Peggy looked warmly at her rediscovered friend. How is Jack? Where does he work? Can you believe it? He went back to university and became a mathematician. He worked wherever he could, even as a pizza delivery guy.
Now he teaches at a school for juvenile delinquents. He says he wants to guide the boys onto the right path. That’s wonderful.
I’m so happy for him and for you, for both of you. Let’s be family friends. I’m in.
Peggy’s eyes sparkled. It was an important day. Grandma Mary was turning 85.
They went to celebrate with the whole crowd in three cars, both the Gill families and the White family. They decided to have a barbecue party. Grandma welcomed the guests on the porch of her renovated house.
After the repairs, it had transformed from a shabby place into a little gym. There was also a cozy gazebo where the big family loved to gather. Everyone was busy with their own tasks.
The men were completely engrossed in preparing meat over the fire, while the women set the table, cut vegetables, and prepared various appetizers. Samantha was looking after little Benny White, who was running all around the yard, and she was trying to catch up with him, exhausted, but both of them were having fun. Have you thought about having a baby? Peggy asked while she and Jessica were washing fruits in the kitchen.
You know, we haven’t really had time for that. But Paul brings it up now and then. Jess, can you imagine? I’m pregnant again.
Her friend looked a bit bewildered. Wow. How did Jack take the news? I haven’t told him yet.
I’m afraid it’s too soon. Ben is still so little. Oh, come on.
It’s the perfect time. The Lord always knows when to give a child and to whom. Girls, where are you? Angela Gill burst into the kitchen, chattering away.
We’re coming, the friends answered in unison. I want to make a toast, Jack stood up from his seat. Our grandmother Mary is like a wise oak among different aspens and birches.
You unite us all and have taught each of us something over the years. May your heart keep beating to the rhythm of the dance. Live long and stay the same kind and mischievous granny.
Cheers! Everyone raised their glasses and shouted in unison. Cheers! Thank you, my dear. Thank you all, kids.
Grandma Mary was ready to cry but held back. Now I can die in peace. Everyone is doing well.
Stop that. Jessica protested. Who promised to see her great-granddaughter get married? Everyone started chatting cheerfully, trying different dishes.
Suddenly, a roll of thunder echoed across the sky. It was so loud that everyone jumped and little Ben started crying. Don’t cry, son.
Jack said cheerfully. Nature is celebrating that our Granny Mary was born on this day. When good people have birthdays, it often rains and thunders.
It’s like a salute. Is that true, Jack? Samantha stared at him. Of course, Sammy, it’s absolutely true.
At that moment, large drops of rain began to drum on the metal roof of the gazebo. Ben stopped crying and looked up at the ceiling with curiosity, listening to the cheerful drumming of the playful raindrops. How wonderful that I was scared of Jack back then and ran away to the city.
There I met my Paul. And how marvelous that on that dawn morning we met again in the swamp and talked. Now they, Jack and Peggy, are so happy, Jessica’s thoughts swirled in her head.
Jess! Did you fall asleep? Her husband’s voice pulled her out of her reverie. Huh? She looked up at him. Jack and Peggy are having another baby.
Let’s drink to that. Let’s, Jessica raised her champagne-filled glass. Oh! Look! Samantha exclaimed, peeking out the big window.
A rainbow! Indeed, a stunningly beautiful rainbow stretched across the entire sky. A rainbow always means happiness. So, everyone sitting at that big table would be happy in their own way.