I was on pins and needles when we pulled up to Jane and Marvin's house. Kynlee living with me was dependent upon their agreement to her daily commute. I wasn't sure what I'd do if they said, "no."
I followed Kynlee up the sidewalk and into the entrance I'd used the first time I came for supper. No one was in the kitchen, so we went looking for them. From the kitchen, Kynlee yelled, "hello? Jane, Marve…anyone home?"
A female voice came from the next room, "in here dear."
I followed Kynlee into the living room and found Jane and Marvin in matching brown recliners. A small table sat between them with an intricate glass touch lamp. The glass was decorated with pink roses and a gold base to provide them with light and beauty. Both Jane and Marvin had on reading glasses. By the look of the cover, he was reading a sports magazine. Jane had a hard cover book of some sort. She rested the book upside down on her thigh, marking her place, and slid off her glasses. Marve simply lowered the magazine and looked over the top of his cheaters. With a smile, Jane asked, "what are you kids up to?"
Kynlee waved nervously before explaining, "I was hoping to discuss something with you."
Jane's face took on a more serious expression before she said, "well of course Kynlee."
Marve waved his hand before ordering, "sit, sit, please. You look like something is wrong Kynlee."
As we sat, Kynlee gave a small smile and reassured Marve, "oh no, everything is fine. Well as fine as when I left yesterday."
I grabbed Kynlee's hand in mine and held it in my lap as she explained about Kedron, about the updates the Detective had given us, and finally said, "Wam has asked me to move in with him once the cabin is repaired."
If Jane's smile was any larger, I'm afraid her face might break. Jane clapped her hands and squealed, "oh Kynlee, I'm so happy for you."
"I assure you," Kynlee stated, "I plan to continue to help Marve during the day for as long as you need me. I was just wondering if it's okay that I commute once the cabin is repaired?"
Finally Marvin smiled as he answered her, "of course that's fine dear. We would never stand in the way of your love life. More than anything else, we want you to be happy and healthy. I enjoy and appreciate having you here to help me, but I'm not selfish enough to make you live here." Marvin reached over for Jane's hand, studied me briefly, and then met Kynlee's eyes. He sounded sincere when he spoke, "if Wam is the one for you, then congratulations! We may be old enough to be your parents, but Jane has always been the apple of my eye. I cannot imagine spending my life with anyone else."
Jane tilted her head to the side and looked at Marve lovingly. Her eyes were suspiciously shiny and she was biting her lip, perhaps to hide a quiver? After all these years together, this man can still bring his wife to tears. I decided I better pay close attention and maybe take a page from his "How-To" manual on marriage.
"Kynlee," Jane said just loud enough for me to hear from the couch across the room, "I'd never have invited Wam for supper if I didn't think he was the guy to bring a smile back to your beautiful lips."
Kynlee smiled, glanced at me, and then turned back to the older couple. "Thank you both for having Wam over when I was being stubborn. I love him and he is what I need. I just find it hard to believe I could have gotten so lucky."
I ran my thumb over the back of Lee's hand in a loving caress. I cleared my throat, feeling a little choked up myself with all the talk of love and life.
"I find it ironic," I admitted, "I think I'm the lucky one. Kynlee has brought love and happiness into my life again. I was so busy building my career and taking care of others, I had forgotten to live myself." I met Marve's eyes, "I see a future with Lee. Something I've never imagined with anyone else." I swallowed and looked to Jane, "I've been offered a permanent position here in Rochester, and I told Kynlee if she will move back in with me, I'll take the position so I can live here in the cabin with her."
Jane stood up so fast her book fell on the floor. She reminded me of a little kid that was just given some great news. Jane's hands clapped in front of her, a smile lit up her face, and she raced over to give Kynlee a huge hug. As tight as the hug looked, I hoped Kynlee could breath. "Oh Kynlee, I'm so happy you'll be staying in Rochester. All those years I didn't see you, I missed you. You are like the daughter we never had." Jane looked to be getting choked up again, and her voice wavered slightly when she spoke, "I don't want to lose you again. I lost your parents, and I want to be there for you, if… that's okay with you?"
Now Kynlee jumped up and replied, "of course it's okay." After hugging Jane with enthusiasm, she twirled around and bent down to hug Marvin, still sitting in his recliner. Marvin smiled and patted Lee's back, like maybe the affection made him slightly uncomfortable. He certainly returned the hug though and didn't push her away.
It made my chest feel warm that Kynlee had two more warm, supportive people in her life. After the last year and a half, she needed warmth and support. Kynlee deserves the world, but hopefully what we can give her will be enough.
"Well," Jane said in a jovial voice, "I was about to start supper if the two of you would like to stay?"
Kynlee looked back at me, still on the couch, and I smiled and nodded. Turning back toward Jane she replied, "we would love to. Thank you!" Jane headed toward the kitchen with Lee hot on her heals. The last thing I heard before they were out of sight was Kynlee ask, "what can I help with?"
Marvin had college football on the big screen television mounted on the wall, but began to talk about the National Football League. I found out rather quickly that we both supported the same team. Ironic really since neither of us were Minnesota Viking fans. Some might call it sacrilege, but I call it freedom of choice.
By the time supper was ready, I had figured out that we were both Minnesota Twins fans, and I was making plans in the back of my mind to find a local game next spring. That is of course if Marvin was feeling well enough to go. Maybe we could make it a double date?
"Supper is served gentleman," Kynlee announced from the doorway with a huge smile.
Marve was a little slower getting up than I was, but we both followed her into the dining area and sat at the table. I had liked Jane and Marve from the moment I met them, but the more time I spent with them, the more fond of them I'd become. I wish I could have met Lee's parents if this is what their close friends were like.
Toward the end of the meal, I noticed Marve wasn't really eating anymore. He was simply pushing his food around his plate. His head was down and his shoulders were slumped forward. Although I've never have chemo therapy nor radiation, as a physician, I was well aware of the toll it could take on one's body. Lee must have noticed as well, because she asked, "are you getting tired Marve or just full?"
Marvin put his head up and gave her a forced smile, but he was obviously exhausted and it came out more of a grimace. He half heartedly waved his hand in her direction and quietly denied, "the supper was good ladies, but I just don't have the appetite I used to. Between the cancer and the treatments, I suppose it's taking a lot out of me."
I nodded and enforced the part he was trying to downplay, "from what I've seen Marve, you've done well. Some people are bed ridden for days after treatments. Hopefully that doesn't become a reality for you. If there is anything myself or Kynlee can do to make things easier, please let us know."
Marvin nodded slightly but did not look happy about it.
"You know, I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you folks letting me stay the other night, taking Kynlee in as if she were your own, and inviting us for supper. It was truly delicious. I'd love to be able to repay you for your hospitality," I offered. My thank you was an olive branch of sorts so he would feel better about allowing us to help them.
Jane popped up from her chair, grabbed a pan off the counter, and brought it to the table. "Who wants dessert," she asked in a sing song voice. "Kynlee made scotcharoos Marvin. Your favorite."
At the mention of his favorite bars, Marvin seemed to perk up a little bit, "I'll take half of one please. I don't want to waste those," he laughed.
After supper, I and Kynlee insisted on putting the leftovers away, wiping down the table and counters, and loading the dishwasher. All in all, a good day in the books.
Just as we were finishing up, Jane strolled back into the kitchen and sat on one of the bar stools at the counter. She looked completely worn down and tense, completely the opposite from the woman who had just entertained us at the table.
Kynlee walked over to Jane and wrapped her in her arms. Almost immediately Jane began to sob, her body shuddering with each breath. I finished wiping down the counters and stood back, allowing Lee to comfort her friend. I couldn't help but hear Jane say, "I'm so afraid I'm going to lose him to this damn cancer Kynlee."
Kynlee just held her as she cried until finally Jane pulled back. Wiping the tears from her face, Jane seemed embarrassed. "I'm so sorry for breaking down," she apologized quietly.
I stepped up and put a comforting hand on her back before saying, "Jane, you do not ever have to apologize for having emotions. Marvin needs you to believe he will beat this, but you're only human. Now, in the company of friends, is the time to let it out."
Jane looked at me from under her lashes and nodded slightly. Not convinced I'd said enough, I continued, "I hope you know that Kynlee and I will both be there for you if we can. Please don't hesitate to ask."
Jane gave me a watery smile and met my eyes briefly as she said, "thank you…both of you."
"Is there anything else we can help you with before we head back to the hotel," Kynlee asked now that Jane seemed okay.
Jane shook her head, "no, I think we are okay. Thank you for all your help tonight. I appreciate it more than you know." After she finished speaking, Jane gave Kynlee and I each a brief hug. We heard the lock slide into place after Jane escorted us to the door.