Page 75 of Smooth Talk
Epilogue
Harper June
Mama is still dating the mayor; Polly Carter is still my best frenemy (Mama says it’s hard for her to love past her envy—whatever that means. All I know's sometimes Polly’s the nicest, but sometimes she’s the meanest.); and I know a secret no one else knows. Well, Mr. Max knows. It’s kinda his secret. I guess everyone is gonna know real soon.
It’s Christmas. We’re at Mr. Max’s ‘cause he has a chimney. And Santa came, ‘cause I’ve been a very good girl this year. I got everything I wanted: a bike, more riding lessons, a jeep for my barbies, two new princess movies and five new books (there’s one about ponies). I think next year I’ll ask for one of my own. I think I’d be able to take real good care of her. I don’t know where she’d stay though; our yard isn’t big enough. Maybe I’ll ask for somethin’ different. Somethin’ I’ve always wanted. But the most important thing I asked Santa for this year, he told me he didn’t know if he could give me. He said it wasn’t up to him, but he would try. And he made it happen, just like I knew he would. I’m really glad I asked. I think GiGi and CiCi will love my gift too. I know mama will.
Mr. Max asked me to wait by the door ‘cause the big moment was here, and he wanted me to take pictures. He gave me his phone. It feels good that he trusts me with it. Mama says it’s real ‘spensive. I’m going to be extra careful. He trusts me with lots of stuff. Taking care of Gunner, baiting my own hook, keeping his secrets. This was a big one, and I almost said it out loud like five times already today. I’m just so excited! I’m glad today is the last day, and I don’t have to keep it anymore. Mama’s sitting on the couch and I’m waiting. Mr. Max is sitting on the table in front of her, he’s talkin’, but I can’t hear him. Gunner’s sitting right next to her, why do I have to be way back here? I think I could get some real good pictures if I was closer. And besides, if I hadn’t asked Santa for this, it wouldn’t even be happening.
I tip toe forward a little. Real quiet. So, they won’t hear me. They don’t see me yet. Mr. Max is still talking, oh wait. He’s getting down on his knees. Well, one knee. This is it! He’s asking her to be his princess! I take a picture. I walk closer and take more pictures. Mama is crying. I thought she’d be happy. I really hope it’s happy tears. They’re hugging. Maybe?
“Mama, are your ‘motions just too much, so you need to lets dem out?”
“What, baby?” she asks me, like she doesn’t understand.
“Happy tears?” I say, but she should know, she’s the one who ‘splained it to me.
“Yes, June Bug. They are very happy tears. Mr. Max and I are going to get married. He says you knew all about it. Even helped him plan?”
I nod proudly. “Course, I did. I even helped picks out the ring. It’s so pretty. Do you love it mama?”
“It certainly is Harper June. You both did a wonderful job. I love it!”
“And Mr. Max said we could lives wif him, and I could moves all my stuff into a big room at his house. I could haves a bigger princess bed wif flowy curtains and we could haves slumber parties wif popcorn and movies every night if you said yes.”
“Oh, he did, did he? And what else did Mr. Max say?” She’s smiling big now.
I nod yes again, “Well, he tolds me I can call him anyfing I want. And now you’re getting marrieds, and we’re all gonna lives togever, and he loves me so much, and I loves him so much… I fink I’ll call him daddy.” I do love him, and I know he loves me. We tell each other every night before I go to sleep, after he tucks me in and reads me a princess story (sometimes, if I ask real nice, he reads more than one). He treats me like Polly’s daddy treats her. Like he’s my daddy. “I know I already haves a daddy, but maybe Mr. Max can be my daddy too. Julian, from school, has two daddies, and he loves them bofe. I can too, rights?” I didn’t think it was the wrong thing to say, but they’re both crying now. It makes me want to cry too.
“I’d love that Harp,” Mr. Ma—Daddy, whispers. Okay, happy tears for everyone! This Christmas is awesome!
“I knew yous were gonna get marrieds! I asked Santa. Dis is da best Christmas! Next year is gonna be even better.” I’m so excited, I almost can’t wait a-whole-nover year.
“What’s next year Harp? You gonna ask Santa for a puppy?” Mama asks me. “Gunner could probably use a playmate.”
“Or a pony? I know you want one of those.” Daddy asks me. He’s laughing. He makes me laugh too.
I hop off the couch with Gunner and run in big circles around the living room. “Course not, sillies! I’m gonna ask Santa for a baby brover!” But maybe I should ask for a puppy and a pony too. If I’m super good, I’ll get at least one of them, maybe all three! Best. Christmas. Ever!
THE END
