Gifts from the Heart

By Atonia and Meggie

“I think we purchased every adorable and cuddly baby toy and outfit in Coffs Harbour, Jeffrey,” Meggie excitedly commented. “You sure you aren’t tired and need me to drive home?” It had been two weeks since the sprain, and she constantly worried about his physical and emotional well being.

Jeffrey shook his head slightly then turned to watch Meggie examining the stuff toys and baby clothes for the new and soon-to-be Glen mothers. A smile slowly crept over his face from watching Meggie play with the blue satin ribbon tied around a particular bear’s neck. The words “Baby Boy” were embroidered on the fluffy white paws. Images of Deborah and Barbara popped into his mind, their faces glowing with laughter and happiness. And then that familiar ache and longing filled his heart.

The sudden far-away look in his blue eyes didn’t escape her attention. Placing the bear back into the large sack, Meggie ached to comfort him, to take away the pain of being separated from his two girls. Yet, she knew that was impossible to do. She reached out and touched his cheek softly. “Barbara and Deborah will just love what you picked out for them, Jeffrey.”

“Yeah, I know. God, I miss them so much and I’m not sure how to answer all their questions…you know, about us.” He hoped that last part didn’t sound so thoughtless or cavalier.

“Jeffrey,” Meggie quietly said, “I…I never wanted to come between you or your girls. I feel like ‘the other woman’ here, stealing their daddy away from them, and that’s the last thing I would ever want to do.”

“Meggie, I need to move on with my life. Liane made it very clear how she felt and I, causing most of the grief between us, need to accept that things will be different. I still love you, my Meggie, never doubt that. Oh, I just want to scoop them up in my arms and kiss their faces, trying to help them understand how I will always love them and will be there for them as their daddy. That will never change no matter where I am or who am with.” And then silence followed for what felt like an eternity.

They were now approaching the outskirts of the Glen. The last brilliant rays from the sun spilled across the sky, casting a golden and pinkish tint before their eyes. Jeffrey stepped on the brakes and put the Audi in park before turning to Meggie. “Hey, there’s a new antique store just opened up in the Glen. Wanna go check it out before we call it a day?” His fingers reached out brushing Meggie’s brown hair away from her face. He’d be departing for the States in a few more days and wanted to spend as much time as possible with her, and hopefully discover what secrets or fears she was keeping from him.

“Sounds like a great idea. And maybe will even find something ‘golfy’ for you.” She laughed at how that sounded.

“’Golfy,’ eh? Perhaps some vintage hickory shaft clubs, you think?” He leaned over and brushed her lips with his own, softly at first, then more possessively, before sitting back.

Meggie blushed, not only from Jeffrey’s urgent desire, but also from her own response to his kiss and the feelings which kept burning brighter and hotter insider her soul. “Um, I think the shop is just down the road and on the left side of the street,” she finally managed to say.

Jeffrey grinned and headed the car towards the center of town.

Nonnie unpacked the last of the boxes delivered by her Uncle Stephen. He’d brought her what he called a little overflow. She smiled thinking of William at the auctions, he had little willpower when it came to Victoriana. She was going through a velvet box of jewelry pulling a few pieces out for display. A tiny gold locket, a baby’s first necklace caught her eye and she set it aside for Ben and Liana’s little princess.

The old fashioned bell above her door rang and she looked up, “Hello there welcome to the shop, I’m Nonnie Scott have a look around and if you need me for anything I’m right here.” She craned her neck around not recognizing the couple that had just come in. She closed the velvet box and moved from behind the counter to greet them personally.

“Hello! You have a lovely store here,” Meggie said as her eyes roamed over the various heirloom and unique pieces around her. She immediately fell in love with the store’s charming environment and its friendly owner.

Jeffrey extended his hand to the young woman in front of them. “Hello, Miss Scott. Oh,” he paused, realizing they never had the opportunity to chat with each other at past Glen social gatherings, suddenly turned to Meggie before continuing. “This is Meggie Ward. And I’m Jeffrey Wigand. It’s a pleasure to finally meet. Have head many positive comments about your store.”

Meggie smiled warmly as she likewise offered her hand to Nonnie. “I know it’s late, and I hope we’re not keeping you from closing up.”

“How nice to meet you both, oh no I close whenever I want to, I live upstairs so it’s not a problem at all. And this is Pippin, my baby and have a little kitty somewhere I imagine he’s visiting his friend Mr. Jessup,” she smiled and picked up her little dog.

"Oh, what a sweetie! Hello there, Pippin," Meggie said, holding out her hand for the dog to smell before she attempted touching him.

Jeffrey grinned. "Pippin, you have just found yourself an ‘auntie.’" He couldn't help from smiling as he watched Meggie with Pippin.

"Well then, Pippin, you also have yourself an ‘unca’...Unca Jeffrey." Meggie looked over her shoulder, shooting an ornery look at Jeffrey.

“Oh he’ll like that, he loves a big family.” Nonnie smiled giving Pippin a tickle. “Was there something you had in mind today or just having a look. My Uncle Stephen Scott has a very nice shop in Coffs, much larger than this one and now and again he sends me little tidbits. Today it was jewelry, I don’t have it out yet but if you’re interested…?”

Jeffrey had immediately noticed the velvet jewelry box and the golden trinkets inside. I wonder... he thought to himself and then turned to Meggie.

"Sweetheart, I noticed a Japanese antique screen over there by the window. Very lovely with the cherry blossoms in the rosewood frame. Wanna go check it out for me?"

Meggie frowned for a moment, then nodded and headed towards the wooden screen.

"Miss Scott, I noticed the beautiful jewelry pieces you have. I want," he paused, making sure Meggie was out of hearing distance before continuing in a rather awkward manner, "something special for my...." He stopped. He was too old to have a "girlfriend" and "lover" was rather personal.

Nonnie supplied the word he was looking for, “for your lady. These pieces have just come in and I think any one of them might be appropriate. I love lockets myself, they hold little secrets,” she smiled and opened one of the gold hearts. “I wonder what secrets this little heart has held.” She handed it over to him.

"Ah, yes.  This is perfect."  Jeffrey again checked on Meggie and found her examining a Royal Albert Green teacup and saucer decorated in pale violet and blue flowers.  Satisfied, he returned his attention to the locket and offered an appreciative smile to Nonnie.  "Many happy secrets and stories, I hope." The vintage golden locket featured a raised Victorian-Edwardian floral motif.  "I'll take it.  Do you know, by any chance, where I could have it engraved?" 

“Yes actually I do if you don’t mind leaving it with me for a day. My uncle’s partner can engrave it for you. You can um write out what you want put on the back of it on this slip of paper and I’ll take it to him.”

"Thank you, I really appreciate that."  With pen in hand, Jeffrey quickly scrawled a couple of words on the paper.  "It's going to be a surprise for her," he said, directing his attention once again to Meggie.  "I'm going to be gone on a short trip and wanted her to know and feel my love surrounding her, always."

Finished inspecting some other pieces of fine china, Meggie headed towards the front where Jeffrey and Nonnie stood.  Wonder what they're talking about, she thought.  Damn, I'd love to get him that Japanese screen as a surprise before he leaves for the States.  I'll have to come back again without him.

Hearing her footsteps approaching, Jeffrey quickly slid the piece of paper to Nonnie.  "What's the name of your uncle's store in Coffs?  I'd love to check it out with Meggie sometime."

“He’ll engrave it while I wait,” Nonnie said quietly, “my uncle’s store is Scotts Fine Antiques and he carries a larger inventory than I do.” She deftly palmed the locket slipping it into her pocket.”I’m more into the decorative but functional items here. I said I’d only sell what I’d want for myself in this shop, things that make me happy.”

“I look forward to meeting your uncle and checking out his antique collection, as well. When,” he started to say as he saw Meggie distracted by an antique vase, “could I pick the locket up? Damn, I haven’t offered you any money for the lovely piece and engraving.” Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his wallet and handed Nonnie his charge card. “I hope you accept VISA,” he sheepishly said with a smile on his face.

Nonnie thought he was the most endearing man and quite handsome, “I accept most anything except bad checks,” she smiled and went behind the counter to take care of the charge. “You certainly may pick up the locket, Uncle Stephen will hold it for you.” She glanced up at Meggie and smiled, “She’s lovely.” She said quietly.

“Yes, yes she is, although she’d blush while denying it. For some reason, beyond reason, she has chosen to offer her youthful heart and love to this old and graying man. And God knows, I love her more with each passing moment and day, beyond any sense of measurement and time.”

Jeffrey quickly slipped his charge card into his wallet. “Miss Scott, thank you very much again for your time and assistance. And I’ll definitely make sure to visit your uncle’s shop in Coffs soon.” He offered her his hand, feeling quite lucky to be in the presence of such beautiful young women.

“I’m so glad you stopped in and don’t forget to add a secret to the locket before you give it to her.” Nonnie didn’t see anything old or graying about Jeffrey Wigand, sure his hair was gray but his heart was young and that is what mattered.

“It has been a pleasure, Nonnie. And I know just the secret to add to this heart.”

Meggie had quietly slipped beside him, wrapping her right arm around Jeffrey’s waist. “Nonnie, I’m afraid you’ll be seeing a lot of me in the future. I’ve fallen in love with several different antique pieces and treasures here. You have such exquisite tastes.” Meggie smiled, thinking how charming and gracious Nonnie was, hoping to get to know her better in the future.

“You all set, Meggie?” Jeffrey took hold of her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

“Yes. Thank you again, Nonnie. And have a goodnight.”

As the two started towards the door, she remembered the Japanese screen and suddenly stopped.

“Jeffrey, there’s one more thing I need to do before we leave. I’ll only be a moment here and then I’ll drive us home and get you into bed. You’re looking a bit tired after our shopping extravaganza today.” She touched the back of his neck, her fingers lightly playing with his soft gray hair.

“That’s fine, darling,” he answered, followed by a soft kiss on her lips before leaving.

She turned around and walked back to Nonnie at the counter. “Um, is there any way I could have you hold that Japanese screen over there? I want to get it for Jeffrey, but it’s going to be a surprise gift for him before his trip. I can give you half down, if that is okay with you?”

“I’ll be happy to hold it for you, Meggie, just pay me when you come for it.” Nonnie was happy to accommodate her customers and she especially liked this couple.

"Would Wednesday be okay? Jeffrey plans on doing some golfing, though I still think he needs to take it easy after his accident. Men!" Meggie shook her head, smiling despite how anxious she felt. "He'll be gone most of the day which will give me a chance to come back here, pay you, and pick it up. Here, let me give you my name and number in case you'd need to reach me." She pulled out a piece of paper from her shoulder bag, scribbled on it, and then handed it to Nonnie.

As she handed her the paper, her eyes were drawn to an antique baby bed in the corner. Frowning, Meggie realized she still needed to pick up a couple more baby items for the new and expecting mothers in the Glen. "Nonnie, would you by any chance know where a Mrs. Toni McGee lives? I'm picking up some baby goodies for all the Glen babies and mothers, but I'm not sure where she lives." Perhaps Toni and Nonnie were friends and could give her an address.

"Though," she laughed, "I should really call them before dropping in on them. They'll either be resting from late night feedings, or changing a dirty diaper."

Nonnie smiled, “Toni lives out at Glenridge Station, it’s off the highway toward Nana Glen, there’s a sign on the motorway. It would be good to call ahead so you can get in through the security gates. I’ve met little Cole McGee, he was across the street one day at Barrett’s with his father and Toni took me over and made the introductions.”

“Okay, thanks Nonnie. Will do that. You know, there has been quite a baby population boom here in the Glen.” Laughing, Meggie held her hand out to Nonnie. “Thanks again and enjoy the rest of your evening. And I’ll see you Wednesday.” She turned her head towards the parking lot and smiled. “Best get the beast home and in bed. He’s probably already fallen asleep while we’ve been talking.”

“Well now that’s a mighty fine beast you’ve got there," Nonnie laughed with her and walked to the door waving as she left. She glanced across the street to the corner and quickly turned back inside not wanting to see whether the solicitor was in or not.