August 19, 1998
The next week and a half passed briskly as Ray and Donna prepared for their wedding and Margaret prepared for her first day at her new school. The more time they spent together as a family, the more comfortable they all became with the idea. As she watched them together, Donna was sometimes taken aback by just how much alike Ray and Margaret were. The same mannerisms, habits, expressions—it was all pretty remarkable for two people who had spent so many years apart—and yet to her it made complete sense. Since it was going to be an important day, she and Ray had already decided to meet beforehand and then take Margaret to school together. That morning, Donna woke Margaret up before she went downstairs to fix breakfast. Before she started, and while Margaret was still getting ready, she went to call Ray.
Ray had already been out riding that morning. He needed to be alone, and the cool morning air helped him to collect his thoughts. He was sad to see their summer coming to an end, but eager for the next phase of his life to begin. He wanted to be a good husband and father, someone his family could depend on to be there for them. He watched the sun rise, and then put his horse in the stables before going back inside. He had just finished cleaning up when the phone rang.
He picked it up, already knowing who it was. “Good morning, Donna.”
“Good morning, cowboy.”
“So how is everything going? Is Margaret ready for today?”
“I think so. How are you?”
“Do I get to spend the day with you?”
“Yes, you do.”
“Then I’m great.”
She laughed. “Me too. Can you do me a favor? I need a ride into town after we drop Margaret off.”
“Sure. What do you wanna do after that?”
“I don’t know. I’ll let you decide.”
“Do you wanna mess around?”
“Haven’t you asked me that before?”
Ray laughed. “Yeah, I guess I have.”
“Well, the answer’s the same, then,” Donna assured him.
“Great. I’ll see you in just a little while.”
“I can’t wait. Bye, Ray.”
“Bye, Donna.”
Ray thought about Donna as he drove toward her house. She was always the one who stabilized him, who made him see his life for what it could be—even if he was too stubborn to realize it. She was the one who had shown him that he could love someone else, and have them return that same love. She had tried her hardest to teach him about what was important in life, and he had finally accepted it.
When he arrived, he found Donna and Margaret having breakfast in the kitchen.
“Hey, partner.”
“Hey, daddy.” She jumped up and hugged him. “Come have breakfast with us.”
“I’ll just have some coffee, thanks.”
“What is it about people in Texas only wanting to have coffee for breakfast?” Margaret inquired. “Mama fixed pancakes and everything. The least you can do is have something to eat.”
Donna laughed. “It looks like your daughter has overruled you.”
Ray sat down at the table. “Where did she learn to be so persuasive?” He smiled at Donna.
She winked at him. “Oh, I don’t know. I guess she takes after me.” They continued making eyes at each other. Margaret stared at them curiously.
“Not to interrupt your moment or anything, but I need some more syrup.”
Ray continued to gaze at Donna. “Get it yourself, kid.” Finally he made his move and kissed her. Margaret shook her head at them and went for the pantry.
“I’m going to be putting the house on the market soon. I won’t need it anymore in a few more weeks.”
“Uh-huh,” Ray said. “I can’t wait.” They kissed again as Margaret came back in the kitchen.
“I guess this is what I have to look forward to. But seriously, you two are acting like a couple of teenagers.”
Ray smiled. “Remind me why we had a kid again?”
Donna caressed the side of his face as she looked at him. “Because we wanted one really, really badly. Just not one this sarcastic.”
Margaret gave them a perturbed look while eating. Donna finally noticed her. “Margaret, don’t frown so much. It’s the first day of school. Anyway, I need to finish getting ready, so I’ll leave you to talk.”
“Hurry back,” Ray said as she left the room. She smiled back at him.
Ray and Margaret ate in silence for a few minutes before he decided to say something. “So…first day of school?”
Margaret looked up from her eggs and smiled. “Isn’t that why you came to pick me up this morning?”
“Yeah, I guess it is. I just hope you’re not too nervous. The Braddock school system is really good.”
“I know…but I think you came to see mama more than you came to see me.” She smiled at him with that all-too-familiar mischievous grin.
“Maybe so, but I always want to see you. You’re the best kid I could ever ask for.”
“I love you, Daddy.
“I love you, too.”
Donna then returned. “Ready to go?” she asked both of them.
“I’m ready.” Margaret jumped out of her chair. “Now where is my backpack?”
“It’s already in the car,” Donna informed her. “Ready to go, cowboy?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He smiled at her. They held hands as they followed Margaret outside.
She turned to face them before she hopped in the backseat. “Okay, there will be no kissing or hugging in front of the school. It’s now or never.”
“I’ll take my hug now, then.” Ray bent down and hugged her. “Good luck today, partner.”
Donna then bent down to kiss her daughter on the cheek. “Okay, time to go.” And with that, they got inside and headed down the road.
A little while later, with Margaret dropped off at school—she was able to let go much easier than her parents—Ray and Donna headed for Dallas.
“So what did you need to come into the city for?”
‘Well, you know how we’re getting married in a few weeks?”
“Yeah, I seem to remember that.”
“Well, I already have a dress. Which means, of course, that you need to be measured for your tuxedo.”
“Seriously?”
“Seriously. You can’t just get married as is.”
“Okay then. But this better be worth it.”
“Oh, I promise I’ll make it worth your while. Remember, patience is a virtue."