"Hearts Pile Up," fractal art by the author, Deeann D. Mathews
Captain and Mrs. Ludlow were quietly sipping their coffee in the early morning, sleepy little grandchildren Robert and Amanda permitted to nap and drape over their laps while they did so, when the first whoop went up from the Trent house and the noise of celebration continued through breakfast.
“Thank God our grandchildren are like my first wife,” the captain said. “Not an early riser among them!”
“Oh, the Ludlow may kick in later in life,” the second and lasting Mrs. Ludlow said, “but yes, it would be a challenge for us to have all seven of them as awake as the Trent little ones are at this time of day.”
She waited a few moments, and then caressed her husband's arm.
“You are doing better with the anniversary stress this year, Robert,” she said gently.
“God is working on me,” he said quietly. “It is a daily struggle to not look back on the heartbreak of my first marriage without bitterness, but it is getting easier. God had his purpose in that heartbreak. Two of seven of His finest little creations are right here. As for the rest of it –.”
The captain's eyes flooded with tears, but he smiled and chuckled as they fell into his coffee.
“Only the highest quality salt for the Ludlow roast,” he said, and Mrs. Ludlow chuckled.
“You are doing better, Robert,” she said.
“It helps greatly that you are sitting by me,” he said, “and that what is happening here is not quite what is happening over there.”
The Trents were pouring out the house – “Stop running! The Serve-U-Vehicle is right there!” – said Sgt. Trent.
“Good morning, Sergeant,” Captain Ludlow said as his wife waved. “Early morning expedition?”
“Yes, sir, Captain – my dog has sniffed up some college money for my daughter Vanna! I will bring you the details because in about six years, I know you will be glad to know.”
“Certainly, Sergeant, and thank you very kindly,” Captain Ludlow said with a smile.
Captain and Mrs. Ludlow waved as the Trents and their dog pulled off the curb, and kept smiling as perfect peace and quiet returned, except for little Amanda poking up her head.
“Where are they going?” she asked the only grandmother she would ever know.
“We'll find out later,” Mrs. Ludlow said, and kissed little Amanda back into her doze.
“Can I have a kiss?” little Robert said.
“May I have a kiss,” Captain Ludlow gently but firmly corrected.
“Yes, sir – may I have a kiss, Grandma?” Robert asked, and got a kiss from both grandparents before going back to his doze with a smile.
“More coffee, dear?” Captain Ludlow said after the little snores started up again.
“Yes, Robert, and thank you.”
Captain Ludlow poured his wife and then himself more coffee, and then, as quiet returned, he thanked God for all things in his life, even the heartbreak necessary for him to be right where he was at that moment … and then salted up his new cup of coffee, but then had the last tear kissed away by Mrs. Ludlow.