A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Your Wedding
Page 15
“I just thought it should be family, real family. I’m really tired of this fake engagement stuff that keeps popping up.”
“I’m tired of this fake engagement stuff, too.”
Kari couldn’t erase the emphasis Randy put on the word ‘fake.’ She shifted in her seat. “You really should go back.”
“Only if you come with me.”
“Fine but only for a few moments.”
Kari returned with Randy and visited with Mr. Steele, who did seem happy to see her, and asked her to call him Philip. A half an hour later, the entire family minus Philip left the room and made their way back to the car. It was lunchtime when they made it back to “Steele Manor” as Kari called it in her mind. Amanda walked straight into the kitchen to inquire about lunch with Mary. After lunch, Kari walked back outside all bundled up and meandered back toward the garden.
“I see you’ve returned to the scene of the crime.”
Kari turned to see Randy standing at the garden gate. “Am I being followed?” asked Kari.
“No, I like walking in the winter. I usually have to do it alone, but you seem to like it outside in the cold, too.”
“I love winter.” She played with her scarf around her neck. “See this scarf. It is almost like a dear friend. I am always glad when I get to pull it out of the closet, then sad when it gets too warm and I have to put it away.”
“I know what you mean. Hey, you want to take a walk out by the lake? I was thinking about walking over there.”
Kari hesitated for a minute. “Sure. I’d love a walk. Your house is great but for some reason it seemed so stuffy this afternoon.”
“It’s just the pretension.” Randy smiled wryly and then held the gate open for her as she followed him down the snow-covered path that led to the front yard.
****
Randy gazed at Kari as they walked along, imagining what it would be like to walk with her for the rest of his days.
“Your house is not pretentious,” said Kari replying to his comment from a few minutes ago. “It’s magnificent and your parents are dears. You’re lucky to have them.”
“I am; you’re right. I’m sure I take my parents for granted like every other person. My father’s heart attack has made me realize how important they are to me.”
Kari smiled up at him and continued walking.
“When I saw you on Thanksgiving, you said you had something to talk to me about,” said Randy.
“Oh,” said Kari, seemingly caught off guard. Then she looked at him resolutely. “Yes, I did. I ran into Geoffrey again a couple weeks before Thanksgiving.”
Randy felt incensed that this guy kept bothering her. “Did he do something to you?”
A smile curved in the corner of her delicate mouth. “Well, he tried.”
“Kari, this can’t go on. Something has to be done about him. You can’t live your life like this.”
“Randy Steele, you really are too sweet.”
Randy wanted to sweep her into his arms and keep her safe for all eternity—safe from the Geoffreys of this world, safe from anything and everything that could bring her sadness and grief.
“I don’t think Geoff will be any trouble for me anymore.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Well, the night I told you about, he came because he felt lost. Blair had thrown him out and he didn’t know who to turn to.”
“So, he came to you.” Anger began to build inside him more and more. His hands folded tightly into fists as they swung by his sides.
“That’s right. He tried to grab me. I felt empowered for some reason and shook his grasp off. We were by the river and he fell right in.”
“That’s horrible, Kari. Did you tell the police?”
“No. The thing is I saw it as being…funny.”
“Funny? Kari, how can this be considered funny?”
“Well, I guess because it was so horrible and because for the first time in a long time, I could see myself clearly. Geoffrey realized how awful he’d been and I told him he needed to get to church with his wife. I also told him to find God and allow Him to work in their marriage.”
“What did he say?”
“He agreed. After he left, I sat on the ground and laughed so hard I thought I was going to die.”
“You laughed.”
“I laughed. I’ve been so silly for so long. I thought I was mourning the loss of Geoffrey and that after him I couldn’t trust my heart to anyone. But that night I realized I wasn’t really mourning Geoffrey; I was mourning what he represented.”
“And what was that?”
“To feel loved and secure, to be a part of a family—my own family. I’ve missed that for so long.”
Randy realized how important family was to Kari and how much she needed that while he’d been disregarding his parents for five years.
“I also understood I was never in love with Geoffrey, just with the idea of him.”
She looked at Randy with her vivid green eyes sparkling in the sunlight. In his heart, Randy mouthed the words, I love You. I need you. I will give you love and security . But he couldn’t get the words out. Although he was sure of how much he loved her, he was beginning to believe he and Kari just weren’t meant to be.
“I’m glad you worked all this out, Kari. It must bring you some consolation.”
“I am happy for Geoffrey and Blair. I saw them yesterday. They’ve been going to church and are trying to build a Christian marriage.”
“I’m happy for them too.” Inside he wanted to be happy for Geoffrey, but he still resented him and all the pain he had brought to Kari. He paused for a moment before continuing. “So, what do you do now? What do you plan to do with the rest of your life?”
“I don’t know,” she said with a smile. “But I have hope. I started leading a teen girl’s Bible study and we have been discussing dating. The idea I came back to was I have hope. God gives me hope.”
Hope.
****
The rest of the day went by quickly. When the phone rang, it was the hospital. The doctors agreed that Philip Steele was going to be okay. It was a mild heart attack. He would be able to come home in a few days and he didn’t need surgery. Kari told Randy and Alice she was glad she could be of help, but she really should get back home.
As Randy drove her to the train station later that night, flurries of snow fell down onto the windshield of his car. “Kari, you really don’t have to go. Alice and I are going to be driving home Sunday afternoon.”
She played with her fingers in her lap without looking at him. “No, I really need to get back.”
They stopped in the parking lot of the train station. “Well, I don’t know what to say but thanks for all you’ve done,” said Randy.
Kari took his hand as they sat there. “I’m glad to help. I hope I’ll see you when you get back.”
“Definitely.” Randy wanted to tell her more. He wanted to tell her he loved her. That kiss. It had meant so much to him. He wanted to kiss her again in this car before she left and let her know just how much she meant to him.
“Randy, about that kiss…”
“Yes?” he answered, his voice wavering.
“I don’t want you to feel strange about it. I know it didn’t mean anything more than you needing a friend’s support during this time.”
“Sure, a friend.” His heart fell, depression setting in.
“Well, goodbye. I’ll see you soon.” She had a smile on her face but it didn’t reach her eyes. It was as if she didn’t really mean what she was saying.
“Goodbye, Kari.”
Kari shut the door and Randy drove off with a hurting heart. He’d opened himself up to her again and she’d ripped his poor heart out once more. She hadn’t meant to, but she had. He didn’t know how he would be able to face her the next time he saw her.
A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Your Wedding
A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Your Wedding
Chapter Nin
eteen
Kari was wracked with guilt the week following her trip to Sackets Harbor. When she left Randy that night, she had made light of his beautiful kiss. She’d seen pain in his face when she suggested his kiss meant nothing more than friendship. She wondered if maybe he still did care for her, as more than a mere friend. She thought about asking Alice but the idea just made her cringe inside.
What if I’m wrong and he does just consider me a friend. She’ll tell him I asked. I know she will.
With the arrival of the last week of classes, students all over campus were hitting the books unlike they had done all semester. Exams were taken, projects were finished, and papers were written. It was finally time for Christmas break. Kari was glad for a vacation from school, but she wasn’t sure what she was going to do for Christmas, exactly. More than likely, Emily would ask her to spend it with her and John. Although she loved her cousin, she hated to intrude on their first Christmas together as man and wife.
Three o’clock on the last day of classes, the dorm had cleared out of most of the girls. It was eerie how quiet it was when Kari came down the stairs dressed in jeans and a turtle neck sweater. She had a cup of tea in her hand and a book in the other as she walked down to the parlor for some quiet reading time. From the back, she spotted Randy and Alice walking down the hallway.
“Alice,” called Kari.
Both Randy and Alice turned around.
“Kari,” said Alice excitedly. “I wanted to find you before I left, but big brother here,” she stuck her elbow into Randy’s chest, “thought you might be busy with the semester ending.”
“Can’t you see how busy I am?” She held up her tea and book for them to see. “The end of the semester signals quiet for me. Of course, I have a mountain of exams and essays to grade, but I’ll attempt them tomorrow. So, you’re staying with Randy over the holiday?” Kari glanced at Randy as she finished speaking and then turned her eyes back to Alice.
“Just for the weekend. Monday, we drive back home. It’s going to be a great Christmas this year. Mom and Dad are so excited about going to church and everything.”
Kari turned to Randy. “How is your father?”
“He’s great. He’s been taking it easy. Mom has totally changed his diet, which he hates, but other than that he seems to be doing well.”
“I’m glad. I’ve been praying for him—for all of you actually.”
“I’m going to drop all this stuff at the car, Randy. Have a great holiday, Kari.”
“You too, Alice.”
“So, do you have plans for Christmas, Kari?” asked Randy after his sister had left. He didn’t smile at her like he usually did. She didn’t even detect a hint of humor in his eyes.
“Nothing set yet.”
“I, uh, well, I guess, I should get back to Alice.”
Without letting her heart communicate with her head, Kari spoke up. “Randy, remember back in October when you asked if I wanted to go out some time?”
Randy’s face took on a guarded expression. “Sure, I do.”
“So, do you still want to?”
“You’re asking me out…on a date?” He appeared completely surprised by her offer.
“If you still want to.”
“Of course, I do.”
“You do?” Kari felt a chill of embarrassment or maybe it was the thrill of looking into Randy’s eyes and seeing him look at her with such joy.
“I’m not leaving for Sackets Harbor until Monday. Why don’t I pick you up tomorrow night.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“Bye Kari.” He smiled at her.
There it was again that irresistible, devastating grin. She hadn’t seen that particular smile in awhile. It was good to see that it was back. “Goodbye, see you tomorrow.
Randy left through the main entrance, but Kari remained nailed to her spot for a few moments longer. Then she walked into the main kitchen and set her mug in the microwave since her tea was now glacial. As she waited for the timer to beep, she thought about what she had just done.
Am I the biggest idiot in the world? Did I really just ask Randy Steele out? And he said yes? What am I doing?
She thought about his brilliant smile and wonderful eyes, and she knew at that moment more than anything she wanted to keep looking into those eyes for a long, long time. Maybe even forever.
****
On Saturday night, Randy drove along in his beat-up sedan really wishing he had a nicer car to take Kari out in. He knew she had commented on him having his priorities straight and that she didn’t mind his car. But that was then, now he was taking her out on their first official date. He wondered why she had asked him out and what had made her do it. When he saw her last, she mentioned their kiss and how it was all about friendship. Maybe she just wanted to spend time with a friend. But then why did she call it a date? He took a deep breath and tried to relax.
Dressed in his best dark suit, Randy knocked on Kari’s room door. She opened it looking her most charming. She literally took his breath away, wearing the quintessential black dress and her hair worn up on her head with loose pieces curling around her face. His eyes swept over her appearance approvingly. He couldn’t help saying, “You’re beautiful.”
She didn’t seem to mind his compliment. “So, glad you approve.” She curtsied. “I didn’t know what to wear so I pulled out my old staple—the black dress.”
“I’m sure you’ll be the loveliest one out tonight.”
She colored fiercely. “That’s enough from you. So, where are we going?’
“Well, to begin with I thought we would try San Raphael’s. I heard from Emily that it’s a favorite of yours.”
“You’ve done you homework, Pastor Steele,” she said with clear approval in her eyes.
Randy took her to his car and drove to the overstuffed restaurant with people standing or sitting everywhere. They were seated within only five minutes since Randy’d had the foresight to call ahead for reservations.
When the hostess left them alone, Randy turned his eyes up to inspect Kari in the dim lamplight as she studied the menu. It was an old-fashioned Italian restaurant with red-checkered tablecloths and real candles on the tables. It was family owned and Mr. San Raphael himself greeted them at the door.
“I haven’t been here in months, Randy. Thanks for bringing me.”
“It was definitely all my pleasure,” he said, drinking her in with his eyes.
“Remember when we met?” asked Kari.
“Sure.”
“Did you imagine that we’d be sitting here together?”
“At the time, I wondered.”
“Did you really?”
“Sure, you were unknown and interesting.” In fun, he raised his eyebrows at her.
She titled her head to the side as she placed her menu back onto the table. “How was I interesting?”
“I guess it was the washed out look.”
“Ha, Ha, how funny. I was a mess that day. I’m not sure how I got myself to look presentable after all that rain.”
He smiled at her again, recalling the day in question and how she had looked more than presentable that day and every other day that he’d seen her. Her mere presence seemed to bring him joy and contentment.
Dinner came, and they ate, laughed and enjoyed each other’s company. As they walked out of the restaurant, Kari wanted to know where they were going next.
“It’s a surprise,” he said as he drew his eyebrows together, trying to be playfully mysterious.
“Are you sure I’m dressed appropriately.”
“You’re perfect.” And he meant it.
****
When they arrived at the ice rink, Kari couldn’t believe it. She hadn’t been ice-skating since she was in high school. One of the many winter frolics she’d enjoyed while growing up.
“Randy, I had no idea we were going to do this. I am not dressed for this.”
“You’ll be fine. When are you going to start trusting me?”
With her hand in his, she felt a bottomless peace and satisfaction. She wasn’t sure what he wanted from her. She only knew she loved him. It was like her heart had taken wing as it flew through the trees of her abundant happiness. For the first time, she fully understood the meaning of her favorite Elizabeth Barrett Browning poem. She loved him from every direction, every depth. It had been there for a long time, but she had pushed it aside saying it was too soon after Geoffrey and that she wasn’t ready to fall in love again. But the heart is an interesting thing; it is very hard to control.
She tried to figure out when she started to love Randy. She thought it must have started from the first time she looked into those steel blue eyes as he helped her during that rainstorm the day of Emily’s wedding. But it really began to kick in when she heard him preach. So much of who he was and where his heart lay came out that day. She shrunk away from him because it scared her that she was falling in love not again but really for the first time.
With her skates on, Kari felt a bit nervous. She hadn’t been skating in about ten years. She looked down at her dress thankful she’d worn the one with the full tulip hemline. Her confidence spiraled upwards as she felt his hand between her fingers again. In her favorite black three-quarter coat and blue scarf, she stepped out onto the ice holding Randy’s hand.
With the night sky containing innumerable stars blinking brightly overhead, the rink filled with all kinds of happy Christmas revelers. The inside wall of the rink was covered in colored Christmas lights and decorated Christmas trees lined the walls around the outside.
Once on the ice, Randy let go of her hand, and they started to race across the ice. It all came back to her. There is just a smell that hits you when you get out on the ice. Kari won the first race, but Randy caught her the second. Then they slowly skated side by side and started talking again.
“So, how am I doing on this date?” asked Randy.
“Great,” Kari admitted with a laugh. “You, of course, know you are God’s gift to women.”