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your high horse. Roy said he’s the best around. So that’s that. Besides, I’m not paying for this. I can’t be too choosy.”
    “I guess you can be choosy. It was you who just had this procedure,” she said. “It’s your tubes he wants to use. I would think you’d have everything to say about the doctor who’s going to be involved in this.”
    “There isn’t one thing wrong with that doctor. Now stop it.”
    “His ears are huge.”
    “Do I care about his ears? He’s a specialist and I have other things on my mind. Go take a walk.”
    Just then the phone rang.
    “It’s your husband.” Joy Ruth handed me the phone. “I’ll be outside if you need me.” Did I detect a hint of jealousy in her voice?
    “Hi, honey,” John Wasper said, sounding very distant. “You okay?”
    “I’m fine,” I said. “I’d be better if my sister wasn’t so hard to get along with. Where are you?”
    “Outside Memphis, at a truck stop. Hey, don’t let her get to you. Hear? I’m unloading the truck in the morning. Then I’ll be home. Tell me,” he said, “was it what you expected?”
    “It wasn’t bad,” I struggled to sit up. The hospital bed was making my elbows raw. “The doctor went through my belly button like he told us he would. I feel good.”
    “When will you be released?”
    “In the morning.” I was feeling better just thinking about going home. They were being cautious having me spend the night.
    “Then I’ll see you tomorrow, honey. We need to talk when I get home.”
    I pretended not to hear what he said. “I love you.”
    “I love you, too, Vada Faith.”
    I’d just put the phone down when it rang again. I picked it up thinking it was my husband again.
    “Vada Faith!” Mr. Kilgore’s voice boomed into my ear. “Honey, how’re you doing?”
    “Mr. Kilgore.” I was surprised to hear from him. He was still in Mississippi tying up some loose ends with his business.
    “I’m okay, thanks.”
    “I just spoke to Dr. Fine. He said the surgery was a success and he thinks you’re doing just great. He said your tubes are in good shape. We can think about pregnancy when you heal. How do you feel about that? Too soon to talk about it?”
    “Well,” I said, “I guess I’m a little nervous and scared, maybe. I’m just happy this part is over.”
    “You have made me so happy, dear girl. Dottie too. We can’t wait to get the business moved up there. Another week and it will be shut down here. I’ll be moving every last gasket to Charleston. We’re happy to settle in Shady Creek. We’ll watch over you, honey, and share every moment of this experience. How do you feel about that?”
    “I’m excited I guess. I’ve never done anything like this before. I still can’t believe I might be a surrogate mother for your baby.”
    “Well, angel, we’re as excited as two new pups, too. We’ve never done this before and we plan to be as close as you’ll let us be, Vada Faith and, of course, as close as your husband will allow. How’s he feeling about all this?”
    “He’s okay with it,” I said, lying a little. “Not as happy about it as I am but that’s okay. He wants me to be happy. That’s all that matters to him.”
    “What about your family? Have you told them yet?”
    “No. I will. Later on. When the time comes.” I didn’t tell him but I wasn’t looking forward to telling anyone else, not after my sister’s reaction, and John Wasper was still dragging his feet. Not saying no. Just not saying yes either.
    “Dottie says hello. Wait a minute, Sugar.”
    I could hear muffled sounds in the background.
    “Hey, Dottie wants to know if you got the flowers we sent?”
    “Yes, thank you both so much.” I looked across at the yellow roses in a vase on the table.
    “You’re welcome, dear. We’ll talk tomorrow. Be a good girl and heal quickly. We love you.”
    I held the phone for a minute after he hung up. I didn’t want the magical spell broken. He made me feel so special.