Midnight Promises (42 page)

Authors: Sherryl Woods

BOOK: Midnight Promises

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“Don’t make Adelia an outcast over this,” Karen pleaded, feeling sympathy for her sister-in-law in a way she’d never expected to. “You never made me feel that way, even though you knew my history. I’m sure you disapproved of me being divorced as strongly as your family did, but you were able to see my side. Show Adelia the same respect.”

He smiled at her then. “I haven’t shown you nearly as much respect since then, have I? That’s really what so many of our fights have been about. I’m just seeing that clearly.”

Karen regarded him with an even deeper sense of hope. She was surprised he’d realized the real root of their problems, when even she had been focused on his actions, not the underlying disrespect when he shut her out of important decisions or even the small ones. It was all of a piece—the lack of communication, the high-handedness and the financial disagreements—all stemmed from a disrespect for her strength and intelligence.

“I’m not sure even I saw it so clearly until just now,” she said. “Identifying the problem is the real first step to solving it. Now maybe we can really turn those midnight promises we’ve made into a new reality.”

Elliott’s expression immediately brightened, all thoughts of his sister’s situation and the surrounding chaos apparently forgotten. “How about I shoo these people out of here?” he suggested. “We have some serious making up to do.”

She glanced around at the squabbling members of the Cruz family and chuckled as she tried to envision that ever happening. “Good luck with that. If there’s one thing your family loves more than great food, it’s a lively debate.”

“Then they can have it elsewhere,” he said, clapping his hands to get their attention. “Go home,” he said, when they fell silent. “Karen’s right. Every one of us needs to be on Adelia’s side, no matter what.” He gave his mother a pointed look. “You, too, Mama. You know this situation must be serious for Adelia to risk offending you by taking such a drastic action. Talk to her and find out what really happened.”

His mother looked taken aback. “You think divorce is justified?”

“In this case, I think you owe it to your daughter to find out,” he said staunchly, crossing the room to kiss his sister’s cheek.

To Karen’s surprise, Mrs. Cruz looked from her to Elliott and back again, then nodded. “I know you would not say such a thing lightly. Adelia, come home with me. We’ll talk.”

“Really, Mama?” Adelia asked skeptically. “Because to be honest, I’m not up to a full-court press from you and the entire family. If that’s your intention, I think I’ll hide out right here with Elliott and Karen.” She glanced at them. “Sorry. I’m sure you have better things to do.”

Elliott nodded. “We most definitely do, but you’re the first priority for now.”

Maria Cruz seemed startled by her daughter’s show of defiance. A hint of sympathy softened her expression. “Just you and I,” she promised. “And no yelling. Only a mother listening to what’s breaking her daughter’s heart.”

Instantly misty-eyed, Adelia stood. “Thank you, Mama.” She pressed a kiss to Karen’s cheek, then one to Elliott’s. “Thank you for everything.”

“Anytime,” Karen told her, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.

With that settled, everyone trooped out, leaving Karen alone with her husband.

“You know I will never cheat on you,
querida,
” he said, pulling her into his arms. “I would never disrespect you in that way.” He held her gaze. “Or in any other way. Never again.”

“From now on, we talk things over,” she said.

“And work them out,” he agreed.

“Compromise,” she suggested, unable to keep a hint of amusement out of her voice. It was a concept with which Elliott was only marginally familiar, but at least he seemed eager to learn.

“Compromise,” he agreed, then grinned. “And then we make up in bed.”

“Definitely a good plan,” she said with enthusiasm.

“Starting now?” he inquired hopefully.

Laughing as he scooped her into his arms, she replied, “No time like the present.”

She had a feeling tonight hadn’t been their last argument, but if they could end each one like this, they’d make it. She thought of Mrs. Cruz’s admission that she and her husband had always ended a day of tension with a kiss. They’d had nearly fifty good years together. If she and Elliott could match that, even with a few rough patches, she’d count herself lucky.

Sugar and spice, she thought, recalling the way she and Elliott had once been described. As a cook, she understood the differences and the dangers.

She also knew just how well they could blend if they were used with careful thought and a delicate touch. If that worked with food, then surely she and Elliott could make the same ingredients work to create an amazing, solid marriage that would last forever.

And a baby born of that combination? She simply smiled at the amazing thought of it. The months ahead promised to be the best of her life…so far.

* * * * *

Look for
CATCHING FIREFLIES
by Sherryl Woods, the next
SWEET MAGNOLIAS
story,
on sale from MIRA Books in August
at your favorite retail outlet.

Keep reading for an excerpt of
The Inn at Eagle Point
by Sherryl Woods!

Discussion Questions

Karen’s world was nearly destroyed by the mountain of debt left behind by her ex-husband. As a result, she’s terrified by any financially risky decision made by Elliott. Have you ever struggled with financial decisions in your marriage? How did you resolve them?
Often communication issues that arise in a marriage happen because some topics were never discussed
before
the wedding. Did you and your spouse have pre-ceremony conversations about potentially difficult topics such as finances, family size or even how to divide up your holiday and vacation time between his family and yours? If you didn’t, has it caused problems for you? Were you able to settle these issues in a way that satisfied both of you?
Marriages are often overwhelmed by baggage from past relationships. Have you ever carried issues from the past into your current relationship? How did you manage to leave the past behind? Or have you?
The ability to compromise is often the cornerstone of a strong marriage. Is there a particularly difficult issue that you and your spouse have been unable to resolve through compromise? How do you handle it when it arises?
The Cruz family has a deeply ingrained religious conviction regarding divorce. If you or someone you know has such deep beliefs, what would you do if faced by the situations that Karen and now Adelia have faced?
Do you know men like Ernesto who believe that cheating is their right as long as they’re providing for their family? How do you think their wives should deal with it? Is it ever okay to stay with such a man strictly for the sake of the children? Or for financial security?
Adelia has been a stay-at-home mom for her entire marriage. Even though she holds a degree in business, she’s scared about trying to find a place in the work force. Have you ever been faced with that situation, having to return to work unexpectedly? How did you feel when it happened? How has it worked out?
When the incidents of forgetfulness start piling up, Frances is terrified that she might have Alzheimer’s, so terrified that she puts off going to the doctor for as long as possible. Have you ever been faced with a medical scare of any kind? What was your first instinct, to see the doctor and find out, or to delay seeking a diagnosis? Who persuaded you that it was better to know?
For many seniors and their families, Alzheimer’s is one of the scariest possible diagnoses they can receive. Do you feel that way? Has anyone in your family been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s? How has your family coped? What was the most difficult part of dealing with this disease?

The Sweet Magnolias Series

If you loved
Midnight Promises,
don’t miss the next two warm and inspiring stories of friendship, families and heartfelt emotions by
New York Times
bestselling author Sherryl Woods.