“You already have,” he said.
She looked puzzled. “How?”
“By being here with me.” She’d helped ease the anxiety and sadness he felt about the place. And the memory they’d made today would be something he could revisit in his mind whenever he wished, which would further lessen the impact of his painful past.
After the carriage ride, on the way home, they picked up a holiday meal from the grocery store. When they got back to the Victorian, Zed made a fire and Tasha suggested they eat in front of the fireplace—an idea he liked. He found a large card table in one of the closets and added a festive tablecloth to it.
As they ate, an unusual sense of peace overtook him. Was this what healthy relationships felt like? The thought made him both curious and afraid.
His mother had told him stories of how his dad had wooed her before they were married. She’d left her home in Tennessee and everything she knew to move across the country to be with him. That was what had made the shock of his ultimate treatment and disregard hurt so much. She’d opened her heart and been vulnerable and she’d been discarded like a wrapper after a fast-food meal.
Zed had not only vowed to never be like his father, in the man’s cruel treatment of his family, but he’d also promised himself he wouldn’t be like his mother, who gave the power to define who she was to someone else.
While Tasha was sweet and an amazing lady, he couldn’t let her get to him. He’d learned, firsthand, the cost of vulnerability. And the price was too high.
Chapter Eight
The emotional high of Christmas was quickly overshadowed for Tasha when, three days after the holiday, she headed to church with her new husband for the first time. She’d not only have to face the congregation, but more important, Pastor Landry, too.
She wished they could have gone to Zed’s church instead. But they decided for their brief marriage to go to her church since she was on staff there and her absence would be harder to navigate.
As Zed pulled into the church lot and parked, Tasha asked if they could sit for a moment because she needed to gather her courage. She nervously tapped her Bible that rested in her lap. Outside, patches of damp winter brown grass peeked out from the places where Colorado sun had melted the snow.
“You all right?” Zed said.
She shook her head. “In theory, our plan to save your house sounded good. And it is, for the reasons we’re doing it. But I must confess, we did this all so fast, there are consequences I didn’t consider.”
Zed cocked his head. “Like what?”
“Well, for one, my church strongly urges counseling before marriage. It’s mandatory for people who wish to get married at the church. And here I am, the singles’ pastor and wedding planner, no less, who basically eloped, shotgun style—blowing that rule to smithereens.”
Compassion filled his eyes. His large right hand covered her left hand. “I’m sorry. I’m to blame for putting you in this situation.”
“No, you didn’t force me. I went along willingly.”
“Nevertheless, I didn’t mean to complicate your life.” He stared out at the winter scene in front of them. “Know this, Tasha. No matter the reasons why we did this, for these three months, in every way honorable, I’m your husband. I’ll stand with you, support you. And I’ve got you.”
She avoided his penetrating stare. Tasha didn’t want him to see how his words had impacted her. She’d never had a man in her life who so fiercely cared about her well-being.
Zed squeezed her hand. “Tasha, I got you,” he repeated in a softer, gentler tone.
She nodded. “Let’s go in.”
After opening his door, Zed climbed out and jaunted around to hers. The first time Zed had done this, her urge had been to open the door herself. I’m a strong, independent woman, not some helpless waif. But she’d suddenly remembered something she’d read in a book called God’s Daughters. It said, “God thought his daughters should be pampered and seen like the royalty they were in the Lord’s eyes.” Now she was so used to Zed’s gentlemanly gesture, she just waited for it.
When Zed opened her door, she accepted his outstretched hand. He steadied her and helped her avoid a menacing puddle next to the vehicle.
They followed the groups of people who streamed from the parking lot into the church. Tasha noticed a few curious stares as Zed walked beside her, and her heart sped up when she saw Pastor Landry standing at the door, greeting people.
Zed took her hand, as if sensing her anxiety. “We got this.”
As they reached the front door, the pastor’s eyes sparkled with warmth, which shifted to mild curiosity when he saw Zed.
“Tasha, good to see you. How was your Christmas holiday?”
Her breath hitched. “Eventful,” she said. Might as well dive in.
“Is that right?” the pastor said in a friendly tone that wasn’t overly inquisitive. A clue he had no idea how meaningful her one-word declaration was. Yet.
“Pastor Landry, this is Zed.”
Pastor Landry grinned wide and enthusiastically pumped Zed’s hand. “We’re glad to have you join us today.”
“Thank you,” Zed replied.
“We love us some Tasha here,” the pastor declared.
Zed turned to her. “I so get that,” he said.
The first flame of real curiosity flickered in the pastor’s eyes.
Her heart raced. She licked her lips. Best to just get it over with. “Pastor Landry, I’d like you to meet my husband.”
Pastor Landry’s pale cheeks rapidly flushed a deep red. His eyes danced between Zed and her.
She tried to smile, but the corners of her mouth felt like they had weights attached to them. “Surprise, I got married!” Hearing the unintended tremor in her voice, due to her nerves, she flashed her ring for proof.
Tasha knew Pastor Landry’s expressions well enough to discern the wheels rapidly churning in his brain. However, the pastor was an expert at keeping a calm exterior—a trick of his trade.
“Well, I guess congratulations are in order.” As he gave her a friendly side hug, she could feel a slight stiffness in his body. He shook Zed’s hand again, as if he didn’t know what else to do.
“Welcome to our family, Zed. Enjoy the service,” he said.
A line was developing behind her to greet the pastor, so she let Zed gently guide her into the church foyer. The sanctuary was still adorned in the bright decorations of Christmas. “See, that wasn’t so bad,” Zed declared.
Tasha wasn’t so sure, but she gave him a reassuring smile. She decided she’d enjoy the service rather than fretting.
When services started, Tasha sang the Christmas hymns enthusiastically. She marveled at the man standing next to her. She’d always been alone. It was hard to believe she had a partner—even if he was as temporary as a fake tattoo.
After church, the pastor kindly wished them well before they exited the sanctuary. When Tasha got in the car, relief washed over her. Maybe Zed was right that everything would be fine.
Zed fired up the engine. As he started to drive away, her phone pinged and she retrieved it from her purse. It was a text from Pastor Landry.
We need to talk. Set up a meeting with my assistant.
Tasha’s optimism whooshed out of her. The troubling text bothered her all the way home.
When they got to the house, her eyes went to the Christmas tree as soon as she stepped inside. It looked even more enchanting with daylight bathing the sparkling ornaments in light.
“Why can’t it be Christmas every day?” she asked as Zed helped her off with her coat.
“When you said that, I could suddenly see you as a small, expectant little girl standing with your mother in front of this house—all wistful and hopeful, with childlike faith in Christmas.”
“Yeah?” She’d tried to hide her mood change since
the text, but her optimism was waning.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” Zed asked.
Her eyes remained on the tree. She bit her lip to stop it from trembling. “I got a text from Pastor Landry. He wants to meet with me.”
“Is it about me?”
“I’m guessing so.” She rubbed her neck to remove a stubborn kink.
“I’ll go with you,” he replied.
She was surprised by the fierce protectiveness she heard in his voice. However, she shook her head in protest. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” She went to the kitchen and removed a plastic container of leftover turkey from the fridge. Opening it, she took a few slices and offered some to him.
“Thanks.” It amazed her how they seemed to already be syncing. She’d naturally thought of him when she got herself something to eat. He took a sliver of cold turkey she offered him.
“It’s not that I don’t appreciate your offer. I do. But I know the church’s terrain a little better than you. And I don’t want to tangle you up in my problems. I got this.” She hoped that was true.
* * *
When Tasha refused his help with her pastor, Zed saw the same determination on her face that had been there the first time they met and she’d declared marriage wasn’t the endgame for every woman. His heart stirred with admiration.
How he wished his mother had had such inner strength. Instead, she’d defined who she was and her worth by his father’s yardstick. When his dad chose his work over her and his home, it was as if she had no identity, as if she was invisible. How different would her life have been if she’d had belief in herself, independent of his dad’s definition of her?
He looked around his childhood home. With the combination of some of his furniture and Tasha’s belongings, the old Victorian had gained new life and warmth. Like a real home. But this wasn’t a real home. His definition of home, for himself, was his career. And he wouldn’t hurt someone as sweet as Tasha, or any other woman, by giving only a part of himself, as his dad had done. He’d seen how it had destroyed his mother and wouldn’t be able to forgive himself if he crushed Tasha’s independent spirit.
He headed upstairs to change out of his church clothes. When he returned downstairs, he heard a squealing teapot, which had obviously reached its peak boil. Tasha was staring out the kitchen window.
He removed the teapot from the fire. “What’s up?” he asked. “I think the teapot might have been heard squealing in the next county.”
“Sorry,” she replied. “When it rains, it pours. We’ve got a new wrinkle to iron out. I just got a text from the singles’ group. They want to meet with us. I’m sorry to have to put you through this,” Tasha said. “They want to have some sort of gathering for us before the New Year.”
“You’re helping me save my house. I owe you, big time. I’m happy to meet with them.”
And that was how a couple days later they found themselves, yet again, at Tasha’s church. Zed sensed Tasha’s apprehension. “Tash, it’s fine. While I’m not a fan of the spotlight, I’ll do it for you,” Zed said. “Actually, I’m surprised so many of them are around just after Christmas.”
“Normally, they wouldn’t be. But a bunch of them signed up to go on a mission trip to Mexico just after the New Year. They decided to celebrate Thanksgiving with their families and to stay here for the Christmas holiday, since it was so close to the mission trip date.
“Just so you know, we’ll be flying solo in there. It’s a Q and A, so they could ask anything. It could get unpredictable.”
“Kinda like this whole marriage thing?” he said.
Tasha laughed. “Yeah, you’re right. We’re becoming experts at uncharted waters, I guess. I just want to be as authentic as possible, without revealing our arrangement.”
As they neared the front door, a young woman burst through it. Her bright grin lit up her heart-shaped face.
“That’s Calista Gregory. She’s a member of the singles’ group and a mentee of mine. She’s a hopeless romantic.”
The girl rushed toward Tasha and hugged her. After they disengaged, she gave Zed a shy glance. “I couldn’t wait to meet you,” she said to him. She swiped her dark micro-braids out of her face. “I’m Calista Gregory.”
“Hi, Calista. I’m Zed. Tasha speaks very fondly of you.”
Calista’s light-skinned complexion flushed. “Me? Really?”
“Yes,” he replied.
“I’m flattered.” The girl’s phone pinged and she glanced at it. “Could you guys give us just a few more minutes?”
“Sure,” Tasha said.
“Okay. I’ve got to get back inside. I’ll text you when we’re ready.” Calista sprinted back to the front door and disappeared into the church.
While they waited, Tasha told him that Calista was one of her favorite singles. “In a lot of ways, she reminds me of myself when I was her age. She’s a hopeless romantic and she’s obsessed with marriage.”
Zed considered Tasha’s remark. What had happened to make Tasha do a one-eighty turn in her view of marriage? Had the holiday breakups shattered her heart until it was beyond repair? If that was the case, it made him sad. She was a sweet lady. If anybody understood a heart finally bruised beyond repair, he did. He’d seen his mother live it out.
“My prayer for Calista is that she’ll have a more balanced view of marriage,” Tasha said. “There’s nothing wrong with desiring it. However, I think she puts it on an unrealistic pedestal, like it’s the answer to everything, even over her relationship with the Lord.”
Tasha’s phone chimed and she looked at the screen. “They’re ready for us.”
When they went inside, Tasha led him to the church’s fellowship hall, which was packed. Pink and red crepe paper streamers, along with red, white and pink balloons covered the hall. A table was set up with red velvet cupcakes and a three-tiered white cake adorned with ruby-red rose blossoms.
Tasha shot him a concerned glance. He returned it with a silent look of assurance that everything would be fine.
Calista approached them. “Since you didn’t have a traditional wedding and reception, we thought we’d throw a little something-something for you.” The girl’s dark eyes eagerly watched them, as if looking for a happy response.
Apprehension tightened Zed’s chest. He took pride in being authentic. To navigate the meeting with Calista and others would be a wieldy ride, as he attempted to be honorable but not expose their fake relationship. This would be the real test; one he hoped they could pass.
* * *
Tasha’s eyes teared up at the singles’ group’s gesture. Which was perfect for the moment. She knew Calista would think she was touched. And she truly was. But it also made things harder for her, knowing her and Zed’s real arrangement.
“Awww, baby,” Zed said.
Tasha’s eyes connected with his. Something felt wrong about him putting on an act. However, she was shocked to find sincerity pouring from his eyes. He took out a handkerchief from his breast pocket and gently wiped her tears away.
Calista clutched her chest with both hands, as if she was overwhelmed by Zed’s gesture. “Tasha, see there, that’s just the kind of man I want.”
Just wait. He’ll be available in a few months. Her humorous thought felt bittersweet as she watched her temporary husband return his handkerchief to his pocket.
Calista led them to a podium with two chairs, also decorated with streamers and balloons, then spoke into the mic. “The lovebirds are here, y’all.”
Thunderous applause arose from the audience. Several “woo-hoos” rang out, as well as a few friendly catcalls. People started jumping up like popcorn, until they had a standing ovation, as well.
Zed grabbed her hand. His rapid heartbeat pulsed through his fingers, and she gently squeezed his hand in silent encouragement.
The audience’s celebration went on for
a few minutes before Calista gestured for them to sit. “Thanks, everybody. We’ve got a lot to cover tonight and even a few surprises for the newlyweds.” She turned and winked their way.
Tasha attempted to keep the contented smile on her face. Inside, nerves twisted her stomach at Calista’s announcement.
Calista picked up a stack of cue cards. “Let’s get started. We’d like to get through as many of your questions as possible. First question—your romance was a whirlwind, to say the least. What was it about each other that was different, that you just knew so quickly you were the ones for each other?”
Tasha rapidly tried to compose an answer in her mind.
“Let’s start with you, Zed. We all know why we love us some Miss Tasha. Do share why you do?”
There was uproarious applause again.
“What was it about her that just did it for you?” Calista continued.
Zed’s eyes bored into Tasha’s, like he was searching their depths for something. “Well, although it’s hard to put into words, I’ll try. Because you guys know and love her, I think you kind of get it. I mean, really, how can anyone that knows her not love her?”
There was more applause.
While Zed’s answer should have touched her heart, instead, an emotional dart penetrated it at his statement. Memories of the many guys she’d loved and given her heart to, who’d dumped her as easily as yesterday’s news, made Zed’s statement questionable. Everybody she’d known hadn’t felt that way, especially the ones she’d so desperately wanted to love her.
When the applause died down, silence blanketed the place. The group was eagerly waiting for Zed’s next words. Fidgeting with the mic, he glanced around. He looked her way, but she couldn’t read the emotions in his eyes.
“I guess the best way to say it is, when I met Tasha, it was like I came home.”
Her heart lurched. He was good. And he was truthful. He had come home—to his home.
He continued. “Home, in a sense of that place that’s your haven, your refuge, that contains the most precious things to you. Where you feel, no matter what, you’re protected and loved.”
Claiming His Christmas Inheritance Page 10