Page 14 of Threads of Kindness
“Ilovethe sound of that,” Susan said. “That had always been my dream—until I got so sick after donating my kidney to Nicole. Aaron and I didn’t know how long it would take me to recover”—she turned her face away—“or evenifI would recover. Getting married in the hospital was an experience I’ll never forget. I don’t regret not having the big traditional wedding I always dreamed of, but I’m happy Sunday gets to have one.”
“Me too,” Judy said. “Looks like you’re having a New Year’s Eve party?”
Susan chuckled. “If you can call it that. Since Mom and John couldn’t be with us on Christmas Day, we’re having them over for New Year’s Eve. We’ll have dinner at six, exchange gifts, and they’ll be on their way home by nine. Unless Julia keeps us up, Aaron and I are never awake at midnight anymore. I bought those napkins and plates on a whim—as a nod to the festive occasion.” She cocked her head and looked at Judy. “Do you and Jeff have fun plans?”
“Actually—we do,” Judy said.
“Do tell!” Susan grinned. “Are you dressing up and going somewhere swanky? Maybe dinner and dancing at The Mill?”
Judy laughed. “Nothing of the sort. It’s been such a busy holiday season here at the store, and then we hosted the Christmas potluck. Frankly, we’re both pooped. Jeff and I agreed to stay in and have an early dinner. He’s quite a cook, as it turns out, and is going to make brisket in the crockpot.”
“Really?” Susan exclaimed. “That’s whatI’mfixing! Did he get the recipe out of last Sunday’s paper?”
“I think so,” Judy said. “You’ll have to compare notes on how it turns out.”
“I’ll make sure we do,” Susan said.
“After dinner, I plan to climb into my flannel pajamas and snuggle on the sofa with him while we watch a romcom. I’m going to suggestThe Holiday.”
“That’s my favorite,” Susan said. “I’ve seen it a zillion times. Sounds like the perfect New Year’s Eve date to me.” She checked her watch. “I’d better get going—I don’t want to be late for Sunday.”
Judy came around the counter and hugged her friend.
“Happy New Year,” they murmured to each other.
Susan addressedthe envelope to Sunday and Josh, taking care to render the first letters of their names in an elaborate font. Calligraphy was a hobby she had abandoned when she became a mother. She rocked back in her chair and studied her efforts, pleased with the effect. She placed the card, with a handwritten note from her, into the envelope and licked the tip of the V to seal it shut.
She set the card on the table. Sunday would be here any minute, and she was glad she’d arrived with enough time to sign the card.
Susan felt a rush of cold air as the door opened behind her. She turned to see Sunday stepping inside, out of the cold.
Sunday spotted Susan and hurried across the dining room. “Thank you for meeting me this morning,” Sunday said. “I understand you’ve had a hectic week, what with Julia’s illness. It was very important to me to see you before we both get busy with our jobs and our lives after New Year’s.”
“Of course,” Susan said. “I’m always happy to see you.”
“You heard our news?”
Susan grinned. “I sure did. If you were hoping to keep your engagement a secret, I’m afraid that ship has sailed. Announcing anything in Judy’s presence is the equivalent of publishing it on the internet.”
“So I’ve been told,” Sunday said with a laugh. “We aren’t keeping our good news secret, however.”
“I’m glad,” Susan said. “It certainly is good news.” She slid the card over to Sunday. “This is for you and Josh—from Aaron and me.”
“Gosh, this will be our first engagement card. Thank you, Susan. Do you mind if I save it to open with Josh tonight?”
“Of course not,” Susan said. “So, speaking of Judy, she just told me you’re going for a traditional wedding.”
“That’s right,” Sunday said. “It’ll be small, but we both want a church wedding with all the bells and whistles.”
“I love the sound of that,” Susan said. “Mom told me you’re considering getting married in the Highpointe College Chapel.”
“We are,” Sunday said.
“Have you seen it?” Susan asked.
“Only from the outside,” Sunday replied. “That red brick exterior in the Gothic Revival style is stunning, and exactly what I want.”
“You have to go inside,” Susan said. “With the sun streaming through that huge stained-glass window behind the altar—well, it’s absolutely breathtaking.”
