Forever Blessed (Women of Prayer) (36 page)

The girls had all their stuff stowed in Joy’s room. Laney had moved Melanie to her room for the evening so Joy could have some privacy.

She had ordered two cheese pizzas and one pepperoni. Hopefully that would be enough. They devoured every bite. It didn’t help matters that Matt was going through a growth spurt and almost ate a whole pizza by himself. Laney managed to get a couple of pieces and set them aside for later, when the kids were entertaining themselves. She would have a salad to go with it.

Even though she had given strict orders to Matt to leave the girls alone, when she heard them scream, he was the first one she suspected. Sure enough, they had been telling ghost stories and he snuck outside to their window and was making scary noises.

All the girls had come running out and jumped up on the couch by her, insisting a ghost was outside their window. Laney assured them there was no such thing as ghosts. “There is your ghost.” She pointed to Matt who was trying to sneak back in the house.

All the girls yelled at him before running back to Joy’s room. Good thing Melanie could sleep through anything.

Laney made her salad and heated up her pizza. She could still hear the girls. Might as well read for a while.

The next morning Laney made homemade Belgian waffles and bacon, Joy’s pick, of course. The girls were rolling up their sleeping bags when the doorbell sounded. Laney headed for the door.

A deliveryman stood outside with a box for Joy. Laney signed for it and started to close the door when she noticed Paul standing on the opposite side of the street, staring at her. She closed the door.

“Joy, you have a package.” Joy and the girls came running.

She questioned her mom with her eyes.

“It’s from your dad. He is outside if you want to talk to him.” Joy stiffened. Curiosity got the better of her so she opened the package. Inside was an iPod. “Mom. This is what I wanted.”

Laney cocked her head to the side, motioning toward Paul. “He is outside. You should thank him.”

Joy gathered the iPod in her hands and walked outside to where her father stood. Laney told the girls to wait here for her, and then followed Joy outside.

She stood back a little, giving her daughter room to thank her father for the gift. Joy said thank you then went back into the house with her friends.

“You could have mailed that.”

“I wanted to see my daughter on her birthday. Is that okay with you?”

“Her birthday is tomorrow.” Laney stared at him, daring him to contradict her.

“I have plans tomorrow.” He turned like he was going to walk off then thought better and turned to her. “Oh, I never did get a thank you from Matt for the helmet, how did he like it?”

“Actually, we exchanged it. Matt likes the Packers, not the Bears.”

Paul was furious. “That was a signed helmet, Laney. You just don’t return those.”

“Paul, it was signed for mass production and you know it.” She shook her head. “Do you really think I am that ignorant?”

“Do you really want me to answer that?” He smirked. “By the way, I don’t think it’s a good idea you letting Matt outside by himself at night. We both know what happened last time you weren’t watching him well enough.”

“How dare you? How do you know Matt was outside by himself at night? Were you watching my house, Paul? Were you? You stay away from me, do you hear me? And that means my house too.”

He quickly closed the gap between them and grabbed her arm. “I have had to tell you one too many times that you do not tell me what I can and can’t do. You are going to dearly regret your actions very, very soon. Mark my word.” He shoved her backwards and turned and walked away.

Laney quickly stood up, rubbing her arm. She looked around to see if any of her neighbors had witnessed her embarrassment. Not seeing anyone, she walked back to the comfort of her house. She put on a brave face while the girls' parents were picking them up and mechanically smiled as each of the moms confirmed for tomorrow’s birthday tea.

Laney shut the door behind the last pickup. She would not cry. Not now. She would not ruin Joy’s birthday.

She could not believe her husband was literally stalking her. She had to talk with Sheila about this, but not until after the party when everyone was gone.

The knock on her side kitchen door scared her. She looked through the curtains. It was Ella. She opened the door. “Hey, come on in.” She pretended nothing was wrong, hoping Ella did not see what happened.

She should have known better.

“Are you okay? I saw that monster and what he did to you.”

“I’m okay, Ella. I really don’t want to make any waves today. It’s Joy’s birthday tomorrow and I just don’t want to ruin it.”

“I understand. I would feel the same way. But, if you see him again you call the police, do you hear me? He isn’t supposed to be near you.”

Laney agreed. She really should have called them but she just couldn’t bear to break her daughter’s heart. This weekend was about Joy. Not Laney and her problems with Paul.

Laney shoved her encounter with Paul to the recesses of her mind. She had things to do that had nothing to do with that man.

She turned back to Ella. “So, you are coming tomorrow?”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Are you sure you don’t want me to make anything?”

Laney had originally told Ella no, she had it covered. She didn’t want Ella to tax herself. Now she was wondering if that was wise. The older woman probably was feeling useless. “You know what, I was going to make some egg salad but I am running short of time. Could you do it for me?”

“Oh yes, I can do that. I have some eggs at home. I’ll go right home and get it started.”

“I already bought the eggs, so please take those or they’ll go bad. We’ll never eat that many.”

She put the cartons of eggs in a bag, along with the mayonnaise and mustard and sent them home with Ella, who looked happier than Laney had seen her as of late.

Laney quickly wrapped the necklace and earrings she had bought for Joy for her birthday. They had bought the pink dress that Joy wanted to so badly and a pair of white sandals as well. Twelve-year-old girls liked to feel pretty. She wouldn’t let her wear makeup; she was too young, but jewelry would work.

She put the little box in her purse so she wouldn’t forget it. Sheila was taking care of the desserts and had put Laney in charge of the sandwiches. The egg salad would be fantastic. She was sure of that. Ella had a way with food. The cucumber sandwiches could not be assembled until tomorrow morning. She began boiling the chicken for chicken salad. She tried to think if there was anything she was missing. She could think of nothing.

Everyone invited was attending, so Sheila had fifteen spots set for tea. It would be a lovely birthday party.

*  *  *  *

Laney heard Joy before she saw her and turned to look. She looked stunning. Laney smiled and went to her daughter. “Happy Birthday, honey. You look so beautiful.”

Joy beamed. “Thank you, mom.” She turned around in a circle so Laney could appreciate the full effect of the dress.

“Would you mind opening your birthday gift from me a little early?”

Joy grinned. “Would I mind? You’re kidding, right?”

Laney retrieved the little box from her purse. “I was going to have you open it at the party, but I think you need this now. "

Joy carefully opened the small box. Inside were a single pearl necklace and a pair of pearl studs. Her birthstone. She squealed. “Mom, I love them.”

Laney smiled. “Do you want help putting your necklace on?”

Joy nodded her head yes then turned around and lifted her hair so her mother could clasp the necklace around her neck. She went to the mirror to put the earrings on and stood back, admiring herself in the mirror.

Laney watched her daughter staring at herself in the mirror. She wondered if Joy saw herself the way she saw her. She was a beautiful young girl and she was going to be a stunning woman. The sun was already turning her skin a light golden color and the freckles dusting her nose would soon blend in with her summer coloring.

Joy tucked her long light brown hair behind her ear and turned her head slightly to get a better look at the earrings.

Laney came to stand beside her. “You really are growing up. Come on, let’s get your brothers so we aren’t late for church. "

*  *  *  *

Church seemed to pass quickly. Afterward, Laney handed Matt off to Austin. Of course he had something to say about it. “Mom, how come I can’t go? I’m hungry.”

“Matt, you are going to eat with Austin and the boys. Do you really want to go with a bunch of ladies for a tea? I would think a big strapping boy like you would not want to eat with a bunch of girls in dresses.

Matt made a face. “Yuck. Fine, I’ll eat with Austin.” He turned to Austin. “What’s for lunch? I’m hungry.”

Austin shook his head and ushered his charge out of the sanctuary. “Come on. Maybe we’ll just go get a hamburger.”

Laney could hear Matt agreeing from where she was standing in the sanctuary. She just shook her head and went to pick up Melanie from her class, looking for Joy, Sheila and Ella as she went.

*  *  *  *

Laney, Ella, Sheila, and Joy went straight to the teashop after church. Everyone was expected at two pm and the sandwiches still needed to be assembled. Joy was given the job of setting the party favors at each place setting.

Everything was ready when the first guests arrived. Joy acted as official greeter since she was the guest of honor and took each person to her seat. The afternoon was lovely. Joy received a plethora of gifts ranging from hair bows to gift cards for her iPod. She oohed and aahed over each one, loving the attention of everyone in attendance.

Laney was thankful for her daughter. She might not always show it, but she loved her with a reckless love and would do anything for her, anything at all.

She watched Joy go from table to table, thanking each person for coming and for their gifts, acting so grown up. Laney prayed her daughter’s days of being a child were far from over.
If only Paul would leave us alone, maybe the heartache this dear girl experienced would be long forgotten.

She whispered, “Happy birthday my darling daughter, happy birthday.”

             
             
             
Chapter Forty-Four

Summer turned hot and sticky quick. Laney decided to move their day trip to the water park up because of the heat. Austin and Sheila asked to tag along with the boys and Joy was told she could invite one friend. Not three. That should keep the kids busy enough. Austin had already offered to take the older kids on the slides so that left Laney, Sheila and Melanie to hang out by the toddler pool.

Sheila patted her belly. “I’m surprised I found a bathing suit to fit me.”

“I told you it wouldn’t be a problem. They make all kinds of maternity wear these days.” Laney looked at Sheila’s rounded belly. “Besides, you’re adorable pregnant.”

“I am, aren’t I?”

Laney laughed.

Both women sat on the edge of the children’s play area while Melanie sat at their feet, playing with her toys. “Mel, come here by mama. Let me put some more sunscreen on you.”

Laney rubbed her down before letting her back in the water.

“Have you had any more issues with Paul?”

“Not that I know of. The creep could be watching me all the time and I wouldn’t know it. Sometimes I have the weirdest feeling someone is behind me, but when I turn around, there’s no one there.”