The Vigil (30 page)

Anthony twirled Angelle around the dance floor. He had proposed at Christmas with a wedding scheduled in September when the weather would, hopefully, be a bit cooler. Anthony's brilliant smile reminded me of Mama's. His eyes lit up when he looked at his fiancé, and my heart swelled with happiness for him.

Aunt Melanie, dressed in the more subtle of Mawmaw's dresses, had started her own business. A bakery called Lagniappe. She had the whole town coming by for the star of the menu—her red velvet cake. I'm one of her best customers. What can I say?

“Miss Cheryl, would you take a picture of me and Christy?” Steven handed me his cellphone. He'd brought a girl to the party, much to Beau's chagrin. He didn't want to admit his boy was getting older. I snapped the photo and returned the phone. “It's a great picture. Send me a copy.”

“I will. Thank you.” His cool, athletic grin didn't fool me. I saw the mirth dancing in his eyes as he escorted Christy to the dance floor. It was fun to see the younger generation embracing the Cajun heritage. I knew that so much stood to be lost as the older generations died. But change was inevitable, and I looked around and saw my family and friends gathered around. All different people than what we'd been. And that's a good thing.

Beau sat next to me and handed me a red snoball. “Anthony said you've been dying for one of these.”

Tante Lulu's anisette snoball. Life was good. I kissed Beau's cheek. “You are a life saver.”

As I delved into the sweet crushed ice, I thought of Carlton and how much I missed him. My short time with him had given me such joy, and I'd learned so much about my family and myself. And about God. How He can use the most unlikely people to show Himself. And by yielding to God's will, we can do so much. Even forgive.

I'd been truly blessed by getting to know Carlton. A sweet gift.

Darcy and I have moved on to other assignments and share our compassion and care to new patients. She's become a true and trusted friend. So has Debra. The three of us meet often for coffee.

Somehow, Carlton had touched all of us in a way that made us better. Better as individuals and better as a family. And, as I look around and forge through this earthly life, I know that's all any of us could hope for.

 

 

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AMDG