Chapter 19
Misty watched from the shore until the boats blended into the horizon. At last, Gabriella put an arm around her shoulder and said, “He’s gone.”
Her eyes must have looked like saucers, because Gabriella backed up quickly and took her hands. “No, no. I don’t mean it like that. He’s not dead. He’ll be back…in a few weeks. I promise.”
Misty nodded. “I know. I’m just going to miss him so badly.”
Gabriella tugged her in the direction of the family car. “I know, honey. I know. I’ve been through this with Ryan and Jayce. One of the hardest things is to watch their loved ones suffer as if they’re never going to see them again. But you know you will! Kristine didn’t know what was happening, and poor Chloe! Well, I hate what that girl went through, thinking Ryan had died in her arms.” She shook her head sadly. “Now let’s go out to lunch or something.”
“I can’t eat right now.” Misty was tempted to stay right where she was and wait for the boat to return. She had to see for herself that Gabe was alive. It seemed impossible that they’d incinerate him to ash and he’d somehow survive.
“Okay. I guess you’ve lost your appetite. Then let’s go shopping. You still need clothes, and it would be nice for me to try things on without Antonio hemming and hawing and wishing he could be anywhere else.”
Misty smiled weakly. “I guess that’s what they mean when they say, ‘When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping.’”
Gabriella grinned. “That’s my girl.” As their feet crunched on the sand, she continued chatting, probably trying to distract her new daughter-in-law. “Now I could use a couple of pairs of pants, and you know what I think you can use?”
“What?”
“Maternity clothes!”
“Oh! Yeah. I haven’t bought any yet.”
“Well, let’s not wait until your pants don’t fit.” Gabriella chuckled and opened the old Buick’s car door for her. Then she flipped the lock on the driver’s side and climbed in. “Do you know if there is a mall around here?”
“I know where there’s one in Saugus near my grandparents’—I mean, my uncle’s house. It’s right on Route 1. Probably half an hour from here.”
“Okay, get me to Route 1,” Gabriella said in a chipper voice.
Misty appreciated what her brand-new mother-in-law was trying to do. Hopefully, she was right, and some retail therapy would be just what she needed. She guided Gabriella to the mall with no trouble, except the usual maddening Route 1 traffic.
When they arrived, Gabriella went straight to the information desk and asked, “Is there a maternity store in the mall? I’m sure there are maternity sections in some of the larger stores, but I think it would be fun to go to a boutique that specializes in all things maternity.”
The young blonde behind the counter smiled and said, “Yes, there is a Destination Motherhood store. It’s on the second floor on the left as you get off the escalator.”
Suddenly, this pregnancy took on a whole new meaning.Motherhood, Misty thought. She hadn’t quite pictured herself holding a child’s hand and being called Mommy. It felt strange but good. She just wished she could go through this “expectant” stage with Gabe.
“I’m sure I’ll have plenty of advice, since I’ve been through it so many times,” Gabriella said as they rode the escalator. “But I’ll try to contain myself. Feel free to tell me to butt out if I’m overwhelming you. I know it can get confusing when there’s too much input. Your doctor will probably be the one you listen to, and I understand that, so don’t worry about hurting my feelings. Plus, everyone has their own parenting style.”
Misty was nowhere near needing parenting advice. “All that can wait. The only style I’m interested in right now is clothing.” They entered the store, and she was immediately struck by how few choices there seemed to be for the moms and how many there were for the little mini-mes. The saleswoman came over and asked if she could help her find her size.
Misty told her she was a six, and the saleswoman brought her over to a rack with only four sizes. Extra small, small, medium, and large. They seemed to have the psychology of the pregnant woman down pat. “Now, you look more like a four to me, but we’ll try the small first. What would you say your style is?” she asked.
“Trying to look like I haven’t given up.”
Gabriella laughed. “You always look wonderfully well put-together. I’d say your style is classic with a pop of bright color.”
Misty realized she was right. “I never really thought of my style as having a name. I just know what I like and don’t like. I like things that don’t go out of style. Nothing too fussy like lace or ruffles. No crazy prints, but I like to look feminine, and I hate material that doesn’t breathe.”
“Yup, that’s classic. Do you mind ironing?” the saleswoman asked.
“Not if I really love the garment. Then it’s worth it.”
Gabriella sighed. “I used to dress nicely, but then I had seven kids!” She laughed. “My clothes had to be practical. Thank God for spandex.”
Misty had to choke back the urge to cry out,Deliver me from spandex!
Thankfully, the saleswoman wasn’t listening or ignored Gabriella. She pulled a pair of beige linen pants from the small rack and handed them to Misty. They had that elastic panel over the tummy, and everything became real again. Then the saleswoman brought over two blouses, one a bright red, and the other a sapphire blue. After a second look, she realized they were a little boxier and longer than regular blouses, more like tunics.
