Dashboard lights, p.23
Dashboard Lights, page 23
part #2 of Gunpowder Series
The evening had a dreamlike feel to it. Ruby realized how close she was to possibly being taken into custody for murder if the detectives had issues with her story or had surprise details she couldn’t account for. Yet here she was setting out food and drink for a wedding planning meeting. They had issues with her story, alright. The issue was she claimed self-defense, even though they didn't believe her, and apparently that was not prosecutable. Hopefully. She unconsciously shook her head at one point.
"What's wrong?" Derek asked, see her shake her head.
"Oh, nothing." She forced a smile. "I was just thinking about something. Oops! I think I just heard the door!" Sure enough, the front doorbell began playing its tune.
"I'll get it," Derek said rising from his out-of-the-way spot, heading for the foyer.
"Derek, just tell them to get comfy in the dining room!" Elise called after him. She looked at Ruby, "I sure hope he heard!" Ruby smiled in reply.
As Ruby carried in a tray of iced tea glasses and sat it on the table, the dining room began to get noisy with voices talking over each other, combined with a flurry of hugs. Derek had that smile, the one where the dimple in his chin showed. Ruby mused, the women are eating him up, and he is eating up the attention! As some of the women got seated, more arrived. Eight women in all. And Derek.
"Oh, Elise, this looks so wonderful!" Thea said. A sample bouquet and crown of flowers sat on the table beside her.
"Amy, how are you feeling?" Maggie asked. "You look amazing." Amy's bump was about the same size as Ruby's, but she was two months behind in her pregnancy. But she had not had the morning sickness that Ruby had.
"Thanks! We go tomorrow to find out whether we're having a boy or girl!" Amy said smiling and holding her belly. She looked at Ruby warmly, as she sat. Abby took a seat between Amy and Susie.
Ruby knew Elise would command the end of the table, so she left a seat next to her for Derek and took the next seat. Maggie and Megan took seats next to Ruby, and Thea had the seat opposite Derek.
"We didn't know Derek was going to be part of the meeting!" Thea said with a teasing tone, trying to make him blush. He did.
"Ladies!" Elise raised her hands in a gesture of welcome. "Thank you all for being able to be here! I know we've all chatted back and forth with each other, but with the big day only a month away, it is so important for us to come together to iron out any last-minute things!"
Elise opened her binder and flipped a few pages. She glanced around the room, as if making a mental note who was present.
"The first thing is, the invitations have arrived, and we've got the guest list compiled. So, what I thought is, so it is not a burden on any one person, perhaps we all take a list and invitations to help address them? How does that sound?" Heads nodded around the room, along with positive comments.
"Good! I've got them in stacks with a list on the buffet. Just take one before you leave and let’s try to get them out over the weekend. Oh, and ladies, where are my manners?! I'm so anxious to get these two married!!' She laughed and gently laid her hand on Derek's arm, causing another flush. "Dig into all of this luscious food and get a drink!"
Glasses and plates and food started circulating around the table. Ruby took a glass of tea but passed along the food. Derek took her share without a blink. Her hands in her lap, she searched out his hand under the table, but he required two hands for eating the snacks.
"Okay, so while we are on the topic of food, Maggie, darling, what do you have for us in terms of the menu?" Elise deferred to her sister.
Megan passed a folder to her mother, and Maggie pulled out a sheet propping her glasses on her nose.
"So here goes, folks. We are going with a Southern menu. Elise reminded me how much Derek always loved Mom's fried chicken, and it's become a favorite of Ruby's as well. So, we will be serving fried chicken, coleslaw, baked beans, green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn on the cob, buttermilk biscuits, macaroni and cheese, and of course, watermelon. The drinks will be tea, sweet and unsweet, lemonade, water, and coffee to go with the cake. How does that sound?" Maggie looked up from her list for approval.
"It sounds like we're all going to be waddling on the dance floor!" Susie said. Everyone laughed.
"I think it sounds perfect," Ruby replied smiling at Derek, who nodded his head in complete agreement. He was still chewing.
"Ok, Susie! You're up!"
"Well, I don't have much to say other than you all are going to have the best tasting Italian Cream Cake you've ever had! It will be three tiers and will be decorated with the same type of daisies and greenery as what will be in Ruby's bouquet. It should be lovely. I just hope it is not too warm a day and the whole thing doesn’t melt!" Susie chuckled. Ruby had gotten close with Susie, both working for her at the Thrift Shop and with the family being moved in on top of her. She was on the Hunt side of the family, but Ruby did not remember exactly where she fit in.
"Flowers." Elise pointed her pen at Thea.
"The flowers will be simple and beautiful. As you can see, I brought a sample of what the bouquet will look like and the crown." Thea held up the bouquet and passed the crown to Ruby. Ruby set it delicately on her head. Everyone nodded approval. Derek put his arm around the back of Ruby's chair and gave her a peck on the cheek.
"Now some of the greenery may vary depending on what I get, but it will be close. Also, each bridesmaid will carry a single long-stem daisy adorned with some greenery, tied in a navy ribbon. Each mom will also get these. Oh, and there is one for you as well, Megan. Then the boys will each have a daisy boutonniere for their jackets. Also, a wisp of greenery will be added. Now, I have, Derek, Ian, Norman, Jonah, but I'm thinking we're needing five of those. Have we determined who else is standing with Derek?" Thea asked.
"Not yet," Elise replied, looking at her son. Derek instinctively rolled his eyes, and Elise gave him a gentle pat.
"Then, for the church, we decided to go with ferns with white and navy ribbon, and there will be bouquets of the daisies at the alter with the candles. Now, for the tables in the tent, we are just going to do simple vases with daisies and greenery. I think fishbowl vases are nice as they will stay low and out of the line of sight for conversation. Oh, and we'll have a boutonniere for Father Dan, I almost forgot!"
"Thanks, Thea. Sounds like you have that under control." Elise flipped another page. "Oh, and we decided not to go with a flower girl or ring-bearer. Ruby and Derek have decided to carry each other’s rings themselves."
"Now, Megan, how are we doing on the music selections for the church and the dances?" Elise looked at her niece.
"We've been listening to a lot of songs, and I have a good idea of what type of music Derek and Ruby want, but they've asked me to kind of keep that quiet as they want all of their guests surprised. But once we make the final selections, I think you will find that it tells Derek and Ruby's story. I recommend extra tissues in each of the pews.!" Megan smiled at her friend. Ruby nodded appreciation to Megan.
"Now, Amy, Abby, Sarah and I will be in charge of decorating, both the church and the tables, and of course the men will assist with setting up tables and chairs. If anyone else wants to help, feel free to pitch in." Elise focused on her son. "But we do still have the matter of needing another groomsman. Derek, son, have you come up with anyone at all?"
As Derek began to shake his head, Ruby jumped in.
"Um...I had a thought!" Ruby glanced briefly at Abby and smiled, evoking a confused expression. "I actually got to thinking about someone who is a member of both families that might really work out." She turned to Derek, putting her hand on his arm.
"Derek, I don't mean to put you on the spot, but what would you think about Kenny?" Ruby gave him a twisted smile, raising her eyebrows. Silently asking, 'How about it?' He glanced at her and then to his mother, who tilted her head and shrugged "why not."
"Yeah, you know I never thought of him." Derek said nodding. Ruby knew he was hiding his shock of her suggesting Kenny, but he also knew about the Abby-Kenny connection. "Yeah, I think he'd be a good choice. I'll talk to him tomorrow." Ruby watched Derek look towards Abby. Abby struggled to contain a blinding smile.
"Well, that's who will be wearing the fifth boutonniere!" Elise said. She flipped a couple more pages and stopped. "Now, Derek, I hate to do this to you, son, but you got to leave! You can't be here to see this part!"
Derek, who was greatly discomforted by being among all the women, did not hesitate to clear the room, but not before taking a few more taquitos with him. When he was out of hearing distance, Elise pulled out pictures.
"Okay, ladies, here's what we have been waiting for! Dresses!" She sent several pictures around the table of a navy-blue dress, knee-length in the front tapering to long in the back. The skirt had darts with triangles of navy lace fabric folded in giving the skirt a full look. The dress’s empire waist gave way to additional multi-folds of fabric crisscrossed at the breast area to the short loose sleeves.
"Sarah, Abby and Megan will be wearing these, and given each of your girls are different body types, I think this dress with look stunning on each of you!" Elise rested her elbows on the table and folded her hands. "What do you think?"
"I love it!" Abby spoke up.
"Oh, it’s gorgeous! And it's something I can wear again!" Megan agreed. The other ladies nodded approval with smiles.
"Now Ruby, you and I have discussed the style of dress for you, and I believe I have nailed it!" Elise pulled out a photo and handed it to Ruby. This was not the first time today, someone had slid a photo in front of her, so it took her a minute to focus.
With an empire waist, the dress was silk chiffon that fell to the ankles. Another panel of silk chiffon started on each side towards the back and pooled on the floor. Both layers of the skirt were edged in miniature white daisies. The silk chiffon rose to just about the breast area, and from there an embroidered sheer silk was affixed to the chiffon at the high waist and rose to form a wide rounded neckline, again trimmed in miniature white daisies. Loose long sleeves of the same sheer silk gathered at the wrists, ending with another row of white daisies. The darts in the bustline were barely present, accommodating Ruby's lacking chest, and the looseness of the skirted area was ample to add the needed discreteness for the baby bump.
Ruby stared at the dress, instantly envisioning herself in the dress with the crown of flowers topping her black curls. It was perfect. It could not be more perfect. She put her hand to her mouth, and her lips began to tremble. She realized all eyes were on her. Looking up at the ladies, she saw their inquisitive looks, wanting to see the dress as well. Then she looked to Elise, who sat with her legs crossed, looking pleased. She knew she had done well with the selection. Ruby jumped up and threw her arms around Elise, tears cascading from her eyes once again that day.
"It is perfect!" Ruby said with a jubilant, but shaky voice. "I love it! It is exactly what I hoped for!" While Ruby and Elise embraced, Elise now shedding tears herself, the other women had gotten up and gathered around the photo to see the dress. Looks of wonder filled the room. Amy glanced over at Ruby, and gave her a gentle, approving smile and nod.
***
Ruby retreated to the upstairs, seeking Derek out in his room. She brought with her a plateful of some of the remaining hors devours and a water. She realized she had eaten exactly nothing all day and had to give Baby Claudius a little something to subsist on. But she was exhausted, having been surrounded by people most of the day, and needed to escape. Also, she was curious, nervous even, what Derek's mood and attitude was after he spent some time processing what she told him. Ruby had difficulty herself understanding why Derek had not put her out on the doorstep after she told him she killed a man. Any reasonable person would have done just that.
Derek laid on the bed with pillows propping him up. His reading glasses reflected the light as he turned to look at Ruby as she came in. He laid the book in his hand face-down but open. Ruby kicked off her shoes, scooted the plate and napkins in the center of the bed, and placed her water on the nightstand. She climbed up on the bed and sat with her legs crossed with the plate between them.
"Did you get enough to eat?" Ruby asked.
"Yes. It was all pretty good," Derek replied. "I'm guessing that is the first you've eaten today."
Ruby nodded, taking a bit of a taquito. Chicken. She shrugged expressing her thoughts on the snack. "Not as good as Amy's," she said, continuing to chew. "I had coffee."
"I'll be surprised if the kid doesn't come out missing a leg and an arm." Derek teased.
"Derek! That is awful!" She popped the other half of quiche in her mouth. “These are really good!" She chewed for a minute. "I eat all the time. You are just not around to see it. I have supper with your mom and dad every night. She makes sure. And I usually have some fruit or something during the day."
"I doubt three blueberries counts for much," Derek replied. Ruby wasn’t sure if he was still teasing or what.
"So, I have to ask Derek. How are you okay with me having killed a man?" She watched Derek remove his glasses and set them and his book on the nightstand. She heard him breathe heavily, and then he settled his eyes on her.
"I'm not okay with it, Ruby. I'm not okay with anything you've been through. But it's what's happened, and I understand we'll be dealing with some fallout from these things. Probably for some time. Maybe for a long time. But I'm okay with that I'll be here for you, right by your side, to help you hopefully put some of these experiences behind you."
Ruby was silent. She bit into a mini-quiche and chewed. Stalling for time. To think of a reply. She was accustomed to people giving up on her. She expected Derek to also. She had never had anyone to accept her and her baggage. People had been a steady flow through her life, coming and going. Her heart had been a revolving door. She spent her life fighting vulnerability and insecurity. Of having no one there when she needed someone. Other than God. But Derek had somehow stopped that revolving door. Put a stick in it. Allowed her heart to once again fill with people and love. She looked at him, at his blue eyes, his gentle face.
He watched her, a half-smile emerging. His whole countenance seemed to soften. She wondered what he was thinking.
"You are not happy with me for lying to you. About where I was going." Ruby finally said.
"No. But I understand why you did. Why you had to." Derek said. "Hopefully, you'll never be in that sort of position again."
Ruby nodded. "You know, once we are married, I can tell you anything, and they cannot subpoena you to testify against me. It is like the attorney-client privilege thingie, but instead it is for husbands and wives. I forget what it is called."
"Spousal privilege."
"How did you know that?" Ruby asked.
"I looked it up." Derek smiled. "Listen, Ruby, we can dwell on this all night long, but worrying it isn't going to help. I know you're feeling insecure right now. I do too. But why don't we just tuck this away for the night? Go get a shower, and let's get a good night's sleep. Everything will look better in the morning."
Ruby nodded, leaned forward and kissed him. Then, climbed over him off the bed, headed to the shower. She paused at the door, looking back at Derek.
"What engagement announcement?" she asked.
"Hmm?" Derek looked up.
"You said Taylor saw the engagement announcement. What announcement?"
"Oh, the one in the paper." Derek reached for his book.
"We have a paper?" Ruby asked.
"Yep, the Gunpowder Gazette."
"Huh." Ruby disappeared in the bathroom.
When she returned, Derek was again absorbed in his book. She went over to his dresser, pulled one of his t-shirts out and slipped it over her naked body. As she padded across the floor, Derek put his book up and shut the light off. She snuggled underneath the covers close to him, and he wrapped his body around hers, kissing her head full of curls. Her hair smelled like the outdoors, the woods. As Ruby entered a drifty state, she thanked the Lord once again for providing for her needs, watching over her, and keeping her safe. Her last thought before sleep took her, am I dreaming all the time? Do I have the bad dreams at night, and the good ones by day?
***
The next couple of weeks swung into high gear for everyone. With the wedding edging closer each day, all those with roles in the wedding had their assignments and tasks in addition to their normal work and life duties. Ruby experienced the nervousness of a bride, while patiently awaiting a response from the London detectives. Derek was full speed finishing out the semester, consulting daily now with the contractor for the cabin, and of course, work. Two weeks had passed since the last Taylor sighting so his edginess was wearing off. Ruby and Elise were both amazed that Derek showed no signs of wedding jitters, appearing completely comfortable with the coming role of husband. And then father.
Jonah and Amy were engrossed in overseeing the final details on their new home, along with trying to decide on baby names. So far, 'Katie' short for 'Katherine' was top on the list. It was Jonah's biological mother's name, and while it wasn't definite, Amy was trying to decide on a middle name to go with it. She was considering using her own mother's name 'Mae,’ but wasn't sure. Ruby liked the sound of 'Katie Mae,' but it was ultimately Amy and Jonah's decision.
While Derek and Ruby already decided on their own baby boy's name, they agreed to keep it secret until baby Claudius finally joined the outside world. They referred to him by name among themselves, talking to him and calling his name when not around others. Claudius even seemed to know his own name. Whenever Ruby or Derek said it, he either did a flip, gave a kick, or pushed against Ruby's insides, taking her breath. Derek's favorite past-time became putting his hand on Ruby's belly and feeling his son's antics, even trying to goad the baby on at times. Ruby treasured the smile that spread across Derek's face but did not always treasure Claudius's tricks that brought Derek's smile.
Abby and Kenny continued to meet covertly. On one of Derek’s Saturday afternoon trips to meet with the contractor, he brought Ruby along to make some decisions on finishes, fixtures, and final placement of cabinets and appliances. Afterward, they drove up to the parking lot of the Bat Cave to squeeze in a few private moments. However, that plan quickly faded upon entering the graveled lot. Kenny's black Dodge Charger sat off to the side. Derek pulled up alongside and let his window down, as did Kenny. Kenny sat comfortably in the driver's seat, and Abby occupied the passenger seat, with her bare feet propped up on the dashboard. She had a book in her lap, and music was playing from the stereo. Two Mountain Dews sat in the cup holders.
