Page 16 of Believe
Beau stood on the top step of Miss Esta’s front porch, straightening his suit jacket and gathering his courage. This might be a complete disaster if he weren’t careful. Stepping closer, he knocked on the door and waited. When Esta opened the door, she gave a half-grin, then wiped her face back into a scowl.
“What now, Beau?” she said exasperated.
“Well, it’s Sunday morning and I need your help.”
“I know it’s Sunday morning. I got a calendar right there on my wall. What do you need help with?”
“Well, see Miss Esta, I go to mass every Sunday morning at this time and everyone knows it.”
“Good for you,” she frowned.
“Anyway, I’m a single man and I do alright for myself. All the mama’s, they’re always trying to fix me up with their daughters and I just don’t care for it much.”
“And what in the world do you think I’m going to do about that?” she said with her hands on her hips.
“I’m hoping you’ll be my partner in this and keep the women away from me,” he smiled.
Esta had to admit that he was one charming young man. His smile was so big and bright she wanted to laugh. She wasn’t a stupid old woman. Old, yes. Stupid, no. She knew that he just wanted her to got to mass again.
“Why don’t you just go to mass at a different time?” she suggested.
“I have a shift at the General Store, so I have to be done by noon. Please, Miss Esta, I could really use your help and I have to be honest, I like spending time with you.”
“Why on earth would you like spending time with a cranky old woman? You are something else, Beau. Alright, alright. Give me some time to change my dress.”
“Thank you!” he said hugging her. She huffed and half-heartedly tried to push him away. “You don’t have to change. I think you look real fine in that blue dress. It brings out the blue in your eyes.”
Once again, Esta laughed, shaking her head at the young man as she walked back toward her bedroom. She’d never met a young man so persistent. At least not since her husband pursued her. That seemed like a hundred years ago. As she changed her dress, she couldn’t help but reflect on how the boy had changed her life.
Her home was warm, solid, and there was food in her pantry. She knew what he was doing, and God help her, she was enjoying the fact that someone cared about her.
Pressing her hand against her abdomen, she brushed the dress downward, smiling at herself in the mirror. Just as she was about to walk out, she looked on her dresser and realized she might be missing something.
Her fingers danced across the cool feeling of the pearls that were a tenth wedding anniversary gift. Picking them up, she fumbled with the clasp but finally had them secured. When she walked out, Beau was still standing at the door waiting for her.
“Well, alright. Let’s get this over with,” she frowned.
“You look wonderful, Miss Esta.”
All she could do was shake her head at him. He had no idea what his kind words meant to her. And she didn’t want him to know.
In the car he played a radio station that was nothing but holiday music and she could hear his sweet baritone voice humming along. Esta had to admit that she wanted to belt out the tunes with him but didn’t dare.
When they pulled into the church parking lot, he stepped out, running around to open her door. For some reason, Esta was nervous, her hands shaking. Beau held out a hand to steady her and she was eternally grateful.
“Well, my eyes deceive me. It’s Esta Poirier,” smiled the priest.
“Don’t go making me regret this, Father. Beau demanded I come with him.”
“And I’m eternally grateful that he did,” smiled the man. “We’ve missed you here Esta. I’m so glad to see you.”
She gave a curt nod and walked inside the church, Beau behind her. The priest grabbed his hand, smiling.
“Well done, Beau. Well done.”
Beau wasn’t lying. The moment he walked in the door older women with their young daughters were smiling and waving at him, indicating there was a seat available. Esta couldn’t believe their foolish behavior.
Beau just smiled, shaking them off and indicating that he was with Esta today.