Free Secrets on Cedar Key by Terri Dulong

doing. I called the yarn shop but Grandma said you were home today, not feeling well.”
    â€œOh, no, nothing serious,” I fibbed. “Just a bit of a sinus headache. Probably all the fall trees and flowers in bloom. How’s your job going?”
    â€œVery well, but I’m still thinking about returning to grad school. Maybe next year.” He paused for a moment. “One of the reasons I was calling . . . I know you were counting on me being there for Thanksgiving. Especially since it’s the first year without Dad. But, well, I’ve met this girl . . . September Callahan . . . and . . .”
    I interrupted my son as I broke out in a chuckle. “Her name is September? Like in the month?”
    I heard Jason’s chuckle match mine. “Yeah. A bit unusual, huh? I’m not sure, but I think her parents might have been hippies. They now live in Manhattan and her father is an attorney, but . . . that’s her name.”
    I felt the smile cross my face. “Well, yes, it’s certainly different, but I like it. So are you saying you won’t be coming for Thanksgiving?”
    â€œYeah, September’s parents have a country home in Connecticut and they’ve invited me there for the Thanksgiving weekend, but . . . I don’t want you to feel bad.”
    I had been counting on both of my boys being with my mother and me for Thanksgiving, so I felt a jolt of disappointment. But I summoned up a happy tone and said, “No, don’t be silly. Of course you should go, Jason. Is it serious with this girl?” It was the first I was hearing about her.
    â€œWell, if you’re sure, Mom. We’ve been seeing each other for about six months now, so I think it could be leading to something serious. I met her at a dinner party through mutual friends.”
    Six months they had been dating? I had to admit, I felt a little left out and couldn’t help but recall that old saying, A daughter’s a daughter all of her life, but a son’s a son till he takes a wife.
    I forced happiness into my voice. “That’s just wonderful, Jason. I’m really happy for you, and I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time. Hopefully, you’ll be able to make it here for Christmas.”
    â€œOh, thanks, Mom. Thanks for being so understanding. I have to get back to work, but I’ll call you again soon. Love you.”
    I hung up and then realized Jason had not given me an answer concerning Christmas.

10
    â€œT hat was just delicious, Marin.” My mother wiped her lips with the cotton napkin. “And I can only imagine what that chocolate cake will taste like a bit later with a cup of coffee.”
    During supper I’d brought my mother up to date on Jason’s phone call.
    â€œOh, that is a shame he won’t be joining us, but at his age it’s to be expected.”
    As I began to clear the table, she said, “Do you think it’s serious with this girl, September?” A smile crossed her lips. “That’s an unusual name, isn’t it?”
    I nodded as I began filling the dishwasher. “I know. Can’t say that I know of anybody else by that name. Jason didn’t really confide in me about the seriousness of it. I think that’s where daughters and sons differ, don’t you?”
    â€œOh, I’m not sure about that. But then, I’ve never had a son.”
    I thought again of Andrew’s daughter. I hadn’t yet told my mother about the phone call with the attorney, and even though she knew I had called him that morning, she hadn’t asked.
    â€œOh, before I forget. First of all, Worth seemed disappointed that you couldn’t join him this evening for dinner, but he said Friday evening was fine. And the window looks wonderful. He did a very professional job, Marin. I think you’re going to like it a lot. It really opens up that room, and now, of course, you have some natural light in there. He