Forever Friday (17 page)

Summer at last, she thought … well, almost.

Even though Huck was an adult, the season still evoked the carefree gladness of uninhibited freedom. Freedom from stale studies and chalk dust. Freedom to run barefoot down a warm sandy lane. Freedom to spend time loving the soul mate of her girlhood dreams.

She glanced at the clock as anticipation pulsed through her veins. Three thirty. Only ninety minutes before Gabe would pick her up and their weekend would officially begin. Huck smiled. It was Friday and she couldn’t wait to get home and check the mail.

Kicking off her shoes, she plopped down in her chair, mentally organizing tasks for the following Monday. It would be the final workday for teachers. An entire day to turn in grades and ready classrooms for the next school year. The coolness of the polished oak floor soothed her tired feet. Pushing aside a stack of graded essay tests, she let her mind wander again to thoughts of Gabe.

It had been almost a month since their porch swing honeymoon. And marriage to him was every bit as wonderful as she’d imagined. On weekdays, he’d hop out of their bed the minute the alarm sounded and put on the kettle, allowing her time to snooze awhile longer. The next thing she knew, he’d be under the covers again, gently rubbing her back while two cups of Admiration Coffee steamed on the nightstand. She’d prop feather pillows against the headboard, and they’d sit, sip, and snuggle while the sun lit the eastern sky. After a few coffee kisses, Gabe would shave and dress while Huck cooked a breakfast he said was “fit for a Texas cattle baron.” He’d tie on one of her aprons and wash dishes while she got ready. Then they’d scuttle down the apartment stairs and zoom away in Blue Norther.

Huck smiled. Her cowboy-captain looked so silly wearing a frilly apron. In a way, it reminded her of the day they’d met at Cecil’s—Gabe covering his suit with an apron—except her aprons were starched and not spattered with fish scales.

On Sundays, they’d attend the eleven o’clock service at Christ Church. Since the weather was sunny and warm, they’d pack a picnic lunch and head over to Hermann Park. Before munching fried chicken and an assortment of fresh fruit, they’d thank God for His bountiful goodness. Then while eating, discuss the day’s sermon. Afterward they’d stow their picnic basket back in Blue Norther and stroll through
the zoo. Their favorite animals were a pair of Asian elephants: Nellie and Hans. “Now there’s a couple who lives
large
,” Gabe said.

Opening her grade book, she wondered if every week of their marriage would receive an A+. There had been a few “together tweaks,” a phrase coined after their first disagreement. She now realized how juvenile she’d been, and Gabe too. Neither of them had argued like adults. And even though Cutter—her twin—was a paltry six minutes older, she’d been branded the youngest Huckabee, accused by her family of expecting to get her way. And Gabe had been an only child.

“Well, maybe just an A for that particular week,” she whispered. They’d been married only ten days when she’d mentioned wanting to sleep on the right side of their bed, the side she’d always favored. She’d just come out of the bathroom from brushing her teeth when Gabe turned back the covers.

“I didn’t know there was a
wrong
side.” He chuckled and leaped into bed.

“Gabe … I wanted that side.”

“What difference does it make?” He pulled the top sheet up over his head.

“Evidently, lots.” Huck tried to uncover him but couldn’t, so she hit him with a pillow. “You’re not being fair.”

“But I’ve always slept on this side,” Gabe said, peeking out at her.

“So have I.” Huck dropped the pillow and folded her arms, surprised at his selfishness. She realized they were both on the verge of hurt feelings but wanted to prove a point. Her cheeks grew hot. “Before we married there was only one of you living here. That means you always slept in the middle.”

“Great idea.” Gabe rolled to the center.

“I can’t believe you,” she said.

Neither spoke for a moment.

“I can’t believe
you
clogged the bathtub drain with your long hair.” He frowned.

“That’s a ridiculous male observation that has nothing do with one’s favorite side of the bed.”

“Are you implying I’m being unfair?”

“If the toenail fits, wear it.”

“The toenail?”

“More precisely, toenails. Yours. It’s not just my hair clogging the drain.” Huck stomped back into the bathroom and locked the door. She’d not really discovered his toenails in the bathtub, but he must cut them somewhere. Several minutes passed in silence. She’d started to open the door, but changed her mind and sat on the toilet lid instead, crossing and recrossing her arms. Surely Gabe knew they weren’t seriously fighting … were they?

Standing slowly, she tiptoed to the door and listened. Nothing. Had he gone? Suddenly, a car engine roared to life on the street below. Huck reached for the doorknob as mental images of her new husband disappeared in a dark cloud of automobile exhaust. “Oh, Gabe!” She flung open the door.

“I’m a selfish ignoramus.” Gabe stood only inches away. “It’s all my fault.”

“No. It’s mine. My feelings were hurt and I made up the toenail story.” She melted into his arms. “I don’t care what side of the bed I’m on, as long as I’m next to you.”

“And if I’m ever tempted to do something as disgusting as clip my
toenails while bathing,” Gabe whispered, “I won’t. I’ll just buy larger shoes.”

They laughed and held each other close, then kissed like long-lost lovers.

“So what were you doing out here all this time?” Huck asked.

“I’ll never tell.” Gabe grinned. “What were you doing in there?”

“I’ll never tell either.” She laughed.

“You don’t have to. I was watching through the keyhole.”

“Gabriel Robert Alexander! You should be horsewhipped.”

“How ’bout you scratch my back instead?”

The memory of their first “together tweak” made Huck laugh out loud, jiggling her thoughts back into her classroom. She’d been mad enough to claw Gabe’s eyes and ended up scratching his back. And just today, one of the other teachers had told her that men who have their heads scratched every day never go bald. Gabe would love that.

Huck studied her grade book, then closed it, debating what to do next. She’d much rather think about Gabe than record essay scores. Besides, she’d worked ahead and had little to do on Monday. Opening a desk drawer, she then pulled out a hand-held mirror and a small brush. Gabe might arrive early, and it wouldn’t do for her hair to be mussed. He’d done that last Friday … arrived early.

Satisfied with her hair, Huck put away the mirror and brush. She walked over to a window and peered outside. Blue Norther was nowhere in sight.

“At least we have tonight,” Huck said aloud. They’d made no definite plans, a late movie date perhaps, but it didn’t matter. Spending a Friday evening together was enough. Once again, she pictured what would be waiting in the mailbox, and her insides tingled.

“I wish tonight would never end and we could cancel tomorrow,” Huck muttered. The next day was Saturday, so they’d decided to drive to Huntsville because Gabe had not met “the folks.” The plan was to arrive after lunch, then spend the night and attend church there if all went well. If it didn’t, she’d make a job-related excuse and they’d drive back to Houston.

Huck had written her mother a long letter, not referencing marriage specifically, but hinting how she’d met Gabe and it had changed her life. Annise had mailed back a quick reply. Not a word about Gabe. But since none of her children lived in Huntsville, it would be wonderful visiting with her youngest daughter face to face.

Face to face
meant a private talk, which Huck wanted to avoid. However, her mother’s letter could’ve been worse. Clark wasn’t mentioned, so perhaps he’d not spread rumors about his and Huck’s violent breakup, at least none vicious enough to cause a hometown stir. And there was a bit of good news: Cutter would be home. Huck believed without reservation that he’d adore her new husband. Well, maybe not
adore
, but be so relieved she’d not married Clark, would probably award Gabe season tickets. Two years ago, Cutter had signed with the Beaumont Exporters, a top-rated minor league baseball team. He wasn’t usually free on summer weekends but had a rare open date.

A car resembling Blue Norther pulled up outside Huck’s classroom window and honked. She knew it wasn’t Gabe—he considered honking for ladies as rude—but checked the clock anyway. Only ten minutes had passed. So the start to their wonderful evening would have to wait awhile longer.

She returned to her desk. As good as it would be to see family, she
dreaded the possible outcome. The whole thing made her stomach hurt.

When Gabe arrived at Sidney Lanier ten minutes early, Huck was waiting out front. He offered a brief kiss and opened the passenger’s side door.

“I missed you today,” Gabe said as he steered Blue Norther out of the parking lot.

“Not as much as I missed you.” Huck leaned over and pecked him on the cheek. “Can you believe school’s out for the summer?”

“It’s predicted to be a scorcher,” Gabe said. “So I think we should install a swimming pool.”

“That sounds refreshing, darling, but with whose money?”

“Well …” He rubbed his chin. “We do okay. And we did sell my parents’ ranch.”

“Gabe dear, we agreed to spend some of that money on a house, save some, and invest the rest.”

“So, not a good plan?”

“I’d rather have a house.” She studied his face. “What are you up to? You know as well as I that we can’t install a swimming pool on rental property. Our landlord would …” She paused. “Why are we driving north?”

He shrugged again. “Just gave Blue Norther her head, and this is the direction she chose.”

“Gabe Alexander. Where are we going?”

“You have been kidnapped.” He chuckled. “Thought we’d head on
up toward Huntsville tonight. I’ve already been home and packed everything we’ll need.”

“Oh, Gabe, no.” Huck’s bottom lip quivered. “I’m prepared to deal with Mother for an afternoon and perhaps one night, but not two. Anyway, it’s
our
Friday.”

“I said we’d head
toward
Huntsville, not that we’d actually get there. Not tonight anyway.” He grinned, his mouth lopsided with mischief.

Huck sighed, relieved that the confrontation with her mother was still a day away. “Since I’ve allowed you to kidnap me, I insist on knowing everything.” After the stunning romance of the honeymoon, she didn’t know what to expect.

“Okay. About halfway to your folks’ place is an elegant country inn that’s just been refurbished, complete with a French chef. I read about it in the
Chronicle
. Thought we’d have a nice dinner there and stay the night … to celebrate.”

“Celebrate?” Huck took a deep breath. “Dearest. I know I said that Mother could be handled, and she can, but when she discovers her youngest daughter has married …” She stopped, realizing he wasn’t paying attention.

“Gulf Oil Corporation offered me a job,” Gabe interjected. “Starts July 18.”

“Gabe!” Huck threw her arms around his neck. “I can’t believe it!”

“Careful. Last time you attacked me like this we almost crashed.”

“I’m not worried.” Huck kissed his cheek. “Introducing you as an oil executive is exactly how we’ll handle Mother.”

“Accountant,” Gabe corrected. “Lowly accountant.”

“Doesn’t matter. Mother knows nothing about the oil business.
The second I introduce you, I’ll mention Gulf Oil. Papa will be impressed.”

“Sounds a little slick to me.”

“Very funny.”

“What about that private talk your mother wrote about?”

“I’ve been intensely praying for wisdom.”

Gabe wrinkled his forehead. “Hmm. I’ll bet your mother has offered a few intense prayers as well. I wonder whose side God will take?”

“We’re both on
His
side,” Huck said.

“Well stated, my wise wife.”

Huck smiled. Hopefully their private talk wouldn’t even happen.

“Any further advice on meeting your father?” Gabe asked.

Huck kissed his cheek again and snuggled close. “Are you skilled at dominoes?”

“Not if you don’t want me to be.”

“Then you’ll do fine. Papa would love it if you challenged him to a game.”

“What about Cutter? Is he any good?”

“Against Papa?”

Gabe nodded.

“Hasn’t been for years.”

At the inn, Huck discovered Gabe had stuffed Blue Norther’s trunk with her entire wardrobe, along with all her makeup, jewelry, shoes, and anything else she could possibly need. It was a ridiculous amount for one weekend, but he wanted her to have the proper choices, and she was touched by his thoughtfulness. He even brought their Friday postcard and had the waiter deliver it to their secluded little booth, along with flaming cherries jubilee.

Huck read the card before the flame died. “The morning of our love,” she repeated softly.

“May its fire continue well into the evening,” Gabe added.

“A double-meaning metaphor,” Huck replied.

He took her hand and kissed her. “I love being married to an English teacher.”