Page 71 of Marcel

“So, you had nochoice but to put her into an institution.”

She nodded. “Itbroke my heart, but the bills piled up, and I had to work. Suffice itto say, I did not graduate, but that was not important.”

Shifting his head, hetilted her chin up. “You wanted her to be right there cheeringfor you at your graduation,” he said.

Her eyes glistenedwith tears, and her throat tightened. “Yes,” shewhispered, not surprised to realize that he had gotten it—hehad gotten her. “Without her there, it was not thatimportant.”

“You wentstraight from accomplishing your goals at tremendous odds to goingstraight into the job market. The responsibilities you took on weretremendous,” he said gently. “I am so proud of you.”

The tears spilleddown her cheeks. “I love you so much.” She whisperedachingly.

“I love youmore, darling.” He wiped away the tears. “I am here. Iwant you to know that you have a family and never have to be aloneagain.”

Pressing herselfagainst him, she buried her face in his throat. Wrapping his handsaround her waist, he cradled her.

“I think I canwrite the eulogy now.” She told him after a few minutes ofprofound silence.

“I know youcan.”

She smiled and curledher lips. “Are we going to talk about the fact that we aregoing to be parents?”

“What’sthere to talk about?” He asked mildly. “I already made anappointment with the best OB in town.”

“Of course youdid.” Lifting her head, she gave him an adoring look. “Youare a kick-ass husband.”

“I am that.”His hand cupped her cheek. “It so happens that I think a lot ofmy wife.”

“Thank you.”She whispered tearfully.

“You arewelcome, my sweet.”

*****

Standing at thepulpit, Nikki looked at the sea of faces that had turned up for hermother’s funeral and felt her heart bursting inside her chest.The church was not small, and all the seats were filled with peoplestanding outside, looking in.

Her husband, lookingachingly handsome in his black tux, was seated in the front pew withhis parents, brother, his wife, Julia, and her soon-to-be husband. Hegave her an assuring look that steadied her.

“My husband isafraid I will break into tears and be unable to carry on.” Shesaid with a smile as she looked around the room. “I assured himthat I could do this and keep my promise.” Her smile faded asshe glanced down at the paper before her. “Norma RachelJohnston was a member of this church.

She taught Sundayschool and was involved in the soup kitchen and the women’sdepartment while being a mother who ensured I never neglected myhomework. She was a very committed wife and worked as a librarian forthirty years.”

She paused and sawwhen Marcel started to rise. Shaking her head, she sent him a smile.“She and my dad were very much in love. I never understood itbefore, and growing up, I thought it was gross-” She waited forthe laughter to die.

“And then, as ateenager, it used to annoy me to see them touching each other everyfew minutes.” Her eyes strayed to Marcel.

“I neverunderstood that kind of devotion until recently.” Her smile wasintimate and entirely for her husband. “Now I know.” Shelooked at her paper.

“My mother diedthe very day my dad died. She tried to keep it together for mybenefit for as long as she could.” She glanced at the glossymahogany box covered with flowers. “I know that now.”Taking a deep breath, she started to speak again when the dizzinessassailed her.

This time, Marcel didnot hesitate. Surging to his feet, he rushed up the steps and wrappedhis hand around her waist.

“I can finish,”she whispered.

“I am notleaving.”

“I don’texpect you to.” Leaning against his solid frame, she finishedand let him lead her to her seat.

*****

---