Page 108 of Diamonds in the Mud

“Jameson, Rayne, this is a pleasant surprise,” Edith said, receiving Rayne’s hug and kiss.

“I brought you your favorite,” Rayne said, holding up the bag with the food in it.

“I figured I’d tag along,” I added quickly.

“Lucky me.” Edith chuckled. “Come, sit, we’ll eat out here.” She motioned to the chairs.

“I’ll just go have my lunch inside while you three have a little visit,” Nelly said, and disappeared.

I couldn’t help but admire Rayne’s mother’s strength. Despite everything she had been through, she remained steadfast and hopeful, a true inspiration to us all. I’d never seen her smile waver, which had me thinking about my own mother.

Every year, no matter where I was, she’d call me on my birthday. That was tomorrow, but maybe once we left here I’d call her early.

As if Edith read my mind, she asked.

“Rayne tells me it’s your birthday tomorrow?” Edith asked.

“I turn thirty,” I said with a slight grin.

Edith chuckled. “It’s just a number. You’ll blink and it doubles.” She sighed. “You mentioned last night that your family is still in Chicago?”

“My folks are. They divorced when I was younger. Somehow, after that, they became closer than when they were married.” I smiled.

“When was the last time you visited them?” she asked.

“Mom,” Rayne groaned after taking a bite of food and swallowing it. “You’re digging too far.”

“Am I?” Edith asked me.

“No, it’s fine,” I answered with a smile. “A little over a year ago, before I took this assignment, I went home for a few weeks while everything was getting set up here.”

“Do you plan on going back soon?” she asked as she took a sip of her drink.

“To visit.” I nodded and glanced at Rayne. “For now, I’ve moved my things into Rayne’s place and plan on sticking here until I figure out our next move.”

Edith smiled and nodded. “Now, Rayne, talk to me about the fall festival.”

Rayne groaned and then looked at me. “We spend almost two days making pies and cakes.”

“Don’t like baking?” I asked her.

She shrugged. “I like spending time with Edith,” she said, reaching over and taking her mother’s hand.

“I love baking,” I told Edith. “Maybe this year I can help?”

“We could use the extra hands.” Edith laughed. “Now that I have a full stomach, I’m going to go lie down.”

I stood up quickly and helped Edith up. When she was gone, Rayne turned to me.

“How about we take a walk?” She motioned to the back door. “There’s a lake not far from here.”

I stood up and took her hand, and she led me outside.

As Rayne and I walked along a wide dirt pathway that led to the lake, the crisp autumn air filled my lungs. It was invigorating and refreshing. When we reached the water, the golden sunlight danced on its surface, casting a warm glow over everything it touched.

“So, what do you think?” Rayne asked, breaking the comfortable silence between us.

I glanced at her, a soft smile playing on her lips, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. “About what?”