Red, White and Blue Weddings: Red Like Crimson, White as Snow, Out of the Blue

by Janice Thompson

  With excitement mounting, he worked his way through the mob and went to the front desk, where he was met by a young woman with a clipboard in her hand. He glanced down at her nametag: Dani.

  “Hi.” He tried to steady his voice. “I–I’m looking for Adrianne Russo.”

  “Ooh.” Dani’s eyes grew wide. “You don’t say.”

  “I do say.”

  “Well”—her lips curled up in a smile—“your name wouldn’t happen to be Christopher Bradley, would it?”

  He nodded, unable to speak. The joy at knowing Adrianne had told a coworker about him proved almost more than his nerves could take.

  “I had a feeling,” Dani said, her smile widening. “What a great day this is turning out to be.”

  Chris gave her an imploring look. “Can you take me to her?”

  “She’s working on a new display in the back of the museum,” Dani explained. “It’s off limits to visitors, but I’ll take you there myself.”

  “Are you sure it’s okay?”

  “For you?” she said. “It’s more than okay. To be honest, I can’t wait to see the look on Adrianne’s face.”

  “Um. . .me neither.”

  He tagged along on Dani’s heels, winding in and out through the crowd of tourists. At one point, he almost lost sight of her, she was moving so quickly. They went through the Wright Brothers display and back into an area marked Under Construction, where Dani used her key to open a door.

  They pressed through that door, and then turned right, where she opened another narrower one. Chris looked around, amazed to find himself inside a large display window. Adrianne stood with her back to him, working diligently to dress a mannequin in a Revolutionary War costume. He wanted to race toward her, but resisted the urge. Dani put a finger to her lips and backed away. As she eased her way out of the door, she gave him a thumbs-up signal. Chris swallowed hard, and then prayed for courage to do the thing he had come to do.

  “Adrianne.” As the word leaped across his lips, it sounded like music to his ears.

  She turned, with one hand on her heart and the other over her mouth. “C–Chris?”

  For a second, neither moved. But then everything seemed to advance at warp speed. They met in the middle of the display case, where he swept her at once into his arms and began to plant soft kisses on her cheek. Her arms reached out to encircle his neck and their lips met in a kiss so familiar, it tilted him backward in time eight years.

  How have I lived this long without her?

  They lingered a moment in each other’s arms before Adrianne looked up at him with a shy smile. “I—I knew you would come. I knew it.”

  “I had to. I thought I’d die if I didn’t.”

  “I understand. You have no idea.”

  He smiled. “Oh, I think I do.”

  She brushed a soft kiss across his lips and then leaned her head against his. He reached with his fingertips to touch her cheekbone, tracing a familiar line of freckles. Finally, he pulled back to gaze into her eyes.

  “I need to tell you something.” When she nodded, he continued. “I didn’t get to finish this on the phone, so I’m going to finish now.”

  “O–okay.”

  “I told you then that I’d loved you since the day I met you. But I didn’t get to tell you the rest—that I’m not complete without you. I’m only. . .” He fumbled to get the words out.

  “Half of what I should be. Half of what God created me to be. I thought my work would fill the emptiness inside of me, and to some extent it did. But I know now that I could never be truly whole without you.”

  “Oh, Chris”—she reached to grab his hands—“I’ve felt that way for eight years. It’s been awful without you. I haven’t been myself. I’ve been—”

  “Lost.”They spoke the word together.

  “For awhile, I was lost in confusion,” she acknowledged. “And then the grief took over. But the worst season of all was the one where I couldn’t forgive myself. I lived for years like that. I—I didn’t think I could ever shake it.”

  “I understand, trust me.” He gazed into her eyes, wondering what in the world he had ever done to deserve her. “W–what do you think now? About the forgiveness issue, I mean.”

  “Ah.” A lone tear trickled down her cheek. “These past few weeks God has shown me over and over again that He forgave me all those years ago—when I first asked—not just for the sexual sin, but for not trying harder to reach you. I should have done more.”

  Chris shook his head and kissed the back of her hand.

  “His forgiveness I could accept,” she continued. “Finally, anyway. Mine was harder, because I felt like I somehow had to earn it by being good. And I could never be good enough to please myself. Does that make sense?”

  “You are good, Adrianne,” Chris emphasized. “But it’s not your goodness, or lack thereof, that matters. When God looks down at you—and me—He sees two people who are washed in the blood of His Son, forgiven of the past. If He can see us that way, well. . .”

  “I know.” She sighed, and then gazed up at him once more, love pouring from her eyes. “We’ve wasted so much time. So much.”

  “I’m not wasting a minute more.” He reached into his pocket to pull out the tiny box. It held the same ring he had purchased—and intended to slip on her finger—ages ago in Virginia Beach.

  As Chris dropped to one knee, his foot caught the edge of the curtain that had, until now, anyway, shielded the unfinished window display from the crowd on the other side. He didn’t care. This had to be done, tourists or not.

  “W–what are you doing?” Adrianne stared down at him in amazement.

  “Exactly what I came to do. Exactly what I should have done when we were in college.” With the ring box firmly gripped in his hand, he gazed up into her eyes. Pressing down the lump in his throat, he spoke: “Adrianne, I love you more than I ever knew it was possible to love another human being.”

  “I love you, too,” she whispered in response.

  Onlookers gathered on the other side of the window, but Chris tried to stay focused. “I’ve made a lot of mistakes. I know I don’t deserve you. But I would be so honored—so honored—if you would. . .” He looked up, encouraged by the love pouring from her eyes. “Will you marry me, Adrianne?” The tears started at once and he reached to kiss her hand.

  She knelt beside him and nodded, her eyes spilling over. “Yes.” She whispered the word, then added, “Oh yes. I will.” Her face lit into a broad smile as he pulled the ring from the box and slipped it onto her finger. She stared down at it, then whispered, “It’s beautiful.” She stared at it a moment longer before looking up at him, amazed. “I–I’ve seen this before somewhere.”

  “It was the summer before our senior year,” he reminded her. “We were in the mall in Virginia Beach. Remember?”

  Recognition registered in her eyes. “Everson’s Jewelry.” He nodded. “You pointed to it and told me it was the prettiest thing you’d ever seen.” “I remember. But, a–are you saying. . .” “Yes.” He nodded and she shook her head, clearly confused.

  “I went back that same afternoon and put it on layaway. Paid on it for weeks.”

  “I don’t believe it,” she whispered.

  “I paid it off on a Tuesday,” he said. “But I wanted to wait till Friday night to give it to you. It burned a hole in my pocket for days,” he explained. “But then—”

  “I left.”

  After he nodded, she gripped his hand and gazed intently into his eyes. “I’ve made so many mistakes, Chris. But this isn’t one of them. This is the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

  Chris’s heart began to sing. Adrianne, his Adrianne, now wore his ring. She would soon be his. And they, together, would raise their daughter.

  “W–when can we tell Lorelei?”

  “Today. Right now, if you like.”

  There, with more than a dozen people looking on, they sealed the deal with a passionate kiss. Through the glass, Chris
could hear the roar of the crowd as the applause began. Now, somewhat flustered, he looked out to discover the group outside had grown immensely.

  “Um. . .Adrianne?”

  “Yes?” She gazed into his eyes. He pointed through the glass. She looked out and offered up a little shrug. “Oh well. They paid the admission price. Why not?” She leaned forward and gave him one last playful kiss, then, together, they turned and waved to the crowd.

  ❧

  Adrianne danced a jig on the inside as she and Chris left the Revolutionary War display. He’s here! He came for me. And I’m. . . engaged!

  She glanced down at the simple ring, overwhelmed by the thought that he had purchased it all those years ago. Her heart practically sang aloud as she pondered the truth: He has loved me all along. And I have loved him, too. Nothing would ever change that.

  Hand in hand, she and Chris eased their way through the crowd of people—many still clapping—and worked their way to the lobby. There, Dani met them, hands clasped together at her chest and a look of glee on her face.

  “Congratulations!”

  A chuckle rose up from the back of Adrianne’s throat. “How did you hear?”

  “Are you kidding?” Dani reached for Adrianne’s hand to look at the ring. “Good news travels fast around here. I’ve practically got the wedding cake ordered. And I assume I’ll be a bridesmaid.”

  “Correct assumption.” Adrianne giggled.

  “We’re planning a wedding!” Dani spoke aloud, catching the eye and ear of a man passing by. When he gave her a curious look, she added, “For this happy couple.” She pointed to them.

  “Happy couple.” We are a happy couple. And we’re about to be a family, a real family.

  With Chris’s arm wrapped around her waist, Adrianne contemplated the great joy that threatened to overwhelm her. Oh Lord, I’m so grateful. So very grateful.

  After finishing up her conversation with Dani, Adrianne went off in search of her boss, to ask for permission to leave early. I came in late, and I’m leaving early. Hope he doesn’t kill me. Thankfully, she found Mr. Martinson in a good humor. He looked up as she entered his office.

  “Hey,” she started.

  “Hey, back,” he said. “I see you created quite a stir back in the Revolutionary War area.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry,” she explained, “I. . . Good grief. How in the world did you hear so quickly?”

  “Didn’t hear. I saw it. With my own eyes.”

  “W–what?”

  He grinned. “Security cameras. Recorded the whole thing.” Adrianne slapped herself in the head. “Oh no! I forgot about that.”

  “Yep. From the second the curtain dropped. Not a bad piece of film, let me tell you.” He let out a laugh. “I’ve watched it twice already. Great stuff. Has all the elements of a great movie scene. Just let me know if you ever want a copy for your children.”

  She shook her head and dropped into a chair opposite him. “This is so embarrassing. A–are you upset?”

  “Are you kidding? I think it’s great. And great for business, too. Maybe the papers will pick up the story.” His smile lit the room. “And besides, it’s about time someone snagged you. I’m just glad it wasn’t that Kenner fellow.”

  A wave of relief swept over her. “I’m so glad to hear you say that. I hope this doesn’t hamper his contributions. He’s been such an asset to the museum.”

  “Nah. He won’t stop giving. He’s been a staunch supporter for years.” Bob looked up with a smile. “I think he had designs on you.”

  “Sorry about that. He’s—”

  “A guy with too much money to spend and too much time on his hands. You now. . .” He rose from his chair and came to stand beside her. “You deserve much more than that. I just hope this fellow you’re marrying is worthy of you.”

  “Oh, he is.” The warmth rose to her cheeks. “He’s the best thing that ever happened to me, Mr. Martinson. He’s a good man. Perfect for me in every way.”

  “A good fit, huh?”

  “Yes.” She smiled, thinking of Lorelei’s words. “A perfect fit.”

  Mr. Martinson gave her a fatherly pat on the back. “Well, you’re a great mom, and I know you’re going to be a great wife.”

  “Thank you so much,” she said. “That means a lot coming from you.”

  “You’re welcome. Now, get out of here. I’m sure you have things to do, people to tell.”

  “I do.” She turned, and with a wave sprinted back to the lobby, where she practically ran into Chris. Ironically, she found him chatting with Joey. Ouch. This might be tricky.

  Joey looked her way with a shrug. “Hey.”

  “Hey.”

  “I, uh, I hear congratulations are in order.” He stuck out his hand for a stilted handshake. “Congrats.”

  “Thanks.”

  “You’re getting a great girl.” Joey’s words were meant for Chris, but his eyes never left Adrianne’s.

  “Thank you.” Chris reached to slip his arm around Adrianne’s shoulders. “I’ve been in love with this woman for as long as I can remember.”

  “I understand.” Joey gave a curt nod, then turned back to his work.

  “Don’t worry about him,” Dani leaned over to whisper in Adrianne’s ear. “I have it on good authority he has a crush on at least three other female employees. His heart will mend.”

  “Yes, it will. I know the power of a mended heart, for sure. But thanks for telling me that. It helps.”

  “Something I need to know about?” Chris looked at her, curiosity in his eyes.

  “Nah. I just think he was in love with me, is all.”

  “Ah. I see.” He wrapped her in his arms and kissed her on the forehead. “Well, I can’t blame him for that, but he’s going to have to fight me to get you. And he won’t win, I’ll promise you that. I almost lost you once. I’m not going to let that happen again.”

  “This guy is a keeper, Adrianne,” Dani said with a sigh. “He’s a prince of a guy if I ever saw one.”

  “What did you say?” She looked over at her friend, stunned.

  Dani shrugged. “I just said that he was a prince. You know, if the shoe fits—”

  “I know, I know.” Adrianne giggled. “I guess it’s unanimous, then.” She slipped her hand into Chris’s and together they headed off to tell Lorelei the good news.

  TWENTY-TWO

  Chris pulled out onto the turnpike in the direction of Adrianne’s parents’ house. He couldn’t have stopped smiling if he’d tried. The joy that flooded over him was almost more than he could stand. Several times along the way, he unclasped his right hand from the steering wheel and reached to grab Adrianne’s. How perfect it felt, wrapped in his. How right.

  “What will we tell Lorelei?” he asked as he kissed the ends of Adrianne’s fingertips.

  She gave a little shrug. “Let’s just see what happens in the moment, okay? No rehearsed speeches. I have an idea God is going to take it from here.”

  “I’d say He already has.”

  For the next several minutes, as they made their way along in the traffic, Chris laid out his plan for moving to Philadelphia. “I can still work with the missions organization,” he said. “I’ll do short-term jaunts, several a year, staying only a couple of weeks each time. And I’ll find something to fill the gap on this end, I feel sure of it.”

  “Funny,” she said with a childish grin. “That’s just what Jake said.”

  “Really?”

  She went on to tell him about the conversation she’d had with Jake and Katelyn just a few short days ago—how her beloved pastor planned to offer Chris a position at the church.

  Chris responded with “Are you serious?” Then he went on to share more from his side. He told her the story of Brent and his wife, of their desire to settle into his home, and his position, in Nicaragua. When he finished, Adrianne looked over at him and simply shook her head, clearly too overcome to respond.

  Chris pulled off of the turnpike in the direc
tion of her parents’ house. No. My future in-laws’ house. There, he would lift Lorelei into his arms and hold on to her.

  Forever.

  ❧

  Adrianne’s heart sang as they approached her parents’ house. She could hardly wait to see Lorelei, or rather, for Lorelei to see that Chris had come for them. As they started to get out of the car, Chris took her by the hand and lifted up a heartfelt prayer, for the Lord to guide every action, every word. Then he planted half a dozen tiny kisses on her cheek. “Ready?”

  “Mm-hmm.”

  When they arrived at the front door, Adrianne motioned for Chris to give her a moment inside alone. He nodded in understanding. She opened the front door, surprised to find her mother in the living room alone, reading a book.

  “Mom?”

  Her mother looked up, surprised. “Oh, I was so engrossed in my story, I didn’t even hear you come in.” She glanced up at the wall clock. “You’re early.”

  “I know.” Adrianne giggled. “There’s a reason for that.” She cracked the door open a bit and motioned for Chris to come inside. As soon as he did, her mother sprang from the couch with a squeal.

  “I knew it! I just knew it.” The book dropped from her hand on to the sofa, and she crossed the room to wrap Chris in a motherly embrace.

  “Mom?” Adrianne’s heart swelled as she lifted her left hand for her mother to see the ring.

  “O–oh, oh!” This time her mother captured them both with outstretched arms. “I’m the happiest woman on the planet.”

  “That might be debatable,” Adrianne said with a wink. “I think maybe I’ve got you beat.”

  After a few more words of congratulations, they turned their attention to the most important thing.

  “Where is Lorelei?” Chris asked.

  “She’s in the backyard with her grandpa. He’s raking leaves.”

  “Let’s surprise her,” Adrianne suggested. She looked over at Chris. Nerves had clearly gotten the better of him. “It’s going to be fine,” she whispered.