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“Yeah, I mean, say it is a man. You write back and forth, share stories, really get to know someone. What on earth would be wrong with meeting that person? Who the hell knows, he may even come with a completely sculpted chest, and abs, and that amazingly carved V all of us romance readers swoon about.” She winked.
Trinity knew me way too well. She knew exactly what to say to get me going. I felt my cheeks heat. “You are baffling. You know exactly what to say, don’t you. I guess nothing would be wrong with meeting someone.” I shrugged. “Except the fact I’m not sure I’m ready for that.”
Trinity laughed. “Well, I don’t think we need to worry about you meeting someone from the first letter.” She giggled, handing me my envelope back. “Besides, until we get a response, we won’t have a clue who will be reading the letter we wrote. We also don’t even know if they will write back, so I think for now you’re safe.”
Just then, the bells above the door jingled, and we both turned to see Ava walk in, her book bag slung over her shoulder, book in her hand.
“Hey, Ava,” we both said in unison.
Tearing her eyes off the page, she looked up. “Hey, Trinity. Mrs. Hollis. Sorry I’m a few minutes late. I was waiting for my teacher to hand out our assignments. Then I started reading this book, and well…you know what happens. You won’t be late because of me, will you?”
“No, dear, the meeting at The Crispy Biscuit is for five. We have lots of time to get there,” Trinity said, meeting my eyes as she handed me my letter. “Grab yourself a drink from the fridge in the back and a muffin off the table. We will head out shortly.”
As soon as Ava was settled, we made our way down to The Crispy Biscuit. Melinda was behind the counter serving a customer and greeted us both with a smile as we stepped inside. “Hey, ladies.” She waved.
“Hey, Melinda. We are here with our letters,” Trinity replied. “Wanted to make sure we got them in to you in time.”
“Oh great! Give me a minute and let me grab the basket.”
Once Melinda returned, Trinity and she began talking while I searched the display case for some type of sweet treat for after dinner. I listened with half an ear as Melinda spoke more about the program and how her best friend had just gotten married to her military pen pal. A funny feeling came over me as I stood there pretending to still search for a sweet treat to order, the letter still tucked into my purse.
“Oh, that is wonderful, Melinda. Is this the friend who lives outside of Willow Valley?”
“Yes. The one I mentioned the other night. They just left on their honeymoon this morning.”
Brooke appeared from the kitchen and began joining in the conversation, followed by Tristan. As they all stood there talking, I pulled my letter from my purse and looked down at the white envelope. Still unsure that it was good enough, I looked at my small group of friends and made sure they weren’t looking, then silently placed it in the trash just below where the basket sat. I jumped when I heard Trinity call my name.
“Huh, what?” I asked, looking up to see my best friend watching me.
“I said, did you put your letter in the box?”
“Yep.” I swallowed hard. “Can I get some of these cookies to go, please?” I pointed to the new M&M’s cookies in the display case. I needed to divert her attention off this damn letter.
Immediately, Tristan stepped in and began placing some cookies into a box for me. “Here you go, Peggy,” he said, passing the box over the counter. “They are to die for, if I do say so myself.”
“He’s only saying that because he created the recipe,” Brooke said, coming up behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist.
“We really should get going,” I said, turning to Trinity.
“Yeah, true. I need to get home and get dinner before Thomas returns. “Peggy, will you be joining us tonight?” she questioned.
“No, I still have some things to do at the shop. You can take some cookies for dessert, though,” I said, holding the box out for her to take. “I’m just going to use the washroom before we go.” Flashing what I was certain was a normal smile, and hoping Trinity hadn’t seen where I’d put my letter, I crossed the restaurant and ducked into the washroom.
ETHAN
One month later
It was Sunday night. I’d just showered after having returned from dinner. Lying down on my cot, I adjusted the pillow behind my head and reached for the phone. I looked forward to this time every month. It was one of relaxation, if only for a day, that I didn’t have to worry about my men and could spend my time talking with my daughter. I dialed Melinda’s number carefully, looking down at my small notebook to make sure I hadn’t made a mistake, and waited while the call finally connected.
“Hello,” I heard her voice come over the phone.
It had been a long time since I’d seen my daughter—years. I’d needed an out after her mother died. So, I used the military. It kept me busy, and at the time, it was what I wanted, but now I knew it hadn’t been kind to family life and I missed her. “Hey, sweetie. It’s your dad.”
“Hey, Dad. How are you?”
“Doing okay. What about you?”
“Doing good. You’ll be happy to know that things are going well for me here.”
