Page 66 of When You Smile

“A hurricane sweeps in and rearranges your patio furniture. But when it’s your life, it’s the people who are rearranged and what they mean to you.”

“I see. Fate decided my babysitter might be the perfect girlfriend for me.”

He laughed. “Exactly.”

“Why am I missing all the good conversation?” her mother called from the kitchen. “I’m a confectionary prisoner!”

“Because you refuse to come in here and relax with us!” he yelled back.

“I want to make sure the cinnamon pecans are ready for Charlie!” she bellowed.

“Charlie doesn’t mind waiting a few extra minutes for pecans!”

Taryn laughed. “I’ve missed you two and your hollering sessions.” She picked up her camera, aimed her lens, and took a shot of her mother in the kitchen through the window created by the counter and the overhanging cabinet. The shape of the foreground would hopefully create an interesting entry point.

“Well, I hope Charlie’s okay with how lively it can be around here,” her dad said. She’d noticed he was stronger on his right side than he had been when she’d left for school.

“Charlie has met you both before.” A pause. “But maybe cut the volume in half when you think of it.”

“Impossible!” her mother yelled, followed by a warm, full laugh. It was good to be home.

The doorbell sounded and they all froze. “Willie Nelson in Luckenbach, she’s here!” Her mother scurried around the corner into the living room and left them in the dust on the way to the front door. “I’m doing it. Me. Me. Me.”

Taryn laughed and placed her nervous hands on her hips, dropped them to her sides, and put them back again. Her girlfriend was about to spend Christmas with them. Everything in her glowed like a warm candle in a window. Deep breath and a brace. She heard her voice before she saw her. Charlie greeted her mother with an, “Oh my goodness, hi.” Taryn’s heart melted. Her bones were liquid, but she refrained from rushing in and stealing this moment from her mother, who had been so excited to host Charlie for these few days.

“Charlotte Ross, you look more beautiful than the last time I saw you. So sophisticated, too.”

“Oh, that’s the nicest compliment.”

“Give me the biggest hug.” A moment later. “I hope you’re hungry.”

“I could definitely eat.”

“There’s wine, too,” her mom said. “All kinds. A beer if you’d rather. We’re informal here.”

And then there she was, practically ushered in by a choir of angels in Taryn’s ears.

Charlie’s hair was partially pulled up with the rest down around her shoulders. She wore a green and white Fair Isle sweater, jeans, and brown boots with little fur borders on top. Her blue eyes sparkled, and everything in Taryn sang at the sight of her.

When their eyes connected, Charlie didn’t hesitate. She moved straight to Taryn and pulled her in to a hug, rocking a little as she held on. “Hi, you,” she said quietly in Taryn’s ear.

“Hi.” She was smiling ear to ear, on happiness overload. “Six days is longer than I thought.”

“Tell me about it,” Charlie said. Finally, she released Taryn and turned to her father. “I’m so sorry to pass over you like that. I just saw this one and had to say hello.”

“No, no,” he said, beaming. “You did the exact right thing.” He grinned at Charlie and accepted her hug but couldn’t seem to help stealing glimpses at Taryn, needing to witness her happiness, which was the sweetest thing. “Can I help with your bag?”

“Oh no. It’s light. I can manage.”

“Martie and I got this guest room all ready for you,” he said. “But far be it from us to tell you where to sleep.” He looked straight at the ground. This was new territory for everyone.

“You have your own space if you want it,” her mom said from the entryway, looking on. “It’s chart your own course around here. That’s what I say. Everyone is an adult, right, Tad?”

“Time flies, but yes.” He looked around for a way out. Shuffled his feet. “We should break into that hot mulled stuff now, right?”

“Immediately.” Taryn laughed at their floundering attempts to be cool, when they so didn’t have to be.

“On it!” her mom said. “Charlie, do you like warm cinnamon pecans? I thought I might put some out, if anyone was interested.” The feigned casualness of the offer amused Taryn.

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