Bring Your Own Poison (26 page)

“He's a good kid,” Jack had said, “and I think he's got the kind of strength Miranda needs. And it's time for you to let go.”

Wanda Nell nodded. She knew he was right, and in some ways she was eager to do so. She just couldn't help worrying about the outcome.

“Miranda and I been talking,” Teddy continued. “It was a shock when she told me about the baby, because I wasn't figuring on us having a baby for another couple of years.” He shrugged. “But the good Lord saw otherwise, I guess.”

Wanda Nell resisted the urge to look at her daughter. She still wasn't sure whether Miranda had gotten pregnant on purpose, or if it really was an accident.

“Miranda and me's been doing a lot of talking,” Teddy said. “And I talked to my mama and daddy about it, too. I can't pretend they wasn't a little upset at first, but they know how I feel about Miranda.”

“That's good,” Wanda Nell said. Miranda had refused to tell her anything about Teddy's plans, so she was very curious to hear what he had to say.

“Miranda and I want to get married,” Teddy said. “I figure we ought to do it real soon.”

“Do you have a place to live?” Jack asked.

“Yes, sir,” Teddy said. “My daddy said he'd help me and Miranda get a house, and it'll be one we can afford. My boss just gave me a raise, and I think we'll be okay.”

“You've really been thinking about this,” Wanda Nell said, impressed. “And your daddy's pretty nice to do something like that.”

Teddy grinned. “He told me he was gonna do it anyway, whenever Miranda and I were gonna get married. It's just happening a little sooner than anybody planned.”

“It certainly is,” Wanda Nell said. This time she did look at Miranda, and Miranda gazed blandly back at her.

“So I'm asking your permission for me and Miranda to get married,” Teddy said, completely serious again.

Wanda Nell smiled, though she could feel the tears wanting to flow. She looked at Jack, and he nodded, smiling, too. “Teddy, I think Miranda's very lucky, and I know we'll all be proud for you to be a part of our family.” Now the tears did start flowing, and Jack smilingly offered her a handkerchief.

Teddy grinned and jumped up. “Thank you, Wanda Nell. I promise I'll be good to her and to Lavon.”

“I know you will,” Wanda Nell said, drying her eyes. She held on to the handkerchief, though, just in case.

“Looks like we've got a wedding to plan,” Jack said. He nodded at Miranda and Teddy as they hugged.

“Two weddings,” Wanda Nell said as she kissed him.

Faye Cook's Skillet Cookies

Melt margarine in skillet (iron, preferably), stir in sugar, egg, dates, and pecans. Cook over low heat until thick, about twelve minutes.

Remove from heat, let cool slightly until mixture can be handled. Stir in rice cereal and vanilla. Roll cookies in small balls, then roll in coconut.

Yield: about 4 dozen

Jack Pemberton's Favorite Chili

Brown ground beef in skillet along with chopped onion. Then combine beef and onions along with other ingredients in a large crock pot. Cover and cook on low for a minimum of eight hours.

When serving, grated cheese (pick one with a strong flavor) may be sprinkled on top, to taste. Goes great with fresh cornbread.

Yield: about 8 servings