She tried to reserve judgment as Miguel explained about how he’d put his career in the Air Force at the top of his priority list, above his wife and child, admitting that he now realized that was wrong. “To be honest, I hadn’t planned to marry as young as I did. But Beth was persuasive. I was still young and somewhat driven to succeed in the Air Force. I was selfish too. And I wasn’t ready to have kids when Beth got pregnant with Anna that first year. Sure, I was happy to become a father, but it felt like too much too soon.” He shared how Beth and Anna lived on the base in New Mexico and not always under ideal conditions. “I was too focused on work. As a result, I was probably neglectful. But I was trying to save up for our future together, you know, for when I retired from active duty. It wasn’t that far off, and my dream was to farm.” He sighed. “But I should’ve focused more on the present than the future.”
“That still doesn’t explain why Aaron blames you for Beth’s death.”
“Well, I was close to having my twenty years in ... then Beth got sick. We both thought the Air Force had pretty good medical coverage, but Beth’s family didn’t agree. Particularly Aaron. Beth urged me to finish my twenty years in order to get the full benefits of retirement, and she seemed happy with her doctors in New Mexico.” He shook his head. “She really played down her illness. Maybe for Anna and me. Or maybe we were all in denial. But she seemed too young and healthy to be seriously ill. Anyway, by the time we retired and came here, her cancer had really progressed and—” His voice cracked with emotion. “It was too late to do much about it.”
“And that’s the only reason Aaron blames you?”
“As far as I know.”
“Well, I understand that he loves and misses his sister, but itseems totally unfair to hold you responsible, Miguel. You’re not God.”
“But saying it all out loud just now”—he leaned back and released a long sigh—“might be therapeutic, but it also makes me see how it could look like that ... to Aaron, anyway.”
Jewel considered this without replying. Maybe he was right. Or maybe Aaron was just a self-centered jerk. “I just wish you and Aaron could mend this relationship. At least for Anna’s sake. It’s not healthy for any of you.”
“I agree.” Miguel stood up. “In fact, I think I’ll revisit it with him. I’ll try taking more responsibility this time, and I’ll really apologize for it.”
“It can’t hurt to try.” As she got to her feet, Jewel wasn’t sure Aaron would even listen, but she appreciated Miguel’s willingness. “I don’t know if it’d make any difference, but if having a neutral third party present would help, I’m available.”
Miguel held his arms open for a hug, and she gladly went into them. As good as it felt to be there snug against his chest, she could tell it was a brotherly platonic hug, and she was determined not to make more of it than that.
“Thanks,” he said as he let her go. “I needed that.”
“Sure.” She grinned. “Anytime.”
“And thanks for listening too. I needed that as well.”
“I’m grateful you would share that with me. I feel like I know you and your situation better now.”
“I better get home before my mom and Anna get worried about me. They’re both such little mamas sometimes.” He grasped her hand with a warm squeeze, then told her good night. She remained on the front deck, watching as he trekked through the twilit alfalfa field, probably heading for the gate this time. But as he disappeared from sight, she felt a piece of her heart go with him and, although it wasn’t chilly, a slight shudder rushed through her. What was she allowing herself to get into?
26
Jewel
It felt almost miraculous. Over the next few days, Dad seemed to decide the new house belonged to him. With Mom and Cooper’s help, Jewel managed to move more furniture into the house, slowly sneaking in new pieces each day. But it looked homey enough that Dad enjoyed spending time in his new living room. They also took over kitchen things and some food, including Dad’s beloved honey, peanut butter, and milk. Eventually they moved in his recliner and TV, and the new house became his daily go-to right after breakfast.
Finally, with Dad’s “help” they moved the bed and bedroom furniture and even more household goods, and just like that, Jewel’s parents were ready to spend their first night in the new house.
“We’ll have a honeymoon,” Dad said as the four of them stood on the front deck to say good night. “Get it?” He laughed. “Me and honey ... ourhoneymoon.”
“Oh, CT.” Mom playfully swatted his arm. “You’re such a romantic.”
“That’s a great name,” Jewel said. “How about Honeymoon Cottage?”
“Yes,” he agreed. “Honey and cottage ... cheese. I’m hungry.”
Mom laughed. “You’re in luck. We have lots of food in our new kitchen.”
“I hope you both enjoy your first night here.” Jewel presented them with the bottle of champagne she’d gotten for the occasion. “I thought we should christen the house, but let’s not break this on its bow. You two can enjoy it later. With your cottage cheese and honey.” She winked.
“And this is for you too,” Cooper handed her grandfather a bouquet of lavender and daisies she’d arranged in a mason jar. “I picked these for your new house, Grandpa.”
“Uh-huh.” He nodded with appreciation. “Nice.”
Mom held the champagne bottle high. “I now christen this house Honeymoon Cottage.”
“God bless,” Jewel said.
