A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Your Wedding

by Cindy K. Green

  “No, we ate already, Mom,” said Alice.

  “Well, I’ll have some tea made.”

  “Tea sounds wonderful, Mrs. Steele,” said Kari.

  Mrs. Steele smiled, “Call me Amanda, dear.”

  “Thank you, Amanda.”

  “Goodnight children.”

  After their mother left the room, Randy returned to his spot on the couch. Alice leaned her head on his knee and yawned. “I’m so tired. I think I’ll head up to bed too. No tea for me tonight. I can’t wait to see Dad tomorrow.”

  Randy ruffled his sister’s hair, “I’m sure he can’t wait to see you either, Small Fry.”

  “Hey, don’t start the Small Fry stuff.” She got to her feet and smiled at them both. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow.” She yawned again and walked to the circular stairway that led to the second floor.

  It was Kari’s turn to yawn now. She tried to hide it, but Randy saw her. “You’re tired.”

  “I am. I should probably go to bed too.”

  She stood to follow Alice, but Randy grabbed her hand. She turned to face him, goose bumps forming on her arms.

  “Don’t forget about your tea.” His voice was low and his eyes were dark and brooding. He’d never acted so strangely before.

  “I almost forgot about the tea. I guess I could wait and have a cup.” She sat back down on the couch.

  “I can have it sent up to your room if you like.”

  Kari smiled and sat back into the couch. “I have to say this is quite some set up you have here, Randolph P. Steele. Now I see that your name suits you.”

  “It is a stuffy rich kid name, isn’t it?” He smiled and seemed to relax.

  She laughed.

  “Now you know why I go by Randy.”

  “No, really, this is a beautiful house.”

  “There is no denying it but it’s just too much. When you imagine your future home, do you see something like this?” He moved his hand in front of him making her look around the room.

  After perusing the grandeur of the place, she smiled and shook her head. “No, never even in my wildest imaginations.”

  “Like I said, it’s just too much. Once I became a Christian, it all just seemed excessive. I have money; I come from money. I can’t get away from it, but I can decide what to do with it.”

  “And what do you do with it?”

  “Whatever I can. I support several charities and not just with my money. I try to be actively involved as well. I support my church, of course, and several missionaries including some of my friends who I went to seminary with.”

  “And Angel Wing.”

  “Yes.”

  The maid who had opened the door, walked in with a silver tray containing a full tea service on it. She placed in on the Georgian-style cherry wood coffee table in front of them.

  “Is there anything else?” she asked.

  “No, Hayley. You can leave us now.”

  She exited the room with nearly silent steps, and Kari now sat alone with Randy.

  “We have two choices for the lady tonight and they are Prince of Wales Tea and Chamomile.”

  Kari smiled at him. “You have Prince of Wales Tea?”

  “Yes,” he answered with a modest grin. “When I came up here before Thanksgiving, I had Mom get some. It’s very, uh, soothing.”

  “Well, with it being so late, I think I’ll have the Chamomile tonight.”

  He poured the tea into an exquisite teacup with pink roses all around it and trimmed with gold paint. He handed her the cup.

  “I put one spoonful of sugar in there. That’s how you like it, right?”

  “Exactly. You remembered.”

  He smiled “Of course.”

  Kari took a sip and let the warm liquid glide down her throat, soothing her tired body.

  “You really were great coming with Alice today.”

  “Well, to be honest, she roped me into it so I didn’t exactly have a choice.”

  “My sister can be persistent.”

  Kari took another comforting sip of tea. “How’s your tea?”

  “The Prince is great.”

  “I really love that tea. I drank English Breakfast when I was in high school probably because that’s what Mom drank. Then in college I started in on the Chinese green teas especially with jasmine and oolong before I stumbled upon this one.”

  “A black tea.”

  “Yes.” Kari took another sip and finished her cup. “Well, I’m finished. That was just what I needed. I think I’ll go on up to bed now. I really am tired.”

  “All right, Kari. It’s the third door on the right.”

  “Thanks for making me feel at home. Tell your mother, too.”

  “I will. Goodnight, Kari.”

  “Goodnight.”

  Kari took the stairs to the top and turned down the hallway to the third door on the right. As she did, thoughts of Randy’s behavior assailed her. His attitude had been disturbing. Even with his father in the hospital, he just didn’t seem like himself. There was something else bothering him.

  Opening the door of her room, the smell of gardenia flooded her senses. Flipping the switch by the entryway, a lamp on the dresser across from her illuminated the room. It was decorated in a Victorian motif with pale blue lace wallpaper and antique furniture including a great big sleigh bed.

  Kari felt like she was a princess in her tower boudoir. She walked to the draped window at the far side of the room and pulled them open to reveal a balcony. Opening the sliding glass door, she stepped out into the frigid night air. She pulled her arms around herself rubbing them in an attempt to warm up. The balcony looked out at the backyard and what would probably be a beautiful flower garden in the spring. She stepped back inside and closed the door. Opening her suitcase, she found her nightgown, dressed, and crawled into the inviting bed. Sleep came quickly.

  ****

  Randy turned over on his stomach as he tried to get to sleep. After pounding on his pillow, he laid his head down again and closed his eyes, but immediately they flew open. In spite of not having slept a wink the night before, he was wide-awake. He climbed out of bed and padded over to his window looking out at the street lamp shining on the house across the street. He wondered if Kari had gotten to sleep easily. He usually slept well in this house, but not tonight. It was unbelievable to think she was here sleeping in his parents’ house. It was driving him crazy. This was the place he had come to forget her, and now it would always hold memories of her. As much as he was glad she was here, he wished she had never come.

  Hours later, he couldn’t take it anymore. Dressed in a pair of sweats with a sweatshirt from his undergrad alma mater, he tiptoed down the stairs, threw on his coat, and exited out the back door. Stepping out into the night, a cold wind rejuvenated him, cooling his overheated cheeks. He walked to the gate and stepped inside the dormant garden. Glancing around at his mother’s plants, he remembered all the springs when they had planted each one. He was deeply ensconced down memory lane when he heard rustling behind him. He turned to see Kari enter the garden.

  “What are you doing out here?” he asked her. “Can’t you sleep?”

  “Before I fell asleep, I noticed this garden from my balcony. I woke up a few minutes ago and thought I might like a walk. You do realize it’s almost five am.”

  “No…really?”

  “Couldn’t you sleep?”

  “Not a wink.”

  “Thinking about your father, right?”

  “Uh, yeah I was, among other things.” He stared at Kari’s serious expression. “Does this bring back memories for you?”

  She sat down on the garden bench and stared off into the distance. “Sure, how could it not.”

  “What happened with your father?”

  “I was sixteen when he died—heart attack.” Randy sat down beside her, and she looked over at him. “He worked for the mayor’s office. That’s when it happened to him. He was downtown and taken right to the hospital.”

 
; “But they couldn’t save him?”

  “It was too massive.” She looked away again. “I try not to think about it. It was a horrible day.”

  Randy couldn’t help but take her hand and feel for her loss even though it was over ten years ago. “I’m sorry to make you relive those memories.”

  “No. I suppose it’s healthy. We can’t just hide them away in our hearts and hope they go away. That’s been part of my problem for years.”

  “How so?”

  “I tried to pretend it didn’t happen and just moved on. I guess it’s because that’s what Mother did. It was probably the only way she knew.”

  “If you don’t mind my asking, how did your mother die?”

  “Cancer.”

  “Was it long?”

  “Not overly. She was diagnosed and then died four months later. I knew I was going to lose her, but it still came as a shock when she was gone. They gave her six months to a year.” Kari looked over at Randy again and pulled her hand back into her lap. “I’m just the life of the party, depressing you.”

  “No you’re not. I’m really glad you’re here.”

  “Well, your father is going to be just fine.”

  “Sure he is.” Randy stood up and walked across to the other side of the garden. He turned back and smiled at Kari. “I remember when Dad brought these bleeding heart plants home to Mom.”

  Kari stood and joined him, gazing at the green plant. She slipped her hand back into his.

  “You should see it in the summer with the little pink and red hearts hanging on each branch.” He stopped for a moment, collecting his thoughts as he felt Kari’s fingers intertwined with his. “Dad brought them home one day and told Mom he couldn’t pass these up. He said they made him think of her because she was such a bleeding heart—soft and caring for everyone.” Randy stopped, emotion welling up inside of him.

  With tears clinging inside his eyes, he looked at Kari again. “I don’t know what I’d do without him. He means so much to me. I know I haven’t been the best son lately, but I want to be. I know God let me make up with him for a reason. He and my mother accepted Christ last week. Did I tell you?”

  Kari shook her head.

  “I’m just not ready to lose him.”

  Kari squeezed his hand tighter and broke her silence of the last few minutes. “He’s going to be okay. You aren’t going to lose him.”

  “But I might. They don’t know for sure. I just…”

  “Listen to me, Randy.” She let go of his hand and placed her palms along his jaw line so his face was only inches from her own as she looked straight into his eyes. “Whatever happens, you will be able to handle it. God is with you every step of the way. You have your family and friends. You won’t be alone.”

  Her eyes never veered from Randy’s, and in that moment he knew how very much he not only loved her but needed her. It seemed that with every day his love for her deepened and intensified.

  With her lips only inches from his, he gave in to his emotion and reached behind her, pulling her close to him. He leaned down and kissed her softly on the lips. It only lasted a moment, but it was a wonderful moment—one he would never forget. When he parted from her, she didn’t look displeased. She stood by him and in renewed silence, they walked around the rest of the garden hand in hand. Together, they watched the sunrise which wrapped the area in a golden blanket. That’s exactly how Randy felt, enclosed in an enormous warm blanket of love and acceptance.

  “It’s probably past six o’clock now. You should try to get some sleep before you go see your father this morning.”

  Randy smiled. “Thank you, Kari. I needed you today.”

  “We’re friends. I’m glad I could help.”

  She left him and headed back into the house, leaving Randy feeling haunted by her words. We’re friends. He had hoped his kiss had communicated to her how much he loved her. But she saw it as only a friendly kiss for a friend in need. He stood outside for a few moments more and then followed Kari inside. He slowly walked back to his room and climbed into bed hoping to catch a couple hours of sleep. With all that was on his mind, though, he wasn’t sure that was possible.

  A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Your Wedding

  A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Your Wedding

  Chapter Eighteen

  Kari hurried down the stairs and headed for the dining room at nine o’clock. She was unsure of how long everyone else would sleep, but she was starving. She hoped it wouldn’t just be her and Randy sitting down to eat. Continuing down toward the main part of the house, she questioned how she let him kiss her in the garden. He was just caught up in the moment, she was sure. He hadn’t really meant anything by it. She’d never experienced anything quite like it. His kiss had been tender and seemingly full of so much meaning. It was the kind of kiss you always dream about. It had taken all of her strength not to pull him back and kiss him again, but it wasn’t like that with Randy. They were friends.

  She knew Randy had tried to ask her out once and that hadn’t gone all that well. She assumed he’d given up on the idea since it had never come up again. But maybe he meant something in that kiss. There was so much in it. I can’t stop thinking about it. How will I face him this morning? Face him like every other time. He’s just glad you’re here as a friend at a time when he needs support .

  As she approached the dinning room, the aroma of coffee and toast surrounded her, causing her stomach to rumble. Walking through the doorway, she saw Alice sitting down enjoying her morning meal.

  “Oh hey, Kari, come sit and have some breakfast with me,” said Alice with her coffee mug in hand.

  As Alice drank from her mug, Kari sat down beside her.

  “I’m sure Mary will make anything you want.”

  A small laugh escaped Kari, “Oh no, toast and coffee sounds perfect.”

  Alice slid over a silver covered plate. Raising the cover, Kari pulled out a piece of toast. Then from a ceramic coffee service she poured herself a steaming cup of coffee. Taking the cup into her hands, she took a deep sip.

  “Did you sleep well, Kari? I always sleep like a log when I’m home.”

  “I fell asleep quickly, but I woke up at five this morning.”

  “I hope you fell back to sleep.”

  “Not really. This coffee is great or maybe I’ve just had too much campus coffee.”

  Alice laughed. “No, Mary’s coffee is the best. I don’t know what she does, but it’s always wonderful.”

  “Good morning everybody,” said Randy as he walked in wearing jeans and a T-shirt. His recently showered hair was still damp and curled up around his forehead.

  “You seem well-rested,” said Alice.

  “Not at all,” said Randy cheerfully. But his eyes reflected his somber frame of mind. “I barely slept at all. I finally got a couple hours just as the sun came up.”

  “Well, maybe you can take a nap after we go see Daddy.”

  “Maybe, but I was thinking about going out to the lake.”

  “The lake in December? I don’t think so. I’m going to curl up by my fireplace and read a book, I think.”

  Randy poured himself a cup of coffee and glanced over at Kari. She gave him a smile and he responded with a half smile out of the side of his mouth before bringing his mug up for a sip.

  ****

  An hour later, Amanda Steele joined them, and they all took off for the hospital. Randy drove them in the Steele’s late model BMW. With Mrs. Steele in the front with Randy, Alice spoke quietly to Kari in the back. “I’m glad you’re coming with us. Daddy will be happy to see you, too.”

  “Why do you say that? He barely knows me.”

  “He was impressed by you. He told me.”

  “He was?” A tiny thrill of surprise thrummed in her heart.

  “Sure. I think lots of company will make him happy anyway. He loves people.”

  Kari lowered her voice even more so Alice had to lean in towards her to hear what she was saying. “You
r parents seem really great. It must have been hard for Randy to be separated from them over the past few years.”

  “It was. Dad and Randy were like best friends when he was in high school, but he had to stand up to Dad and do what he knew was best.”

  After entering the hospital, the family walked to ICU and past the nurse’s station. As Randy had been there the day before with his mother, he led the way to Mr. Steele’s room.

  “Mr. Steele.” They all turned to see an attractive young nurse calling to Randy. “Mr. Steele, we moved your father this morning. A private room opened up. I can show it to you, if you like.” She looked at Randy with large, engaging eyes.

  “Thanks, but I think we can find it. Uh, this is my sister, Alice.” He pointed to Alice. Then his eyes moved over to Kari. “And this is our good friend, Kari Montgomery.”

  “Oh sorry only immediate family is allowed.” She inspected Kari, narrowing her eyes in scrutiny.

  Alice spoke up. “She is family. She’s about to marry my brother.”

  Kari and Randy both looked at Alice with surprise and then they smiled at the nurse without saying a word.

  After giving Randy a lasting glance, the nurse said, “He’s in room 312,” before she walked away. Randy started toward his father’s room with the others following behind.

  Upon reaching the door, Randy turned the handle and walked in followed by his mother. Kari grabbed on to Alice. “I don’t think I should go in. It should just be family.”

  “Come on, Kari. I mean it. Daddy would love to see you.”

  “Maybe later. I’ll go back to the waiting room. I’ll see you later.”

  “All right, Kari, if that’s what you want.”

  Kari returned to the waiting area, purposefully avoiding the young nurse who they had spoken with a few minutes ago. Finding a seat, she picked up a magazine and tried to read. As she flipped through the pages, all she could think about was Randy and their early morning tryst in the garden.

  After only a couple more minutes, Randy stalked into the waiting area with concern on his face. He moved right in front of her seat. “Why didn’t you come in? I wanted Dad to see you.”