Marvel is already out of bed when I wake the next morning.
We decided that he’d turn one of the extra bedrooms into an office for his work, so that is the first place I go. I find him in there wearing an old apron covered in dry paint, rummaging through a box.
Tambara: Getting started already?
Marvel stands and smiles when he sees me.
Marvel: Yeah, the faster I get this done, the faster I can get back to work.
He nods to the paint on the wall.
Marvel: What do you think? I was thinking about going with either the red or blue.
I look over, and the red immediately makes me think of Daddy’s office in our old house. It doesn’t exactly bring up the best memories.
Tambara: I’d go with the blue.
Marvel steps over and plants a warm, soft kiss on my cheek.
Marvel: Cool, same thing I was thinking. Want to help?
I step back and look at him like he’s joking.
Tambara: And get paint all over my outfit? Absolutely not! Why don’t you just hire someone to do this? I bet Juanita knows how to paint. We can get her to do it, and then we can go swimming.
Marvel: I’m sure she’s busy enough already. Plus, there’s something satisfying about doing it yourself.
It’s a little annoying that he’d rather stay in here inhaling paint fumes than spend time with me, but I’m sure I can find other ways to occupy my morning.
Tambara: How long is this gonna take?
Marvel: Probably most of the day.
Tambara: Well, have fun with your paint fumes. I guess I’ll go work on our wedding planning.
I leave the room and head to the kitchen, where Juanita is sitting at the table with a leftover baked potato.
Juanita: Good morning, Miss Tami.
I’m still annoyed with Marvel, so I just give her a tight nod and grab breakfast. Once I sit down beside her, Juanita’s face lights up with a huge smile.
Juanita: Looks like you’ll have a new addition to your family soon.
At first, I figure she’s talking about Marvel, but then she continues.
Juanita: We did it, Miss Tami! Finesse and Legendary are expecting a foal!
I almost drop my fork. I didn’t expect it to happen so soon. We hurry through the rest of breakfast and head out to the paddock to check on them. Finesse seems to be in the best mood I’ve seen in a while, trotting up to us as we approach.
Tambara: Do you think she knows?
Juanita: I believe so.
Tambara: How long until the foal gets here?
Juanita: Give it a couple of months. You won’t be able to ride her until after she delivers, though.
I turn to Finesse and pat her neck, smoothing down her mane. It’s hard to believe she’s going to be a mother. I can’t help but picture her baby as the perfect horse for any kids Marvel and I end up having.
A whole new generation of greatness. I almost can’t wait.
Speaking of a new generation, none of it will be happening if I don’t get started on my wedding planning. I give Finesse and Legendary a few pats, then walk over to the lounge chairs by the pool.
I’ll need the perfect dress for my wedding, and the best person I can think of to help me with that is my friend Desi, who helped me choose that killer outfit for one of my first dates with Marvel.
I hit video call because I want to see her face when she hears the news. She answers after just a few rings, looking amazing as always.
Desiree: Tami! How are you?
Tambara: I’m great. Are you busy?
Desiree: Josh and I are on our way to visit my parents. Babe, come say hi!
Josh suddenly pops into the frame behind Desi, gives a quick wave, and disappears again.
Desiree: But I have a few minutes. What’s up?
Tambara: I’m engaged!
Desi’s face instantly drops out of the frame. All I can see is the roof of her porch moving up and down as she squeals and jumps around. She reappears a few seconds later, out of breath.
Desiree: So I’m guessing the movie date went well.
Tambara: That one and every single one after.
Desiree: I’m so happy for you! So our outfit choice did the trick after all.
Tambara: Of course it did. Which brings me to why I called. I need you to help me pick out my wedding dress.
There’s more excitement on Desi’s end.
Desiree: Are you kidding? I’d love to! Any idea what you’re looking for?
I stop and think for a moment. My thoughts go back to my prom dress, which was easily the star of the entire night.
Tambara: Something that makes my prom dress look like a peasant gown. Price isn’t a factor.
Desi’s eyes light up even more than usual.
Desiree: I already have the perfect designer in mind!
That’s exactly what I was hoping to hear.
Desiree: How long do I have?
Tambara: Can you find something by Friday?
Desiree: Is my middle name Amari?
I actually don’t know Desi’s middle name, but I’m guessing that’s what it is.
Desiree: You’ll have the perfect selection by then. We can do a whole dress fitting.
Tambara: I knew I picked the right person. Thanks so much!
And it’s the truth. I’m not sure I could have trusted my friend Kisha with such a big task. Desi and I end the call, and I lean back in my chair, completely confident that I’ll look like royalty on my wedding day.
Now if only I could do something about this unseasonably warm heat.
While Tami is busy making wedding plans, Juanita is working on a little project of her own. The previous owners of the ranch had planned to build a treehouse in the backyard for grandchildren they never had, leaving all the lumber and materials stored away in the garage.
With Tami completely distracted by her engagement, Juanita spent the dead of night over the last few days bringing the old blueprints to life as a secret wedding present.
Today, the project is finally complete. Juanita stands back by the fence and admires her work with quiet pride.
Excited to show off what she’s done, Juanita hurries to find Tami. She saw her heading for the pool earlier, and that is where she finds her. Only Tami isn’t alone. Marvel is standing by the water in just a pair of swimming trunks.
Juanita pauses in her tracks when she hears them talking.
Tambara: I thought you’d be painting all day.
Marvel: I can finish that up anytime. I wasn’t about to spend the whole day inside and miss out on seeing you in a swimsuit.
Juanita watches as he pulls Tami close, her eyes lingering on the curve of Tami’s smile and the way she softens to his touch before they share a kiss so intimate Juanita feels like she’s intruding on a private bedroom moment. Her stomach drops, and a sudden wave of jealousy floods her heart.
She turns around slowly and does her best to disappear before either of them notices her. She just doesn’t know how much longer she can keep stumbling upon moments like this without feeling her chest ache. It only makes her feel more lonely and out of place.
Juanita stands at the side of the house for a few moments, working to steady her breath and regain her composure. Deep down she wants to be happy for Tami, but the part of her that wishes she could stand in Marvel’s place just won’t let her go. She tries to think of an indoor chore she can tackle to keep herself away from the couple. She walks across the yard and checks the barn, but the stalls are clean, and the hay has been stacked. The only work waiting for her is in the greenhouse.
She tiptoes past the pool, keeping her head down while Tami and Marvel laugh and splash around in the water. Luckily, they are too wrapped up in each other to notice her.
As she walks toward the greenhouse, Juanita begins to seriously consider her friend Emma’s offer to move in with her. For the first time, she is starting to believe that leaving the ranch might be the only way to protect her own heart.
Marvel and I hang out by the pool until it’s time for him to work. Luckily, he has the choice to work from home. I try not to pout as he goes inside.
I continue to lounge until my stomach starts to growl. Heading inside, I find Marvel sitting at my desk.
Tambara: Almost done?
Marvel: Almost. Just a few more things to clear off my screen.
Tambara: I was going to cook something, a steam cooker recipe I learned back in Tomarang. Are you hungry?
Marvel: I could definitely eat. I’ll be right there as soon as I wrap this up.
He nods toward the computer. Not sure how long “this” is going to take, I make my way to the kitchen to get started.
Before the steamer even finishes, Marvel sneaks up behind me and playfully wraps his arms around my waist.
I spin around.
Tambara: You scared me. I didn’t think you’d be done so fast.
He plants a kiss on my cheek.
Marvel: Sorry about that. But everything smells so good.
A soft smile creeps up on my face. I plate the food and uncork an expensive bottle of nectar given to us by Kalani. Marvel grabs his plate and we take a seat together.
I pause, watching intently as he takes his first bite. I’ll probably never be much of a domestic type, but it’s surprisingly important to me that he actually likes it.
He chews for a while, taking his time before he swallows.
Marvel: Not bad. Not bad at all.
It wasn’t the most enthusiastic reaction, but I guess as long as it’s edible, I did okay.
(Generation 5 Chapter Summaries)
