Tumbleweed Weddings

by Donna Robinson

  “An accident?” Tonya licked her lips. “What about Cheyenne? And Gretchen and Laurie?”

  The nurse smiled. “Your friends are fine. You were the only one who was hurt. Evidently your seat belt broke with the impact, and you hit your head against the window.”

  “Oh.” Tonya suddenly noticed her left arm in a blue sling. “Did I break my arm?”

  “You have a hairline fracture just above the wrist. When the swelling subsides, your arm will be put in a cast. It will take at least six weeks to heal.”

  Six weeks? A numbness filled Tonya as Carrie pushed a button to raise the head of the bed. She helped Tonya reposition herself into a sitting position and get comfortable.

  Carrie lifted a plastic cup from the small table beside the bed. “Here, drink some water.” She waited as Tonya sipped through the straw. Then she left, promising to send in the doctor.

  But that was an hour ago, and no one had come. Tonya had plenty of time to think, especially about the fact that she wouldn’t be playing the piano for six weeks. She wouldn’t be able to work at the Beauty Spot either. It was a good thing Aggie had hired Connie.

  The events of last night were hazy. Her mind reached back, trying to remember. Something had cut in the path of her headlights, but what was it? Then—nothing. What happened after that?

  The door opened, and her parents walked in.

  “Mom! Dad!”

  “Oh, Tonya!” Her mom leaned over and hugged her tight. “We were so concerned.” She stood back and gazed at Tonya, her eyes bright with tears.

  Tonya looked up at them as tears filled her own eyes. “I’m so glad you came.”

  “Wild horses couldn’t keep us away.” Dad hugged her, then plopped a little brown teddy bear on her lap. “Here’s someone to keep you company.”

  “Oh, it’s cute. Thanks, Dad.” Tonya picked it up, admiring the bear holding a red heart with the words GET WELL SOON embroidered on it.

  “So tell us, honey… .” Mom gazed at her with concerned eyes. “How did your car end up in a ditch by the side of the road?”

  Tonya blinked. “Is that what happened?”

  “You don’t remember?” Dad raised his eyebrows. “The other three girls were asleep, and Murray thought perhaps you had fallen asleep at the wheel also.”

  Tonya’s lips parted. “Murray was there?”

  Mom nodded. “Cheyenne said he was very concerned about you. I guess it took a while to get you out of the car.”

  “Then Davin and Joe took you to the hospital.” Dad folded his arms. “Murray called a tow truck, waited for it, then drove the other three girls up to the hospital.”

  “Dorothy Wharton insisted on it.” Mom sat down on the chair beside the bed. “She thought the girls were in shock, but by the time they arrived at the hospital, it was one o’clock in the morning.” She shrugged. “They were okay by then.”

  “So Murray took them home?”

  “No.” Mom scooted the chair closer. “Murray called us and the other parents around midnight. We all drove to Lusk as fast as we could. The others left with their daughters, but Dad and I stayed here until three in the morning, hoping you’d wake up.”

  “I woke up about an hour ago—with a splitting headache.”

  Dad leaned against the wall. “When we left, Murray was still here. He said he was off duty at eleven last night, and he didn’t have to work today, so he didn’t mind staying.”

  Eleven. Tonya frowned. Was there something significant about eleven? She lifted her right hand and touched her forehead. Why is it so hard to think? “I must look awful.”

  “The left side of your face is bruised.” Mom took a closer look. “It’s swollen, too.”

  “Really?” Tonya wished her head would stop pounding. “Do you have a mirror, Mom?”

  Opening her purse, Mom pulled out a compact and handed it to Tonya.

  She gasped at her reflection. Her face was puffy, all her makeup had been washed off, and deep purple bruises reposed under both eyes. Her left cheekbone was highlighted with purple, too. She groaned. “I look horrible.”

  “You’re beautiful to us, Tonya.” Dad smiled at her. “Things could have been worse.”

  Mom took back the compact. “Get some rest, honey.” She leaned over and kissed her. “We’ll be back later.”

  “Okay.” Tonya did feel sleepy.

  She closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, her parents were gone.

  Saturday afternoon Murray exited the hospital elevator on the fourth floor, thankful Tonya was awake now. He had called the hospital on the way over, just to make sure.

  Last night he had stayed until five in the morning, but she was still unconscious. He finally left, but only after the nurses promised to sit by her bedside and keep an eye on her every second. Now, after a six-hour sleep and a good hot shower—and a visit to the florist—he felt rejuvenated.

  He glanced down at the miniature rosebush in his hand, knowing Tonya would like the tiny pink roses. A plant would be something she’d have to take home and care for. Hopefully it would grow and thrive.

  Like their relationship.

  He paused at the nurse’s station, surprised to see Reed Dickens sitting behind a computer. “Hey, Reed. Is it okay to visit Tonya?”

  He looked up. “Oh hi, Murray. Yeah, go ahead. Tonya’s had a flood of church people come by. Seems like the whole congregation.” He grinned as he motioned down the hall. “Room 415.”

  “Thanks.” Murray strode down the hall. The door was already open, but he knocked before he walked into the room.

  “Come in.” Tonya raised her eyebrows when she saw him. “Murray.”

  “Hi.” He gazed at her face as she reclined at a forty-five degree angle on the hospital bed. She looked worse now than she had last night. Her left arm sported a sling. Plenty of flower arrangements filled the small room, and a couple of teddy bears kept vigil over them.

  He walked to the bedside. “How are you feeling?”

  “A little better. I’ve had a headache all day, but the doctor has me on all kinds of medicine, so it’s not as bad as it was.”

  “Good.” He set the plant on the little table. “I brought you some roses.”

  “Thank you.” She picked up the plant and gazed at the flowers. “They’re so tiny.”

  He nodded, thinking he’d have to start “tiny” with their relationship and keep a lid on his feelings for now. “I was really concerned about you last night.”

  “I heard.” Her eyes looked up into his. “Thanks for all you did for me, and for the girls, too. You really went the second mile.”

  Because I love you. He shrugged. “When you know the people involved in an accident, it’s different than business as usual.”

  A smile lifted her lips. “I guess so.”

  “Did the doctor say when they’ll release you?”

  “I have a concussion, so Doctor Kessler wants me here until Monday.” She pointed to a chair against the wall. “Why don’t you sit down?”

  She wanted him to stay! Hiding a grin, he pulled the chair up to her bedside.

  Tonya looked down at her sling. “I also have a broken arm. I won’t be playing the piano for six weeks at least.”

  Murray raised his eyebrows. “That’s too bad. I’m glad I was able to hear you play on Thursday night.”

  “I’ve been thinking about that. Do you remember our conversation? You said God gave you your voice talent, and He could easily take it away.” She sighed. “I guess God is punishing me. He’s taken away the two things I care about the most—my piano playing and my looks.”

  “He’s not punishing you, Tonya.”

  “So many people from church visited me today, and they all saw my ugly, swollen face. The doctor won’t let me wear any makeup at all until I go home.” A tear ran down her cheek.

  Murray’s heart twisted at her pain, and he grabbed her hand. “Hey, don’t cry.”

  “I can’t help it.” Pulling her hand away, she covered
her face. “I look so horrible.” Tears fell between her fingers.

  “Tonya …” Startled, Murray moved to the edge of the bed and pulled her into his arms.

  Grabbing his jacket, she buried her face in his shoulder and sobbed. He tightened his grip, wishing he could hold her forever. He hadn’t realized her beauty meant so much to her.

  Finally she pulled away with a sniff. “Sorry. I’m so embarrassed.”

  Reluctantly he let go. “You’ve just gone through a rough ordeal. Maybe you’ve been in shock all day, and you’re just starting to realize what’s happened.”

  “Maybe.” She pulled a tissue from the box by the bed and wiped her eyes. “But it’s so hard to let people see me like this.”

  “Tonya, it’s okay. No one is thinking less of you.” Gently he ran his hand down her left cheek. “This isn’t permanent. It will heal.”

  “I know.” She sniffed again.

  He gazed at her, wishing he could tell her how much he loved her. For the first time in his relationship with Tonya, Murray was jealous of Poe.

  He stood. “Guess I’d better move along. The Single Servings are going to the nursing home in Douglas tonight, and I want to go with them.”

  “Oh, that’s right.” Tonya looked down. “I was looking forward to that.”

  “I usually visit my mom twice a week. Why don’t you go with me next week?”

  She looked up at him. “I’d like that. Thanks, Murray.”

  His heart stirred as their gazes held. “You know, you’re still beautiful, Tonya, even with your face all banged up. The thing about beauty is that it’s only skin deep. The real person is inside.” He spread out his hands. “Just as the Bible says in First Peter, it’s more important for a woman to have a meek and quiet spirit than outward beauty.”

  She sighed. “I know that on paper, but it’s hard to put into practice. I guess I just want to keep up my image.” She gave a little laugh at her pun.

  He grinned, thankful she was in a better mood. “Before I go, may I pray with you?”

  Her lips parted, but then she nodded.

  Bowing his head, Murray captured her fingers in his. “Father, I lift Tonya up to You. Thank You that she wasn’t killed in the accident—it could have been much worse. But now we ask for Your healing. Please heal her physically and emotionally, and thank You that You freely give us all things in Christ because You love us, more than we could ever realize. In Jesus’ name, amen.” He squeezed her fingers before letting go.

  “Thank you, Murray.” She wiped away another tear. “And thanks for listening to me blubber.”

  He backed toward the door. “Remember what I said. The real person is inside, and your inward beauty is shining through.” With a little salute, he walked out.

  Striding toward the elevator, he heaved a sigh that turned into a prayer.

  Lord, I love that girl!

  Tonya blew her nose. She couldn’t believe she had cried all over Murray’s shoulder. But it felt good to cry, and it felt good—unbelievable as it was—to be embraced in his strong arms.

  She shook her head. Murray, of all people!

  If only he were still here, talking to her. “I wish we could talk all night and then watch the sun come over the horizon together.” She frowned. Those were Poe’s words, not Murray’s.

  Poe! She hadn’t thought of him once today!

  Of course, he had not expected to hear from her. Last night Poe worked until eleven, and this evening she had planned to go to the nursing home.

  She drew her brows down. Eleven. That’s what she’d been trying to rack her brain about. Poe had to work until eleven, and when Dad said …

  What had he said?

  With a groan, she lay back on the pillow. Dear Father, please help me get well so I can think. Her thoughts wandered back to Murray’s prayer, and her heart warmed. Murray really was a great guy, a wonderful man. She closed her eyes. Wonderful … man … wonderful …

  He stayed in her thoughts as she drifted off to sleep.

  Murray booted up his computer at 8:55 on Monday night, then paced the room as he waited. He couldn’t sit still, and neither could he keep the smile from his face.

  Tonya had gone home from the hospital that morning, and he hoped she was planning to IM with Poe tonight. When the computer was ready, he typed his first instant message.

  Poe: Hey, Tonya! I heard about the accident—obviously. My heart just about wrenched out of my chest when I found out, and it made me realize how very much I love you. I’ve been keeping you in my prayers.

  In a few minutes he was rewarded with her response.

  Tonya: Poe! I could not believe the gifts waiting for me when I got home. Thank you so, so much!

  Murray grinned. He had sent her not only a huge bouquet of flowers, but also a card, a poem, and a sapphire bracelet to match the necklace he had given her.

  Poe: You’re welcome. It’s a pleasure to buy gifts for you.

  He waited for a few minutes. What was taking Tonya so long? Oh, her broken arm, which he heard was now in a cast. She was probably typing with one hand.

  Tonya: Guess what? I won the trip to Hawaii!

  “Whoa!” Murray stared at the monitor. With all the concern about the accident, not one word had been mentioned about the cooking show in Denver.

  Poe: Are you serious, Tonya?

  Tonya: Yes!

  Poe: I can’t believe it. Congratulations!

  Tonya: Thanks.

  Poe: So, when are you planning to go to Hawaii?

  Tonya: Not sure, but it’s good for a year. It would make a great honeymoon (hint, hint).

  Murray sat back. Wow! A honeymoon in Hawaii.

  He raised his eyes to the ceiling. “Lord, if this is Tonya’s confirmation that I should marry her, You certainly aren’t sparing any expenses!” He laughed. “Thank You, Lord!”

  Chapter 21

  Late Saturday afternoon Tonya sat on the passenger seat of Murray’s SUV as they made their way to the Pine River Nursing Home. Since Murray wasn’t on duty, he wore jeans and a button-down shirt with a blue jacket—the same jacket she had cried on a week ago. She took a deep breath, thankful her bruises were healed and she could wear makeup. Tonya glanced at Murray’s profile, admiring the dark beard beneath his skin. Was he getting more handsome?

  As he drove, Murray told her about the Single Servings visit to the nursing home the week before.

  “Twelve people showed up, including me, and we visited all the residents in their rooms.” He glanced at her. “Then one of the nurses asked us to sing, even though our piano player was hospitalized. We gave an impromptu concert in the hallway.”

  Tonya sighed. “I wish I could have come. What did you sing?”

  “Some oldies. ‘Red River Valley’ and ‘Bicycle Built for Two.’ Songs like that.” He grinned. “Then Corey Henning and I hammed it up with ‘Who Threw the Overalls in Mistress Murphy’s Chowder?’ Corey knew the words better than I did, and he’s not even Irish.”

  “Corey sings?” Tonya couldn’t imagine that.

  Murray shrugged. “He’s pretty good. Wayne should enlist him in the choir.”

  She didn’t reply. Laurie claimed that Corey was a perfect gentleman. Tonya couldn’t imagine that either, but maybe she shouldn’t be so quick to judge people.

  It began snowing as they exited the interstate and entered the town of Douglas. Murray turned the car onto the main street, and they passed a shopping center with a string of stores.

  She pointed. “There’s the Facial Boutique.”

  Murray glanced out her window. “What kind of store is that?”

  “It’s a makeup outlet, and I love that place. I haven’t visited it for months.”

  He slowed the car. “Do you want to stop?”

  Tonya hesitated. A week ago she would have insisted they stop. But now thinking about buying new makeup didn’t thrill her as it once had. Since the swelling had gone down and her face was back to normal, she was thankful for her looks i
nstead of being proud of them.

  Perhaps God let the accident happen for that very reason.

  “No, I have enough makeup.” She glanced at Murray. “Let’s go visit your mom.”

  He shrugged. “Okay.”

  With a few turns, they entered the heart of downtown Douglas.

  Murray cruised by an empty spot at the edge of the curb between two cars. “Guess I’ll park here.” He threw his right arm across the back of the seat as he parallel parked. “Hope you don’t mind walking a couple blocks. The nursing home has a small parking lot, and I can never find a space. I always park on the street.”

  “This is fine.” She watched several people strolling down the sidewalk. “I guess Douglas has a nightlife.”

  He chuckled. “Yeah, all the restaurants and bars do a hopping business on Saturday night, even in the winter.” He cut the engine. “Let me get your door.”

  Tonya waited while he circled the car. She thought of the easy camaraderie they shared. She was beginning to like Murray—way more than she should. Wasn’t Poe the one for her?

  He helped her out, and the cold air smacked Tonya as she exited. She wore her winter coat over her jeans and T-shirt, but she couldn’t get her left arm in the sleeve with her cast, so her coat was unbuttoned.

  “This sidewalk is icy, so be careful.” Murray breathed out white clouds in the frosty air as he spoke.

  She smiled. “I’ll be fine, Murray. My arm is broken, not my leg.”

  “I know.” He grinned. “I just don’t want any more accidents.”

  As they began walking, Tonya reached to pull her coat closed with her right hand. “It’s freezing out here.” Thick snowflakes floated down and landed on her hand. If only she’d thought to wear gloves.

  Murray stuck his hands in his jacket pockets. “I’m sorry, Tonya. I should have dropped you off at the door. I didn’t think about it.”

  “Neither did I, but that’s okay.”

  On the sidewalk, a tall, thin man ambled toward them. His old overcoat was two sizes too big, and Tonya felt sorry for him.

  As he approached, he leered at her with bloodshot eyes. “Hey, gorgeous. How ’bout my place?”