kitchen table. “Look! I can buy ice cream for us. I have coupon money.”
Paul seemed to like that idea too. “Yeah. We could do that. Let’s leave so Mommy can do her thing.” On their way out the door, Hailey continued to talk nonstop about ice cream and what flavors everyone should get.
Amanda took a moment to enjoy the quiet in the house. Just like that, Paul had rescued her again.
She stood, relishing the idea of a little solitude with her herbs. It wasn’t often she had quiet time to do whatever she wanted. A peace fell over her as she collected jars and ingredients to work on the new blend she’d thought of while watering her plants yesterday. Nothing compared to the aroma and taste of fresh herbs.
Washing them, she removed any discolored leaves and coarse stems. There was something about handling the still living plants like this that nurtured her.
She tamped a clean flour-sack towel over them to remove the moisture, then spread the variety across her favorite cutting board. Rosemary, parsley, sage, garlic, and thyme—all special in their own right, but adjusting them brought altogether new scents that were vital and fresh.
Chopping, she found a rhythm in the process. It only took about a half cup of salt for every three cups of loosely chopped herbs to get the right consistency. Some people used a food processor, but she preferred to use a knife. It took longer, but she had control of the size of the pieces and got to enjoy the wonderful smell while she worked.
With her eyes closed, she inhaled the aroma of the new recipe. Reducing the garlic and adding some sweetness from the pineapple sage she’d started growing changed the mix completely.
She spread the herbal mixture out in a shallow pan. Later tonight when the kids were tucked in bed, she’d give it another stir, then cover and refrigerate for a few days to let the flavors really marry.
The dream of spending her days creating like this reignited. She promised herself she’d be sure to give these herbs and this dream a priority, if only for a short time, each week.
Outside, the party lights on the tent came on. She went to see what Paul and the kids were doing.
Paul pulled back the mosquito netting, letting it drape from the corner. “Surprise!”
“What are y’all up to?” Amanda stepped closer to the tent.
“We’ve got a secret plan,” Jesse said. His dimple showed up the most when he was trying to keep a secret.
Paul walked over and placed his hands under her elbows. “Did you get everything done that you wanted to? We’re fine out here if you need more time.”
“No, I got more done than I thought I would. Thank you for giving me that time. It may not seem like much to you, but to me…” Her nose tickled. “It means a lot.”
“Happy to do it.” He slapped his hands together. “So, while you were busy, we came up with a plan.”
“Uh-oh.” Amanda made a frightened face.
“Don’t be scared, Mom. It’s a good plan,” Hailey reassured her.
“Whew.”
“Tug has agreed to stay with Hailey and Jesse while I whisk you away,” Paul said. “Just an hour or so. Two, tops. If you say yes, I’ll take them down there right now. What do you think?”
“I’m not sure,” she said, looking to Hailey. “What do you think?”
Hailey looked at her like she was crazy. “I think it’s the best idea ever.”
“Then I do too.” She turned to Paul. “Do I have time for a quick shower?”
“Sure. No hurry. I’ll take these guys to Tug’s. When you get done, I’ll be right here waiting.”
Waiting. Butterflies fluttered in her belly. “Okay. I’ll be quick.”
She showered and changed into a casual sundress, then pulled her hair into an easy side braid. She twisted in the mirror and fussed with her dress, then froze.
Am I primping? Her insides swirled. Stop overthinking it.
She slipped on her shoes and walked outside.
“You look beautiful tonight.” Paul came over and slid his arm around her waist. “Are you ready?”
The compliment chased a blush to her cheeks. She lifted her hand to her heart, hoping he hadn’t noticed.
Paul escorted Amanda to the truck and helped her in.
“Where are we going?” she asked as she buckled her seat belt.
“It’s a surprise.”
She grunted. “I hate it when you do that.” Only he hadn’t done that in years. It was like time had stopped, rewound, and dropped her back into an old scene. But this