Page 107 of One Sweet Day I Found You

The older woman answered warmly. “Why, hello. Yes. We’re hoping to see Victoria. Is she awake? We’re old friends. I’m hoping she’s taking visitors.”

Courtney hesitated. What was the protocol here? They were complete strangers to Courtney, yet it would be rude to make them wait while she asked Victoria if it was okay to let them in, right? This wasn’t Courtney’s home, she wasn’t a butler, and they sure didn’t look like axe murderers. She opened the door wider.

“Yes, sheisawake right now and enjoys having visitors. Please, come in. She’s in the living room.” She stepped aside and motioned for them to enter.

“Thank you, dear.” The woman, holding an enormous vase of fresh flowers, swept assuredly past Courtney toward the living room before any names were exchanged.

The older gentleman came in. “So sorry for the intrusion. We just drove in from Illinois. I’m afraid my wife insisted on surprising her.” He flashed her a conspiratorial wink and Courtney returned a grin.

“Oh, it’s no problem at all. I’m sure she’ll be thrilled,” Courtney said. That sure was some distance to drive to see someone without letting the other party know, though, wasn’t it?

The man followed his wife into the living room and the second couple stepped forward. Courtney guessed they weren’t much older than she, and they didn’t seem to be in quite such a hurry. “Hello, I’m Kenny. This is my fiancée, Gloria, and those are my parents. Sorry to barge in like this. They’ve been anxious since we hit the Wisconsin border.” He grinned.

“Hi.” She relaxed and held out a hand. “It’s so nice to meet you. I’m Courtney. Come on in.” They all shook. Something about Kenny felt oddly familiar, but she couldn’t quite place it.

The two of them followed her into the living room, where the first two guests already sat across from Victoria, chatting and fussing pleasantly. The vase of flowers looked lovely on an end table.

Victoria brightened when the younger couple entered the room. “Oh, it’s Kenny! What a wonderful surprise! And look how you’ve grown! Now, who’s this lovely young lady?” Kenny introduced Gloria.

“It’s so nice to meet you, dear.” Gloria greeted her warmly.

Courtney made a polite motion to leave. “I should let you all catch up with each other.”

“Nonsense. Stay and chat, Courtney!” Victoria said. “Did you all meet Courtney? She’s my tenant in the guesthouse.”

Introductions were made. Courtney gave a little wave, and Victoria introduced the older couple as Kenneth and Julia. “They’re dear old friends.”

“So nice to meet you, Courtney,” Julia said.

Courtney sat down on the sofa and returned the greeting.

Victoria gushed over their surprise visit. “Oh, I can’t believe you drove all the way here out of the blue! It’s been so long. I want to hear all about you. Start talking!”

Gracious yet matter-of-fact, Kenneth and Julia chatted a bit about themselves, his work, things at home, and how they’d all made reservations for a couple of nights at a hotel in Anderson Cove so they could stay a few days. It was one of the more luxurious options in the area. Courtney recognized it from the lodging guide she’d updated.

Kenny mentioned he and Gloria had been in the area just last month although the older couple hadn’t been there in years. Eventually, they brought the conversation around as to how Victoria was faring since the stroke.

“Oh, I’m no worse for wear,” Victoria said, waving it off.

Kenneth asked some rather clinical-sounding questions about her medications and her diagnosis. Courtney thought he must be a doctor.

“But don’t worry, I’m getting along fine here with Josie and Courtney. They’ve both been taking great care of me.”

Josie walked into the room just then and greeted them all warmly. Apparently, she knew the family as well. Courtney was doing her best to be polite, but could not quite figure out just how these people fit in with Victoria’s life.

“Oh, Kenny, you’re so grown up! I can hardly believe it. It’s got to be, what—eleven or twelve years since I’ve seen you?”

Kenny laughed and gave her a hug. “Yes, something like that! It’s great to see you, too. And you haven’t aged a day.”

Josie gave him a wink, beaming. “Can I get you all something to drink? That must’ve been a long drive.”

“That would be wonderful. Thank you so much, Josie,” Julia answered for the group.

Courtney jumped up and followed Josie into the kitchen. “I’ll help.”

“Oh, let me help you, too.” Gloria hurried after them.

In the kitchen, Josie poured lemonades and loaded up the tray. She handed it to Gloria, who stood waiting. “Thank you so much, dear,” Josie said.

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