The Lilac Bouquet

by Carolyn Brown

  Logan parked the car in the garage and rode the elevator up to the first floor with Seth. Emmy Jo had given him orders to see that Seth was settled in front of a movie or else in his chaise lounge on the patio with his stack of Sunday papers before he left him alone. Logan would have done that without being told, because he could see that Seth’s stamina was wearing thin before they even left the café. It had been a big day for the old guy.

  “I’m going to watch that Sackett DVD while I wait on Emmy Jo,” he said when he stepped out of the elevator. “And Logan, I’m so glad that y’all are going to live in the farmhouse. That means the world to me.”

  Logan clamped a hand on Seth’s shoulder. “Thank you for everything.”

  Seth waved him away. “Get on out of here and go enjoy showing it to your friends and Tandy. She’s just as bossy and sassy as ever, isn’t she?”

  A soft chuckle escaped from Logan’s chest. “That’s where Emmy Jo gets it, I’m sure. Her sass from Tandy and her intelligence from you.”

  “She got that from my sister, Nora, which reminds me . . .I need to call her and invite her to the wedding. And maybe fill her in on a few things. I’ll do that while y’all take a look at the house with Tandy. You don’t think Emmy Jo will mind, do you?”

  “The more the merrier,” Logan told him. “And I’d love to meet the rest of your family.”

  Seth pushed the “Play” button, and Logan slipped out of the room. He took the stairs rather than the elevator and hopped into his truck, where Jack and Diana waited.

  Tandy and Emmy Jo were in the house when they arrived. Jack and Logan went through it quickly, then sat on the steps while the ladies moved through each room discussing details. A touch of jealousy shot through Logan as he listened to Emmy Jo, Diana, and Tandy talking about the place. Seth’s name kept coming up every other sentence, and Tandy wasn’t even cussing when it did. He wished that they could talk about Jesse like that, too.

  “I am not going to grow up and be like Gramps,” he muttered.

  “Me neither,” Jack said.

  “Your grandpa died before you were born,” Logan said.

  “That’s right. I’m not going to die young. I want to be married to Diana for a long, long time and sit on a porch like this one and watch my great-grandkids chase fireflies on a spring night. And I don’t never want a bunch of secrets between me and them,” Jack said seriously.

  “We’ll make it happen, won’t we?”

  Jack smiled. “Damn straight we will, partner.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  Happy wedding day,” Seth called out from behind her bedroom door that morning.

  The past weeks had gone by in a blur. There were wedding plans from daylight to dark every single day, seeing Logan, Jack, and Diana when they got off work, and talking to her grandmother at night before Emmy Jo went to sleep. Tandy had agreed to come to the wedding as long as no one expected her to talk to either Seth or Jesse. And yes, she would be there for the whole morning to help Emmy Jo get dressed.

  She and Diana both sat straight up in bed. Emmy Jo squealed when she saw that the sun was shining. She bounded out of bed, swung the door open, and hugged Seth.

  “Oma Lynn sent breakfast.” He rolled a cart into the room. “She says you aren’t to come down until it’s time for me to walk you out to the wedding, because Jack and Logan are already here and us guys will be dressing in the office. If you want to see the final touches, take a peek out the bedrooms on the other side of the hallway.”

  “Tandy?” Emmy Jo asked.

  “Not here yet, but—”

  Tandy yelled from the hallway. “Yes, I am, and thank God for that elevator. I was dreading hauling all my stuff up here by the stairs.”

  “I’ll leave you ladies alone. Oma Lynn figured Tandy might be joining you, so she sent plenty.” Seth took two steps back and let Tandy bring her things into the room. “I’ll leave the door open. Anyone else that tries to get up here will have to go through Oma Lynn.”

  “I’m so glad you are here, Granny. You’ll never know what it means to me.” Emmy Jo beamed.

  “This is a helluva house. Lord, one man living here seems like such a waste,” Tandy fussed. “Oh, cranberry orange muffins. And coffee. I didn’t take time for breakfast. Let’s eat first, and then Diana can start on your makeup and hair.”

  Emmy Jo picked up a piece of bacon with her fingers. “You’ve got to try this. Oma Lynn makes a paste of brown sugar and Jack Daniel’s whiskey, paints it on the bacon, and cooks it real slow until it’s crispy. It’s amazing. Seth and I call it bacon candy.”

  Tandy added a piece to her saucer and tasted it. “Now that’s the way to use whiskey. I’ve got to remember to ask her for the recipe. How are you doing your hair, Emmy Jo?”

  “I’m fixin’ Diana’s first. We’ve got three hours, so we don’t have to hurry. And Granny, Seth is only going to live in this place a few more months,” Emmy Jo said. “When his cabin in town is ready for him, he’s turning this into a place for unwed mothers. If they decide to give the baby up for adoption, the counselors will work with a reputable agency to place the baby in a good home. If they decide to keep it, then they will help them find a job and a good day care and get on their feet.”

  “You mean that little shack he grew up in? He’s moving from this back into that?” The wrinkles in Tandy’s forehead deepened when she frowned.

  “Well, it won’t look so much like a shack when the remodeling is done. The location is beautiful and there’s going to be a lot of changes, but yes, he is moving into it this fall,” Emmy Jo answered. “I can’t believe it’s finally my wedding day. And tonight we’ll be in a hotel in Galveston and tomorrow we’ll be on a cruise ship. And we don’t have to drive any farther than Dallas this afternoon. Our plane departs at three.”

  “You know my dreams are coming true today, too.” Tandy wiped a tear from her cheek.

  Emmy Jo kissed her granny on the tearstain. “I know, and that makes it double special. I just wish Jesse would be here and that his absence doesn’t make Logan sad.”

  “He’s always been a stubborn brat,” Tandy said. “Now hand me another piece of bacon and then let’s get started. Lord, that dress is beautiful.” She pointed to the wedding dress hanging on a hook on the back of the door. “And I expect that bossy bitch that’s running this show will be up here soon to tell you what to do and think and when to put the dress on, right?”

  “You got it!” Diana giggled. “It takes a bossy hussy to make something this big go together without a hitch. I wish I could afford her for my wedding.”

  “Honey, you got the bossiest women in the state of Texas working for you when you got me and your mama,” Tandy told her.

  Emmy Jo raised her hand. “And don’t forget me. I’ll be in on everything, too.”

  “It’s a beautiful day for a wedding. Not too hot and no rain,” Wyatt said as he joined Logan, Seth, and Jack in the office. “You have a beautiful place for this event, Seth. Thank you for hosting it for these kids. Logan has told us about the past problems, and I want you to know that—” He stopped midsentence and stuck out his hand.

  Seth shook hands with him, then shrugged. “That’s over and done with. Let sleepin’ dogs alone and all that. Havin’ the wedding here seemed like the right thing to do. It’s a big place and there’ll be lots of people here, I hope.”

  “They are already filling up the chairs. I expect many will end up standing. The pasture is full of cars, and the two valets are transporting folks as fast as they can,” Wyatt said.

  “It will be the only wedding probably ever held here,” Logan said and glanced over at Seth, who gave him a nod.

  “Oh?” Wyatt asked.

  “Seth is turning the place into a home for unwed mothers this fall or winter, depending on when his little house gets remodeled. The business part is already in the works,” Logan said.

  “That is very generous of you. If you need a counselor at any time, I’ve had some training
and experience in that line,” Wyatt said.

  “Jesse?” Seth said.

  “My dad and I don’t always agree on things. The offer stands if you ever need me,” Wyatt said.

  “Thank you.” Seth nodded.

  A big smile deepening the wrinkles on Nora’s face, she crossed the floor and hugged Seth. “Admit it. I gave you the best birthday present ever.”

  “Okay, you gave me a great present,” he said softly. “Thank you for that.”

  “Does that mean you won’t get even?” She stepped back and looked up into his face.

  “It does not,” he laughed. “Have you seen Emmy Jo?”

  “Oh, yes, and she’s breathtaking. How are you holdin’ up, Logan?” Nora turned her attention away from Seth.

  “I’ve waited for this day. I’ve prayed for it to go well, and now it’s here and my prayers have been answered. So why am I as jittery as a sugared-up kid?” Logan asked.

  “Because this is the biggest day of your life to this moment. There will be bigger days, like the day your firstborn is laid in your arms, but right now this is the best day of your life, like that song says. So enjoy it and don’t be nervous.” Wyatt hugged his son. “And know that your mother and I are very proud of you.”

  “Thanks, Dad.”

  The wedding planner knocked and then stuck her head in the door. “Time to put on your boutonnières. Everyone needs to be seated.” She glanced at Nora.

  “I’ll see you there, Seth.” Nora straightened his tie and kissed him on the cheek. “This is a glorious day.”

  The wedding planner stood to one side to let her pass. “Now, I need you at the elevator in exactly fifteen minutes. We are seating the mother and grandmother right now. Then you will slowly go to the front and stand under the archway, just like we practiced last night. And by the way, that was a lovely rehearsal dinner, Mr. Grady, and thank you again for inviting me.”

  She deftly pinned each of the men with a small lilac-and-baby’s breath boutonnière and stood them side by side to be sure that they were all perfect. “Ten minutes. Meet me at the elevator doors. All but you, Mr. Thomas. You will wait at the foot of the stairs for Emmy Jo.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” His drawl seemed even deeper than before.

  Following the planner’s orders, Emmy Jo looped her arm in Seth’s and stepped into the elevator. There was only room for the two of them, so the planner said that she would take the stairs.

  “You are the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever laid eyes on. I’m glad for this little time we have alone,” Seth said. “I want you to know that I’m glad we are friends, and—”

  She squeezed his arm. “I know, but we are more than friends. We’re kinfolks and I love you.”

  “I love you, too, and I expect every week that passes, I will love you more. I might not have gotten the privilege of raising you or Rose or Crystal, but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy all the time we have left.”

  “Amen,” she said as the doors opened.

  Diana was standing there in a lovely lilac dress, her bouquet in her hands. “Seth, you look so handsome,” she said.

  “And you are beautiful,” Seth said.

  “Thank you,” Diana said. “But this is Emmy Jo’s day, and she is stunning.”

  Seth straightened his back, and pure joy swept over his face. “Yes, ma’am, she surely is.”

  The wedding planner put a lilac bouquet in Emmy Jo’s hand and motioned for Diana to follow her. “There’s the music, right on time. Go, darlin’, walk just like I told you to last night.”

  “It’s time,” Seth said. “Got any last words for a stubborn old man?”

  “No, except that I love you, Poppa. That word fits you better than Grandpa or Gramps to me,” she said.

  “Sweetest words in the whole world,” he said as he slowly crossed the floor with her toward the open garage door.

  They were halfway down the long aisle, walking on a gorgeous pale-lilac carpet that had been laid out for her, when Seth hesitated for a split second. “I’ll be damned.”

  “What?” Emmy Jo asked.

  Everything had gone so perfectly well all day that she could hardly believe something could go wrong this late in the wedding. Everything looked like it came out of a fairy tale. The place was crowded with people standing with smiles on their faces as she and Seth made their way down the aisle, so why had he paused?

  Emmy Jo looked down the aisle to see the bright sun reflected off the bald head of the preacher standing below the fresh lilacs hanging on the archway. She blinked twice and then a third time, but Jesse Grady didn’t disappear. She glanced over to the right and there was Logan, grinning like he’d just won the lottery. Wyatt was standing beside Jack with an equally big smile on his face.

  “Darlin’ granddaughter, I believe that you could part the clouds with your sass and determination,” Seth whispered.

  “Not really. That old coot just doesn’t intend to let you get ahead of him,” she said out the corner of her mouth.

  When they were in place, Jesse made a motion for the crowd to sit and opened his Bible. “Dearly beloved, we are here today to join together my grandson, Logan Grady, and his lovely bride, Emmy Jo Massey. Who gives this bride to be married to this man?”

  Seth bent and kissed Emmy Jo on the cheek. “Her great-grandmother and I do.” Then he put her hand in Logan’s. “Son, you’d better treat her right, or you’ll face the wrath of me and Tandy Massey combined.”

  A few giggles lightened the mood, and Jesse, wearing a deep-purple tie, went on with the ceremony. Emmy Jo handed off her bouquet to Diana and took each of Logan’s hands in hers to say her vows. Jesse finally pronounced them man and wife and told Logan he could kiss the bride. She was expecting a sweet little kiss, but he bent her backward in true Hollywood fashion. Everyone in the place whooped and clapped when the long, passionate kiss ended.

  “And now, darlin’, no one will ever doubt that the Massey curse has been erased,” Logan whispered as he scooped her up into his arms and carried her down the aisle and into the reception hall.

  The kids had left in a limo that would take them from Hickory to the Dallas airport. They would be in a five-star hotel in only a few hours, and the next morning they would begin their honeymoon cruise. All the guests had left, and the wedding planner was barking orders to the folks about getting things cleaned up when Seth headed toward the balcony. Two and a half months ago he’d been reading his morning papers when Emmy Jo showed up in those hideous red scrubs, and from that moment his life had been turned upside down.

  “But that’s what kids do when they come into a person’s life, whether they arrive as babies, teenagers, or full-grown adults,” he muttered as he sat down in his favorite lounge chair.

  “And that is?” Tandy asked from the shadows, where she was having a beer.

  “They make you see things different,” Seth said.

  “Oh, I didn’t know you were here,” Jesse said at the doorway. “I came to see the view one more time, but I’ll leave.”

  “Might as well come on out here and join us,” Seth said.

  Jesse leaned on the doorjamb as if he couldn’t make up his mind what to do.

  “Jesse, how many of the graduating class of 1953 are still living? You got any idea?” Seth asked.

  “No, but I do know the only three left still living in Hickory are me, you, and Tandy,” he answered gruffly. “I came today and did my duty, but I’m not stayin’ any longer.”

  “While we are alive, we have time to do the things we want, whether it’s as simple as enjoying the wedding of our grandchildren or something bigger. Both of y’all have a seat. Tandy, kick off your shoes, and Jesse, take off your tie. I lost mine a while ago.” Seth pointed to extra chaise lounge chairs.

  Jesse unfastened the top button on his shirt, removed his tie, and tucked it into his pocket. “It was a nice wedding, but I have no desire to sit here and talk to either of you.” He disappeared through the doors back into the house.


  “Well, that’s his loss if he can’t forgive and forget. The wedding really was everything and more that Emmy Jo ever dreamed of,” Tandy said.

  “Those two kids have their heads on straight. They will be fine.” Seth nodded.

  Tandy sighed. “You are right. I want to apologize to you, Seth, for saying ugly things about your mother and for not marrying you.”

  “You were the only woman I ever truly loved, and I wanted to marry you so badly that my heart ached. I’m glad that we can talk to each other now. I’ve missed having you in my life. Tell me, Tandy, have you ever been on a round-the-world cruise?”

  EPILOGUE

  The first Sunday in October

  Twilight was setting in when the big black limousine drove down Main Street in Hickory. Seth gave directions, and the man finally maneuvered the vehicle onto a side street and parked in the circular driveway in front of a newly remodeled house.

  Tandy laid a hand on Seth’s arm before he slid across the seat. “Thank you for all this. I can’t begin to repay you . . .”

  Seth covered her hand with his. “I should be thanking you. Having a friend on this trip made it amazing.”

  “We had such a good time. I hate that we missed all those years together,” Tandy said.

  “All goes to show that miracles do happen. Why don’t you come over to dinner after church next Sunday? I’ll have Oma Lynn make up some chicken and dumplin’s for us.”

  “Poppa and Granny!” Emmy Jo squealed as she and Logan ran from the porch.

  “Kids.” Seth grinned as he hurried out of the backseat and opened his arms to the two.

  “Welcome home! We know y’all are tired, but we wanted to see you for a few minutes. We’ll talk tomorrow at dinner to celebrate your new house. Oma Lynn says she won’t abide anyone being late.” Emmy Jo left Seth to slide into the limo and wrap her arms around Tandy.

  “That would be great,” Tandy said. “I’ll bring all the pictures of the cruise. It was amazing. But now back out of here and let Logan have a turn,” Tandy said.