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“I can, if you like.”
Still unable to look him in the eye, I focused on the loose sheets of paper, arranging them before handing them off. His fingers grazed mine, sparking a jolt of electricity up my arm.
He cleared his throat. “October first. This morning, Ramon helped me move the rocking chair and hope chest. Mateo’s brothers watched us like hawks, but I took only what I brought to the marriage.
“October second. I married Ramon in a simple ceremony. After losing Mateo, his baby, and our home, I was empty, but for Ramon’s sake, I hid my tears.”
“How sad.” My own petty discomfort eclipsed, I stared without seeing.
“Want me to stop?”
“No, keep reading.” I ventured a glance. “Let’s see if these pages hold any answers.”
“November twenty-first. I think I’m pregnant. Though only six weeks after our wedding, I FEEL pregnant.
“November twenty-second. Received Mateo’s letter. He’s alive. What do I do?”
“What thoughts must’ve gone through her mind?” I slumped in my chair. Then remembering a loose envelope, I fingered through the other documents. “Here it is!”
“What is it?”
“This might be the letter Rosie mentioned. Look at the name and scratched-out address: Mrs. Mateo Ramirez, Ramirez Ranch, Fort Lincoln, Texas.” Maeve pointed to a rubber-stamped Forward with another address. “This must’ve been her and Ramon’s address—Rural Route 2.”
“And notice the return address: Fever Ward, Division Hospital, Jacksonville, Florida.” Luke opened the envelope and unfolded the crumbling stationery.
My darling Marianna,
This is my first opportunity to write to you. I was delirious from typhoid, but I’m on the mend. The hospital is releasing me, and I’ll be home in another week or two.
I miss you terribly and can’t wait to hold you again.
Yours,
Mateo
“What date was the letter postmarked?”
“November eighth.” Luke checked the envelope.
“Two weeks before she received the letter.” I jerked back my head. “Marianna must’ve gotten that letter right before he returned. Can you imagine?”
“Here, your turn to read.” He handed me the diary’s loose pages, then settled in beside me. “I want to hear how this dilemma plays out.”
His shoulders touching mine, I tried to focus.
“November twenty-third. When I showed Ramon the letter, he asked if I wanted a divorce. Though Mateo will always be the love of my life, Ramon’s my husband. I told him about our baby, and unable to hold back his tears, he took me in his arms.
“November twenty-fourth, Thanksgiving. Mateo returned.”
****
To keep her mind off Mateo’s imminent visit, Marianna busied herself with Thanksgiving dinner. Stirring and shaking the parched corn, she plated the roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce for her new in-laws.
Other than Ramon, no one knew of Mateo’s return from the dead, but nagging thoughts crept in during dinner, and she fingered the letter in her apron’s pocket. What if he shows up while they’re here? What if he makes a scene?
The meal went smoothly until she served the coffee and pumpkin pie.
Then a knock at the door suspended all conversation.
