She had to admit the idea of Brandon saving himself for his bride did seem like a romantic and virtuous act of love. Natalie wondered if her sister had snatched the last true hero. She had little hope of finding someone half as good for herself--not that she was looking.
“How’s Tommy doing?” Natalie asked. “Is he still worried about the plane crashing?”
Josie sighed. “Yes,” she replied, folding the nightgown neatly and placing it into her suitcase. “Nothing I say makes any difference. Even Brandon can’t get through to him. I don’t know what else to do.”
“Does he want to go to the airport to see you off?”
“Yes. It’s going to break my heart to leave him though, especially if he’s upset. Brandon said he would try to talk to him again tonight.”
“Aren’t you planning to fly to Disneyland next week?”
“He says he’s not scared to fly with us because we will all be together. But he’s afraid of us not coming back from Hawaii.”
“Sounds like his fear has more to do with you leaving than about the plane crashing.”
“That’s what Brandon thinks too. It’s not like him to act this way, but then again he’s never been away from me for more than a day or two, and he’s gotten very attached to Brandon these last couple of months. I can see how having us both gone is traumatic for him. A week seems like an eternity. We thought about going to Sunriver or to the Oregon Coast instead, but I don’t know if it would make a difference.”
“I’ll do my best to keep him busy and help the time go quickly for him,” Natalie said. “I’m sure he’ll be fine after he hears you made it there.”
“I hope so,” Josie said. “Thanks for agreeing to watch him, Nat. He loves you, and I think being here at the apartment instead of having to go stay with someone else will help a lot.”
Natalie looked forward to spending the week with Tommy. She knew she would miss her time with him after the move. Before living with her sister these past few months, she hadn’t been around him except for on holidays, but seeing him on a daily basis had been good for her. Other than his recent fear about the plane crashing, he was mostly a carefree boy who liked to play and have fun, and she had been able to do the same right along with him, which was more of her natural personality than being stressed about life. Following her dreams had its rewards and drawbacks. Failure had not been an easy thing for her to accept, but Tommy had helped her more than he would ever know.
Riding with Josie to the church an hour later, Natalie continued to set her troubled thoughts aside and share in her sister’s excitement instead. The wedding rehearsal was scheduled for six o’clock and they would be having dinner at a local restaurant afterwards. The time they had been planning and waiting for had arrived. Tomorrow her sister would become Mrs. Brandon Mitchell. Besides the bride, the groom, and the little boy that would finally have a daddy, Natalie felt certain no one could be as thrilled about the upcoming day as she was.
“I’m excited about seeing Dad,” Natalie said. “This will only be the second time I’ve seen him since we went to Tahoe at Christmas. So much for his promise to stop by more often.”
Josie laughed. “You know Dad. His intentions are good, but--”
“Yes, I know,” Natalie said, taking a stick of cinnamon gum from her purse. “I hope he doesn’t have to take off right away after tomorrow. It would be nice to have at least a day or two with him in town. Gum?”
“No thanks,” Josie said. Natalie folded hers into her mouth, feeling the hot flavor tingling her taste buds.
“I think he’s planning to stay until Wednesday,” Josie said. “If you want to spend time with him, let him know. I’m sure he’ll put work aside a few days for you. Of us three kids, you were the one who managed to get him to come home the most. You are his biggest weakness.”
“Well, I used to be,” Natalie muttered, wondering if Daddy remembered all those great times they’d had together. Part of the reason she had chosen to go to college at Stanford rather than someplace local had been to show him what it felt like to not have a loved one around. Now she knew her actions had backfired, widening the distance between them and shattering the fragile relationship she had managed to hold on to during her early teen years.
Josie parked in the small lot next to the church, and Natalie helped her carry in some things. Brandon came out to meet them and greeted Josie with a brief kiss before they all proceeded into the church. Natalie followed them into the light and airy multipurpose room capable of seating five-hundred people.
Tonight it looked smaller and more intimate than it did on Sunday mornings, being set up for a wedding. Two sections of chairs had been arranged on the main floor with an aisle in between. Silver candelabras and an elaborate white archway were on the stage, and a long white carpet had been rolled out in the center aisle. The flowers would not be delivered until morning, but Natalie could already see it would be a beautiful wedding.
Once again those pangs of longing for her own special day surged through her, but she dismissed them and set her mind on helping Josie. At six o’clock Natalie heard her cell phone ring, and she located it inside her purse. She took the call with anticipation when she saw who it was.
“Hi, Dad.”
“Hi, Natty. Is Josie around?”
“Yes. Do you want to talk to her?”
“No, you can give her a message. I’m afraid I’m not going to make it tonight. My plane was delayed out of Miami, and I missed my connecting flight. I’m stuck in Denver until morning.”
She couldn’t reply.
“Tell Josie I’m sorry, but I’ll be there by noon tomorrow for sure.”
“Okay, I’ll tell her.”
“See you tomorrow, baby.”
“Bye, Daddy.”
Natalie lowered the phone and clicked it off. Lifting her eyes to the stage, she took a deep breath and walked toward her sister to tell her the bad news.
Oh, Daddy. Why do you always do this?
CHAPTER TWO
Josie and Brandon promised the rehearsal would not last more than an hour, and they stuck to their schedule. Despite the news about her dad not making it, Josie remained lighthearted and unaffected by anyone or anything around her. She absolutely glowed--already looking the part of a radiant bride, even in her jeans and white t-shirt. Brandon looked relaxed also, joking with his brother and friends, playing with Tommy, and sneaking kisses from Josie whenever they were close.
Natalie felt happy for her sister and soon-to-be brother-in-law. Their love and happiness seemed to spill over like wine from an overflowing goblet, quenching her own somber mood. Her father’s delay upset her more than anyone else, but thoughts of losing her sister after being reunited with her for such a short time also depressed her. They had been sharing an apartment, their daily lives, late-night talks, and their hopes and dreams for the last five months. That would end tomorrow. She had known that for two months, but it hadn’t hit her until now.
Josie and Brandon had bought a house in the West Hills of Portland, and Natalie knew she would be welcome anytime. But it wouldn’t be the same. Josie had another best friend now. She did not.
The life Natalie had always thought she wanted, one of adventure and independence, now seemed like a lonely way to live. She had enjoyed teaching at the high school and felt anxious to return to her job, but the start of the new school year seemed far away, and she didn’t know if she could gather up the courage to leave Portland before then.
Perhaps once Josie left for her honeymoon it would be easier to make plans. Right now, however, the thought only made her anxious and depressed. No one seemed to notice. She knew she was either doing a good job of hiding her mood or nobody cared.
After the rehearsal, the wedding party and family members walked to a nearby restaurant where they had reserved a banquet room for the evening. Circular tables with white tablecloths were arranged around the room. Natalie took the seat beside Josie. Tommy and Brandon were on her sister’s other side.
She supposed some of the other members of her family had the right to have the seat beside the bride as well, but she felt like being selfish. Her mother and stepfather sat beside her. Natalie had a difficult time seeing her mother married to someone besides Daddy.
Natalie’s melancholy mood continued, and she spent more time watching those around her than talking herself, an unusual role for her. Brandon and Josie looked happy. Tommy seemed in good spirits also. Sipping her water, she wondered if Brandon had managed to convince him he didn’t need to worry about his mommy and new daddy flying on an airplane.
Seeming to be the only one in the room without a date and wanting to use the restroom before their food arrived, Natalie excused herself and left the noisy room. She didn’t figure anyone noticed, but Josie caught up with her just as she located the ladies’ room.
“Here comes the bride,” Natalie hummed, not wanting to let her somber mood show.
Josie scowled. “Oh, great. Now I will have that tune stuck in my head all night. I hate that music!”
Natalie laughed. “You may be getting married tomorrow, but I will always be your pesky little sister.”
“I don’t doubt that.”
“I have to admit that the music you chose to walk down the aisle instead of the Wedding March is beautiful though. You always did have good taste.”
“It will sound even better with Michael playing it.”
“Michael?”
“Brandon’s cousin. The one who’s playing the piano tomorrow and also singing a solo,” Josie replied. “You know, he’s on the praise team at church. He plays the keyboard. Light brown hair, about five-ten, with the boy-next-door look.”
Natalie tried to recall whom her sister spoke of, but she didn’t remember anyone by that vague description. If she hadn’t met him directly at the large church, she wouldn’t remember. “Why wasn’t he at the rehearsal?”
“He’s part of a local band, and they were playing at a youth rally tonight.”
Natalie washed her hands and rinsed them in the warm water. “You don’t seem too upset about Daddy not making it,” she commented, reaching for a paper towel.
Josie shrugged. “There’s nothing I can do about it. Besides, it’s not like he has a complicated role to play.”
“Well, I’m mad enough for both of us.”
Josie looked surprised by her intense emotion. “I would have liked to have him here,” she replied. “But I wasn’t surprised when you told me. I’ve lost track of how many times he’s arrived a day late.”
“You can say that again.”
“Is something bothering you? Besides Daddy not making it?”
Natalie hesitated.
“All right. What is it?”
“Nothing,” she said.
“Natalie,” Josie replied in her big sister tone. “Remember our pact to be honest? Just because I’m getting married tomorrow doesn’t mean you’re free from me.”
Natalie laughed. “What? All that effort to get you two together for nothing!”
Josie tossed her wet paper towel at her. Natalie flung it back. A well-dressed woman entered the small room. Josie smiled politely, and Natalie swallowed a giggle.
Josie steered her into the hallway. “We’re not going back in there until you tell me. If Brandon has to come looking for me then I’ll make you tell both of us.”
“Like you won’t tell him anyway.” Sighing heavily, she told Josie about Laurie’s call.
“The offer to live in the guest room at our house still stands, Nat.”
“Get real, Josie! I’m not moving in with you two. You need your space and privacy. Don’t worry about me. I’m sure I’ll find something.” She knew this was not a good time to mention her tentative plans to leave town.
Josie looked thoughtful. “You know,” she said, stepping behind her to let someone pass by. “You should ask Dad if you can live at his house.”
“Me, live with Daddy?”
“Sure. That house is huge, and he’s hardly ever there. You should ask him while he’s here. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind. He offered to let me move in there more than once.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“I considered it, but I liked living with Patrick and Faith and then when I decided to get my own place, I wanted to be closer to the hospital.”
Natalie admitted the idea had crossed her mind a few times. But she had never considered it seriously. There had been no need before now. Living at Dad’s house would allow her to remain here and devote all her time to photography. It might also give her more time with him. The idea made perfect sense, but she didn’t know if she could bring herself to ask. Would he see her as a failure, having to run back home at the age of twenty-six instead of making it on her own?
They returned to the banquet room and retook their seats. The rest of the evening dragged. She knew tomorrow would be a big day for them all, and she needed to get some sleep. When they arrived back at the apartment, she and Josie were glad they had taken the things from Brandon’s truck that afternoon and gotten everything packed.
When Natalie passed by the landline phone on her way to get a drink of water from the kitchen sink, she noticed a message had been left. She listened to see if it was anything major.
“This is Jerry Trent from Discover Oregon magazine calling for Natalie Matthews.”
Natalie’s heart surged. She had met with the photo editor of the local magazine last month to show her portfolio.
“I am wondering if you would be available to cover a shoot for me that the photographer I originally hired for the assignment backed out on this afternoon. We are running a cover story this summer on Oregon Coast lighthouses, and the deadline for the artwork is a week from this coming Monday. As you can tell, I’m in a bind. I’d like to offer the assignment to you. I was quite impressed by your portfolio a few weeks ago. If you would be available to do this on short notice I would appreciate a call back by noon tomorrow.”
She jotted down the number he left and stood there staring at it.
“Who was that?” Josie asked, coming up behind her dressed in her navy-blue pajamas.
Natalie told her.
“You’re going to take it, aren’t you?”
Natalie bit her lower lip. “I’d have to get started right away. I think I’m going to have to turn it down.”
“Natalie! You have been sitting by the phone waiting for an assignment like this for the past four months.”
Natalie kept her voice low. “But what about Tommy?”
“He can stay with Patrick and Faith.”
“But I promised him I would be here while you’re gone. I can’t back out on that.”
“He will be fine, Nat. You can’t pass up this opportunity.”
Natalie felt tears stinging her eyes. Shaking her head, she replied, “I’m turning it down Josie. I won’t do that to Tommy. Besides, with Faith being this close to her due date, she doesn’t need another one to keep track of.”
“Tommy is not your responsibility, Natalie. I will talk to Patrick and Faith tomorrow. Tommy will be at school during the day, and Patrick will be there to help out in the evenings. I’ll tell Tommy there’s been a change of plans. He will be fine.”
Natalie was not convinced, but feeling too tired to argue, she decided to sleep on it. She hated breaking promises.
***
“What time do you want to leave?” Natalie asked the following morning after taking a shower.
“Pictures are at eleven, and I need time to get into my dress and put on make-up,” Josie said, standing in front of the mirror doing her own hair for the occasion. “I guess it would be good if we could get there by ten.”
Natalie dried herself off, put on her bra and panties, and combed through her wet blonde hair. “Are we taking Tommy with us?” she asked, fluffing some scented mousse into her gentle waves.
“No. He’s coming with Brandon. I already sent him next door.”
“He’s excited, isn’t he?” Natalie said, r
eaching for her contacts case on the vanity.
“Yes,” Josie said with a broad smile. “He loves Brandon to death. God has blessed us so much, Natalie. I dreamed of a man like Brandon for so many years, and now I’m going to marry him. It seems too good to be true.”
Natalie blinked in her right contact lens and glanced at her sister in the mirror. Josie’s eyes were pooling with moisture.
“None of that, now,” she said, handing her a tissue. “They’ll be plenty of time for tears later.”
Josie forced herself to stop and couldn’t hold back a smile. Natalie felt extremely happy for her. Maybe she was losing her sister today, but she wouldn’t wish Brandon out of Josie’s life for the world.
“I told Tommy about you having to leave on Monday,” Josie surprised her. “He seemed fine with going to Patrick and Faith’s instead.”
“Josie! I haven’t decided if I’m going yet.”
“You’re going, Natalie. I’m not letting you miss this opportunity on my account. Tommy will be fine.”
Natalie had thought about the assignment while trying to get to sleep last night. She really wanted to take it, but she had decided not to. She’d made a promise to Tommy and didn’t want to back out on that.
“I can’t believe you’re thinking of me today,” she said. “This is your wedding day, Josie. You’re supposed to be thinking only about yourself.”
“Wedding day or any other, I don’t live by that philosophy, and neither do you, Natalie. If it was me, you’d be doing the same thing. Let me leave for my honeymoon with peace of mind that you’re doing what you’ve been hoping for instead of missing out because of me, okay?”
“All right,” Natalie said, realizing she’d lost all say in the matter. “Thank you. I owe you one.”
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