Love Builds the Bridge: The Sequel to Love Builds the House

CHAPTER ONE

As Jennifer Miller crossed the river bridge into Vicksburg, memories from her childhood came flooding back. She had never forgotten the summer that she spent in Mississippi with her grandmother, Ruth when she was a child. Jennifer was leaving the life that she had known in Texas, in order to be closer to her family. She was still grieving the untimely death of her mother, Maria which had been emotionally devastating for her. Jennifer longed to be near her grandmother and her father again.

Jennifer’s father, David had left Texas and moved back to Mississippi two years ago and found a new wife. She wondered if her father would have room in his life for her now that he was remarried. She wanted to be happy that her father had found love again, but she was a bit resentful that her new stepmother, Lynette was living the fairy tale life in the magnificent mansion that her father built in the quaint town of Crystal Springs. Jennifer hoped that Lynette did not try to take her mother’s place in her life, because that was not possible.

Lynette Miller pulled into the parking lot of Grace’s on the Lake restaurant. After driving around for a while, she finally found a spot on the side overlooking the lake. She turned off her ignition and gazed across at the beautiful botanical gardens on the other side. The restaurant, the lakefront and botanical gardens had become Jackson’s premier tourist destination. It was Lynette’s favorite place for sentimental reasons. She fondly remembered her first date with her dearly loved David had been at Grace’s. They had taken many walks across the footbridge from the restaurant to the other side of the lake to tour the magnificent flower and sculpture gardens. It had been a dream come true when the owner of Grace’s had allowed them to host their wedding reception in the main dining room.

As soon as Lynette stepped inside the doors, the Tuscany themed decor took her back to the evening of her wedding. She reminisced about David taking her into his arms and leading her across the dance floor. Lynette was lost in thought until the sound of the hostess’ voice brought her back to present.

Do you have a reservation? asked the tall brunette impatiently.

Lynette looked at the hostess’ name tag and gave her a disapproving look. She understood that it must be stressful trying to get all of the patrons seated, but Lynette was not in the mood for bad customer service.

Yes Erica, replied Lynette sternly. The reservation is under my friend’s name, Candace Jacobs.

The hostess immediately softened and gave Lynette a smile. Your friend is already here. I just seated her a few minutes ago. Come right this way please, she said in a more cheerful voice.

Lynette followed her to the side of the restaurant overlooking the lake. Her friend, Candace was seated at a table by the window. She almost didn’t recognize her. All of her long black hair was gone and she was now sporting a short pixie cut.

Candace greeted Lynette with a big hug.

You look good Lyn. Candace could tell that married life agreed with her. She looked happier than she had ever seen her.

You look pretty amazing yourself. That new cut makes you look ten years younger.

Thanks, she said with a smile.

Not only that, continued Lynette. You look radiant. Your skin is positively glowing.

There’s a reason for the glow, said Candace with a coy grin.

Is it the reason that I think it is? asked Lynette tentatively.

Yes. I’m pregnant. she proudly proclaimed.

Lynette knew that Candace desired more than anything to have a baby. As she approached forty, she thought that maybe it was not meant to be, but she never gave up hope. Congratulations. I am so happy for you and I know Steve must be overjoyed.

Overjoyed is not the word. His feet have not touched the ground since we found out.

How far along are you?

I’m three months pregnant. We’re due in October. Apparently I conceived in January during the infamous ice storm.

I remember that storm. The roads were treacherous to travel. David and I were shut- in at our home Crystal Springs, but we took full advantage of the time alone together. He lit a fire in our bedroom fireplace and we didn’t get out of bed for two days.

Ah, sighed Candace. I remember the bliss of being a newlywed.

Bliss does not begin to describe what David and I share. I can’t thank you enough for encouraging me to join a gym when David and I were dating.

Candace laughed. I had almost forgotten about that. I took you through my version of Honeymoon Boot Camp. How has that worked out for you?

It has worked out very well. Let’s just say you were right when you told me being David’s bride would require a great deal of stamina and endurance.

Candace giggled. Does Colonel Miller still go for five mile runs every morning?

Not as often as before we were married. He sometimes goes for a run on weekends. We have a home gym, so he usually does his cardio on the treadmill in the evenings after work while I’m making dinner.

Steve and I converted one of our bedrooms into a home gym. We enjoy working out together.

David and I rarely exercise together. I prefer to get my workouts done first thing in the morning. That way, it’s done for the day. Now that we’re married, David likes to start his day with prayer and devotion. After that, he makes us breakfast.

The colonel cooks? I don’t believe it.

He doesn’t actually do much cooking. His idea of breakfast is fresh fruit, yogurt, and whole wheat toast. He also likes to make us a protein smoothie that we drink on the ride to work.

Is he still a health fanatic?

He’s still a very healthy eater. He’s even gotten me to give up coffee.

You don’t drink coffee anymore?

No. I’ve finally kicked my three cup a day coffee habit and I actually feel better. I sleep great and I wake up refreshed every morning.

I’ll bet you do sleep great Mrs. Miller.

Lynette blushed.

Has married life been the fairy tale that you thought it would be?

Married life is wonderful, but we’ve already faced a few challenges.

We haven’t talked in while, said Candace. Give me an update. What challenges are you referring too?

As you know, my mother in law, Ruth fell on the ice after the storm.

I remember you called me right after it happened.

Well, we ended up leaving our home in Crystal Springs for a while and staying with her in Jackson until she got back on her feet.

It must have been difficult giving up your privacy so soon after getting married.

Not as difficult as I thought it would be. David and I stayed in the upstairs master suite and Ruth stayed in the downstairs bedroom, so we were able to maintain a little bit of privacy.

I don’t understand why Ruth didn’t stay at a rehabilitation center until she recovered or she could have stayed at your home in Crystal Springs.

Ruth is so independent. She refused both of those options. She wanted to recuperate in her own home, so David and I made the sacrifice and stayed with her.

How is Ruth now?

Good as new. She is out of her casts and is able to walk with very little pain.

I’m sorry for losing touch with you for a while, but I have been so busy this tax season that I can barely see straight. At the end of each day, I’m so tired. I usually shower and go straight to bed.

That reminds me of being pregnant with Kevin, said Lynette. I didn’t have morning sickness at first, but I felt physically drained at the end of every day.

You were twenty- two when Kevin was born and now he’s grown. I’m so old, I’ll be a senior citizen by the time my child graduates from college.

Forty is not old. Besides, everyone knows that forty is the new thirty. You taught aerobics for years and you still have the body of a twenty year- old.

Thank you for saying that. I wish now that I had gotten married in my twenties. Back then, marriage and children were the last things on my mind.

It’s good that you waited and married the right man. You and Steve are a perfect match.

Steve was definitely worth the wait. Being married to a younger man has its advantages. When I’m too old and too tired to play with our child, Steve can step in.

Enough of this I’m so old business. I’m a few years older than you are and I feel fabulous.

And we both look fabulous, said Candace.

Lynette laughed. Yes we do.

But seriously, we both are very blessed. We have successful careers and we’re married to the men of our dreams.

And the icing on the cake is that soon you’ll experience the joy of being a mother too.

Speaking of being a mother, update me on what’s going on with your son, Kevin.

He’s doing great in Atlanta. He completed his MBA and got a big promotion on his job, but the best news is that he closed on his new house this week.

That’s wonderful Lyn. I know you must be proud of him.

I’m very proud. Kevin is a good son.

Lynette’s cell phone rang. Candace could tell from the sour expression on Lynette’s face that it was not someone that she wanted to talk to.

Hello Teddy, said Lynette.

Theodore Teddy Welch was Lynette’s ex-husband. The two had not spoken in almost two years. The last time that she had seen him had been at their son’s college graduation.

Candace wondered what he could possibly be calling Lynette about after all this time. The break up between them had been very painful for her dear friend and just knowing that Teddy was on the line made Candace defensive. She could hear only one side of their conversation, but apparently from what Lynette was saying, something had happened to Kevin. She tried to read the expression on her face to glean what was happening. She held her breath and waited for Lynette to finish the call, so she could find out what was going on.

After Lynette hung up, she explained that Teddy had asked if the two of them could meet in person to discuss Kevin. He had assured her that it was not an emergency and that Kevin was okay, but it was important to him that the two of them meet and talk.

If it’s not an emergency, then what could be so urgent that he needs to talk to you in person?

I don’t know. Teddy was very vague.

Does he know that you are remarried?

Yes he knows. Teddy says he was sad when he heard that I got remarried.

How in the world can Teddy be sad about your getting remarried when he was the one who cheated on you and left you for another woman?

Lynette could tell from the shrillness of Candace’s voice that she was becoming agitated.

Calm down Candi. Don’t upset the baby.

Candace took a deep breath and relaxed. I just think it’s curious that he’s calling you out of the blue after two years. Where’s his wife?

I don’t know. He didn’t mention her, but he did have a strange request.

What is his request?

"He asked if just the two of us could meet at noon tomorrow at the Jackson College Grill restaurant."

Why does he want to meet with you there alone?

I don’t know Candace. Maybe the restaurant has sentimental value to him. It’s where we went on our first date when we were in college.

Do you actually believe that Colonel Miller is going to allow you to meet with your ex-husband alone?

Teddy is the father of my son. Surely David will understand, once I explain that he wants to discuss Kevin. I believe that David trusts me.

Candace shook her head. She wondered what world Lynette was living in. It’s not about whether David trusts you. It’s Teddy who can’t be trusted. Why don’t you pick up the phone and find out from Kevin what’s going on?

Teddy asked me not to. He wants to tell me.

Candace was exasperated. She thought Lynette was being naive for blindly trusting Teddy and agreeing to meet with him. Seeing him could only bring Lynette trouble.

I’m meeting David at Ruth’s house after I leave the restaurant. His daughter is due to arrive from Texas this evening. I guess I’ll talk to him about Teddy after we get back to Crystal Springs tonight.

Your stepdaughter is coming for a visit?

No, it’s not a visit. She’s moving here permanently. She accepted a job offer in Jackson. She’s a physical therapist and wants to be here to help Ruth in her recovery. She also wants to move here so she can be near her father.

I will definitely say a prayer for you tonight, sighed Candace. You don’t know it, but you are about to have your hands full.

Lynette smiled. She loved Candace’s flair for the dramatic, but in this case, she felt she was overplaying it a bit. What do you mean? Why am I about to have my hands full?

First your ex-husband calls after not speaking to you for two years and makes an urgent request for a private face-to-face meeting to discuss something serious going on with your son. Secondly, you have to convince Colonel Miller that meeting your ex-husband alone for lunch is no big deal. Lastly, your grown stepdaughter, who is still fairly cold towards you is moving to town. I can’t believe you don’t see the drama that’s in your future.

On second thought, please say a prayer for me tonight. I don’t have the energy for a lot of drama. I’m finally in a good emotional space and I want to stay there.

For the sake of peace, I think that you should refuse Teddy’s invitation and not even mention it to David. I don’t trust Teddy. He hurt you in the past. I wouldn’t put anything past him.

I can’t explain it Candace, but everything in me knows otherwise. I heard genuine sincerity and concern for Kevin in Teddy’s voice.

Teddy doesn’t have a genuine bone in his body, Candace retorted. He’s a liar and a cheater.

Candace you need to let it go. I forgave Teddy a long time ago. I hold no ill will towards him at all.

That’s great. I’m glad. I know you had to heal and forgive before you were able to move forward. All I’m saying is that I don’t think you should trust Teddy. I know if he says or does anything to cause you pain, Colonel Miller will hurt him. You know how protective he is of you.

I don’t believe Teddy wants to hurt me, said Lynette.

Candace shook her head with an exasperated look on her face. I don’t know why I’m even concerned because Colonel Miller is never going to agree to let you meet with Teddy alone.

We’ll see, said Lynette.