agreed. “She’s the most wonderful, giving, beautiful woman I know.”

I glanced up and was amazed by the depth of love I saw in her eyes. It took my breath away.

Father Bennett cleared his throat. He smiled and touched my arm. “I see that the two of you will take good care of each other.”

Stunned into silence, I didn’t answer.

Takoda responded, “Yes, we will.”

“I’m truly sorry for your loss, Amry. Ray was a good man and he’ll be sorely missed. If there is anything we can do for you, you are always welcome here.”

Recovering, I choked out a stumbling thank-you.

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