Page 48 of Under Pressure
Kate took off her jean jacket, showing a t-shirt with Bigfoot on it that read, “Believe in yourself, even when no one else does” under a large sweater. Okay . . . “How long did it take you to do all this?”
From his place in the newly moved armchair, Sean said, “We’ve been at it since the crack of dawn.”
From behind Kate and Axel came one sharp bark. Axel and Kate stepped apart—not releasing their hold on one another’s hands to let Bear and Sweetie through. The Palms’ mascots wore what looked like old-fashioned costumes.
Kate sighed the sigh of a woman who wasn’t at all upset but knew her charge had broken the rules. “They’re supposed to stay outside,” she said.
Sweetie made her way into the balloons on the floor, disappearing under them, the swishing of her tail knocking them left and right as she went, and Bear followed on his tether, doing knee-high steps to avoid balloons as they went.
Axel pulled Kate close again, and the sight warmed Don’s insides. He’d helped arrange the perfect happy ever after for oneof his grandsons, surely he could manage it two more times. He glanced at Sean. And he was sure Bluebell was the girl for him. Then he looked at Johnny. He’d spread out on the couch already, arms over the armrest and the back, ankle over his knee, trying to look cool. Don shook his head. Johnny was a problem for another time.
“Who are they supposed to be?” Wayne asked pointing to the two creatures burrowing through the balloons like gophers and having a grand time of it.
Kate shrugged. “I don’t know. They just showed up at the library like that this morning.”
“Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth,” Polly said, sounding not at all happy. “Persuasion.”
Kate perked up. “I love a good Austen reference.”
Rosa had stars in her eyes. “To turn down the love of your life means to never have love at all.”
Sean cleared his throat and stared at the ceiling.
Don hadn’t helped Winnie dress them today, so he didn’t know much about these Austen characters, but based on Polly’s response, he was starting to think that maybe Winnie was on his side about Bluebell.
“If that isn’t the cutest thing?” Sandy said, watching the best friends go.
The balloons finally stopped moving where Sweetie was and Bear took a seat by Sean, who reached over the armrest to give Bear loves. He even dropped a hand below the balloons to pet Sweetie. “Who’s a good girl?” Bear barked. “And boy.” Sean asked, patting Bear again.
Bear wagged his tail back and forth, with loud resounding thuds on the hardwood floor sending more balloons flying.
The group made their way into the room, weaving through the decorations and being careful not to step on Sweetie or Bear’s tail as they placed their gifts on the piano next to Don’s.
“Hey Polly, Rosa,” Axel said, taking a seat on the sofa with Kate cuddled up to one side of him and Johnny spreading out on the other. “Where’s the rest of the group?”
“Busy today,” Rosa said. “Happy birthday, Sandy.”
Polly stepped forward with a little package and placed it on the piano. “This is from me, Rosa, Nancy, and Winnie.”
“Really?” Sandy smiled at them. “That’s so nice of you.”
Wayne clamped a hand down on Don’s shoulder and squeezed. “How are you doing, Dad?”
“Fine, fine,” he said.
“Are you sure because—” He darted a glance in Rosa and Polly’s direction.
“Of course I’m sure,” Don said. Why was everyone so worried about him? He stepped forward, pushing aside bubble garlands and twinkle lights hanging from the ceiling.
“Dad,” Wayne persisted. “You’re not okay. I’m mean look at this place.”
“Wayne,” Sandy warned.
“Got any popcorn, Gramps?” Johnny asked with a bewildering twinkle in his eye.
Kate reached across Axel and swatted Johnny.
Sean popped up. “I’ll get it.”
