It's Better This Way(45)
“Oh no, he was only getting started. Dad and I got into a shouting match. It was awful. Before he left, he went off on Mom again, claiming she’s dating Heath to hurt him and Laura, which is totally ridiculous. I ended up practically shoving him out the door.”
“Oh Hill, I’m so sorry.”
“I am, too,” she whispered brokenly. “Blake said he’d never seen me more upset. It was over an hour before I could even speak coherently. I was hurt and angry and . .” She paused, swallowing back a sob. “I feel dreadful. I…had so hoped, you know, that Dad and I could have a relationship again. I’ve missed him and I think he’s missed Marie and me. I don’t know why he keeps insisting on forcing Laura into our relationship. I mean, I could probably tolerate the woman if she made even the smallest effort. She hasn’t, and so why should I? Since Laura’s the one who robbed us of our dad, she should be the one to make the first move.”
“Does Marie know?”
Hillary nodded. “She told me Dad reached out to her after he cooled down. He asked her to tell me he regretted stopping by and I should make plans for the wedding the way Blake and I wanted, only he wouldn’t be part of it.”
Carrie felt sick at heart for her two cousins. She could only imagine how painful this situation was for them.
“It’s better this way, I guess,” Hillary whispered.
Carrie didn’t believe that for a minute. Although they had never said it out loud, she knew both Hillary and Marie had hoped the wedding would be the road that would lead their father back into their lives.
Chapter 17
Julia and Heath walked hand in hand at the Washington State Fair in Puyallup, a growing community southeast of Seattle. The fair was one of the largest in the country and attracted more than a million people in the three weeks it ran. On the opening day, admission was free for everyone who arrived between ten-thirty and noon.
It’d been a couple years since Julia had attended, and she had always gone with her sister, as Eddie had never been interested in the fair. The year before she’d been tied up in a project from work and couldn’t get away. The year before that, Amanda had been on vacation with Robert.
When Julia casually mentioned to Heath her disappointment that Amanda couldn’t attend opening day with her, Heath had volunteered. Her sister was off on a quilting adventure with friends in Ocean Shores. Nothing stood between Amanda and her quilting friends. She hauled her sewing machine with her, and enough fabric to clothe the entire Grays Harbor area.
Exploring the fair had always been one of her favorite events of the year. Spending the day with Heath made it even more fun. As soon as they entered the grounds, Julia paused to breathe in the sights, sounds, and smells. This was everything she’d remembered from when she was young: the rides, the cotton candy, and onion burgers. Viewing the farm animals had always been a fun time for her.
Although it was still early in the day, the crowds were thick, which was why Julia made sure she stayed close to Heath’s side. Being with him seemed natural. Even now, after all these weeks, it amazed her how easily he had fit into her life and she into his. They did nearly everything together. That week alone they’d met each morning to work out, attended the book club discussion, played tennis, gone out for dinner one night, and cooked for each other two of the last three nights.
Walking through the arcade, the booth attendants called out, enticing Heath to try his hand at winning a prize. He paused and asked Julia, “See anything you like?”
Surely, he was joking. “Not a single thing.”
“You sure? I played baseball in high school. The star pitcher.”
“You still got it in you, old man?” the guy taunted, bouncing a ball up and down in his hands, eager for Heath to hand over his money.
“Now, there’s a challenge, if I ever heard one,” Heath said, laughing good-naturedly.
“Three balls, three dollars. Show me your stuff.”
Heath grinned. “I’m thinking you’d enjoy that stuffed teddy bear,” he said to Julia.
“And I’m thinking I’d like a raspberry scone instead,” she returned.
“Sorry, buddy,” Heath called back at the carny, “perhaps another time. I’m going to feed my girl.”
The scones were one of the highlights of the fair. Already, the queue was twenty people deep, but to the credit of the enthusiastic servers, the line moved quickly. It wasn’t long before they both were enjoying warm, jam-filled scones.
They walked through several of the exhibitions, and then ate greasy hamburgers piled high with grilled onions and cheese. “This is a heart attack on a plate,” Heath teased.
“It’s a rare treat.” They both usually ate healthy food, choosing fresh fruits and vegetables with lots of chicken and fish.
After they’d finished lunch, Heath asked, “How about a ride on the Ferris wheel?”
Julia couldn’t remember the last time she’d been on a carnival ride. Being with Heath made her feel like a kid again. “That sounds like fun.”
“You know, the tradition is for the couple to kiss at the very top, so be prepared.”
Julia had never heard of such a tradition and wasn’t about to say so. She welcomed Heath’s kisses. He was by far the best kisser she’d ever met, and she’d never grow tired of the taste and feel of his lips on hers. Patiently, they waited their turn before climbing onto the seat, sitting close together. Heath wrapped his arm around her shoulders, keeping her tucked against his side.