Late Sunday night, Mamaw and the gang finally made it home. Jewel and I were still up, and everybody was talking after unloading the car, and telling us all about the trip. We told them what we had done with the barn, and Uncle Muddy didn’t even care. He was actually happy about it.

Jewel’s mother, Ms. Wellington was laughing really hard when we told her about our church viewing with Double Mamaw. Everybody was excited all at once, Shady was half asleep though from the car ride, so Jewel and me put him straight to bed. She read him a quick story and he was asleep in five minutes.

We tiptoed out of his room and turned off the light, then made it back into the living room. Jewel’s mother said they had to go, since we all had school Monday morning. I hugged Jewel, and her mother and said goodbye, and Jewel announced what a beautiful weekend it had been. She even took Uncle Muddy out to his barn to show him what we did, and he was very impressed. He even noted he could see it all at once, and finally knew what color the floor was.

He gave Jewel a hug, and teased her about me being married to her one day, which really made her blush, but she grinned anyway. Double Mamaw had already made it to bed, after making sure Shady, (“her late sister’s kid”) in her mind, was OK and didn’t cause a ruckus. After everybody else went to bed, there was no one left up in the house but me and Mamaw.

Mamaw did her cursory inspection sweep, and she remarked, “Did you kids even do anything with the kitchen? It looks mighty clean to me?” I told her “Yes ma’am, we kept it clean after every meal, and washed up everything just like you said to. She raised her eyebrows and said, “Lord Amighty boy, I didn’t leave it THAT clean, you kids must have been working nonstop. I didn’t aim you two to do all that; but it sure looks and smells nice. Mamaw appreciates how responsible you two were.”

I told Mamaw how we walked around the pond, feeding all the animals, and how Jewel helped me take care of Double Mamaw so nice. Mamaw beamed with pride, I could even see it in her eyes. “You play them cards right with that Jewel son, and who knows? She might be another Ms. Hegelund around here one day.” I blushed and Mamaw laughed and said, “She is sweet son, and I am glad I could trust you. You did me proud before the Almighty, and it pleases me you kids had a ball.”

I told her about Double Mamaw screaming at the TV, and Mamaw said, “I was hoping she would not do that, but I bet she was showing out for Jewel.” I told her “That’s the gospel truth Mamaw, and she really got wild with it, and we were trying hard not to laugh.” Mamaw laughed herself, and said, “As long as y’all had fun, and got to spend a little quality time together, I guess there ain’t no harm in your old granny cutting up a little bit. You brush them teeth, say them prayers and read a little Bible verse, and get on in the bed. Its getting late.”

I nodded and went off to do my thing, and get in the bed. Later that night I was laying there thinking. Not bad thoughts at all, just good ones. How Jewel sounded. How Jewel was so nice and patient with Double Mamaw, and how hard she helped me work feeding the animals, cleaning the pens and the barns. How her hands held mine across the breakfast table. How she kissed me and didn’t want to let me go.

I know I am just a young man, getting ready for high school next year, but I sure felt grown this night. I don’t think I have ever felt this way in my life. Thinking how fun my family can be, and just how big hearted they all are. Sometimes I don’t feel like I even deserve all of this, but I always tell myself, “Yes you do Pete. Because God don’t make no junk, and He for sure must have some good ole plan for you, so you gotta be strong and act right.”

The last thing I remember before falling asleep was hearing Jewel laugh so sweet the last two days. I know one thing, I hope to God with all my heart that this never ends. Some kids may not have it good, and may have a lot more money than me. But tonight, I feel like the richest dude alive, and that’s a plain fact, Jack!.