Poppy's Passions by Stephanie Beck Page B

ever-present scent of baking brought her to Mary's kitchen. Even though they hadn't shared a meal since the night she arrived, she didn't doubt her welcome. The scene that greeted her was one she dreamt of having. Paul was at the stove looking toward the sink where Thomas held Mary, hugging her as she washed strawberries. Duane was setting the table, eyes also on his wife, with a content, happy smile on his face. It was a normal evening, she thought, made extraordinary by the love that pulsed between them.
    "Oh, hi, Poppy,” Thomas greeted. She didn't miss the pat he gave his wife's bottom before he pulled away.
    "No entourage?” Paul teased, moving the boiling pot of pasta to a strainer.
    "They're all taking a nap,” she answered, crossing her arms over her belly. “Last night was rough on them."
    "Hell, it should have been. But they'll learn, honey. Give them some time.” Thomas pulled a chair out for her. “Sit, sit, you're still pale."
    "Paul, leave some pasta without sauce,” Duane instructed, setting another place at the table. “Come on, little mama, you can eat supper with us old folks tonight."
    Mary insisted on something better than plain noodles, making steamed rice with a delicious ginger sauce in addition to the fresh fruit and vegetables on the table. The older woman took such pleasure in fussing that Poppy couldn't help but enjoy herself as they visited and ate. The medications were doing their job, but the more bland food went down easier than anything spicy would have.
    They talked and like their first meeting she was amazed at how normal they were. They liked to laugh and knew what was important in their lives. She respected that, because for too long there was nothing to laugh about in her world and her priorities had been skewed. The Parabys weren't conventional, but they were happy.
    Mary cried when Poppy mentioned the baby was actually two and the two were girls. Only hours after the ulcers were diagnosed she felt more comfortable acknowledging the life within her because she was more confident the babies would make it to full term. The men obviously already knew, but were thrilled and she enjoyed watching them watch their wife with such amusement and affection. Mary expressed her joy with abandon, and even Poppy laughed when she jumped up and down.
    She had yet to see them look at their wife with less than adoration, even when she knew the older woman was driving them crazy. It must be hereditary because she couldn't remember a time, barring the Trevor incident and she knew that was a fluke, when her men looked at her any differently. After dinner, she offered to help clean, but the men shooed her and Mary off with coffee and cider. They settled in the parents’ living room, a pretty room done in ore reds and mauves. Mary liked red and with her dark hair and eyes, she looked good in it.
    "Well, Poppy, it's just us girls.” As Mary pulled matching afghans from beneath the table, she grinned at her stomach. “Girls! Have I told you how thrilled I am that you're here? It's not just having another woman in the house, but having the right woman that is so nice. And not just the babies either, though I'm ecstatic about them. You make my boys happy, and I want to help however I can so you can be happy here as well."
    "Thank you. That means a lot.” Wrapped in a blanket, sipping cider she settled in, a new ease growing between her and Mary. “You have a gorgeous home."
    "It took years to get here. When I married Paul, we were in this same spot but in a line cabin complete with an open floor plan and outhouse. I helped him with the ranch while Thomas finished law school. Now their mother, she was a terror. She adored her boys, but always tried to fix Thomas up with other women.
    "I know you don't know Thomas well, but he's got a problem saying ‘no’ and it was even worse with his mother. He finally set her straight, and to my everlasting torture, he told her why. She made my life hell until she