"Try to keep Troy from opening them until
Christmas morning," said Momma's handsome new
husband, with his eyes that followed me everywhere
and his smile that seemed to mock and know so much. "You promised him he could open the wedding
gifts," I reminded Tony, my own eyes breaking the
stare between us.
"We were going to do that when we got back
from our honeymoon," Momma groaned. "He'll just
have to wait."
"Oh, I don't see how it could hurt if he unwraps
some," Tony relented. "Just don't let him make a mess
of it."
"He's sure to
, being a little boy," Momma
complained. "Oh well, I don't want to think of
anything that's the slightest bit unpleasant right now.
Goodbye, Leigh honey." She embraced me and even
with all my pent-up anger I hugged her back tightly,
with a ferocity that I think surprised her. All of a
sudden I didn't want her to leave, needed her in my
heart of hearts to be my mother and warm me with
hugs and kisses and little touches.
"'Have a nice Christmas and New Year's in
your new home. Don't be afraid to explore," Tony
said. "It will take you almost as long as our
honeymoon to do it."
"But please . stay out of the maze," Momma
warned.
"Okay, Momma. Have a good time," I choked
out.