Elsie's Tender Mercies Book 7

CHAPTER 1Party PlansThe Lord has done great things for us,and we are filled with joy.PSALM 126:3Eddie Travilla''s face was scrunched into a quizzical expression."I''ve thunk and I''ve thunk, Papa, and I just can''t remember," the little boy said.Edward Travilla struggled not to laugh. "You''ve thought and you''ve thought," he corrected gently, "and still you can''t remember. But it was a day very important to your life, Son.""I ''member Missy''s birthday and my birthday and Vi''s birthday and the day Harold and Herbert were born." Eddie''s eyes brightened. "Is that it, Papa? Is it the twins'' birthday?" he asked excitedly."No, Son, their birthday is not until next spring."Eddie''s face fell again. "It''s not yet Christmas and not the Fourth of July," he said as his brow wrinkled in concentration. "And it can''t be Bruno''s birthday. That''s a very important day, but we wouldn''t have a big party for Bruno. We wouldn''t have a party for our dog, would we?""No, we probably wouldn''t," Edward agreed. "It''s understandable that you don''t remember the day we are going to celebrate. It happened before you were born. Shall I tell you what it was?"With a big sigh of relief, Eddie replied, "Please do, Papa. I''ve thunk-thought so hard I''ve worn my brain out."At this Edward did laugh, and he lifted his son onto his lap. "Your brain is much too good to be worn out by a little thinking. But now, let me solve this mystery for you. The day we are going to celebrate happened ten years ago. It was one of the most important days of my life, and one of the happiest. Everyone I knew was gathered at The Oaks, and your grandmother Rose had decorated the house with white roses and evergreens. I can still remember the wonderful smell of those flowers.""Was Mamma there, too?" Eddie asked."Indeed she was, Son. She was the center of attention." Edward''s voice had softened as the image of his wife formed in his memory. "She was wearing the most beautiful gown of white satin and lace. She had flowers in her hair, silk orange blossoms as I recall, and a veil of the finest silk net. She carried a bouquet of white roses, and she looked just like a princess."Eddie had begun to squirm with excitement. "I know now, Papa!" he exclaimed. "It was Mamma in the picture of your wedding!"Edward gave the boy a hug and declared, "That''s it, Son. You''ve solved the mystery with just a few hints."Eddie beamed and his little chest swelled with pride. "Then our party is for your wedding," he said with satisfaction."It will be your mother''s and my anniversary," Edward explained. "Do you remember when we attended your grandparents'' anniversary dinner at The Oaks?"Eddie nodded."Well, this will be a similar evening," his father continued. "Your mother and I have been married for ten years, and we have been blessed in each one of those years. God has given us five splendid children, and you and your sisters and brothers have each made us even happier than we were on our wedding day. So we want to share our good fortune and our thanks to our Heavenly Father with all our friends and loved ones. And that is why your mother and Aunt Chloe and all the servants are working so hard on this party.""What was that word, Papa? Anna...anna...""Anniversary, my boy. An anniversary is the day that marks every year that passes after an important event.""An-ni-ver-sary," Eddie said slowly so that he would remember the word. "Will I be able to come?" he asked anxiously."Oh, yes, my boy. Your mother and I have agreed that you and Missy will be allowed a late evening for the party. Even Vi and the twins are invited.""But they can''t stay up late, can they?""No, for they are very young, and we don''t want them overly excited," Edward said in a man-to-man tone."''Course not, Papa," Eddie replied seriously. "They''re too little for all the ''citement, and they''ll cry. But Missy and me know how to be good at a party.""And I know that I can count on your good behavior, Son. That''s why you may stay up until nine o''clock that night."EdFinley, Martha is the author of 'Elsie's Tender Mercies Book 7' with ISBN 9781928749073 and ISBN 1928749070.