by Leah Atwood
She breathed a sigh of relief, grateful to have the uncomfortable part out of the way. “I want to marry before Christmas. If we’re going to do this, I’d like to have us celebrate Christmas as a family.”
His brows shot up. “That’s only five weeks away. Don’t most people take months to plan a wedding?”
“I don’t want anything fancy. My only two requests for the wedding are that my family is present and that we marry in a church, preferably mine.”
“Do you still attend Maryville Bible?”
“Yes.” She quieted, reflecting on her past spiritual battles. “I stopped attending for a while but regularly go now. They have a great children’s program, and lots of opportunities for involvement.”
“That’s great. I’ve visited Valley Church for the last two Sundays, and I enjoyed the time there, but it didn’t feel like home.”
“Maybe that isn’t a coincidence.” A shiver passed through her. Could something as small as that be an indicator this was the right decision? She shook her head, because it didn’t matter. She knew without a doubt that marrying Scott was right, or she wouldn’t have agreed. A decision like that was too big to make without uncertainty.
Scott peered at her. “Something wrong?”
“No, why?”
“You shook your head.”
“Sorry, just thinking about something.” She crossed her arms and rubbed her shoulders.
“Want a refill?” He pushed away from the table, taking his cup with him.
“Sure.” Grateful for a short reprieve from the conversation, she slid her cup across the table.
While he filled their cups, she surveyed the parts of the house she could see from her vantage point. She’d been too preoccupied during dinner—sorting out her emotions and adjusting to spending time with Scott—that she hadn’t taken notice of the house. From what she knew of the neighborhood, the house was part of a newer construction area built onto the rear of an older subdivision.
The house was around four-years-old, five at the most. Its previous owners had kept all the downstairs walls a neutral beige. She knew from their dinner conversation Scott hadn’t made any changes. Had he waited for her decision before settling into the home and making it his own? Or was the lack of personality due to him being a bachelor? No wall décor hung on the walls, and no knickknacks or home décor of any sort were placed around the house. The only item beyond furniture she noticed was a magnet on the refrigerator for the local pizza delivery company.
Scott caught her looking around. “I know it’s bare, but I’ve only been in the house a few weeks.” He set her cup down in front of her, sending tiny ripples through the coffee. “And I admit, I hoped you’d change your mind. Since you did, I’d like for you and Lacy to be a part of the decorating process. Make it our home.”
Our home. Two words that turned her world upside down and righted it at the same time. “There’s one small problem.”
Scott’s mouth turned down. “What?”
“My lease isn’t up until March, and I’m not allowed to sublet it.”
“How much is your rent?”
“Seven-fifty a month. I can cover it with my paychecks, but I hate wasting money.”
“It’s only a few months.” He drank a sip of coffee and shrugged. “Money’s a little tight from buying the house, but I still have a reserve.”
“I don’t expect you to cover the loss.” Years of independence wouldn’t let her accept financial help of that scope. She supposed eventually she’d have to join finances with his, but she wasn’t ready for that.
He opened his mouth, appearing about to argue, but stopped short of saying anything. His teeth grazed his bottom lip. “How about for now, we each take care of our own individual bills, but if it’s okay with you, I’ll cover the joint bills such as utilities and cable?”
She wanted to insist on paying half, but respected the compromise he made in anticipation of her reluctance. “We can do that. We should sit down soon and write out a budget too.”
“I was just thinking the same thing.”
Her pride lowered for one issue. “I would like to quit the restaurant job. However, if I do, I’ll need help to pay for Lacy’s Christmas present.”
“I’d really like to carry the costs of Christmas presents. Let me make up for the years missed.” He tapped his fingers on the table.
A laugh erupted. “Are you tapping out the beat to Jingle Bells?”
His fingers stilled. “I didn’t realize that’s what I was doing.”
“You didn’t have to stop.”
“Next time I’ll do Deck the Halls.” He winked and flashed an irresistible grin.
“I’ll hold you to it.” She pulled her phone from her pocket, surprised at the time. “I’ll concede presents to you, but it’s getting late. Can we meet tomorrow night and finish hammering out the details of how this will go?”
“I get off work at six on Mondays.”
“Come to my house afterward. I’ll take care of dinner this time.” Raising her cup, she allowed the sweet scent of hazelnut to steady her nerves. “Before I leave, we should set a date. That way I can call the church tomorrow and get the ball rolling.”
“You can pick the date. All my vacation time was used for the move so it would have to be a Friday night or weekend.” He grabbed his phone and thumbed through an app. “The second Saturday of the month is my designated weekend to work, so it can’t be then.”
“What about this coming Saturday?” The suggestion surprised her when it slipped from her lips.
“As in six days from now?”
She laughed, and even to her it sounded airy and breathless. “I think so.”
Scott joined her laughter. “Man, when you make a decision, you don’t waste time following it through.”
“The more I think about it, it sounds good. It’s the weekend after Thanksgiving, and I always spend it with Gran and my brothers, so I know they won’t have other plans.” She’d been disappointed to find out Archer would spend Thanksgiving Day with Madison’s family, but she accepted that marriage changed dynamics. She’d have Gran, her parents, and her other brother, Landon, and then everyone for the weekend. “Do you think your family can come?”
“I’ll call them tomorrow.”
“Are you doing anything for Thanksgiving?”
“Honestly? I hadn’t thought that far.” A distant expression clouded his eyes, one akin to loneliness.
“Why don’t you join my family? Archer won’t be there, but Landon will be and Gran. Even my parents.”
“Your parents?”
She nodded. “A lot has changed. I’ll tell you about it tomorrow.”
“Looking forward to it.”
Chapter Seven
“My family doesn’t know about the wedding yet.” Tanya dropped the bombshell on him as she sat in the front passenger seat of his car, watching Lacy run into Gran’s house.
“What do you mean ‘yet’?” His cheek twitched. “It’s in two days.”
“They know to be at the church, but I told them it’s for Lacy’s dress rehearsal for the Christmas program. That she’d be nervous and would appreciate their support.”
“I don’t want to start our marriage off on a lie.”
She slid around in her seat. “I know, but I froze.”
“You have to tell them the truth.”
“It’s not that simple.” She drew her lip between her teeth.
“Why not?” Propping his elbow on the car door, he locked gazes with her.
Her left nostril flared, a sure sign she had something to tell him he didn’t want to hear. “Landon’s not happy that you’re back.”
He leaned his head against the cold window and expelled a long breath. “I was afraid of that.”
“Gran’s happy. She goes back and forth between sighing about how romantic it is and reciting that God is good. Just by your presence today, she’s convinced we’ve reconciled.”
“That doesn’t surpr
ise me.” If he had Gran on his side, he’d won the war, if not the battle. “What about your parents?”
“They’ve been quiet. My relationship with them has a long way to go, and I think they’re afraid of saying anything to alienate me.” She glanced at the house then back at him. “Plus, I get the feeling they think they lost the right to any say in my life when they abandoned us.”
“And Archer?”
“He’s more understanding than Landon, but much of that is due to Madison.”
He groaned. “Great. Both of your brothers hate me.”
“They don’t hate you, but they’re my older brothers. They’re protective of me.” Her fierce stare dared him to say a word against them.
“I get that, but they need to see for themselves that I’ve changed.” He reached for her hand, tentatively holding it. To his pleasure, she didn’t move. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m here to stay as a father to Lacy and a husband to you.”
“I have full confidence that they’ll come around, but I didn’t want today ruined with arguments and snide comments.” Her eyes pleaded with him. “You remember how belligerent Landon can be when he’s mad. It’s our first Thanksgiving with my parents that I can remember. I want it to be special.”
He couldn’t find it in him to press the matter further. “Fine, but for the record, I think it’s a terrible idea. Tricking them into the church will only make matters worse.”
“No, it won’t. You’ll see.”
“Famous last words.” He ran his fingers through his hair before getting out of the car. Today was going to be a long day.
“Thank you,” Tanya said when he opened her door, then whispered in his ear, “just breathe.”
Easy for you to say. He kept quiet, not letting the words fall out of his mouth.
Tanya walked directly into the house without knocking, beckoning for him to follow. “We’re here.”
Gran walked into the foyer, covering Tanya’s cheeks with her hands. “Happy Thanksgiving, my dear.”
“You too.” Tanya pulled him forward. “You remember Scott.”
“Of course. It’s wonderful to see you.” Gran embraced him. “I’m so glad you could join us today.”
He hugged her back. “Thank you for having me.”
Her enthusiastic welcome settled a few of his frayed nerves. He’d expected friction, but finding out that Tanya hadn’t told her family about the wedding changed everything. He’d rather get it out in the open and have it dealt with now, rather than on Saturday. However, Tanya knew her family dynamics better than he did, and he had to believe she knew best. Even if lying rarely proved to be the best option.
“Come sit with me in the family room.” Gran motioned down the hallway. “Your dad and mom are cooking dinner, and won’t let me lift a finger.”
“You’re supposed to be resting and recovering, Gran.” Tanya shook a finger, but her smile belied the admonishment.
Scott performed a brief, silent appraisal of Gran. Tanya had filled him in on her health scare last spring. Doctors had prepared the family for the worst, but Gran had rallied, gaining enough strength for heart surgery. In his opinion, Gran looked great for all she’d been through this year. Her coloring was paler than he remembered, but her skin wasn’t translucent as Tanya said it had been. When he’d left Maryville, her hair had been gray, but now crowned her head in snow-white tendrils. He’d always liked Gran and seeing her in better health than he expected made him happy.
Lacy bounded into the family room. “Can I go outside and play? I want to make a leaf pile.”
“You can go outside and make the pile, but don’t jump in it until after dinner.” Tanya tweaked her cheek. “Nobody wants leaf crumbs falling out of your hair into their meal.”
Childish laughter filled the room. “You’re funny, Mommy.”
“I mean it, Lacy.” Tanya trained her line of vision on her. “If I catch you rolling around in them, I won’t take you Christmas shopping tomorrow.”
Lacy sighed. “But I can after dinner, right?”
“Yes.” Tanya’s mouth relaxed into a smile. “I might even join you.”
“You too, Daddy?”
He held his hand to his waist. “Only if you make the pile this tall.”
Her eyes widened. “That’s almost as tall as me.”
Grinning, he put a hand on her shoulder. “I bet you can do it.”
“I will. You’ll see.” Lacy ran to the back door and swung the French doors open, then ran into the yard.
Tanya closed the doors behind her. “One day I’ll get it through her head not to leave the doors open.”
Gran lowered her body into a recliner. “She’s a young girl, excited for the holidays. I remember you doing the same thing.”
“I remember too.” Scott tossed a grin Tanya’s way. “My mom would get irritated because you’d let the screen door slam shut behind you.”
“Is this ‘pick on Tanya day’ or something?” She scrunched her nose and made a face. “I’ll be right back. I want to say hi to mom and dad.”
Scott started to follow her, but Gran stopped him. “Have a seat and chat with me.”
He sat down on the loveseat positioned catty-corner to her recliner. “Tanya told me about the heart problems. I’m glad to see you’re doing well.”
“It wasn’t my time yet.” She rocked forward on the recliner. “What time is it for you?”
“What do you mean?”
“When Tanya told me you returned to Maryville, I admit, I was surprised.” Gran’s fern green eyes pinned him. “Frankly, I was even more surprised she asked you here today.”
Her unwavering gaze unnerved him. “I’ve made my apologies to Tanya and Lacy. They aren’t enough, but I’m not the same person who left them behind.”
“What are your intentions toward my granddaughter and great-grandaughter?”
He coughed and cleared his throat. How much did she know? Was this a test? He couldn’t lie to Gran. She’d see right through any attempt at a lie—she’d always had that uncanny ability. But what about Tanya? She didn’t want to tell anyone until the day of their wedding. Heat crept up his neck.
“Tanya and I have come to a mutual decision that co-parenting will be our best option for Lacy.” There, I didn’t lie but didn’t break Tanya’s confidence.
“Co-parenting? What does that even mean? Is that some new-fangled way of saying getting married, or living together in sin?” Gran’s forehead crinkled in confusion. “Pardon this old lady’s ignorance.”
Perfect. Just perfect. He’d backed himself into a corner, and there was no honest way out. “Can you keep a secret?”
Gran erupted in a hearty laugh. “Boy, these walls have witnessed more whispers than anyone will ever know.”
“Tanya doesn’t want anyone to know until Saturday, but we’re getting married.”
It was Gran’s turn to cough. “Did you say you’re getting married?”
“Yes.” He wanted to elaborate and give her the full explanation—Gran had that effect on people—but it wasn’t his place. If Tanya wanted to share the details of their arrangements, then she could.
“Let me guess.” Gran put a finger to her chin. “Lacy doesn’t have a dress rehearsal, and the wedding is planned for Saturday.”
Fighting against squirming in his seat, he nodded. “She has valid reasons for the deception. This is her first Thanksgiving with her parents that she can remember, and she doesn’t want that ruined by her brothers.”
Gran bobbed her head slowly. “I see.”
“I’ll do right by her, I promise.” The need to defend their marriage welled strong within him. “I’ll do everything I can to make her happy.”
“Do you love her?”
He gulped down the appropriate response of yes. “I loved her once, and I love Lacy. We’re dedicated to a happy, successful marriage.”
A light shone in Gran’s eyes, surprising Scott. She leaned forward and clasped his arm. “Don’t be too quick to r
ule out the unexpected doors that God opens.”
Was she telling him to be open to the possibility of love? It sure sounded like it, and his heart danced. Tanya had indicated something similar. Love between him and Tanya had been a realm in which he hadn’t believed. He’d been positive he’d killed any chance of it by leaving her alone with a baby to raise. For now, he was ecstatic she’d agreed to marry him, and that he’d have Lacy in his life every day.
That was more than he’d dared to ask for, yet he’d acted in faith. God had opened that seemingly impossible door. What else would He do?
Before the conversation could continue, the doorbell rang. Though it wasn’t his house, he jumped to his feet when he saw Gran position herself to stand. “Don’t get up. I’ll answer it.”
“Thank you.”
He walked slowly to the door, bracing himself for a run-in with Landon. As far as he knew, he was the only person they were expecting who hadn’t yet arrived. Laughter drifted from the kitchen, and it dawned on him he hadn’t met Tanya’s parents yet. After he answered the door, he’d go in and introduce himself.
The doorbell rang a second time before he could get there. When he opened the door, Archer and a redhead—Madison, he assumed—stood on the other side.
Archer scowled the moment their eyes met. “So you really are back.”
Madison elbowed him in the ribs.
“Happy Thanksgiving.” Scott attempted to keep the contempt from his tone, reminding himself that Archer’s attitude didn’t necessitate one in return.
“You must be Scott.” Madison struck out a hand. “I’m Madison, Archer’s wife.”
He shook her hand. “A pleasure to meet you. Tanya speaks highly of your friendship.”
“Where is my sister?” Archer asked gruffly, his lips flattened.
“With your parents.”
“Excuse me.” Archer pushed through and stalked to the kitchen.
“I’m sorry.” Madison offered a sympathetic smile. “Had I known he would act like this, I wouldn’t have suggested rearranging Thanksgiving with my parents so we could be here.”
“If roles were reversed, I’m sure I’d act the same way. I haven’t exactly given him reason to like me.”