Thad laughed, his eyes danced full of enjoyment. "Oh, yes, you see, all that time ago, when I first got my box at the post office; the very first time I went to pick up my mail......you were walking out with your mail in hand. I turned back to look at you and bumped into a woman carrying a box of wedding invitations. She dropped the box and as I knelt to help pick them up, I thought to myself, "I will never see my brown eyed girl again." Jenny spoke with an ethereal dreaminess in her tone, "You noticed the color of my eyes in the split second I passed by you?" Thad raised an eyebrow, and leaned forward for effect, "You have the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen in my life; impossible to miss." "Ha." she laughed. "Says you." "Yes." with no laughter in his voice, "Says me." He held her gaze for a few seconds. "As it turned out, that was not the case. Who knew we were to be P.O. box neighbors? I wanted to immediately introduce myself, but Nicole and I were still together, even though it was long distance. To be honest.....I didn't want to start something I wasn't free to finish." Jenny raised her eyebrows at this. Thad quietly explained. "It was my distinct instinct that I would want to get to know you much better and I couldn't, so I didn't."
"Beautiful day." Jenny said.
"What?" Thad asked, as he glanced toward the window.
"That is what you always say to me...Beautiful day!"
Thad asked almost shyly, "Why didn't you say anything to me? Tell me who you were or that you knew who I was?"
She tilted her head as she twirled her hair around her finger. It was half child like, half alluring, and completely disarming. It was obvious to Thad that she was oblivious to her own charms. He forced himself to focus.
"Fair question." "Good question."
"At first I was stunned, then I didn't know how to even begin. After a time, I began to feel like a stalker and awkward. I asked Rachel if she knew why you were in a completely different state than the one I had left you in. She explained about your opportunity to attend that art school you have now graduated from."
Thad was truly astonished..."You're like the CIA."
Jenny smirked at him, "Funny!"
He offered further explanation, unbidden."This is my hometown, my family is here, so when the opportunity presented itself, I grabbed it. My parents own a gallery here in town,"La Vista Mozzafiato." "Your family owns that gallery?" "I love that gallery!" "Yes, my mother and father met in Italy. My dad was an art history major in college and spent a couple semesters in Italy studying. One weekend, he found himself wandering the countryside. It was early in the morning. He was strolling through this little village and there she was".......
"My father tells this story so much better. That was the first time he saw my mom. He says she was a breathtaking sight; that is why the gallery is 'La Vista Mozzafiato' which means 'breathtaking sight' in Italian. Her father, my grandfather, was a painter, a true artist." "It's in your blood then." Thad raised one eyebrow, tilted his head, and gave her a little grin. Sensing he would feel more comfortable if she dropped it, she picked up her story.
"Anyway, we had settled into 'hello' in passing. About the time I decided to finally tell you we knew some of the same people, as it happened, it was the moment when Nicole..well....uhhh...I found out that...." Thad finished the sentence supplying her with the words that escaped her. "About that time, Nicole dumped me." "Yes, that....so it seemed like the best course of action was to say nothing at all." "Until today, that is." Thad offered. Jenny nodded her head, sighed a little sigh and giggled a bit....."Until today."
Jenny wasn't sure how to tell him there was more, so she decided to switch gears completely while she found the courage. Standing to her feet in a way that invited Thad to follow suit, she declared, "I am hungry and I know you must be too. The soup is ready; why don't we eat and warm ourselves on the inside?" Thad motioned for her to lead the way and took in a deep, satisfying breath. "I am hungry, but if I wasn't and I smelled that, I would eat anyway; it smells marvelous!"
"I hope it lives up to your expectations." Jenny set the table while Thad went to the stove, lifting the lid. The steam floated up, carrying the aroma of the chicken noodle goodness with it. Thad went to retrieve the bowls from the table while Jenny went to the fridge. As Thad confidently and naturally filled the bowls with generous portions of soup, Jenny asked, "What would you like to drink?" Without a second thought. "Milk, if you have enough." "Good, me too. And there is plenty unless we are stuck here too long."
Thad laughed as he set the bowls in place on the table. Jenny was directly behind him with the milk glasses. She asked, "What's funny?" Lifting the warm bread from the oven, she shut the oven door with her foot. Turning, she looked at Thad, waiting for an answer. He said, "It's nothing, it's just that I don't feel stuck. To be honest, I had kinda forgotten about the storm."
Thad sat to the table and he immediately began....not eating....but giving thanks. "Thank you Lord, that you have kept us safe, warm, and cared for during this terrible storm. I want to give special thanks for providing this wonderful meal before us and above all, bless the hands that have prepared it and for allowing me to enjoy her extraordinary company."
Jenny stared across the table at her companion, wondering. Thad said, "Hey, aren't you going to eat? I know the chef personally; she is magic with a cup of cocoa so, imagine what she can create with so much more to work with!" Jenny picked up her spoon and ate silently.
After a time,Thad said, "This seems a little out of balance." She looked down at the soup trying to think of what she could have missed. Then Thad drew her attention upward. "No, not the soup, it's terrific.You and me." Her heart began to pound wildly. "Listen, my brown eyed girl, you know a great deal about me, and I know precious little about you."
Jenny relaxed, "Oh, hee, hee." she laughed meekly, "What is it you wanted to know?"
"Uh, let's see, if you would consider it, I would like to know your name." Seconds passed..."My family and my friends....they call me Jenny." Thad flashed a devastating smile and offered his hand across the table." I am incredibly honored to meet you, my friend Jenny." She slipped her hand into his outstretched one. "The honor is mine, Thad." He didn't let loose immediately. As he finally released her hand, he launched into a series of burning questions. "Now let's see, Are you married? Do you have any kids or any tattoos, or anything uh......? I would just like to know who you are behind that beautiful face."
" I am not married and no kids, not yet. Tattoos, I guess that is a question you might answer for yourself someday." At this, Thad choked on his last bite. As he took a good drink and recovered his composure, Jenny carried on.
"I have lived here, well not here, but this town, all my life. I have two older brothers. My parents were high school sweethearts and they are embarrassingly in love, highly affectionate, completely fun, and tremendously hard working. My dad has always said that we all have purpose, but the serious business of fulfilling that purpose doesn't mean you can't enjoy the journey.
He is a building contractor and my mom is an interior designer. She always jokes that they were designed for one another.They formed a business years ago and they are extremely successful, but what makes them glow with joy are their pet projects.They search out the neediest people and re-do their homes at no cost. My dad says that if you can restore hope to people, help them believe in the possibilities, it's the best gift you can give."
"My brothers work for them.Thomas is a building contractor, just like my dad, and he is amazing at what he does. When he gets the chance, you will find him climbing a mountain or fishing. He says it keeps his body strong and his mind focused. Both activities involve patience and problem solving which make him better at his job. He also says that, even though, God can hear him from wherever he may be, having conversations with God in the open quiet places helps him hear God more clearly. Scott, my oldest brother, is an architect; his eye for detail never fails to astonish me. He can marry the necessity of sound structure with an aesthetic that is often jaw dropping and beautifully functional. The end result is not only meeting his clients' expectations, but exceeding them each time. My dad takes the vision and turns it into a reality, then my mom puts on the polish and sparkle.
Scott is creative in many ways; in addition to his day job, he plays with a jazz band a couple weekends a month. He was married last year. With pride, she announced, "Last week they found out that they are going to be parents. I'm going to be an aunt! I can hardly wait. I love my family."
"Yes, I hear that in your voice and it also shows on your face. Let me guess, you are an interior designer like your mom. This place makes me feel like I've walked into a magazine." "No, guess again. Actually, Rachel followed in mom's footsteps. She works for my parents." "Is that right?" "Yeah, and as for the apartment, thank you for the compliment. I guess mom has rubbed off on me.Any other questions?"
"Yes, Jenny, you still haven't told me about you. Tell me this, what had your attention this morning? The way you read that letter, it appeared quite important. And if you didn't join the family business, what is it exactly that you do?
Jenny took the last spoonful of her soup. Slowly, she wiped her mouth with her napkin. Thad sat and took in the delicate way she did even the smallest tasks. "Thad, do you want more soup?" "I think you have filled me to the brim, but I reserve the right to re-visit the soup at a later time."
"Understood, sir, all rights reserved." Jenny collected the bowls and took them to the sink. As she quietly stood rinsing the dishes, Thad cleared the table. As Jenny rinsed, Thad filled the dishwasher. In silence, they worked and in short order, the kitchen was clean. Jenny looked at him with insecurity, almost fearfully. She exited the kitchen and curled up on the couch with a blanket wrapped around her. Thad noticed a tissue box and tucked it under his arm as he joined her, saying nothing. He simply sat next to her and waited.
A tear ran down Jenny's cheek."Please tell me what is troubling you? I have seen a shadow in your expression all day. I want to help if I can."
By now, she had red eyes, wet cheeks and couldn't quite pull it together to speak. Without anything to go on, not even the smallest clue, Thad felt helpless. Slowly moving closer, he put his arm around her. She immediately laid her head on his shoulder and cried a little harder and a little louder.
He handed her a few tissues. He waited patiently as this went on another five minutes. At last, lifting her head, she spoke through sniffles.
"I'm a writer and a liar."
This did nothing to alleviate the confusion Thad was feeling.
"A lie of omission, actually. Let's face it, you're definitely gonna.....gonna.....probably not be happy with me." As she laid down on the couch, pulling the blanket over her head, wishing she could disappear, Thad heard "Oooh, boy!"
He sat there thinking that, without exception, women were the most fascinating and confusing of all of God's creations. And then a light bulb went on. It was just a possibility, but maybe.......
He looked over at the quivering lump under the blanket, gave her a pat on the back, leapt off the couch and ran into the bedroom. Grabbing his coat, he dug in the pocket, pulling out both phone and letter. In a split second decision to face the truth, he tore open the letter and read the words that would reveal his results. As he let their meaning sink into his heart, his own eyes filled with tears and as he re-read, making certain he was not mistaken, tear drops splashed on the page. He took a deep breath to gain some composure. As for the other matter, Thad engaged his phone praying for signal......."YES!" Quickly he scanned through his e-mails, finding the number in the initial communication. He dialed on a hunch.
Still hiding under her blanket, Jenny's phone rang...she jumped....then hurried to answer it."Miss Carmichael, Miss Jennifer Carmichael?" "Yes, speaking. What can I do for you?" "You can turn around and explain why you are crying."
Jenny whipped around to see him walking out of the bedroom with the phone at his ear, the open letter in his hand, eyes glowing with compassion, relief, and a hint of laughter. They both hung up their phones. Thad crossed the space between them in two seconds flat. She hung her head, he lifted her chin with his finger. Finally, it all spilled out.
"It just feels like I am actually stalking you, but I promise I'm not. When I first saw your drawings, they touched me. The more I ended up finding out about you, the more I liked you as a person. Then you ended up at the post office, my post office....your box next to mine. I mean, seriously, what are the odds? When your name showed up; when I found out you were going to illustrate my book, I couldn't quite believe it. I knew it was you. How many Thaddeus Hollingsworths are there in this world; artists to boot?" "I have known three, myself included." "All relatives, I assume." "Of course." Thad responded with utter calm. He could see Jenny was feeling a bit excited, while all he could think about was how cute she was and how wonderful.
Jenny carried on...."See....so.....anyway, that's when I sent you that first e-mail." Thad smiled, "You little rule breaker."
"It's not like writers and illustrators can't work together. It's not like it never happens. I think when they can, it makes the end product so much better. Don't you? Don't you think it has been going well so far?" "Thad, don't you?" He stood before her expressionless; Jenny couldn't read what he was feeling or thinking. He finally answered, "I do, it has been wonderful. It's that I am adjusting to the fact that this clever, witty, delightful writer I have been working with, is my brown eyed girl. You and her are.....well, YOU!" Thad winked, giving her some much needed reassurance.
"I am curious about something, what....what was it in that letter this morning? It garnered your complete focus." With a sheepish grin, Jenny began to explain, "My parents went to Europe for a couple months. They take these trips to different parts of the country and different parts of the world collecting special pieces for mom to use in the interior design aspect of the business. My dad is always learning different building techniques, enjoying the varied architecture. But the truth is, they have never stopped honeymooning. They love their alone times. I was struggling with a decision I needed to make, so I wrote my Mom, asking for her advice." "May I ask why you didn't just call her? Or text ?"
"Technology may be swift, immediate even, but a letter allows for the response to be more thought out. Besides, a letter is more private." "Oh." Thad responded slowly, then backed it up with, "You do work for the CIA!"
.
"Anyway, the letter I was reading this morning was her answer." "Was her answer helpful?" "It was helpful and encouraging and it made me feel more confident. Jenny paused, reaching out her hand as she took Thad by his. "When I looked up to see you in the floor, white as a sheet, all other thoughts left; it was only concern for you that remained." Jenny began to mentally assess Thad; his present color and over all appearance. She asked tenderly, "Are you feeling all right now? I mean, can you think of any reason you might have been feeling light headed this morning?"
"I can, the last couple weeks, I haven't slept or eaten all that well. Pure nerves. I have been waiting on some test results." "What kind of test results?" "The kind that determine if I have Leukemia or not." It was now Jenny's turn to become pale. Thad took hold of Jenny's shoulders as she swayed a bit. With an unwavering look, he announced........."They were wrong!" He held up the letter in his hand." This letter confirmed it. All is well.Turn that frown upside down, my brown eyed girl."
Relief began to overtake the apprehension previously flooding her being. Jenny turned her damp eyes upward. "Thad, my question to my mom was about you. Whether or not I should tell you that,well, I'm, I'm...." "What are you?" Thad queried. "That I am what you said before; the writer you have been working with and I happen to be the girl at the post office and the connection with Rachel. All that. The unexpected events of the day, complete with all its twists and turns, have brought the truth to light."
"Nevertheless, for the record, my mom thought I should reveal myself without delay. And I truly intended to but, well then....you know." Jenny took a deep breath and sighed heavily. "Thad, I am so glad you received good news in your letter. So glad, so glad......particularly pleased.....happy!"
"I must be completely honest." "Oh, a real change of pace for you." Thad quipped. Jenny smiled at him through nearly quivering lips and wet eyes. Jenny began again, "When I heard that Nicole and you were no longer together, my reaction was about as mixed as you could possibly imagine."
"Instantly, I felt sad because I knew the situation would cause you pain. Then I thought, 'He's available, yippee!' All this time I have felt inexplicably drawn to you, this man I have not known."
Thad spoke with a deep voice, giving away the emotion he was experiencing. "You have not been alone in this, my brown eyed girl. I have wanted to say something to you for a long time, much more than, 'Beautiful day'...I kept talking myself out of it. I have to tell you that your story has touched me as much as my drawings have touched you." And now Thad lifted her small chin once again with his finger. Gently, he wrapped his hands around her face plunging his fingers into her blonde curls, dipping his head, he looked at her, whispering, "Jenny," his eyes smoldering with passion, his lips brushed against hers lightly, unrushed. Responding to his nearness, she reached her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. Thad deepened the kiss. It was fireworks and forest fire combined. The blizzard raged outside and they gave it no thought. Thad kissed Jenny's nose, her forehead, and finally her hand. He lead her to the couch, they sat, hearts pounding and speechless.
"Ooo.K." Thad said, a bit drawn out. "I wasn't planning that kiss, but I'm good with it. Are you good with it?" "Why yes, I believe I am. Does this mean you aren't mad at me?" "Jenny, I have never been less mad at anybody in my life." Thad slipped his arm around Jenny's shoulder, she scooted herself over until she was able to nestle, cozy and comfortable, under its protective weight.
"This has been building slowly for a long time, at least it has for me. Today, it seems, is a day for truth to bubble to the surface. I have never felt like this about anyone, not even close. Jenny, I think it's possible, just possible, that we were made for each other. I was wondering how you would feel about exploring that possibility?
"I would like that more than you could imagine." Jenny kissed Thad's cheek, bringing a playfulness out in his eyes."Now Mr. 007, what is next?" Thad gave the options under the circumstance some serious consideration........
,
