Just Between Friends (6 page)

     “Don’t be too long, son,” Arthur advised.  “We need to get this work done around here, since this is your day off.”

     “Alright Pa, I’ll see you all later,” he remarked, as he headed for the door.

***

     A half-hour later, Steven pulled into Miranda’s driveway.  He walked up the steps, to the door and knocked.

     Cassandra swung it open, and standing in the opening, glumly said, “Oh, it’s you Steven.  Come on in.  Miranda’s upstairs.  I’ll get her.”  She then went bounding up the steps, before Steven even had a chance to respond.

     “Miranda,” she yelled through the door, “Steven’s here.”

     Lying on her bed, Miranda had been daydreaming of what marriage would be like, being responsible for a husband and children.  Would she be a good enough wife to Steven, and a good enough mother to their children?  Still pondering this, she called out, “Tell him I’ll be down in a minute!”

     Cassie sounded irritated, “Alright, but hurry up.  He’ll be expecting me to entertain him until you get down there.”

     After checking her hair and dress, and deciding everything was suitable, she pinched both sides of her face, and went downstairs.  “Good morning, Steven,” she greeted him, as she made her way down the steps.  What brings you over so early?”

     “Good morning, Miranda.  I have some news to tell you.  I thought maybe we could go for a drive, since it’s still fairly early,” he suggested.

     “That would be nice.  There’s something I wanted to discuss with you also.  I’ll just go find mama and tell her we’re leaving.  I’ll be right back.”

     After they left the house, Steven helped Miranda into the wagon, then walked to the other side and climbed in.  Something was troubling him.  He didn’t know what it was.  It had been needling at him all day.  He just hoped that feeling would go away.  So, he decided to make conversation.  “Guess what, Miranda?”  He began.

     “What?” She responded.  She glanced over at him and he was looking so proud.

     “I’m an uncle!”  He blurted out.  “Sam gave birth to a little girl only a little over an hour ago.”

     “Oh Steven, I’m so excited!” She exclaimed, as she clasped her hands together.  “Are they both doing okay?  Did Sam have any trouble?  Who does the baby look like?  What’s her name?”

     “Whoa!”  Steven interrupted, “One question at a time, alright?”

     She laughed, “I’m sorry, I just get all excited when I think of babies.”

     “I understand.”  Steven joined in her laughter.  “Now, let’s see, I’ll try to answer all your questions, if I can remember them all.  Yes, they’re both doing fine.  No, Sam didn’t seem to have any trouble.  Her name is Sarah Elizabeth, after her two great-grandmothers, and I know you asked at least one more, but I can’t seem to remember it.”

     “I asked who she looked like.”  Miranda reminded him.

     “Oh yes, that’s right.  Well, I think she looks a little like both Sam and Michael, but she has light hair like Sam.  She’s the prettiest little baby I’ve ever seen.  Of course, I am prejudiced, but I honestly don’t know how they could make them any prettier.”  He then added, “Except for the ones we’ll have together, of course.”

     He was making her blush.  “Oh Steven, you’re just being silly.”

     “Oh, I am, am I?” He teased.

     “Just stop that kind of talk this instant, and watch where you’re going.  You’re going to drive us clear off the road!”  She warned.

     Steven knew she was right.  It seemed every time he was alone with Miranda anymore, all he could think of was impure thoughts.  He had to get himself under control.  He just couldn’t wait to be married to her.  He loved and needed her so much.

     When they reached the clearing, he descended, then went to the other side and lifted Miranda from the buggy.  Before he released her, he pulled her close and kissed her, gently at first, reveling in the taste and smell of her.

     When her tongue touched his lips, he groaned, and opened his mouth for her.  Her tongue traced his teeth, then, delved further to explore the inside of his mouth.  She had no idea what she was doing to him.

     They had to stop now, or there would be no stopping.  He slowly released her and whispered, “We had better go and sit down, so we can discuss whatever it is you want to talk about, Miranda.”  He clasped her hand in his, and they walked to the edge of the clearing, to an old oak tree, where they spread a blanket and sat down.

     Looking over at Miranda, he thought how beautiful she was.     She had mysterious dark eyes, a tantalizing mouth that curved up slightly at each corner and a little turned-up nose.  Her long dark hair when allowed to hang free flowed down her back and across her shoulders. When standing next to him, she reached only his chin.  She was a vision. He couldn’t imagine his life without her in it.

     He knew what was coming of this though, so thought it best to get it over with, “What did you want to discuss, Miranda?” 

     “Well,” she hesitantly stammered, “it’s just something you always get edgy over whenever I talk about it, and I just don’t know how to begin.”

     Steven knew exactly what she was getting at.  He shook his head and declared, “Look Miranda, I don’t have anything against Alec.  We’ve been friends all our lives.  You know that.  It’s just different now.  We’ve grown up, and unfortunately we’ve fallen in love with the same woman, and he hates me for it.  I can’t say that I blame him.  I’d probably hate him too if he was the one you had chosen.”

     “But, he’s not!”  Miranda exclaimed.  “But, he is still my friend and I worry about him!  I only wish there was something we could do to help ease his pain a little.  If only there was someone we could get him fixed up with.  Remember, we talked about Emily?  I think we should ….”

     “Now wait a minute, Miranda!”  Steven corrected.  “Alec’s a big boy now, and capable of finding someone himself.  If, that’s what he chooses.  You stay out of it!”

     She could see the muscle in his jaw twitching and she could tell this wasn’t the time to keep the subject going, but he had no right to tell her to stay out of it.  She wasn’t going to let him tell her what to do.  So, she continued, “Yes, I suppose you’re right.  Alec is a big boy, but I sure don’t see you acting like one!  Every time I even mention his name, you start acting like a jealous little schoolboy!”

     “Well, of all the …. You really can’t believe that I’m jealous of him!”

     “And what’s wrong with him?”  She asked furiously.  “Alec is a very handsome, young man.  I’m sure any girl would find herself lucky to have him as a husband!”

     “Oh, really,” Steven looked hurt.  “Even you, I suppose?”

     Miranda wanted to continue arguing.  Steven shouldn’t be allowed to get away talking like that, but he looked so vulnerable, she couldn’t keep it going.  She reached out her hand and touched his face and soothed, “Any girl, except me.  I only have one love in my life, and I haven’t room for anyone else.”

     As she said this, she could see the glistening in his eyes, as her own filled.  He wrapped his arms around her and drew her close.  “I’m sorry,” he apologized.  “I just love you so much that it makes me crazy when I think I could lose you to someone else.”

     One strand of his golden-colored hair had fallen over his right eye, and Miranda reached out lovingly, pushing it aside.  She stroked the side of his face, while with a comforting voice, softly whispered, “That could never happen.  You know you’re the only one for me.  I love you, Steven.”

     Birds were singing in the tree above them, and a soft, cool breeze tosselled their hair, as he cupped Miranda’s face in both of his hands, giving tiny little kisses all over it.  He then nuzzled her neck and kissed her there.  Her hands slid upward, sliding through the soft locks of his hair. Miranda knew what was going to happen, if she was to let this go any further. It was the hardest thing she’s ever had to do, but slowly, she began to pull away from Stevens embrace.

     “Baby, no,” Steven’s breath was coming in short gasps, “please ….”

     “No, we can’t do this, it’s wrong.”  Miranda reluctantly protested.  “You know we have to stop, Steven.  I know, it’s difficult for me too, but if this continues, you know what’s going to happen.  We have to control ourselves.”

     Steven knew she was right.  What was he thinking?  It’s just that he wanted her so badly, and it was getting more and more difficult to control.  He ran both his hands up and through his hair then wiped the perspiration from his forehead with the back of his right hand.  He waited until his breath wasn’t so labored before he spoke again, “I’m sorry, Miranda.  Really, I am.”

     A butterfly flittered by just then, and for a brief moment, landed on Stevens shoulder then flew away.  It was such an odd sight for this time of year. They both chuckled, as they watched, its blue wings moving swiftly toward the clear blue sky.  Such silence filled the air, that it seemed almost eerie. 

     Steven lay down on the blanket, and pulled Miranda into his arms.  He held her close, as if almost afraid to let her go.  He didn’t understand this feeling he was having all of a sudden, but it was a feeling, nonetheless, he didn’t like.  He was probably just being overdramatic. In only three months, he and Miranda would be husband and wife.  They would be together forever.  He was just being silly.  He turned to look at Miranda, who had her head nestled on his shoulder.

     “I shouldn’t have let things go so far, baby.  I’m sorry.  I promise, from now on, I’ll behave.  You’re just so beautiful, and I love you so much, that three months seems so far away, but we can make it.  I just can’t wait to have you as my wife, when we can truly share our lives together.  By then, the house should be ready.  There’s still quite a bit to do, but it’ll be done, you have my word.”

     “Well, three months will get here before we know it, and then, maybe you’ll want to get rid of me sometimes.”  She chuckled.  Her dark eyes penetrated into his light ones.

     “I can assure you, that that will never, and could never happen.  I will love you till the day I die, and nothing or anyone will ever change that, Miranda.”

     The air was beginning to grow cooler, so he pulled her closer. Holding her tightly against him, he silently prayed that this ominous feeling in his heart would go away.

     Miranda woke late the next morning.  She felt so happy she had barely been able to sleep, remembering all that had happened yesterday.  They had discussed wedding plans, and the future.  Her stomach was in knots when she thought about it.  Mrs. Steven Reynolds, she repeated over and over in her mind.  Mrs. Miranda Reynolds.  She so loved the sound of that.  She felt so blessed to have a man like him in her life.

     She stretched, with arms extended above her head and lay back against the pillows.  There were so many plans to make before the wedding, so much to do.  She was suddenly pulled from her thoughts by a light knocking on her bedroom door.  “Miranda, are you awake?”

     It was Cassandras voice.  Whatever is she knocking so quietly for?  Normally, her sister would purposely make noise just to aggravate her.  This was totally unlike Cassie.  Something must be up, but what?  She threw her legs over the side of the bed, and answered, “Yes, Cassie.  Come on in.”

     The door opened slowly, instead of being flung open, and her dark haired, dark eyed, little sister peered into the room.  “I didn’t wake you, did I?”

     “No, I was awake.  What’s up, Cass?”

     Instead of leaving the door ajar, she closed it behind her, made her way to the bed, and plopped down beside her older sister.  Miranda was getting more curious by the minute.  This was not like Cassandra.

     For a long while, Cassie just sat there, not saying a word.  Her fingertips lightly drummed on the bed, until she reached over and picked up one of the pillows, and hugged it to her chest.  Her hair normally in long braids, was now, brushed softly and hanging down her back. Cassie was growing up.  Unable to take the silence any longer, Miranda arched her eyes curiously, and urged, “Okay, Cass, what is it?  You look sad.”