The Problem with Dreams

Chapter 71 - The Shower

Everyone in the Abernathy household was up early on Sunday morning, even Susan. Although she didn't try to do much, it was clear Susan was at the same time anxious and excited about the day. While most of the family went to church, she spent the time with Greg, talking excitedly about party. It was the perfect opportunity for him to tell her he planned to stay.

Susan grinned when he told her about his change in plans and the reason for his change of heart.

"Cindy is a wise woman," Susan told him. "Thank you Greg."

"You're pleased I'm staying?" Greg asked.

"Yes, I definitely am. Maybe you can help remind me to sit still."

"I'll do my best," he promised but it wasn't easy.

c

Julie arrived about an hour before the party was scheduled to start. Aaron came with her, eager to spend the day with Susan's boys and she immediately pressed them all into service, rearranging furniture and bringing the long dining room table up into the living room so they could comfortably serve their guests without Susan needing to negotiate extra stairs. Decorations were put up under Mrs. Abernathy's direction, and refreshments laid out and made ready. Susan mostly tried to stay out of the way and once she was dressed for the party, rested as best she could until the first of the guests began to arrive, shortly before two that afternoon.

"Susie?" her brother's voice reached her where she was lying down in her room.

"Stephen?" Susan said rising a bit more quickly than she probably should have. "Hi," she said looking pleased.

"I didn't mean to disturb you," Stephen said when he saw her lying down.

"It's probably time for me to be up anyway. When did you get here?" Susan asked.

"Just now. I brought Jenny and the girls. Chris is over at a friend's today and I didn't want Jenny driving alone. Besides, we don't get to see nearly enough of Mom and Dad since they've been staying here," Stephen said.

Susan winced. "Sorry about that. I suppose I have been occupying a lot of their time lately."

"You've needed them and they've been happy to do it ... thrilled in fact," Stephen assured her. "You know how Mom is."

"I do. She hasn't changed," Susan said.

"Not in the least," her brother agreed.

"Are you going to hang out with Dad and the boys?" Susan wondered.

"I suppose I should. Mom's warned me this is going to be a bit of a hen do."

"It is," Susan said as she slipped on her shoes. "Help me up Stephen, will you?"

Susan allowed her brother to give her a hand before getting to her feet.

"Hi Mama. Are you up?" Jessie was next in peeking around the half open door to the master bedroom.

"I am now. Are we ready?" Susan asked her daughter.

"Huh uh. Grandma sent me to check and to tell you that some people are already here," Jessie said. "I'm supposed to come get you."

"Okay. Where's Papa?" Susa asked her daughter.

"He's helping Julie with the lemonade," Jessie reported.

"Do you need him, Susie?" Stephen asked.

"He generally likes to help me up the stairs," Susan explained. "I'm supposed to keep my movement to a minimum."

"Mom told me. Can I help?"

"Sure," Susan said and she accepted her brother's arm, allowing him to escort her up the steps to the living room before he disappeared downstairs with the rest of the men and boys, minus Greg.