Dream Chasers
Page 16
Seth bent down and picked up the box he’d taunted her with since they’d left the studio. “Now you can open it.”
April turned slowly and anchored her back against the side. Behind Seth, John winked and turned away from them. Tearing through the paper, she handed the crumpled wads to Seth and lifted the cover. Two things sat side by side in the box. A book and a hat.
“It’s a Mary hat!”
Seth took the tam out of the box and set it on her head. “I thought you might need something to throw from up here.”
Leaning over the box, she took his face in both hands and kissed him. “I love you.”
“Because of a measly old hat?” He reached into the box and turned over the thick, spiral-bound book.
Block lettering across the pale green cover spelled out “April’s Dream List.”
“I thought it was time you made your own list.” He pulled a pen from his shirt pocket. “And I was kind of hoping I could be on it.”
Wiping a tear from the book’s cover and another from her chin, April shook her head. “You already are.” Taking the pen, she opened the book. . .and her mouth. The shoe box clattered to the basket floor.
A hole had been meticulously cut through the blank pages. And a small black box nestled in the space. With shaking fingers, she lifted the box and then held it out for Seth to open.
The setting sun glinted off the square diamond and the two little emeralds beside it.
“I love you, April Jean, and I want to spend the rest of my life sharing adventures with you.”
Smiling through tears, April held out her left hand. “That wasn’t a question, but the answer is yes.” He slid the ring on, and she raised her hand to the peach pink sun. “You won’t be a bachelor anymore.”
“No.” His arms slipped around her. “But you will be.”
Laughing, she leaned into him. “Know what?”
“What?”
“I don’t think I’m afraid of heights anymore.”
❧
Behind Pastor Owen, the stone chimney stretched to the vaulted ceiling of the rustic lodge. Flames crackled in the hearth, adding their rhythm to the chords of two acoustic guitars. Outside the windows, red and white pines stood guard and quaking aspen leaves rattled in the September breeze.
April stared down at the silver band that nested with her engagement ring and then up at the man who had just placed it there. She willed the tears that balanced on her lower lashes not to fall on the white satin that rippled at her feet.
Pastor Owen raised his hands. “Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor and pleasure to introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Seth Bachelor.”
Over the applause, “Ode to Joy” rose from the guitars. As Yvonne handed her bouquet back to her, she whispered, “I told you so.”
“You sure did.”
Seth took her hand, and they walked down the aisle.
When they reached the back, Yvonne, in floor-length rust-colored satin, took Darren’s arm and walked toward them, blowing a kiss to her husband as she passed him.
Tissue wadded in one hand, the other swiping at tears, April’s mother, looking stronger than she had in years, held her arms out to Seth first. She kissed her son-in-law on the cheek and turned to April. “Thank you, honey.”
“For what?”
“For forgiving my meddling. And for ignoring my advice.”
As her mother walked away, April allowed a few brief seconds to scan the reception line, looking for her father. She wasn’t surprised he hadn’t come.
Seth’s parents were next. Rod Bachelor hugged his son in a gesture that didn’t seem natural, but his smile seemed genuine. “We’ll set four places for Christmas dinner this year.” His wife nodded and kissed April on the cheek.
Denisha, holding the hand of a toddling girl in head-to-toe pink, prodded Wesley toward April. “He’s having some problems with this big change. He needs some reassurance from you two.”
Large brown eyes looked up at Seth. “Is there still gonna be Man Room?”
Seth squatted down to Wesley’s level. “Absolutely. Your mom and April and baby Grace will stay in the kitchen where they belong.”
A smile split Wesley’s face. “That’s Girl Room, isn’t it?”
In spite of the toe of April’s shoe connecting with his leg, Seth laughed. “It sure is.”
Another furrow creased the boy’s brow as he looked up at April. “Are you gonna be in Daddy and Uncle Seth’s comp’ny and chase storms now?”
Seth’s face turned up expectantly. “Now there’s a good question.”
April’s eyebrow rose. “You know what? I just might.”
“So you’re not scared anymore?”
“Oh, I’m still scared. But being brave means doing things even when you’re scared.”
April hugged friends from college, coworkers, Seth’s relatives, and neighbors from her childhood. And then Jill stood before her, tears in her eyes, her manicured nails sweeping along the lines of April’s pearl-trimmed gown. “I think you’ve finally reached your full potential, girl. You look beautiful.”
When they’d shaken the last hand and the guests had moved into the dining room, Midge stood alone, facing the fireplace. April walked across the room. “Midge? Are you okay?”
Her aunt’s hairsprayed curls bobbed in affirmation, but it took her a moment to turn around. Eyes red, lashes smudged, Midge smiled. “I have something for you.” She opened her lavender purse and pulled out a tissue. “Here, you’ll need this.” The next thing to come out of the clutch was an envelope. “I’ve been holding on to this for almost two years.”
April’s name was written on the front. In Caitlyn’s handwriting.
Midge walked away, and Seth’s arm slid around April’s shoulders as she opened the envelope.
Hey Ape,
So this is the big day, huh? The one we always dreamed of. I’m so sorry I can’t be there, standing by your side, making you laugh so your mascara doesn’t run. Knowing how picky you are, this guy must be amazing. I know you wouldn’t settle for anyone who didn’t make you feel totally loved and safe and protected. After all you’ve been through, you deserve that. While you’re floating on his arm tonight, think of me, but do it with a smile. I’m dancing with The Bridegroom now.
Love you forever,
Cait
Seth held her until her tears stopped and then took the tissue and wiped her face. “So, Mrs. Bachelor, what’s next on your dream list?”
Standing on tiptoes, she brushed her lips against his cheek. “Just you.”
About the Authors
A Wisconsin resident, Becky Melby has four sons and eight grandchildren. When not writing or spending time with family, Becky enjoys motorcycle rides with her husband and reading. Becky has coauthored several books with her writing partner Cathy Wienke for Barbour Publishing.
Wisconsin native Cathy Wienke and her husband have two sons, a daughter, and two grandchildren. Her favorite pastimes include reading and walking her dog. Cathy has coauthored numerous books with her writing partner Becky Melby for Barbour Publishing.
Dedication
To Kristen, Holly, Adrianne, and Brittany. You are the women we prayed for before our sons were born.
Thank you. . .for accepting this family in spite of the Melby Wander and oyster stew, for not being Paper Dolls, but perfect fits for our boys, for adding stockings to our mantel, and for raising our amazing grandkids in the joy of our Lord.
I love you, Becky
To Nathan’s beloved, Michelle Stempniewski-Wienke. I am so thankful to God for bringing you into our family. Thank you for loving our son. And to Brian’s parents, Donald and Beverly Wienke. Thank you for raising my loving husband.
Love you all, Cathy
Thank you to Scott Emerson Crosby for sharing his water tower story. And kudos to Bill for creating the Polar Cap.
A note from the Authors:
We love to hear from our readers! You may correspond with us by writing:
/> Becky Melby and Cathy Wienke
Author Relations
PO Box 721
Uhrichsville, OH 44683