Wishing for Wonderful (Serendipity #3)(52)
“They’ve lost the joy of their love,” He said, “and it’s up to you to see that they get it back!”
I argued that I’m only supposed to handle matches, not repairs. He said to consider it a penance for the prank I pulled. Repairs are tough. They make working with someone like Lindsay seem like a piece of cake. Repairs involve humans with years of stored-up slights: forgotten anniversaries, busy schedules, arguments. The list is endless, and with that kind of baggage they’re none too quick to forgive or forget. Not only do I have to rekindle all 684 love affairs, but I have to get it done by December thirty-first.
I guess this pretty much nixes any plans I had for a day off.
Eleanor
It’s odd how the worst of things sometimes work out to be the best that could have happened. I’d like to sound like the heroine of this story and tell you I was willing to give my life to save Lindsay’s, but the truth of the matter is I didn’t have time to dwell on it. When I saw that car coming toward her, I knew I had to save Lindsay. It’s what any mother would do. Yes, I’m well aware that I’m not her mother, but try telling my heart that.
A few weeks back, I figured John and I might have to give up the thought of getting married because both Lindsay and Ray were vehemently opposed to us even seeing each other. Things certainly have changed. Oh, we’re not a full-fledged family yet, but at least we’re on the way to becoming one.
Although I’m not happy to see Lindsay with her leg in a big heavy cast, it’s way better than the alternative. And, selfish though it may sound, the accident did serve a purpose in bringing Ray around. He’s terribly stubborn, and once he gets a hate in his heart he just about never lets go of it. I honestly thought he’d stay mad at me forever. It’s sad how people like Ray can waste so much of their life being angry. They carry around a grudge and wait until the person dies before they can forgive and forget. And by then it’s too late. Ray did that with his daddy, and when he came running to the hospital I’ll bet he thought the same thing was going to happen with me.
When I started saying how Lindsay saved my life I spotted the look on her face and figured for sure she was gonna let the cat out of the bag, but apparently she caught on because she didn’t mention a word about how it happened the other way. I know Ray, and if for one minute he thought I risked my life to save Lindsay he’d hate her and her daddy all the more. I’m not a big advocate of telling lies but that one was my only shot at bringing Ray around, so I’m hoping it’s something the Lord can live with.
When I got home and started fixing for Thanksgiving Day, I thought back on how Ray sat all by himself at the barbeque. I sure didn’t want that to happen again. I told John he was gonna have to make sure Ray had a good time on Thanksgiving. Ray’s not much of a joiner, I said, so you may have to work to draw him into the conversation.
After everything that had happened, I was determined not to let anything spoil our Thanksgiving Day, and nothing did—not my mismatched candles, not the missing cranberry sauce and not even Ray.
Okay, I’ll admit I was a bit worried at first, because Ray walked in wearing that “I dare you to cross me” look of his, but I nodded across the room and gave John the high sign. Next thing I know, he’s standing alongside Ray asking what he thinks of this year’s Philadelphia Eagles. After that they moved into a lengthy discussion about football, basketball and the stock market. I had to chuckle when I heard them discussing the Daytona 500, because that’s one sport John doesn’t know a thing about.
The one who really surprised me that day was Traci. The girl has never shown one iota of domesticity, and yet she spent most of the afternoon following me around the kitchen asking what ingredients go into one thing and another. She even wrote them down on a little notepad she pulled from her pocket. And if that wasn’t surprise enough, right after dinner she asked if I’d teach her how to crochet a throw. I wondered if she really meant “throw” or was thinking “baby blanket.” Traci had a certain look, and it’s a look I’m not usually wrong about.
All in all, it was a really good day. Everybody said the turkey was delicious, but I didn’t eat much myself. I was too busy being happy.
I was packing up leftovers when Ray and Traci came in to say goodbye. He kissed my cheek, then leaned over and whispered in my ear that John was a pretty nice guy after all. When I saw Ray walk out the door wearing a smile, I thought my heart would burst because it was so full of happiness.
You can’t ask for a better Thanksgiving than that.
Cupid
The Dog’s in the Mail
Right now I’m seeing a rosy outlook for everyone—everyone except me. I’m not quite finished here, and I’ve still got the 684 not-so-happy couples to deal with. Yeah, maybe I could walk away and let love take its course, but the truth is I’ve got a vested interest in seeing it out. People like Eleanor restore my faith in humans. Granted, you’re an odd lot, but you’re what I’ve got to work with. So I try to make the best of it, and every so often a few couples like this happen along. Then I realize how important my job really is. After more centuries than you’ve got fingers to count, I still get a thrill out of matches like this.
~
Unfortunately Lindsay’s days of working at the Kindness Animal Clinic were over, at least for the time being—and even though that accident was not of my making, her not being at the clinic gave me the opportunity to push my plan into action. It started five days after Thanksgiving when Matthew received an e-mail that read: