The familiar voice pulls me out of my daydream. It’s probably for the best. If I don’t stop thinking about kissing Londyn, I won’t be able to hide the need brimming inside me.
I slow my steps, searching for the source. When I spot a booth advertising Georgia’s best peach cobbler, my mouth salivates over the memory of Miss Clara’s peach cobbler.
“Oh, it is you!” The stocky woman wipes her hands on a dishtowel, then issues orders to a couple of teenagers working the booth before ducking underneath the counter and making her way toward us.
“Miss Clara,” Julia greets warmly as the woman approaches.
Her dark brown hair is now mostly gray, her skin has a few more wrinkles, and she probably carries a bit more weight, but her smile is as infectious and heartwarming as it was all those years ago whenever Gampy and Meemaw took us to her diner after church on Sundays.
She shifts her gaze to Julia’s petite frame. “You can’t be sweet little Julia, can you?”
“I’m not so sure Julia was ever sweet,” I joke, to which my sister jabs me in the stomach, making me nearly double over.
“Glad to see some things haven’t changed,” Miss Clara comments. “That you two still bicker like you did all those years ago. But you still love each other just the same.” Her lips kick up into a nostalgic smile, her eyes glassing over, probably remembering Meemaw and Gampy as she peers at two walking memories of the past. Then her gaze shifts downward. “And who is this beautiful child?”
“This is Imogene,” Julia says proudly. “My daughter.”
Miss Clara covers her heart with her hand, her chin trembling. “You named her after your meemaw.” She shakes her head, struggling to reel in her tears. It doesn’t matter how many years have passed since we lost them. It still affects Miss Clara. Just like it does Julia and me. Especially Julia.
“I did.”
“It’s a beautiful way to honor her memory. Such a tragedy what happened to them, but I know God welcomed them home with open arms.” She pulls her lips between her teeth as she glances between Julia and me, soaking in our changed appearance with the affection of a grandmother.
“Well, look at me getting all teary-eyed.” Her voice brightening, she swipes her cheeks. “I must be making a right fool out of myself, and in front of your…wife?” Her tone rises in pitch as she looks between Londyn and me.
“No,” I say quickly. “Not my wife.” I blow out a nervous laugh and run a hand through my hair.
“Oh, well, after hearing about your engagement a few years ago, I’d assumed—”
“No. Not married,” I interrupt, sensing Londyn’s curious eyes on me.
I turn to her, struggling to come up with an explanation. Should I have told her about Brooklyn? Does it matter?
“Londyn,” I begin, so as to not stand with my proverbial foot in my mouth, “this is Miss Clara. She owns the diner in town that Gampy and Meemaw always took us to when we were kids. Miss Clara, this is Londyn, my…” I shake my head, unsure how to explain who Londyn is to me. Designer seems too…impersonal. But I suppose that’s what she is. “Interior designer,” I finally say.
“I see.” Miss Clara grins, a devilish glint in her eyes, obviously discerning there’s more between us than designer and client. “Well, it’s wonderful to meet you, Londyn.” She extends her hand.
“You, too,” Londyn says as they shake.
“I won’t keep y’all from your fun. I’m sure Miss Imogene here would much rather go on the rides than stand here and talk to some old lady. How long are y’all here? Or did you just drive in for the fair?”
“Actually, Wes bought Meemaw and Gampy’s old place,” Julia explains, her eyes filled with pride. “Stumbled on it on the auction block and made sure he got it back. Returned it to the rightful owners. We’re renovating it, with Londyn’s help. Well, more like she’s helping Wes. Home improvement and me don’t really mix.” She laughs.
“Is that right? So you’re going to be spending time here in town then?”
“Once the remodel’s done, yes,” I reply. “Might take a few more months, but we’re getting there.” I flash Londyn a smile.
“Well, bless my soul.” Miss Clara exhales a satisfied sigh. “This is fantastic news. I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for y’all at the diner. I’ll even seat you at your gampy’s favorite booth.”
“That sounds fantastic.” I lean down to kiss her cheek.