Chapter 12

Add a Year

Making It Three, Bobby

Paul and Bobby had to incorporate the business. The partnership model did not provide the protection which they proposed to operate. The presidency went to Paul along with chair of the board. Bobby became vice president and vice chair. Mom, Lois and Carl were directors.

In the past, Agnes had worked for the same company where Paul had been employed. Her degree was in retail marketing. She had been the national sales manager. However, she transferred to manage a plaza and supermarket in Lexington.

Agnes made the move to Lexington supervising a complex with fifteen stores to be closer to her parents. Then she progressed to Bobby's rental.

Paul suggested, "Let's hire Agnes to manage our supermarket and our overall marketing."

"You understand I have been dating her for the last six months?"

"Yes, but she has the unique skill set we need. When you marry her, it will be in the family."

"I have not said anything about marrying her."

"You didn't have to. You are at her little rental, or she is at your big house every night fixing supper. Momma is already calling her 'daughter.' The way you watch her tells the story. You are smitten, and its mutual with her."

"I had considered it, but I wasn't sure what she would say."

"She loves you. Don't keep her guessing. Take her to a nice place to eat. Tell her Momma has something she needs to discuss. She may be suspicious, because her Mom, Daddy, Lois, her sisters and several of her friends will be there."

"How are you aware of Agnes's sentiments?"

"Dating her sister Amber keeps me informed of girl talk between them. Agnes expects you to ask her soon. She doesn't anticipate that it'll be tonight."

Conversing ceased as Agnes and Bobby returned from her favorite restaurant in Lexington. The pitch of his voice went higher. He wrung his hands and perspiration flowed from his forehead.

"I forgot. Momma wants to speak with you for a moment."

When they walked in the door Mom said, "Paul has an announcement he wants to make." Bobby deliberated to himself, "This is your confirmation. Act now."

Before he had an opportunity to speak, Paul plopped down on one knee. He pulled a little jewelry box out of his coat pocket and said, "Amber I love you. Will you be my wife?"

Amber glowed. "Oh my-y, Yes, Yes, Yes!"

The inspiration travelled across Bobby's brain to do it immediately! He knelt and removed a petite blue container from his pocket and said, "I did not plan it this way. It was unexpected for Paul to ask Amber to marry him. However, Agnes I love you with my whole being. Will you do me the honor of being my bride?"

Agnes appeared to be speechless, as she shook her head up and down. She possessed the gaze of an excited puppy dog, and tears poured from her cheeks.

The Davidsons, Paul, Mom, Lois, and Carl had orchestrated the activities. Amber and Agnes were radiating. Hugs, smiles, cake, and punch were abundant.

A double wedding was set for June at the Methodist Church.

A week later Bobby and Agnes were on a double date with Carl and Dianna. They departed from Beverly's only movie theater. The women and men were tearing over "The World of Suzie Wong. "Agnes peered at Dianna and said, "Dianna will you be one of my bridesmaids?"

Dianna smiled and tears rolled down her face stronger. She responded, "You really are regarding me like a sister."

"Honey, you and Carl are our family."

"We are robots."

"To us you are charming people."

Dianna continued to weep. Carl's throat constricted and he screeched, "We love you also."

Bobby said, "When I was in Clark Air Force Base Hospital, there was a doctor who helped me to eliminate my rage and discover the beauty of living. You remind me of her."

She smiled saying, "It was me."

The next few months were hectic. The women in our families, including Dianna, were as active as honeybees. Paul and Bobby's standard response to Amber and Agnes was, "Whatever you want dear."

In the middle of all the activity Carl asked Agnes and Bobby to meet Dianna and him. "It is important. We will join you at the church."

Bobby told Agnes, "I bet they are arranging a surprise party for us." They arrived beaming. Dianna, Carl and the preacher were standing in front of the church. Carl's truck and two other vehicles were in the parking lot.

Smiles turned into scrunched eyebrows and gaping mouths. Labored breathing and tensed shoulders were thrust upon them.

Momma and Mrs. Mendez were seated on a pew. The preacher's wife was the only other person in the church. Sporting a big grin, Carl said, "Dianna and I are getting married, and we want you to be our witnesses."

Bobby shook Carl's hand, and Agnes hugged Dianna. Momma and Mrs. Mendez were mopping their eyes with tissues. The preacher pointed to where he wanted everyone to stand.

Momma went to the piano, and Mrs. Mendez went to the organ and began playing "Sunrise, Sunset" from the Broadway play "Fiddler on the Roof."

The ceremony was probably the first robot wedding in history. The bride and groom were as elated as any other couple in love.

Agnes and Bobby – Amber and Paul

The whole county was buzzing. It was the chief topic gushing from their lips. The headlines in the Boyd County Gazette read, Duo Hero Brothers to Marry Soon.

Bobby's Air Force record was embellished. One would have assumed he fought the Vietnam War by himself. Paul was touted as the financial guru of the county.

Everyone rendered smiles upon encountering the Davis boys who were viewed as royalty merging the Davidson and Davis families.

Momma was the Queen Bee. Her quilting club her royal court. Her edicts were law but tempered with love.

She ruled reminiscent of a tyrant but had the heart of a cuddly puppy. One would believe it was a world event.