Take Me Down by Sylvia Lett

Author:Sylvia Lett
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 2009-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

When they returned to Stephanie’s house, they found Christina in the kitchen with Ashley baking cookies. She ran to Jack when she saw him. Smiling, he swung her up in his arms and kissed her.

“Hi, Daddy.” She rested her forehead against his.

“How’s my favorite little girl?”

She giggled. “I’m your only little girl.”

“True point. Your mom and I have some exciting news for you.” Jack caught Stephanie’s hand and drew her into the circle. “Your mom and I are getting married.”

Christina let out a piercing four-year-old scream of excitement. She hugged both of them. “We will live together.”

“Yes, honey, we will,” answered Stephanie, turning to face her speechless sister. Ashley didn’t say a word. She just stared at them in silence.

“Congratulations,” said Ashley, finding her voice. She hugged both Stephanie and Jack. “I wish you both all the best. I’m just a little surprised. I don’t know why, but I am.”

“What on earth is going on?” asked Mildred. “I heard Christina screaming like a wild banshee. Is everything all right?”

“Mommy and Daddy…” Her words trailed off as Jack put his hand over her mouth. Stephanie laughed at her daughter trying to squirm free.

“We’ll wait upstairs,” Jack said, carrying Christina out of the room with his hand still covering her mouth. He didn’t want her to let the cat out of the bag. He also didn’t want Mildred to make a scene in front of Christina.

“I’ll come with you,” said Ashley, fleeing the room. She did not want to be around for this confrontation.

“Let’s go in the den.” Stephanie led the way. She needed those extra seconds to build up her courage to say what she needed to say to her mother. Stephanie waited until she heard their footsteps on the stairs. “Mom, have a seat,” said Stephanie nervously. She sat down next to her mother on the sofa. “There’s something I have to tell you. Please try and remain calm.” She felt her mother tense beside her. Raising her hand, she showed her mother the engagement ring. “Jack and I are getting married.” She waited for a reaction, but none came. Stephanie stared at her silent mother. She waved her hand in front of her face. “Mom, did you hear what I said? Jack and I are getting married in three weeks.”

Without a word, Mildred got up from the sofa and left the room. Stephanie stared after her in confusion. Where was the argument she was expecting? Where was the lecture? Where was the loud outburst? She never expected quiet acceptance.

This was not like her mother. Coming to her feet, she followed her mother up the stairs to her room. She knocked softly on the bedroom door before entering. Her heart did a flip-flop when she found her mother packing her clothes. Mildred looked up at her without a word and then continued to pack her things.

“Mom, what are you doing?” Stephanie knew what she was doing, but she didn’t expect it to be this easy. Her mother was packing to leave.

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