Tumbleweed Weddings

by Donna Robinson

  She gasped.

  Murray’s arm encircled her waist. “She’s with me, buddy. Move on.”

  “Oh yeah, shorty?” A string of profanity spewed from the man’s mouth, along with the foul smell of liquor.

  Tonya quickened her steps, hoping the drunk man didn’t follow them.

  Murray kept his arm around her waist as he glanced back between them. “Too bad I’m not in uniform. That guy might have thought twice… .” He pulled her closer. “I’m sorry you had to go through that, Tonya.”

  “It’s all right.” She shivered. “I always thought Douglas was a pretty decent town.”

  “Drunks are everywhere. Sin abounds, unfortunately.”

  They reached the nursing home, and Murray’s arm slipped off her waist as he opened the door for her. She felt the loss as they entered the warm building.

  A tiled walkway led directly to a receptionist’s desk, but on either side were two sitting rooms. The one on the left was decorated as a Victorian parlor, complete with blue-flowered wallpaper and long blue drapes at the windows. A baby grand piano sat in the corner.

  Wishing she could play it, Tonya gave a sigh. “That’s a beautiful room.”

  Murray raised his eyebrows. “You’ve never been here before?”

  “No, and my sister works here. I wonder if she’s working tonight.”

  “I’ll ask.” Murray stopped at the desk and nodded a greeting at the dark-haired receptionist. “Hi, Kate. We’re here to see Priscilla Twichell.”

  “I just talked to your mom an hour ago.” The woman smiled as she handed Murray a clipboard. “Please sign in. She’ll be glad to see you.”

  He signed his name, then handed the clipboard to Tonya. She glanced at his neat, blocky printing, reminding her of those speeding tickets. But for some reason she couldn’t conjure up one spark of anger. She signed her name below his.

  Murray handed back the clipboard. “Is Molly Brandt working tonight?” Tonya leaned toward him. “Molly Hunt.”

  “Oh, that’s right.” He grinned at her, and she once again noticed his straight white teeth. He looked back at the receptionist. “This is Molly’s sister, Tonya.”

  Kate adjusted her glasses. “I see the resemblance.” She opened a folder and perused the paper inside. “No, Molly left at three o’clock, and she won’t be working until Tuesday.”

  “Thanks, Kate.” Murray turned to Tonya. “Ready to visit Mom?”

  Tonya hadn’t seen Mrs. Twichell for five years, since the woman became a resident at Pine River. Murray’s mom had always been short with red hair. Now her hair was snow white, and her tiny frame was as thin as a skeleton. When they entered her small room, she was sitting on a rocking chair near the bed.

  “Hi, Mom!” Murray bent over and gave her a kiss on her cheek.

  “Murray, I didn’t know you were coming over this evening.” Mrs. Twichell’s head quivered as she spoke.

  “Well, here I am.” Murray motioned toward Tonya. “I brought a visitor.”

  Tonya leaned over the older woman and took the fragile hand in her own. “Hi, Mrs. Twichell. Do you remember me?”

  “Of course I do, Tonya. Murray told me about the accident. I’m so sorry, dear.”

  “Thank you.” As Tonya gazed at the watery blue eyes, she thought of Aggie saying that Murray was the spitting image of Priscilla, and it was true. Same close-set blue eyes, same large nose. Mrs. Twichell was really rather homely, but Tonya had not remembered that. She just remembered the woman’s kindness. Murray’s words pierced her thoughts. “The thing about beauty is that it’s only skin deep. The real person is inside.”

  Tonya smiled. “I’m so glad Murray brought me to visit you.”

  “I’ll get a couple chairs.” He disappeared into the hallway.

  Mrs. Twichell kept a grip on Tonya’s hand. “Molly keeps me up to date on your family. I was so sorry I couldn’t attend her wedding, but she shared her pictures with me. It was a beautiful wedding.”

  “Yes, it was.”

  Murray came back with two folding chairs. “Have a seat, Tonya.” He set up a chair for her, then sat on the other one.

  Mrs. Twichell watched them get settled. “Molly is the best nurse here, in my opinion.”

  “All the nurses here are good.” Murray clasped his hands between his knees. “This is a great nursing home.”

  “Yes, but I wish the Lord would just take me home to heaven.” Mrs. Twichell turned to Tonya. “I’m such a burden to Murray.”

  “That’s not true, Mom.” He placed his hand on her shoulder. “Don’t talk like that.”

  Tonya nodded. “I’m sure he’s thankful you’re still here for him.”

  “That’s right. If it wasn’t for you, Mom, I wouldn’t have any family at all except for the Hunts. But I don’t see them very often.”

  Tonya thought about Murray living alone in his parents’ big, drafty house. Poe lived alone, too. She had such a big family; she couldn’t even imagine living alone.

  An hour passed quickly as they talked about Tonya’s family, the church at Fort Lob, and years gone by. Several times Mrs. Twichell’s thin knee would begin to shake, slowly at first and then more violently. The first time it happened, Tonya was alarmed. But Murray put a restraining hand on his mother’s knee, and the shaking slowed.

  Finally Murray glanced at his watch. “We’d better go, Mom. Why don’t we pray with you before we leave?”

  “Please do.” Mrs. Twichell reached out her left hand and grabbed Tonya’s good hand. She slipped her other hand in Murray’s.

  He glanced at Tonya, then looked down at her cast. “Okay. Let’s pray.”

  As Tonya bowed her head, she felt Murray place his arm around her shoulders, pulling her into an intimate circle. Listening to his baritone in her ear gave her a feeling of peace and protection. Tears touched her eyes. Murray was a good son to his mom. A good son and a wonderful man.

  Murray relaxed as he drove Tonya home. Besides that miserable drunk excuse of a man, this had been a good visit. He hoped Tonya was by his side many times when he visited his mom. Hopefully she’d be by his side the rest of his life.

  “I’m surprised you didn’t want to stay longer.” Tonya smiled at him. “I really enjoyed getting to know your mom again.”

  “You can come with me anytime, Tonya. I just figured you’d want to get home at nine o’clock so you can instant message.”

  She frowned. “How did you know about that?”

  Oops! Just blew my cover! “Um, don’t you IM every evening with your secret admirer?”

  “Did Derek tell you that?”

  Murray wished he could blame Derek, but he couldn’t. “No … Poe told me.”

  Tonya gasped. “Murray! You know who Poe is?”

  He shrugged. “Maybe.”

  Leaning across the seat, she placed her right hand on his arm. “Who is he, Murray? Please tell me.”

  Murray glanced into her beautiful dark-blue eyes. Her face was only inches away, and he wished he weren’t driving. If only he could take her into his arms. If only he could tell her who he really was. If only she would respond ecstatically.

  With a sigh, he looked back at the road. “Sorry, only Poe can tell you who he is. It wouldn’t be fair to him if I told you.”

  She moved back into her seat, and he felt the loss of her warmth. “Okay then. If you can’t tell me who he is, can you tell me what he looks like?”

  He glanced at her. “What does that matter?”

  “Murray …” She leaned toward him again. “Is Poe deformed in some way?”

  Deformed? “Not that I know of. Why would you ask?”

  “Well, he said … oh never mind.” She sat back. “He looks normal?”

  Murray grinned. “As normal as anyone else I know.”

  She sat back with a sigh. “That’s good. I was willing to accept the hunchback of Notre Dame if necessary, but I’m thankful he’s not deformed.”

  Hmm … Must have been that “seven shades of ug
ly” description. Murray glanced at her. “So you really like this guy?”

  She smiled. “Poe and I are of one heart and mind. We love each other.”

  “You love him?” Murray’s head spun. Tonya had never said those words to Poe.

  “I think so, but I want to find out who he is before I say anything.” She frowned at him. “Please don’t tell him.”

  “I won’t, but how can you fall in love with someone just by exchanging e-mail letters over the Internet?”

  “It can happen. Like Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning.” Tonya turned toward him. “You’ve heard of the Brownings, haven’t you?”

  “Uh, poets?”

  She laughed. “Murray, you’re so clueless. Yes, of course they’re poets. Poe and I both love poetry and music. We picked out our very own song, and now I’m composing a song for him.”

  “You are?” Murray raised his eyebrows.

  Tonya placed her finger over her lips. “Shhh. Keep it to yourself. I want it to be a surprise.”

  It won’t be now!

  She looked down at her cast. “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to play it for a few weeks, so I’m taking my time with the composition.”

  “So what’s your ‘very own song’ that you two picked out together?”

  “It’s called ‘When I Fall in Love, It Will Be Forever.’ Have you heard of it?”

  “Yeah.” Murray motioned toward the radio/CD player. “I have an orchestra version of it on CD.”

  “You’re kidding!” Tonya stared at the radio. “Could you play it for me?”

  “Sure.” Leaning over, he pushed the SELECTION button to number seventeen. “This is just the music. Want me to sing it for you?”

  “Yes please! That would be wonderful.” With a smile Tonya settled back in her seat and closed her eyes. “I haven’t heard this song in years.”

  Good thing I practiced! Murray glanced at her beautiful face as the orchestra played the introduction. If he weren’t driving, he could gaze at her during the entire song. But a glance now and then would have to suffice.

  He waited for the intro, then began to sing. “When I fall in love, it will be forever …”

  Tonya gave a happy sigh.

  If only that sigh were for him.

  Chapter 22

  Tonya: I found out that Murray Twichell knows who you are.

  She pushed the RETURN button, wishing she could type with more than one finger.

  Poe: What? That bonehead! Did he give away my identity?

  Tonya: NO, he refused to tell me.

  Poe: Good. OK, I take back the name-calling. Actually, Murray’s a good guy.

  Tonya: I agree. We visited his mom and had a nice time.

  But their visit to the nursing home that evening was beginning to bother her. Not the long drive with Murray, and not the visit with his mom. Even their discussion about Poe didn’t bother her. What bothered her were the emotions that pierced her heart when Murray sang.

  It would be so easy to fall in love with that man.

  Murray had a magnificent voice, but that wasn’t the only thing Tonya now loved about him. She loved the way he prayed. She loved his strong hands with the square nails, and she loved the dark beard beneath his skin and his straight white teeth. She even loved his blue eyes.

  But what about Poe?

  She loved his strength of character, the way he encouraged her, the funny things he said. She loved his Christian principles and humble attitude. And he loved her—the real Tonya. He knew her inmost thoughts and desires, unlike Murray. But how did she know Poe was the one for her when she was developing feelings for someone else?

  There was only one thing to do—she must discover Poe’s identity.

  Murray reread Tonya’s sentences. Whew! She hadn’t guessed. That was rather amazing, considering all the hints she’d had.

  Poising his fingers over the keyboard, he hesitated. Maybe he should take advantage of talking about Murray and find out what she really thought about him.

  Poe: I’m glad you had a good time with Mrs. Twichell. I was wondering—do you really, really like Murray? Is there anything about him you don’t like?

  He sat back. This would be enlightening.

  Tonya: If you’re jealous, don’t be. He cracks his knuckles.

  Murray raised his eyebrows.

  Poe: That bothers you?

  Tonya: Yes.

  Poe: Why? Cause it makes his knuckles big? (haha)

  Tonya: It makes him seem arrogant.

  Murray fell back in his seat. Arrogant? Cracking his knuckles was a sign of self-confidence. At least that’s how he always felt. He’d better change the subject before she brought up something he didn’t want to hear.

  Poe: Hmm … interesting. Now, tell me your hidden thoughts. What are you contemplating right now?

  Figuring it would take her a few minutes to write back, he entered the kitchen, rummaged around in the fridge, and found a can of cola. He carried it back to the computer and took a swig.

  He almost choked when Tonya’s IM appeared.

  Tonya: Poe, you MUST tell me who you are. NOW! I’ve waited patiently, and patience is not my virtue. WHO ARE YOU?

  “Great,” he muttered.

  Standing, Murray walked to the window and gazed out at his snowy front yard. The skies were clear and several stars winked at him. “Lord, I love Tonya and want to marry her. I know You gave me peace about our relationship, but I’m still scared.”

  As strange as it seemed, Poe had become a problem in Murray’s developing relationship with Tonya. She wanted Poe, not him. It seemed she had built this fantasy man up to godlike proportions. When she found out he was Murray, she would be disappointed.

  He slipped back into his seat at the computer.

  Poe: Give me a couple days to pray about it, OK?

  Just thinking about revealing his identity made Murray’s palms sweat.

  On Sunday afternoon, Tonya walked down the stairs from her second-floor bedroom. Hopefully she could find some luncheon meat in the refrigerator to make a sandwich before she attended the evening church service. She glanced at her cast. Maybe Mom could help her make the sandwich. It was hard to do anything with one hand.

  Murray, dressed in his green patrol uniform, walked through the living room on his way to the front door. “Hi, Tonya.”

  “Murray, what are you doing—” She stopped. Murray was right—she always asked him that question. “Never mind.”

  He grinned. “Your dad had a computer problem. Didn’t you know I was over here?”

  “No.” She finished walking down the stairs.

  “Uh, Tonya …” Taking a couple of steps back, he positioned himself in front of her. “I got a couple tickets to the Cheyenne Playhouse for Tuesday night. Want to go with me?”

  A date with Murray Twichell? What about Poe? If she kept spending time with Murray, she might put her heart in grave danger—as far as Poe was concerned. “I don’t know, Murray. I’d really like to, but I feel an obligation to Poe. He’s my soul mate, after all.”

  “Oh.” Murray looked down. “Um, I didn’t want to mention this, but Poe gave me the tickets.” He met her eyes. “He asked me to take you to this play for him.”

  “What?” Tonya’s ire rose, along with her voice. “Why doesn’t he just ask me out himself, for goodness’ sake?”

  Murray shrugged. “He’s a big chicken.”

  “Aargh!” Her right hand curled into a fist. “What is wrong with that man? I wish he would just tell me who he is.”

  “Give him time. Now how about that play on Tuesday? It’s Singing in the Rain.”

  Tonya’s lips parted as her anger dissipated. “Really? That’s one of my favorites.” She sighed. If Poe wouldn’t take her out, it would serve him right if she dated someone else. “Okay, I’ll go with you.”

  “Great!” Murray brought his hands together like he did when he cracked his knuckles, but then his hands dropped to his sides. “I forgot, you don’t like me d
oing that.”

  She raised her eyebrows. “Poe told you?”

  “Uh, yeah. We’re good friends, remember?”

  Her anger seeped back—against Poe! Why was he telling Murray things that she had told him in confidence?

  Murray opened the front door. “I’ll pick you up around six thirty Tuesday evening, okay?”

  “Sure.” She waited for the door to close behind him, then sank down to the second stair. What was the big deal about Poe not revealing himself? And why was he sharing their private correspondence with Murray? Didn’t he know Murray liked her romantically? After all, he was asking her on dates, not wearing aftershave because it made her sneeze, not cracking his knuckles because she didn’t want him to… .

  Tonya sighed. Murray was just too nice.

  On Monday night, Tonya was completely ready for bed as she IMed with Poe. She decided to test the truth about the squeaky wheel getting the oil. Every evening she would bug Poe and nag at him, no matter how long it took, until he agreed to reveal his identity.

  Tonya: Still waiting, Poe. When am I going to meet you?

  Poe: Uh, well, let’s see. Tomorrow’s out. How about never? Is never good for you?

  Tonya: NO! I want to meet you ASAP. Who R U?

  Poe: OK. I once heard a preacher say, “faith takes risks,” and I guess it’s time for the big reveal. I’ll take you up on dinner with your family.

  She almost jumped out of her seat.

  Tonya: Woo-hoo! I can’t believe it!

  Poe: Yeah, well, you might be singing a different tune once you meet me. I hope you’re not disappointed.

  They kept IMing, and a decision was reached. Poe had other plans for Tuesday night, and he was working on Wednesday. But Thursday night was free, so he would reveal himself then. Tonya invited him over for dinner with the Brandt family that evening.

  Now Tonya wished she didn’t have to go out with Murray tomorrow night, but she wasn’t about to stand him up. One more date with Murray, and then Poe would be hers forever.