After much joking around and horseplay, Daddy walked me down the aisle, and then he and Mom stepped in for Tripp and me to practice the reciting of the vows. Amid laughter, Pastor Paul pronounced them husband and wife, and Daddy swooped her down into an exaggerated dip and laid a big kiss on her. He came up grinning, and with a deep blush staining her cheeks, Momma smacked him in the back of the head. As we traded places for the walk back down the aisle, Dad gave Tripp a wink and said, “That’s how you do it, Son.” Tripp and I laughed the whole walk back.
The rehearsal dinner was a casual buffet of barbeque with all the fixings. When planning the evening, our goal was to make it laid back and relaxing so that we would have plenty of time to unwind from the hectic pace we’d set earlier in the day. When everyone settled down at the tables to eat, Tripp and I snuck off to walk down by the pond, where we cuddled together on the grass and watched the sun move slowly behind the mountains. Both of us were close to exhaustion from graduation week festivities, wedding preparations, and packing for our honeymoon at the beach, and we were quite content to rest quietly while watching the moon pass over the water. We lay there with our arms wrapped around each other and our legs intertwined, and let the peaceful setting wash over us and soothe the stresses away. My face rested in its favorite spot in the crook of his neck, and I couldn’t resist the temptation to place a kiss there.
The time finally came to leave our quiet haven and head back to the inn. Tripp pulled me to my feet and as we walked back, we met Nana and Papa on the path.
“Kiss your sweet bride goodnight, dear, and know that the next time you see her, she’ll be walking towards you, ready to become your wife.” Nana’s quiet voice carried through the night.
Tripp pulled me close, and with his arms folded around me, he gently kissed my lips. “Goodnight, my sweet Wrynn. I love you and can’t wait to claim you as mine.” He then put my hand in Nana’s and she led me to my room where, surprisingly enough, I slept like a rock.
As the warm sun shone on my face, I stretched the kinks from heavy sleep away and opened my eyes to greet the glorious day. At last, the moment had arrived. Today, I would marry the man of my dreams, my soul mate. Tripp completed the part of me that was missing and in just a few short hours, I would share his name. Unspeakable joy bubbled up from deep inside.
As I threw the covers back, a quick knock sounded at the door. I opened my mouth to call out, but the door opened and my mom came in before I could speak a word. She stepped to the side and called back, “She’s awake. You can come on in.”
Dad and Liam followed her in, each carrying a tray of food, which they placed on the foot of the bed. With an exaggerated flourish, Liam said, “Your breakfast awaits.”
I remembered hearing tales about brides who were nervous and couldn’t eat, but after a moment of thought, I realized I was famished. Tripp and I hadn’t eaten but a few bites last night, and now, my stomach complained about it. I looked at the tray, but before I could decide what I wanted, Liam began filling a plate with a small bite of everything.
I sat down on the edge of the bed, thanking Liam and taking the plate that he offered me. As I looked at what he’d fixed for me, he sat down, put his arm around me, and drew my head to rest on his shoulder. “I’m so happy for you, Sis. You couldn’t ask for a better guy. Just so you know, though, I’m not going to miss you.”
I was glad I hadn’t put any food in my mouth because I snorted so hard that I’m sure it would have flown out my nose. “What do you mean you’re not going to miss me? I’ll still be living in the same house as you, at least until Tripp gets back from Basic Training.”
“Liam, shush up.” Momma smacked him on the back of his head. “Don’t listen to him, honey. He’s just running his mouth. Now, you need to eat. Everyone will be here within the hour to get ready, and you still have to shower.”
I nibbled on the fresh fruit and cheese, and Liam snatched the donut holes, stuffing them in his mouth with a grin. Mom and Dad quietly discussed how Mother Nature seemed to have smiled upon us today. I looked out the window and noticed the Inn staff setting up chairs, the string ensemble tuning their instruments, and there he was. My heart fluttered in my chest as I gazed at the dream that would soon become my reality. The very sight of him left me breathless.
As a deep, contented sigh escaped, I noticed that all eyes were on me. This was it, the moment I had waited for. Time slowed to a crawl, and as all the special memories played out before me, I saw how each one led me to this day. Content did not come close to describing the feelings that churned throughout my body, heart, and soul. Loved. Cherished. Respected. Protected. Blessed. And the one emotion that topped them all was an excitement that begged to be set free.
“Dad, Liam, out. It’s time to get this show on the road. Mom, call the girls. I’m tired of waiting.”
Liam headed for the door after squeezing me tight, but Dad came and sat beside me on the bed. “Baby girl, I have a couple of things to give you before I go. Your mom and I have been planning for this since the day you were born. When the doctor came and told me I had a son and a daughter, I knew the day would come when I would have to give you away.” Dad stopped for a moment, sentiment rendering him speechless. He reached into his shirt pocket and took out what appeared to be a piece of lace. Unfolding the lace, he placed a single penny and a silver bracelet on the bed.
Clearing his throat, he took my left hand in his. “This penny goes in the bottom of your boot. It’s the same one that was in your mother’s shoe when she walked down the aisle to marry me. This takes care of your something old, but since I expect you to pass it down to your daughter, it’s also your something borrowed.” Mom handed Daddy my left boot, and he dropped the penny inside.
“For your something new, we wanted you to have something that you could look at for years down the road and remember how much you mean to us. We are so blessed to have you as our daughter, and we know that your hus—” He paused, fighting tears to finish his sentence. “Your husband and children will be just as blessed.” He handed me the simple bangle, and I held it closer so that I could read the words that were delicately etched into the silver. ‘Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Prov. 31:28’.
“Daddy.” A broken whisper left me as I fell into my daddy’s arms, holding tight to the man who had spent my lifetime loving, protecting, and cherishing me. This bracelet was his way of telling me what his words couldn’t. He would always love me, but now, it was time for him step back and let another man take his place.
“Now, honey. Look what you did. You’ve made her cry. Now, give her the something blue and then scram. We’ve got things to do.” Mom wiped the tears from her eyes, and then gently pushed Dad’s shoulder. “Come on, honey. You can just give it to her, and I’ll tell her about it while we’re getting ready.”
Dad squeezed me tight one last time, placed the scrap of faded blue lace in my hand, and with one last look at me, he turned and walked out the door.
The second the door closed, I was on my feet and in my mother’s arms. We had a minute or two of quiet crying, each of us holding on tightly, and attempting to soothe the other. The door flew open once more and our peaceful moment vanished. The girls were here, and it was time to get down to business.
Soft strains from a violin washed over me as I stepped out onto the raised patio and looked over the heads of the family and friends who had gathered to share in my special day. My nerves made their first appearance, and my hands clutched the stems of the bouquet in a strangled hold. Tucked safely amidst the sunflowers, red tulips, and white daisies was the scrap of blue thistle lace that came from the veil my great grandmother had worn when she’d married in Scotland just before coming to America with her new husband. The big toe of my left foot rubbed back and forth across the penny that my dad had tucked into my boot.
The minister motioned to the quartet, and the music changed to Pachelbel’s “Canon in D.” Movement on the right caught
my eye, and as Daddy placed my hand on his arm, Tripp moved into place beside Pastor Paul. Our eyes met, and the smile on his face made my nerves vanish. In their place was an eagerness that had my father laughing. “Slow down, my little songbird. I promise that I will deliver you safely and quickly.”
What had appeared so solemn and serious at the rehearsal now seemed to be too much of a bother. My eyes were set on the prize, and I didn’t want to waste any more time getting to him. With laughter in my eyes and voice, I looked up at Dad and said, “Hurry, I need to be up there already.” There was precious little time left with Tripp, and I didn’t want to squander a second of it.
By now, we were halfway down the aisle, and I fought the impulse to lift my dress and run. When we finally reached the front row where Mom and Nana sat, I threw caution to the wind, handed my flowers to Dad, and in three quick steps, I was where I needed to be, wrapped tight in Tripp’s arms.
As laughter broke out among the crowd, Tripp scattered kisses all over my face. “Nice boots, babe,” he whispered, amusement coloring his voice. “I think the kiss is supposed to come later.”
“Sorry, but not really,” I whispered back. “I just couldn’t wait one more second. I love you so much.”
Finally, his lips settled on mine, and the world around us faded into the background. “Aww, babe. I love you, too. Let’s get this part over with so we can get on with the rest of our lives.”
Chapter Thirteen
Present
By the time the girls and I make it to the park, my family is already set up in our normal spot near the swing sets. Annie and Bekah immediately head for a gaggle of their friends, and Maggie gives a big yawn, plops down in Liam’s lap, and snuggles into his arms. By the looks of things, I’m not the only one who’s tired. The girls have spent the weekend at my parents’ house running them ragged, and I see tired faces all around.
As darkness approaches, Maggie drifts off to sleep and the other girls come and join us in watching the fireworks. Even though the show is actually two blocks away, we have always chosen this location so the loud noises don’t startle the girls. Tripp and I learned our lesson on that the year we brought a two-year-old Annie with us. The noises from the explosives scared her so badly that we only lasted about five minutes into the performance before leaving. After that experience, we made sure to search out a location where we could still see all the action, but remain far enough away that the noise wasn’t blasting in our ears.
When I notice that everyone is focusing on the colorful explosions in the sky, I slide closer to Mom and nudge her arm with my elbow, trying to gently get her attention. When she finally makes eye contact with me, I nod my head towards the bathroom, stand quietly to my feet, and then help Mom up so she can follow. As we make our way over, Mom whispers, “You were a little late this evening. Everything okay, sweetie?”
“Mom, when you saw Lara at the school on Friday, did you see the kids, too?”
“No, I didn’t see the children. I just saw her put a couple of backpacks in the trunk of her car before she got inside. I guess I shouldn’t assume that she has children. I suppose she could’ve been picking up kids for a friend?” She doesn’t sound so sure of her answer. “Oh no, I told Liam she has children, and they may not be hers. What have I done?”
“But if she’s just moved back here, what ‘friend’ could she possibly know well enough to be doing something like that?” As a mom, I know how protective I am of my girls and how choosy I am when it comes to the people that I let them spend time around. While I wouldn’t consider myself a helicopter mom that hovers constantly over them, I also know that if something happens to them, I won’t be able to live with myself if I had somehow put them in a dangerous or unsavory situation.
“Wrynn, honey, I have no idea. If she’s here to stay, it won’t be long before we find out. Either way, I’m not looking forward to Liam’s reaction when he runs into her for the first time. She’s hurt him enough.” Mom turns and starts back towards the family. “Now, let’s go watch the fireworks with our family.”
“Mom, one more sec. We were late this evening because I ran into Lara in the bank parking lot. She said she’d grabbed some groceries and needed to get home, but, Mom … she seemed very nervous to see me.” I look down at the ground, giving myself a second while I try to figure out just what all I should tell her. “And, well … when I saw two little heads in the back of her car, and then asked her about it. Well, she just kinda took off, ran away, like she’s hiding something. Mom, I don’t have a good feeling about this. Not good at all.” Why is my stomach in knots? This is my mom I’m talking to, for Heaven’s sake. I shouldn’t be nervous or stammering my words. “Okay, I’m just gonna spit it out, and you do with it what you want. The hair on those two small heads, it was my hair when I was younger. It was Liam’s hair when he was Annie’s age. I’ve seen the pictures, and Mom, that could’ve been Liam and me sitting in the backseat of that car.”
Thank goodness that there’s no wind tonight, because I swear the slightest breeze would be strong enough to take my momma down. She stands there, staring off into space, her body not moving an inch. Then, I notice her eyes shifting back and forth, and rolling up and down as if she’s chasing the thoughts around in her head. Just as I start to feel concerned, she turns to me. “My son is a father, and if I were a gambler, I’d bet he has absolutely no idea, whatsoever. This had to have happened when he was away at college. Now do you understand why your dad and I were so strict with you?” She stops for a moment to gather her thoughts. “Wrynn, his life is getting ready to change, and change big. Knowing your brother, he’s going to be so hurt that he’s missed all these years without knowing about them. But on the other hand, Lara wouldn’t have stayed gone without good reason. We will just have to trust those two to work this out between them. You may have to remind me not to interfere, though.” She looks over my shoulder as if deep in thought, and with a peaceful smile, says, “I can’t wait to see what his tomorrow brings.” With a quiet laugh, Mom loops her arm through mine, and giving me a quick tug, she guides me back over to where our family is sitting. The peace and contentment that flows from my mom has no choice but to spill over onto me.
Monday, Monday, oh, how I hate you! This morning starts with the usual rush to get the girls up, dressed and ready, and over to my parents’ house. I still feel a little guilty that they canceled their holiday plans to watch the girls for me, but Liam had gotten a fire call while we were enjoying the show. Since we all know how exhausted he is likely to be after fighting a late night fire, Mom didn’t want me to worry about leaving the munchkins with him. Dad assures me that he has no problem hanging out with his favorite girls, and knowing him, there will be ‘ice scream’ involved.
The Smokehouse is rocking during lunchtime as people hurry through their meals to get downtown for the parade. It’s almost time for my shift to end, and I dread fighting traffic to get over to Ruka’s for my evening shift. Part of me is really glad that I’m not going to be there for all the festivities because, for the last several days, I’ve felt a peace in my heart. It’s almost as if the old me has decided that it’s time to come back. I don’t know if that means that I’m ready to tackle the box that’s been sitting in my closet for three years, but at least I can actually think of it now without falling apart. I’ve shared some great laughs with my friends, and not heard one peep out of Mrs. Tidwell. I still get a little giddy when I remind myself that, Lord willing, I will NEVER have to call that woman Mother again.
Since today is Memorial Day, all the staff is dressed in red, white, and blue. When choosing my clothes this morning, I decided it would be fitting to wear my white wedding boots to honor my memories of Tripp. Any good country girl has several pairs of her favorite cowboy boots to wear, and I am no exception. When I had shopped with Mom and Nana for wedding shoes, none of those fancy heels, wedges, or slippers so much as caught my eye, but when we walked by the western store, the Tony Lama’s sitting in the disp
lay window were singing my name. To this day, every time I put them on, I hear Tripp say, “Nice boots, babe.” And he was right. The creamy white leather has a crackled finish, and western stitching climbs the shaft. Even with a two and a half inch heel, they are cushioned enough to wear all day at work, and they get more comfortable every time I wear them. Momma may still tease me about them, but they are so worth it.
Because thinking of my boots has inevitably carried my thoughts back to Tripp, I am not paying the least bit of attention to where I’m walking. I stare blindly at the floor as I head to clock out. The next thing I know, I’ve carelessly stepped one of those boots not so gently on someone’s foot. When I look up to apologize, my boss is standing in front of me, grin firmly in place. “Well, Wrynn, it looks like I won’t be needing you at Ruka’s this evening. Not that that’s a bad thing, mind you, seeing as how you seem a might bit distracted.”
“Aw, come on Charlie. You know that means I’ll have to go to the parade.” I hear the whine in my voice, but I just can’t help it. If I go to the parade and the mayor happens to see me, he will call me out in front of everyone to give a short speech about Tripp and his time in the Army. He does this to all the military families. There is nothing quite like being put on the spot in front of hundreds of people to make a girl feel self-conscious. “I’ve had a couple of really good days. All in a row, too. Don’t do this to me!”
Charlie’s grin softens, and compassion fills his eyes as he pulls me into a comforting hug. “Aww, hon. You’re breaking my heart, but we both know you don’t need the paycheck.” He steps back releasing me from his arms, but takes hold of one of my hands. “Debi’s car is broken down again, and she called to see if she could get more hours to help pay the repair bill. You’d think she drives a Bentley the way she goes on and on about that stupid thing. Personally, I think it’d be better off at the junkyard.”
Searching for Tomorrow (Tomorrows) Page 15