George hardly slept on Sunday night. And then, throughout the day on Monday, he couldn’t stop thinking about Willow. Had he imagined their conversation to have beenmore than it was yesterday? Had Willow given him reason to believe he really had a chance with her? After all the times he’d blown it with her? Was she still interested? Surely it was impossible, and yet...
By the time he was dressing for the party, George was a bundle of nerves. So much so that he changed his clothes several times before deciding on his old standard of suit and tie. He realized he’d probably be the only one dressed like this, but he didn’t care. It simply felt comfortable. And tonight, of all nights, George felt the need to be comfortable.
When it was six thirty sharp, he gave Baxter a kitty treat then told him goodbye and headed out on foot to his grandparents’ house. Although the shadows were lengthening, it was still light out as he strolled up the hill. There was a feeling in the air that suggested autumn was around the corner. For a moment, George felt the old rush of nerves to think that it was teachers’ in-service week—followed by relief to realize he no longer needed to report in for work.
As he got closer to the house, he was surprised to see it not only lit up inside but also by lanterns along the walkway and strings of lights around the wraparound porch. Very festive and very welcoming. The front door was open and he could hear strains of music—jazz, but the quiet kind. As soon as George went into the foyer, he felt so strangely at home that he felt a mistiness in his eyes. As if this was the place where he belonged but had not been in ages. Maybe ever.
A generous bouquet of fresh flowers was on the entryway table, with several candles flickering around it. The air smelled sweet and spicy and like something else ... food perhaps.
“George,” Willow exclaimed happily, coming from the living room in a flowing dress of shimmering shades of aquatic blue that set off her peachy skin. “You’re here! And right on time.”
George nodded. “I promised.”
She grasped both his hands in hers. “And you look so handsome in your suit and tie.” Her turquoise-blue eyes sparkled. “Thank you for coming.”
“The house looks beautiful,” he said. “All the lights and all. Very nice.”
“Thank you.”
He stared at her, taking in her softly curling strawberry-blonde hair and creamy skin. “You look beautiful too, Willow.”
Her whole face lit up. “Why, thank you, George.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?” he asked, suddenly feeling nervous and self-conscious.
“No, I’ve got caterers in the kitchen, and I think everything is pretty much ready.”
“Would you mind if I took a look around the house?” he asked. “I’ve never seen it looking quite like this. I mean, with candles and everything ... at this time of the day.”
“I’d love you to look around.” She linked her arm in his. “I’m actually feeling rather sad to think this is the last night it will look quite like this. I want to soak it in myself.” She led him into the living room, which had never, in George’s memory, looked so perfectly lovely.
“I wish my grandmother could see this,” he murmured as they slowly walked through it. “I think she’d wanted it to be like this.”
“Maybe she can see it.” Willow smiled. “I like to thinkthat people in heaven get sneak peeks sometimes. After all, I believe God is big enough to facilitate such things.”
“That’s an interesting theory.”
She continued to lead him through the house and, even though George had been impressed with the changes before, he felt even more impressed now. It was really extraordinary. Finally, after they’d been in every room and on every floor, they were in the conservatory, which was lit only by candles and lanterns. George felt uncomfortably close to tears.
“Willow, you’ve made this house more beautiful than I ever thought possible,” he said quietly. “And I feel so terrible about how I fought you each step of the way. I really do hope you’ve forgiven me.”
“Of course, I have.” She sighed. “Have you called any of the people who were interested in purchasing it yet?”
“No, no, not yet.” George was about to tell her that he wasn’t sure he’d be able to sell it now, but he noticed a couple of cars parking out front. “Looks like party time.” He tried to keep the disappointment out of his voice.
“Let’s go greet them.” Willow kept her arm linked in his. “Just smile and be friendly, George. It’s not that hard. They’re basically good people.”
As usual, Willow understood his general discomfort with social situations, but she probably didn’t know his real reason for reluctance right now. It was simply that he wished tonight’s party had only two on the guest list.
Willow stayed close to George as guests began to arrive. But to her surprise, he acted much more at ease than she’d expected, especially as he discovered that he already knewa number of them. Besides Collin and Josie and Willow’s employees, he was happy to see several other acquaintances. He also seemed glad that she’d invited Hal and Beth. Before long, Willow felt George was managing just fine on his own. As a result, she could relax and enjoy the festivities herself. All in all, it was turning into a lovely evening—albeit bittersweet, since she knew this was the last night to enjoy the house looking so happy and loved. But hopefully it would soon be adopted by new owners eager to continue what she’d begun.
Not only was George mixing and visiting with the guests, he even refilled their drinks, playing the role of a real host enjoying his real home. Of course, she remembered, he did own this house, but she’d never felt he was truly at home here. It was nice to see him fully engaged tonight. It was like seeing a new side to him.
She grew a bit concerned when she noticed him interacting with Cliff in the conservatory. She wished she could hear their conversation, but seeing George smile with confidence was reassuring. Apparently he was not intimidated by Cliff. And when Cliff left early, Willow felt nothing but relief. She’d suspected from the start that Cliff was not the sort of man she wanted to get overly involved with. She’d sensed insincerity and was old enough to realize that an attractive exterior didn’t necessarily reflect an attractive heart. She wished him no ill but was happy to move on.
To Willow’s surprise, George had plenty to chat about with Donna and Betty. The three of them spent a fair amount of time in the den, talking and laughing as if enjoying a private party. Willow felt slightly left out but tried not to feel jealous as she went to the kitchen to pay the caterers andthank them for their efforts. Still, she was proud of George. He was making real progress. And by the end of the evening, George appeared to have many new friends.
As they stood in the foyer, Willow smiled to see George sincerely thanking their guests for coming—and thanking them again for their help with his house. He was being so friendly that she wondered if he wanted the party to stretch later. But she was tired and eager to kick off her sandals as the last of the guests slowly trickled out. Finally it was just Josie and Collin.
