Whispered Prayers of a Girl

“Gwendolyn,” Helen remarks. “That’s such a pretty name.”

“Please, call me Gwen. Most everyone does.”

She shakes her head and smiles. “I’ll stick with Gwendolyn, if that’s okay.”

I nod and give her my own smile. “That’s fine.”

Helen turns toward Alexander. “I didn’t know you were seeing anyone,” she scolds lightly, but there’s a light in her eyes.

He gives her a half smile, looks down at me, then replies, “I wasn’t until recently.”

She stands in front of us, her hands folded prayer style below her mouth. Her eyes glisten with tears as she looks at us. “Well, this is good news.”

Although we’ve only just met and Alexander and I haven’t known each other long, I get the feeling Helen sees something Alexander and I haven’t even talked about; the seriousness of our relationship and where it’s going. I know where I want it to go, and I’m pretty sure he does too. Helen though, looks as if she’s already picturing our wedding day. I’d laugh if it wasn’t for the fact that deep down inside, I’ve pictured it too and want it to come true so much.

“What are you guys doing here?” Alexander asks, slipping his arm back around me.

David gives him a sympathetic look. “Once you gave the okay, I held her off as long as I could.”

Helen slaps her husband’s stomach, but says to Alexander, “I couldn’t wait any longer. I missed you and it’s been too long.”

Alexander clears his throat, looking bothered for some reason, but simply nods.

“I’m glad you’re here.”

Something feels strange, almost tense, and I wonder if something happened between Alexander and his family. It’s good that I can’t stay, because I think they need time alone together.

“I hate to be so rude, but I’ve got to be going.” I turn to Alexander. “The kids are waiting on me.”

Before he can respond, I hear his mother ask, “You have kids?”

I turn back to her. “I do. Kelsey, my girl, is eight. And my boy, Daniel, is six.”

Her eyes move to Alexander. Both elation and a hint of sadness flash across her face.

r /> “Can we meet them?” she asks with undisguised hope. The look on her face and knowing she’s lost a granddaughter have my throat clogging up.

I grab her hand and give it a firm squeeze. With my eyes, I tell her I understand her pain. She smiles sadly at me.

I’m fine with the kids meeting his parents, but I still leave the decision up to Alexander, as they are his parents, and I worry this may be something he’s not ready for yet.

I needn’t have worried. He glances at me, and I give him a subtle nod.

“They’re coming over for dinner tomorrow evening. You can meet them then.”

The smile that comes across Helen’s face makes her appear ten years younger.

We leave them on the porch and Alexander walks me to my truck. Once I’m at the driver-side door, he puts his arms around me. I feel weird with his parents on the porch with a clear view of us, but I wrap my arms around his waist anyway.

“Sorry about that. I had no idea they were coming for a visit.”

“It’s fine,” I assure him. “They seem like wonderful people.”

He nods. “They are. Are you sure you don’t mind bringing the kids tomorrow to meet them? We can do it some other time.”

I’m shaking my head before he finishes. “As long as you’re okay with it, so am I.”

He dips his head and places a light kiss on my lips.