She Only Speaks to Butterflies by Sandy Appleyard Page B

Leo Cunningham gave birth to a healthy baby girl yesterday. They weren’t able to join us today for obvious reasons.” The Reverend continued.
    “Alan Wilkins, our Fire Marshall, has hired a new member of the Fire Hall.” He gestured to the back row. “Lee Givens joins us today.” A gentleman close to the exit rose slightly, bowing gallantly. “He’s just arrived and I’ve had the pleasure of chattin’ with him.” Reverend Telly smiled and gave a reciprocating bow. “I’m sure we’ll all give him a warm welcome.”
    “Not too warm!” someone yelled out in jest. “Wouldn’t want to start up no fires!”
    Laughter spread throughout the chapel. Lee’s face colored as he kept his eyes fixed on the floor.
    “Lord, don’t make me dip my finger in no holy water today, I’m gonna bust!” Sarah said, thankful when the service was over.
    Sherry gestured Sarah out of the pew and led her down the aisles. She stood in the hallway, waiting for her pregnant friend to do her business. There was a goodie tray and a coffee urn on the table by the entrance, and some people were helping themselves while mingling.
    “Do you want to go grab a donut?” Sherry asked Denise.
    “I’ll take her up,” Martha said, approaching with Luke in tow.
    “Thanks. I’m gonna go check on Sarah.”
    She walked through a corridor, passing the church office and meeting room, and nearly bumped into someone coming out of the men’s washroom.
    “Excuse me, ma’am,” he said, turning sideways to give her right-of-way.
    Sherry blushed. “Sorry, I wasn’t watchin’ where I was goin’.”
    The gentleman extended his hand. “Lee Givens. Just joined the Fire Hall.” His face was smooth except for a crease between his eyebrows. He had dark brown wavy hair that curled behind his ears, and he had twinkling blue eyes. He was tall, much taller than Sherry by at least a head, and his handshake was firm. Sherry grinned.
    “Welcome to the neighborhood.” Sarah bellowed something from the bathroom about being out of toilet paper. Sherry frowned, trying to hide her smile. “I gotta go. Nice meetin’ ya.”
    “Likewise.”
    Reaching under the metal swing door, Sherry passed a roll of toilet paper to Sarah.
    “Who’s that?” Sarah asked.
    “The new fireman, Mr. Givens.”
    “He cute?”
    “I wasn’t really payin’ much attention. I nearly knocked him over.”
    Sarah exited the stall with a smirk. “Maybe next time he’ll knock you over.”
    “Shut up and wash your hands.”
     
    …
     
    Sherry drove up the gravel pathway and turned off the engine. Denise was dosing in the back seat. Kenny and Gertrude, her parents, sat on the front veranda drinking tea. Her dad rose from his chair
    “Sugarplum!” he shouted. He looked like he’d gained some weight; his belt sat tighter at his waist.
    “Daddy!” she yelped, feeling a pang of sadness for how much she’d missed her parents. “I’m so glad to see ya.” she cried, breathing into her dad’s shoulder as he embraced her.
    Sherry’s mom let Denise out of the car and squeezed her tight, asking about Rainy Day Bear.
    “I’ve heard so much about him, sweetie,” she said, looking down at the stuffed toy inside the little girl’s purse, hanging at her side. “Can I meet him?”
    Denise gently pulled him out, proudly handing her most prized possession to her granny. The twinkle in her eyes set Sherry’s heart alight, and the bright smile granny offered was contagious.
    “I’m so happy to meet ya,” Gertrude said emphatically to the bear. “It looks like we’re goin’ to get to know each other a lot this summer.”
    “Oh, fer lan’s sakes, Gertrude!” Kenny chuckled. “Quit hoggin’ the lass.” He lifted her up high, so her legs flailed about almost overhead. “My Lord, how much you’ve grown!” he gasped. Then he cradled her head in his hand, just like he did when she was a baby. “Oh, pumpkin, grampa’s missed you somethin’ awful.” He kissed the top of her