Chapter Seven
The harvest was finally over at the orphanage, so Joy headed home, pleased with herself that they’d been able to put up so much food for the winter for the orphans. She felt as if she’d just climbed the tallest mountain or fought a grizzly bear with no help.
She got home just as Thomas was arriving after his day at the bank. “We’re finally finished!” she said, her voice full of celebration.
“Does this mean I’ll get my wife back?”
“Bet you never thought you’d see the day,” Joy teased.
Thomas turned to Joy, “Why don’t we celebrate the season’s close with a visit to the sea? We could be within an hour’s drive from your parents’ place.”
Joy’s eyes widened. “Oh, I would love that so much! It feels like it’s been a decade since I saw my parents!”
“Let’s do it then,” Thomas replied. “I look forward to meeting the parents of my sweet bride who is more comfortable covered with mud than clean.”
Joy quickly wrapped her arms around Thomas and kissed him. “I can’t wait!”
“I’ve already arranged some time off from work. We’ll leave Friday.”
“Would you mind if I telephoned my sister, Elizabeth, so she can let them know that we’re coming?”
“Of course not.” Thomas had never dreamed she wouldn’t just pick it up and use it without permission. What was she waiting for?
“I’ll call her tomorrow then. Oh, I can’t wait to hear her voice. Though, I’ve never spoken on the telephone. Will her voice sound the same?”
Thomas nodded. “Yes, it will mostly sound the same. Do you need me to teach you to use it?”
Joy shook her head. “No thank you. I’m certain I can figure it out.”
*****
They decided they would go visit her parents on their way to his family’s house on the ocean. On the day of the visit, Joy emerged wearing a pretty silk dress that flowed around her like a gentle stream. Its delicate fabric caught the sunlight, casting shimmering patterns onto the wooden floorboards of their home. Thomas watched her descend the stairs, a tender smile gracing his lips.
“Look at you,” he remarked. “Your parents won’t recognize you.”
Joy blushed faintly. “I just want them to be proud that I’m not running around barefoot covered in mud any longer.”
“So, you’re going to deceive them?” he asked, grinning.
As for Thomas, he had rummaged through his wardrobe for something less…Bostonian. He settled on a pair of well-worn jeans and a button-up shirt which felt odd. Topping off the ensemble was a cowboy hat, which he adjusted awkwardly atop his head, its brim casting a shadow over his earnest face.
“Will this do?” he asked, turning to Joy uncertainly.
She bit back a laugh, thinking he looked sweet, but out of place. “You look fine, Thomas. But you don’t have to dress differently for my parents.”
“I don’t want to seem unapproachable to them,” he said.
“You’ll fit right in wearing that,” she assured him with a bright smile. “Come on, cowboy. I can’t wait for you to meet my parents.”
*****
As they got out of the buggy they’d rented in Beckham, Joy thought about how different the two of them looked. Normally, she’d be the one in the country clothing, and he’d be the one looking like he just stepped out of a ballroom.
“Look at us,” she chuckled. “I’m all dressed up like I’m going to a ball, and you’re dressed for a rodeo.”
“Seems we’ve swapped roles for the day,” Thomas replied with a crooked grin. “But, if we’re mismatched, my dear, we’re mismatched together.”
“My parents probably won’t even notice,” Joy said, looping her arm through his as they made their way to the modest farmhouse.
