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"Whose wasn't?" he said. If your ears itch, someone's talking about you If your palms itch, you'll be getting money."

"If a knife falls off the table, you'll have visitors," Mama chimed.

They both laughed like two conspirators who had been rehearsing their lines for days. When they laughed. Baby Celeste laughed,

"She is a delight," Mr. Fletcher declared. "And after all she's been through,'"

"Yes, we were afraid she'd be up all night with nightmares, but fortunately, she's taken to us quickly. Why, she's even calling me Mama," Mama told him.

"Really?" He was impressed. "Well, that will make things easier for you. Sarah. although'.-- his face soured with his personal problems-- "it's not easy bringing up young people these days." He looked at me and nodded. "Not everyone is as fortunate as you are. You probably made a brilliant decision when you decided to homeschool your children and keep them away from all the bad influences out there."

"Exactly. Now, when Noble goes out in the world, he will have a sensible, strong way about him. He's responsible, honest, and very loyal," Mama added with her eyes on me.

Mr. Fletcher shook his head in admiration. "I envy you. Sarah. A woman alone and you've made such a beautiful home and now a nice little business with your herbal remedies and all. You live in an early twentieth-century home, but you're a modern day woman to me."

Mama blushed at the compliment. I couldn't remember when I had last seen her blush. Could it be that she really liked this man? Could their love be so strong as to overcome even the secrets we kept locked in our hearts?

Mr. Fletcher looked at Baby Celeste so intently. I was sure he was seeing Elliot's face. My heart pounded. Mama looked to be holding her breath as well.

"Da da," Baby Celeste suddenly said.

Mr. Fletcher's eyebrows nearly leaped off his face. His eyes widened with surprise. My heart stopped beating. I was sure of it.

Then he laughed.

"See," Mama cried, "she's adopted you already. I hope you feel like you are with family."

My mouth fell open. Did she dare tempt the truth, a truth poised to leap out at us all and brine down everything in what would be total destruction?

Mr. Fletcher beamed. He looked around the table, smiling at Baby Celeste, smiling at me, then nodding.

It really does feel like Thanksgiving. Sarah," he said. "I can't thank you enough."

He doesn't know. I thought. He doesn't understand. Mama looked at me, and in her face I saw her pleasure and her confidence.

Her eves shifted toward Baby Celeste, who was looking at her with a face that had a remarkably similar expression.

It was the tomorrow Mama had predicted.

I had no idea where it would lead us. but I felt like someone caught in a strong wind or an ocean wave. All I could do was surrender to the future,

7

The Weakened Walls

.

Mama outdid herself. It was her best dinner

ever. Mr. Fletcher's mouth was as filled with compliments as it was with the succulent turkey and delicious stuffing, and when she brought out his favorite pie, he looked ready to give her whatever she wanted. That adage embroidered on a small plaque in the kitchen. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach, never looked truer.

He took a forkful of pie, put it in his mouth, and closed his eyes with pleasure.

And I thought I was a half-decent cook." he told me. "Nothing lets you know how much of a bachelor you are as when you actually believe you enjoy your own cooking, Noble. Beware of that.' He laughed.

When the dinner ended, he insisted on helping Mama clear the table. She refused. She wanted him to adjourn to the living room with Baby Celeste and me. I was terrified of being with him without Mama.

Thankfully he insisted. "I do it every night for myself. Sarah." "But you are our guest."