This was a disaster.
“Don’t worry.” Sophia tilted her head and smiled. “There are bound to be things that go wrong today. But remember—in the end, I’ll be William’s wife, and that’s all I care about.”
Dad had tried to soothe Joy too, telling her that Mom’s escape and fall were almost inevitable at some point. That was one of his arguments for moving to the assisted living facility—so the likelihood of future occurrences would be lessened. But Joy had shut that down, reminding him Mom had always valued family and home and that staying together had to be a top priority.
Oliver’s words from their conversation on Christmas Eve floated back to her. “I started to see myself as some kind of savior. . . . I thought it was solely on my shoulders to save my employees from ruin the way I’d been ruined years before that. But it wasn’t. Because I forgot to factor in God.”
Was Joy doing the same, inserting herself into a role she wasn’t meant to play?
But employer and daughter were different things. A daughter was forever. And yes, she needed God’s help in caring for her mom, but she also recognized that God wasn’t going to just provide another way. Joy was the way he was providing.
“Joy? It’ll be fine, okay?”
She forced a smile at Sophia’s words. “Okay.”
But she knew that wasn’t true. Not one bit. And as soon as she had a chance, she’d do what she could to right the wrong she’d committed against her friend.
If she timed it just right, she’d be able to get to Sophia’s and back before her friend departed for the honeymoon.
Joy swiped the mascara sure to be dripping from her eyes and headed toward the ballroom’s exit. She’d just delivered the sappiest of all maid of honor reception speeches, leaving both her and Sophia in tears. Now the dancing was in full swing as the bride and groom made their way around the room to greet guests.
Stopping a moment, Joy turned and peeked back at her best friend. Sophia was radiant standing next to William, who looked dashing in a peak-lapel tuxedo and simple black silk bowtie. The way he only had eyes for his bride, whose laugh fluttered through the manor’s ballroom as she clutched a flute of non-alcoholic cider and talked with abandon—well, Joy’s heart nearly burst at the sight.
But then her attention caught on the hand holding Sophia’s drink. Instead of a gorgeous princess-cut diamond that should have reflected the holiday lights strung from the ceiling, her ring finger featured a red twisty tie from a bag of bread Ginny had managed to locate in the kitchen just minutes before the ceremony.
The audience had laughed along with the bride and groom as they’d twisted them onto each other’s fingers, joking about never taking them off. But the entire time, Joy’s gut had roiled, her face flaming. It had been difficult to push aside her guilt and enjoy the sacred ceremony, even her two favorite parts—when Sophia had cried as she’d walked down the aisle toward the man she loved, and when William pledged to love and care for Sophia.
And if that hadn’t been enough to make Joy sick to her stomach, she’d spent the entire wedding thus far avoiding Oliver—first his gaze, which had tried to catch hers more than once throughout the ceremony, and then his presence during the reception, when he’d attempted to talk with her. Fortunately, as maid of honor she had several duties to perform, so she had plenty of excuses for not having time to chat.
Focus, Joy.
Right. She left the noise of the hundred or so guests and classic love songs like “My Girl” behind and entered a hallway that eventually led to steps converging with another set of stairs to form the grand staircase.
Amid the goings-on, she’d formulated a plan—slip out after speeches, borrow Ginny’s car, get the rings from Sophia’s house, and return before the newlyweds left. She’d miss the cake cutting, but she hoped Sophia would be too busy to notice her absence.
From the bottom of the stairs, a man approached. Oliver. Seeing him again—especially in his tux, ice-blue vest, and matching straight tie, his hair and beard trim and neat, his eyes sparkling with concern—nearly collapsed her lungs. He stopped just shy of her, putting them momentarily at about the same height.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t have time to talk. I’ve got to go.” She picked up the hem of her gown and continued past him down the steps. “I have to get those rings to Sophia and William before they leave for their honeymoon.”
Oliver caught up to Joy and matched her pace. They reached the foyer, where tall tapestries decorated the walls and sconces lit the cavernous space filled with columns and grandeur. “They’re staying at a B&B tonight then flying out to Italy early in the morning. They won’t have a chance to swing by home on their way to the airport.”
“But—”
“Ginny said I could borrow her car. I know I don’t have any driving experience here, but it’s mostly a small road and not too far. Daylight is almost gone, but I’ve driven at night plenty of times, so I’ll be good.”
“Joy.”
She zipped her parka over the blue dress, preparing to face the cold. “I’m sorry, Oliver, I have to go.”
But his hand on her arm halted her midstride. “If you’d just listen for a moment, there’s something I need to tell you.”
“Sophia has to have those rings. They can’t go off on their honeymoon without them. It wouldn’t be right.” Turning, she finally allowed herself to peek up at him. Mistake. His warm gaze nearly drove her into his arms. How she wished she could hide there. But she was a grown woman who needed to buck up and handle her own problems. She’d made a mistake. And she’d set it right. “She deserves perfect. I already screwed that up for her wedding, but I can at least make sure her honeymoon starts off on the right foot. She needs those rings.”
“I agree.”
Joy tugged out of his grasp. “Then why are you trying to stop me?”
A smile slid easily across Oliver’s lips. “If you’d let me get a word in, you’d know.”
“Sorry.” She blew out a breath and crossed her arms over her chest. “What are you trying to say?”
He stuffed his hand into his pants pocket. “I have the rings.”
“What?”
He produced the two circular objects, and Joy nearly yelled in exultation.
“My parents arrived in Port Willis this morning, so when I heard the rings had been left behind, I called them. My dad drove them down as soon as he could. I was just coming from the parking lot to give them to you.” Holding the rings out to her, he waited until she opened her palm. Then he dropped them in.
The metal felt cool as her fingers curled around them. She’d better stick them in the pocket of her jacket for safekeeping. “But how did he get into Sophia’s house? How did he know where they were?”
“My aunt has a key for emergencies. I asked William, and he asked Sophia where she thought they may be. He was only there a handful of minutes before locating them.”
“I don’t know what to say.” Though her mind was spinning, her mouth couldn’t keep up. “I guess we should head back up.”
Oliver followed along as she made her way to the ballroom.
But just before re-entering the wedding, she turned. “Thank you.”
“Of course. I care about William and Sophia too. And you.” For a few moments, Oliver just stared at her. “I knew you’d try to sneak away. And that Sophia cares more about having you here than having her ring.”
Even after less than two weeks, he knew her well.
He continued. “You know that, right? People don’t want you around simply because you do nice things for them or help them out. It’s because you’re you. You light up every room you’re in. You live up to your name more than anyone I’ve ever known.”
She sucked in a quick breath. How was she supposed to leave him standing here, pretending indifference?
From inside the ballroom, “Unchained Melody” began to play. One of her favorites. So soulful, so full of longing. It fit her mood perfectly right about now. “Dance with m
e?”
Without breaking eye contact, he took her hand and led her inside. Then, after helping her out of her parka, his gentle tug brought her with him to the dance floor. Taking her right hand in his left, and placing his other around her waist, he pulled her close.
She leaned into him, the wool of his tuxedo jacket surprisingly soft against her cheek. They fit so well together—and not just in the way their bodies moved fluidly around the dance floor, but also in the way he’d come to her rescue without her even asking him to. The way he’d anticipated her moves and decided to act in aiding her.
Simply put, he’d become her hero when she hadn’t even been looking for one.
And that was the best kind.
“Joy?”
“Hmm?”
“I didn’t get a chance to tell you how smashing you look tonight. Simply gorgeous, love.”
Do not look up, do not look up, do not look up.
If she did, she’d be a goner.
Not that she wasn’t already. But the fragile seam holding her heart together would finally break completely if she let him kiss her again.
“Thank you,” she mumbled. Joy forced her eyes to roam the room, at the other couples swirling around them.
There were Mary and her husband, Blake, dancing comfortably and talking.
And Ginny and Steven, heads together, smiling.
Nearby, William twirled Sophia and dipped her then leaned in for a kiss.
Pop. There went a stitch. Joy tightened her hold on Oliver’s hand and he did likewise. She closed her eyes and allowed herself this moment.
Pop. Another.
The song ended more quickly than she’d hoped, and the DJ replaced it with something upbeat. Despite the change in pace, Oliver kept rocking Joy back and forth for a few moments longer. He must know what she did—this was their last chance to be together.
Her heart hung on by a thread.
Groaning, Joy pushed herself from his arms. “That was great. Thank you.”
“Joy—”
“I . . . can’t.” Holding in a sob, she maneuvered around guests and raced to her jacket. She had to return the rings before she completely lost her mind and focus.
But as she felt in her jacket pocket for the rings, her phone vibrated against her hand. Tugging it from the inner pocket, she studied the screen. She’d missed a call from Dad. And he’d left a voicemail.
It was probably nothing. But why, then, did she have this sinking in the pit of her stomach? Cold dread wrapped itself around her heart, jerking at the last stitch holding Joy together.
With her jacket flung over one arm and her phone clutched in hand, she hurried from the room to the relative quiet of the hallway and pressed the button to listen to her voicemail.
Dad’s voice filled the line. “Hi sweetie. I don’t want to worry you, but your mom has developed pneumonia. They’re going to keep monitoring her here and move her to the hospital if she gets any worse. I’ll keep you informed about what’s going on when I know more. Love you. I hope the wedding is going well.”
Pneumonia? People died of pneumonia, especially the elderly. Especially those with weakened immune systems or those in hospitals.
She dialed Dad’s number, but the call went to voicemail. “Dad, it’s me. Call me when you get a chance. I have a few questions about Mom.”
What now? She wasn’t supposed to leave town until Monday, but she couldn’t wait around while Mom suffered. Who knew the severity of her condition?
The rehab center. They’d know how Mom was really doing. Joy dialed and the front desk connected her to Mom’s nurse, Linda. Joy’s voice shook as she asked the question she feared speaking aloud. “Linda, hi, it’s Joy Beckman. How is she?”
“Tolerating treatment at the moment. Sleeping when she’s not coughing.”
“She’s stable, then?”
“Yes, but you know how quickly someone can turn.”
“Okay, thanks, Linda.”
“I’m sorry I can’t give you a more definitive answer.”
“It’s all right. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
As she ended the call, Joy shoved the phone back into her jacket and snagged the rings from the other pocket. Then she hauled herself through the ballroom doors again and scanned the room, spotting Sophia talking to her mom and Ginny.
Her heels clicked on the wood floors as she crossed as fast as her short legs would carry her. Upon her approach, Sophia’s smile flattened. “What’s wrong, Joy?”
“My mom. Pneumonia. Too early to tell what’s going on. But . . .”
“You need to go.”
Joy’s chest heaved from the exertion of almost running in three-inch heels. And there was the emotional exercise too, what with her insides flipping all over themselves. “I don’t want to abandon you.”
“You’re not.” Sophia drew Joy into an embrace. “I love you. You’re the best friend a girl could ask for. I’m so glad you were able to share this day with me.”
“Me too.”
Sophia released Joy. “Now go.”
“I can drive you if you need me to,” Ginny said. “Unless you’d rather have Oliver do it. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.”
“No.” That would just be . . . too much. “I’d appreciate that, though I’d hate to pull you away from here.”
“The most important thing is you getting back to your mom.” Sophia placed a hand on Joy’s arm and squeezed.
“Thanks, friend. Oh! I almost forgot.” She opened her palm and held out the rings.
Sophia let out a joyous gasp. “Where did you get those?”
“Oliver.”
Her friend’s brows knit together. “Are you sure—”
“Yes. I’m sure.” After so many years of friendship, she knew what Sophia was thinking. “Mom needs me. And I have to let him go.”
Pop. The last stitch burst. Joy hurried from the room before she could ruin Sophia’s happy wedding with her sobs.
Chapter 14
She couldn’t remember ever feeling so exhausted or emotionally spent.
Joy stood outside her mom’s room at the skilled nursing facility, fingers trembling as her hand hovered over the door handle. Why couldn’t she make herself go inside? Maybe because she didn’t know what she’d find. That Mom was still here and not in the hospital should be a good sign. But what if the facility hadn’t been taking good care of her while Joy had been gone? Was Dad enough of an advocate? This place had the best reviews of any of the skilled nursing facilities in the area, but . . .
Just go in, Joy.
Inhaling as deeply as she could manage, she pushed open the door. The room was on the dark side, the evening sun barely peeking through the window. As Joy approached the bed, her legs wobbled from exhaustion. Thank goodness she’d taken the time to change into comfy clothes and flat shoes at Sophia’s house before taking off for the airport last night. Of course, she probably smelled like airplane and no doubt her expertly applied wedding makeup had worn off. Plus, her leftover curls were probably as flat as a savanna by now.
But Joy hadn’t been able to reach her father at all since he’d left that voicemail, so she’d come straight here from the airport.
As her eyes adjusted to the dimness, she could make out her mother lying in bed, eyes closed. A cough erupted from her lips, and she fidgeted, moaning.
“Mom.” Joy rushed forward.
“JoJo?” Her dad spoke from the chair next to the bed. He reached beneath his glasses to rub his eyes. “What are you doing here? I thought you weren’t supposed to be home yet.”
“I got your message and hurried back.”
A frown marred his normally jolly face. “You didn’t have to do that. I only meant to keep you informed. Your mother—”
“Needed me.”
Her dad studied her, frowning. “Let’s go into the hallway so we don’t disturb her.”
With a glance back at Mom, Joy followed Dad out of the room. Her tired eyes ached against the glare of the
bright fluorescent lights. She and Dad made their way into the unoccupied waiting room at the end of the hall. A TV hanging on the wall crackled with the evening news. On a side table in the corner rested a Charlie Brown Christmas tree decorated half-heartedly with a few tiny red bulbs.
“She’s fine, JoJo. The antibiotics are working and she’s responding.”
“That’s good to hear.” Joy’s muscles protested as she plopped into a not-so-comfortable seat. “I know how bad pneumonia can be, and when I couldn’t get ahold of you, I came as quickly as I could.”
Dad sat next to her. “Did you miss the wedding?”
“Only the last few hours of the reception. Sophia understood.”
But did Oliver?
She couldn’t think about that now, about how she’d left without saying goodbye. Was it duty or fear that had led her to do such a thing?
Maybe a bit of both.
Joy hurried on. “But I’m back now and things are going to be different than before. You guys have my full focus again. During the plane ride, I started researching how we may be able to get a little more help with Mom at home. That would give us both a bit of a break from caregiving on a regular basis, which would allow us—”
“I’ve decided to move.”
A distinct buzzing filled Joy’s ears, and it had nothing to do with the television meteorologist reciting the weather report for the following day—sunny with a high of seventy-four.
She must not have heard him right. “Come again?”
His features softened and he leaned his head back against the white wall. “The Glenn River facility. I showed you the pamphlet, remember? They have an immediate opening, and I’ve decided to take it for your mother and me. We can live together in the same apartment. It’s often difficult to find a situation like this, especially one as affordable as Glenn River.”
He couldn’t be serious. “But Dad, you don’t have to spend the money. You have me.” Joy gripped the wooden armrests until her fingers pulsed and pressed white.
Dad placed his hand over hers.
Like a Winter Snow Page 10