“Strong Lodge is a very special place to the town of Burly Creek. Not only has it been here for nearly a century, but one of its most beloved citizens, Patty Simkins-Strong, lovingly bought it, and poured every ounce of her heart and soul into it.” A wave of nerves washes over me when I realize nearly a hundred attentive eyes are settled on me. When I meet Salem’s, he gives me an encouraging nod and that fearalmostmelts away.
“After her death, her son, Salem, followed in his mother’s footsteps and took over Strong Lodge in her honor.” An impromptu round of applause erupts in the crowd. A few of his brothers hoot and holler his name, causing my gorgeous, confident husband’s cheeks to turn a special shade of red. “And I’ve had the honor and privilege of working hand in hand with him, not only to breathe new life into this place but to keep the original vision Patty had when she bought this place.”
Blood, sweat and tears were poured into the rehab of Strong Lodge. Every decision took an emotional toll on my husband, but together we pulled through. The lobby is lined with pictures of the Strong family. Candid shots of Salem and his mother making cookies in the kitchen, or throwing stones in the creek out back. We framed original pieces of fabric in the study, and created an entire mini-history museum dedicated to Strong Lodge’s legacy. It has been the most rewarding professional experience of my life, even though the jobs here in Burly Creek keep rolling in—for that I’m eternally grateful.
“And so today, I’m pleased to announce that Strong Lodge has officially been deemed a historical landmark by the Burly Creek Historical Society.” I look to Josie, and she nods as if to say, “yes, now.”
My fingers grip the white sheet. When I pull it down, revealing the custom bust of Salem’s mother, Patty, everyone cheers. When I meet Salem’s eyes, they are red-rimmed. The way he’s biting his lip, I know he’s trying not to cry. That’s okay, I’m crying enough for both of us. In fact, there’s not a dry eye in the house.
The band starts setting up and I make my way back to my husband. He wraps me in a hug and whispers, “You’re absolutely dazzling, Mrs. Strong.” When he kisses me, it’s soft and deep, and I don’t care who’s watching.
Strong is the most appropriate name I can think of for my husband. Not only in sheer size, but in emotional character as well. Thank God I marched back into his office and demanded he give me a chance. I can’t imagine what my life would be like without him. Without all of this. I’m proud to call myself Strong.