“I have a feeling it’ll be easier than juggling cones on Main Street.”
“I have no idea what that means, but okay.” Brady grinned. “Anyway, we now have a house to live in, a couple of great jobs to pay the bills, and some really ugly drapes.” He pointed to the purple curtains—Alva’s favorite. “Pretty sure we can remedy that in a hurry. Want to go shopping?”
“Actually, we might not need as much stuff as you think. C’mon outside with me.” I pulled him through the living room, out the front door, and into the driveway, where I reopened the back of my vehicle. “Check this out.” I pulled out a gorgeous black and white comforter set in king-size. “Queenie and Pap-Paul got this for us. It was on our registry, remember?”
He ran his hand along the edge of the bag. “Oh, that’s right. Guess we can mark that one off the list.”
“Yep. And guess what else they got us?” I dug through the bag and came out with the package in question. “Curtains! Remember picking them out?”
“Barely. I have slept since then. But they’re going to be perfect for the master bedroom.”
“No drapes to replace the purple ones. Yet.” I gathered up an armload of stuff. “But that’s okay. I love to shop.”
“Yes, you do.” He loaded up his arms with goodies and looked my way. “It’s all going to be great, Katie. Every single minute. So promise me one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“Promise this will be the best week of your life. Put everything else out of your mind and just focus on the one thing that matters right now: us. I’m going to pray that God takes care of the details, including calming the waters in Fairfield. He loves us. He’s not going to let us down. Do you believe that?”
I nodded, feeling invigorated by his words. “I do.”
“Save your ‘I dos’ for Saturday evening.” He grabbed the comforter and headed for the house.
As I watched him from behind, I suddenly felt invincible. With Brady’s hand in mine, we were truly unstoppable. Suddenly I could hardly wait for Saturday night.
26
Where I Used to Have a Heart
As a child, I was taught that it was bad manners to bring attention to yourself, and to never, ever make a spectacle of yourself . . . All of which I’ve earned a living doing.
Audrey Hepburn
I spent every single minute of that week thinking about my wedding. Planning for it. Talking about it. Dreaming of it. By the time Thursday afternoon rolled around, I’d pretty much worn my co-workers out with all of my nervous chatter.
Brady came to pick me up from work at five, and we rallied the troops to give last-minute instructions. “You guys know what time to be in Fairfield tomorrow, right?” I asked. “Rehearsal’s at 6:00.”
“Yes.” Dahlia patted me on the shoulder. “Don’t fret, Katie. We’ll be at Jasper and Crystal’s place at 4:30, our dresses ready to go. I’ve even got a new hairdo for the occasion, not that you seemed to notice.” She primped a bit to show off the shorter locks. “We’ll see you tomorrow, right on time, I promise. And we’ll have the time of our lives celebrating with you.”
“Awesome. And you, Nadia?” I turned to face my mother-in-law-to-be. “Are you riding up with us?”
Brady looked at his mother. “You’re more than welcome to, Mom. Katie and I will be leaving early tomorrow morning. Probably 8:00 or 8:30. We want to have plenty of time to visit with the family before the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Can you meet us at the house or should we swing by and get you?”
The strangest expression crossed her face—sort of a mix between excitement and fear. “Actually . . .” Her nose wrinkled as she looked at Brady. “I thought I might ride up with a friend, if you don’t mind.”
“One of the girls?” I asked.
“No.” She shifted her gaze to one of the mannequins and fussed with the gown on it. “I, um . . .”
“Mom?” Brady faced her. “What aren’t you saying?”
She released her hold on the gown and looked his way. “I don’t want anyone to make too much of this. Please don’t.” She wiped her palms on her slacks. “But I’ve been talking to an old friend on Facebook.”
“Friend, as in male friend?” Brady looked worried.
“Yes.” She reached over and took Brady’s hand. “You’ve been so busy, I didn’t want to say anything yet. Besides, we don’t know that the relationship is really going anywhere. I mean, he drove up from Houston last week, and we went to a great French restaurant. He’s quite the charmer, but really—”
“Whoa. Wait.” Brady raked his hands through his hair. “Are you telling me you’re dating someone?”
“Not dating, really. We’re just getting to know one another again. It’s been so long. We’ve had a lot of catching up to do.”
“Someone from Houston?” His gaze narrowed. “An old friend?”
“Okay, okay.” She released a slow breath. “It started innocently. Bridget and I spent a lot of time working on ideas for her gown, and one thing led to another . . .”
“Mom.” Brady put his hands on his hips. “Are you telling me that you’re dating Bradley Pennington, Bridget’s father?”
“The man who wouldn’t let his daughter have her own way at the wedding?” Twiggy clamped a hand over her mouth.
“Oh my.” Hibiscus moved a bit closer, eyes wide. “This is getting good.”
“Who do you think talked him down off the ladder?” Nadia released a nervous laugh. “Bridget didn’t seem to be getting anywhere with him, so I, um . . . well, I made a call. He wasn’t hard to find, you know. I mean, the man heads up an oil and gas firm, one of the largest in the state.”
“And?” Brady’s stare would’ve been enough to melt an ice cream bar, but Nadia didn’t flinch.
“And the next thing you know, we’re friends on Facebook. And the rest, well . . .” Her words drifted off and she shrugged.
“Now he’s driving you to our wedding?”
“Only if you’re okay with me bringing a date.” She fanned herself with her hand. “Is it getting warm in here?”
“No!” we all answered in unison.
“Ah. Anyway, it turns out he has ties in Fairfield. Something to do with the oil and gas business. He goes up there all the time.”
“Only, he’s coming here first, to pick you up?” Brady asked. “Then it’s not really a business weekend for him.”
“Right. If you’re okay with it.”
An awkward silence rose up between mother and son. Madge broke it with a loud whoop. “Well now, isn’t this just the best news ever!”
A resounding cheer went up from all in attendance. Well, all but Jane, who looked a bit blue. Oh boy. I could hardly wait to see what kind of grieving this would stir up. Would she try to ruin my wedding?
Oh, wait . . . half the town of Fairfield was doing that already.
I did my best to put all of the potential problems out of my mind as Brady and I loaded my SUV with all of the things we’d need for the weekend. We left early in the morning Friday, and I realized, as we pulled out of the driveway of our home, that this would be the last time I’d see Dallas as a single gal. Next time we returned to this house, it would be together.
Forever.
A delicious chill ran down my spine as I thought about that. We had the sweetest conversation all the way to Fairfield, talking through the wedding plans, the honeymoon, and so much more. I was so grateful he never brought up the drama going on in my hometown. There would be plenty of time to deal with that later.
No, avoid that later. We wouldn’t deal with it. We would continue to pray that God would find a way to bring everyone back together—hopefully some way that didn’t involve a hurricane or tornado. Or flood.
“We’re headed to Queenie’s?” Brady asked as we pulled off the interstate.
“Nope. Not this time. The whole family is meeting at our old house. Jasper and Crystal want to show us the renovations. It makes sense, because I’ll need to unload my stuff
there. And Crystal brought my gown over from Queenie’s weeks ago, so it’s waiting on me there.”
“All right.” He pulled onto Main Street. We drove past Sam’s, beyond Dairy Queen, and through town. I sighed when I saw the orange cones still dividing the street, an ever-present reminder of my split-down-the-middle hometown.
“Don’t let it get to you.” Brady put his hand on my leg. “Stiff upper lip.”
“Okay.” I pinched my eyes shut to avoid the obvious . . . until we reached the corner where the courthouse came into view. “Look, Brady! Tomorrow night we’ll have our reception right there!”
“Can’t wait. It’s going to be perfect, Katie.”
He continued the drive to the house I’d grown up in. I couldn’t wait to see Crystal and Jasper again. They were an old married couple now, one with a house and a business to run. My, how things had changed.
As we pulled into the driveway, I looked at my childhood home and a rush of memories overtook me. That oak tree? The one with the broken limbs? I’d fallen out of it as a kid and broken my own limb—my arm. And that front door? Those stains? They came from the night my friends egged our house. Mama never quite forgave them for that. Or me either, as if I had anything to do with it.
“You ready, babe?” Brady asked.
I nodded and he walked around to my side of the car to open my door. What a gentleman. He led the way to the front door, where we were greeted by Crystal, who squealed the moment she met us. “You’re here! Let’s get this party started!”
Jasper joined her minutes later, which raised the question, “Who’s manning the hardware store?”
“We closed it for the day,” Crystal said. “Business is down now, anyway.” Her smile faded. “Anyway, today is all about you. Now c’mon in this house and let us show you around. Jasper’s done so much work on the place, you’ll hardly recognize it!”
“Hardly recognize it” was right. As we made our way from room to room, I was astounded by the changes.
“Wow.” I gestured to the kitchen cabinets, brand spanking new and as modern as any in the city. “This is amazing.”
“He’s amazin’.” Crystal slipped her arm around his waist and looked up at him with a shy smile. “That’s my man.”
Jasper’s face turned red. “I tried not to change the essence of the house,” he explained, “but Crystal had her own design ideas, especially in the kitchen. I think it turned out really well.”
“I’m just so shocked, Jasper. I mean, I know you’ve always been good with woodworking, but I had no idea you were capable of this.”
“She inspired me.”
“I love lookin’ through magazines for ideas.” Crystal giggled. “And come into the livin’ room, Katie. See what I’ve done.” She took off sprinting and I could barely keep up with her. “Look right there.” She pointed at a floral sofa. “I couldn’t resist when I saw this lovely sofa on sale at the resale shop. Isn’t it divine?”
Not exactly Mama’s taste, but what did that matter now?
“Oh, and check out your room, Katie,” she said. “We haven’t changed it one little bit. It’s just like you left it. One day it’ll be a nursery, but for now it’s all yours. We want you and your bridesmaids to feel at home.”
“Ooh!” I gave Crystal a hug. “Thank you! It’ll be so fun to spend the night in my old room.”
“I know you won’t all fit, but we’ve got the boys’ old rooms and air mattresses too. We’ll make it work.”
“The guys are staying at Queenie’s place?” Jasper asked. When Brady nodded he added, “That oughta be fun.”
“Oh my.” Crystal giggled. “Are y’all havin’ a bachelor party?”
“Nah.” Brady looked horrified by this notion. “Not the traditional kind, anyway. I think all the guys are going to hang out at Dairy Queen tonight, but other than that, they don’t have a lot planned. That’s not really my bag.”
Crystal gave me a knowing look. “Well, we’re going to have a lot of fun here with the girls, so I hope you’re ready.”
Less than an hour later, my parents pulled up in their fifth wheel. Mama came bounding into the house and threw her arms around my neck. “Katie Sue! I can’t wait to start celebrating!”
“Me either, Mama.” I led the way into the living room.
“We would’ve been here sooner, but we stopped by the hardware store.” Pop’s nose wrinkled. “Surprised to see it closed, but I guess I understand.”
“We peeked in through the windows and saw all the changes.” Mama gave a little sigh.
“It’s . . . different.” Pop shrugged and took a seat on Crystal’s new sofa without even noticing it. “Took a little getting used to, but I understand the logic behind the new layout, I suppose.”
“Change can be a good thing,” I said and then gestured around the living room. “So what do you think?”
“Yes, what do you think, Mama Fisher?” Crystal bit her lip. “Do you like what we’ve done with the house?” Before my mother could answer, Crystal took her by the arm. “Let me give you the grand tour.” She led the way from room to room, singing Jasper’s praises and carrying on about the décor.
Mama remained silent. I had a feeling this was a hard pill to swallow. When they landed back in the living room I glanced my mother’s way.
“So? What do you think?”
“Yes, be honest.” Crystal flashed a warm smile.
I couldn’t help but think my sister-in-law would regret my mother’s honesty, so I braced myself, preparing for an earful.
27
Sweet Dreams of You
Pick the day. Enjoy it—to the hilt. The day as it comes. People as they come.
Audrey Hepburn
I have to confess, the house doesn’t feel much like home anymore.” Mama’s face contorted and a little sigh wriggled out. “But it’s lovely. Absolutely lovely.”
“Oh, thank you, Mama Fisher!” Crystal threw her arms around my mother’s neck. “That means the world comin’ from you. We want you to still feel at home here.”
“Home.” My mother sighed again.
“What is it, Mama?” I asked.
“We . . .” She pointed to my dad and then back to herself. “We’re living in a different sort of home now.”
“One on wheels.” Pop squared his shoulders. “And we just keep rolling, wherever the Spirit leads us.”
“Apparently the Spirit likes to travel.” Mama leaned back against the sofa, her gaze traveling to the fabric.
“Oh, and speaking of the Spirit, did I tell you we went to one of those cowboy churches when we were in Arizona?” Pop’s eyes lit up as he told the story with great animation. “We really liked it.”
“Different from the Baptist church?” Brady asked.
“Well, it smells different, anyway.” Mama wrinkled her nose. “It’s filled with real cowboys who work with real cows and real horses. But I have to confess, we’ve met a lot of interesting folks.”
“Yep.” Pop nodded. “Met this fella named Bob at the cowboy church in Phoenix. Single guy, about my age. He took a likin’ to us, and us to him.”
Mama let out a humph.
“Widowed?” Brady asked.
“Nope. Divorced,” Pop said.
Mama rolled her eyes. “If you ask me, he’s just traveling around in his RV looking for a new wife.”
“What makes you say that?” I asked.
“For one thing, he asked me to marry him.” My mother quirked a brow. “I declined.”
Pop looked flabbergasted by this news. “This would have been helpful information. You should’ve told me. Here I treated the guy like a friend, and all the while he was proposing to my wife?”
Mama adjusted her position on the floral sofa, running her hand along the fabric. “He’s no friend. And just for the record, when his wife left him, he paid her back by taking a power saw to everything they owned and cutting it in half.”
I gasped. “No way.”
“Yep. It’s true. He
decimated a gorgeous cherrywood dining set. Sawed it straight down the middle. Took half of everything out of the house—literally—and left half for her.”
“That’s crazy.”
“Nearly as crazy as him proposing to me,” Mama said. “The problem with a fella like that—other than the obvious—is that he leaves you with half a heart.”
“Sounds painful.” Pop scooted closer to her on the sofa and put his hand on her knee. “Aren’t you glad you married me?”
“Well, of course. But speaking of everything being sawed in half, what’s up with the cones on Main Street? I didn’t notice any construction. I’m almost afraid to ask why they’re there. Has something else happened?”
“Don’t ask.” I shook my head. “Better if you don’t. Just know that we’re holding the reception on the southernmost courthouse lawn as a result of it.”
“So very strange.”
“We’ve decided to make the best of this,” Brady said. “Our goal this weekend is to get through every minute of it without dragging up any drama or even talking about it, if that’s okay. I hope you all understand.”
“Yes, please,” I said. “I always pictured all of my friends and family gathered around me on my wedding day, everyone laughing and smiling. I never once pictured town properties with lines drawn down the middle and people arguing at every turn. So I’d be thrilled if people would just close their eyes to it and focus on our big day. It’s going to be great.”
“Yes,” Mama said. “I promise not to speak a divisive word.” She ran her hands along the floral fabric once again. “Just one question, though.”
“Yes?” I asked.
“Is this Ophelia’s old sofa? I could’ve sworn I’ve sat on this rather loud pattern before.”
“Well, I . . .” Crystal stammered. “I had no idea. I just fell in love with it at the resale shop and bought it.”
“Thought it looked familiar. She got this big floral number in the eighties, right about the time the country-blue look came in. The crazy pattern always drove me a little nuts, but I guess some people like that sort of thing.”
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