Ethan shrugged off his disappointment. He wanted to surprise Julie with the ring, but he didn’t want to force it. Lord, I’ll submit to Your timing.
“It’s okay; next week is fine.”
❧
On her way home, Julie stopped by Bella’s Cards & Gifts to pick up invitations. She and Grandma planned to hand deliver most of them, knowing some friends wouldn’t be able to attend on such short notice, but this ceremony was not about a plethora of people or a mountain of gifts. It was about her and Ethan’s renewed commitment.
She sat in bed pretending to read, filling out invitations instead. I hope no one slips up in front of Ethan.
Grandma called to say Ramona would make the cake, and she’d already enlisted several ladies from the women’s Bible study to help make food.
“I told them to plan for fifty to sixty people. What do you think?” Grandma asked.
“That’s a good estimate,” Julie confirmed. “Thank you so much, Grandma.”
Her mom had also called, excited. She’d found Great-Grandma’s linens and discovered a Sinclair’s sales ad for tea lights while throwing away the newspaper. She would pick some up tomorrow.
“And guess what! Your father said the weather would be sunny and warm this weekend.”
“Mom, I appreciate your help.”
“Oh, this is marvelous. . . .”
Snuggled now in her bed, writing invitations, Julie felt content. “What a great day, God. Thank You so much for all Your blessings.”
Ethan’s dark, wavy head popped around the bedroom door. “What are you doing?”
Julie tucked the invitations between the back pages of her book. “Reading.”
Flopping on the bed, he took the book from her hand and drew her to him. “I need to tell you something.”
She brushed her hand over his hair, her emotions vibrating with a melody for her husband. “You seemed like something was bothering you tonight at Elizabeth and Kavan’s.”
“I spent some money, Julie.”
She pushed herself upright. Oh no, not again. “On what?”
“You.”
“Me?”
“I wanted to surprise you, but after my big money speech to you and hiding the Costa Rica trip, it didn’t feel right.”
Julie glanced around the room before looking Ethan in the eye. “What have you done with my husband? You look like him—”
“Come on, Jules. Help a guy out here.”
She smoothed her hand over his chest and felt his heart beating. She knew it beat for her. “Do what you think is best. But don’t spend too much money on me.”
“Well, I won’t buy a high-performance sports car, if that’s what you mean.”
She pinched his cheek. “Har, har. You love that car.”
“I love you, Julie.”
“I know you do. So what’d you buy me?”
He rolled off the bed and held up his hands. “It has to do with our conversation on the bridge the other night. That’s all I’m saying.”
“Really?” Her heart lurched, and she scrambled over to him. What did he do? Would it mess up her surprise? “Ethan, I need to tell you something.”
He pulled off his sweater and disappeared into the closet. “Shoot.”
“I spent some money, too. Well, I made plans to spend money.”
He popped out of the closet. “On what?”
“On you.”
“Me?”
“Well, not just you. You and me.”
“How much?” He held his pajama bottoms in his hands.
“I don’t know yet.” She chewed her thumbnail.
“Less than a thousand?”
Julie gaped at him. “Did you spend a thousand dollars?”
“Did you?”
“No, I haven’t spent anything yet, but I’ll probably spend a couple hundred. I can keep it simple.” Mentally, she ran down her checklist. She could pull off the ceremony without spending much, especially since she didn’t need a fancy new dress or accessories. After all, it was a barbecue.
“What are you up to? Is that why you were with Grandma at Peri’s? And what was on the yellow legal paper?”
She held up her hands. “Enough already. I’m not saying any more.”
He grabbed her waist and tackled her to the bed.
“Ack! Ethan—” Her laugh filled the room.
“What are you up to, Mrs. Lambert?”
“Same as you, Mr. Lambert.”
❧
On Saturday night, Ethan showered after helping Grandpa dig a bonfire and barbecue pit. He splashed on cologne and dressed in jeans and a white oxford shirt. He looked for his favorite navy sweater. It was missing, again.
Julie. . . He grinned and found a burgundy pullover to wear.
Julie had left hours ago to help Grandma set up, or so she said. Did she mention the quartet might play, too? With her hair rolled in large curlers, she’d dashed out the door. Then dashed back in.
“Oh, Will’s going to pick you up tonight.”
“What? Why? I can drive my car.”
She shrugged. “So we can ride home together.”
Jogging down the stairs, Ethan chuckled, thinking of his wife with her big curlers wanting to ride home with him after the barbecue. Giving up the Costa Rica trip and going to her in Florida were the best decisions he’d ever made besides marrying Julie.
Deep down, he suspected tonight had to do with Julie’s surprise for him, but he felt clueless as to what, or how.
The doorbell rang. “Come in.”
Will opened the door. “Are you ready to go?”
“Yes.” Ethan stood in the kitchen, holding the pantry door open. We still need to clean this out. “Have you eaten yet?”
“Are you kidding? I’m waiting for Grandma’s barbecue.”
Ethan regarded his cousin. “Do you know what tonight is about?”
“Family gathering. Nothing out of the ordinary.”
“So you say.” Ethan slapped him on the back. “Let’s swing by the diner. Get a little preparty dessert.”
“I like your thinking.”
They started out the door.
“Got your keys?” Will asked.
Ethan patted his pockets. “Check. Keys and wallet.”
“Oh, hey—” Will pulled up short. “Grandpa said I should see that ring you bought Julie.”
Ethan stopped on the porch step. “Now? You want to see it now?”
Will tipped his head and motioned over his shoulder with his thumb. “We’re here, aren’t we?”
Ethan furrowed his brow, shrugged, and ran upstairs to the bedroom with Will following. He’d hidden the ring in his sports bag, figuring Julie would never look there—for anything.
Will took the small red velvet box from him and lifted the top. He whistled low. “This set you back a bit. Do you need a raise?”
“No.” Ethan reached for the box. Should he tell him about Grandpa’s help?
Will examined the ring in the fading light of the window. “I’m definitely going to Cindy Mae if I ever need an engagement ring.”
“She’s got some beautiful stuff. Let’s get going, or we won’t have time for pie.”
The phone rang as Ethan reached again for the ring box.
“You answer the phone; I’ll put the ring away.” Will stepped into the closet.
“Hello?”
It was Grandpa. “What are you doing? I need some help here.”
Ethan chuckled. “Okay, we’re on our way.” He turned to Will. “Grandpa beckons.”
“Let’s go.” Will patted him on the back and started downstairs.
“Did you put it in the pocket of the bag? I don’t want to lose it.”
“Yes, I put it in the pocket. The ring is safe. Let’s go, or we won’t have time to stop for preparty dessert.”
“I’m with you, Cousin. I’m with you.” Ethan followed Will downstairs and out the front door.
Twenty-three
In Grandpa and Gr
andma’s master bedroom, Julie slipped into a new pair of jeans and a blouse her mother had bought in Manchester.
“I couldn’t resist.” Her mother stood off to the side, hands folded together. “A woman has to have something new for her wedding. . .well, renewal ceremony.”
Julie smiled at her. “Thank you, Mom. I love the clothes.” She pulled on Ethan’s navy merino wool sweater. “There, now I have something old, borrowed, and blue to go with the new.”
Mom cried. Sniffling, she said, “I’ll go check on how the ladies are progressing with the food.” As she exited, Elizabeth came in.
“I’ve got red lipstick. But it’s really red.” She held up the wand for Julie to see.
She wrinkled her nose. “Not me.”
“Didn’t think so.” Elizabeth closed that tube and opened another one. “This one is called blush. And it has sparklies in it.”
Julie took the lipstick and striped it across her wrist. “Perfect.”
Elizabeth raised her hands. “We have a winner. I’ll take the red one down to Elle.”
Julie made a face. “Elle? Bright red lipstick?”
“Yes, it’s always the quiet ones, you know.”
Julie laughed. “You’re too funny, Beth.” She watched her cousin-in-law exit, her middle slightly round with new life. Julie resolved to be the best “auntie” ever to the little Donovan.
Grandma bustled in after Elizabeth. “Oh, land sakes, I’m more nervous than at your first wedding. A barbecue wedding. What were we thinking?”
With a nervous giggle, Julie admitted, “It’s going to be great. The surprise element alone will be worth it.”
“Your hair. It’s still in curlers,” Grandma said.
“I know. Michele hasn’t made it here yet.”
Just then, a tall redhead stumbled into the room, breathless. “Sorry I’m late.”
“Well, speaking of—” Grandma said as Michele’s bag of beauty tricks toppled to the floor.
Elizabeth came in right after Michele, followed by Mom again. As Michele and Elizabeth retrieved the contents of her bag, Elle entered.
“He’s here.”
Julie jumped. “He is?”
Elle nodded, her eyes wide with excitement.
“Oh no. Is Pastor Marlow here?” Julie jittered about, biting her bottom lip, while Michele took the curlers out of her hair.
“No, he’s not.”
Julie held up her hands. “Great. Don’t let Ethan see him. He’ll figure it out.”
“I’m on it,” Elle said.
“Oh, Elle.” Julie darted after her.
“Julie!” Michele ripped the last roller out of the bride’s head. “Stand still.”
At the door, Julie reminded Elle, “Don’t let the quartet play until I come out to the deck. That’ll tip him off, too.”
“Right.”
“Have Grandpa or Dad put on a CD or something. The CD player is on the deck.”
“Right again.”
Elle went off on her mission, and Julie faced everyone in the room. “Am I a basket case? Yes, I’m a basket case.”
All the voices rose to console her. Well, she had a right to be nervous. She was a bride after all. Even for a second time, it must go well. Especially the surprise part.
Michele jerked on her arm. “Sit down, or you’re going down those stairs with a rat’s nest for hair.”
Julie sat in the chair and tried to relax. When she let herself exhale, she realized how fun it had been to plan the ceremony. She hoped Ethan liked his surprise.
What if he doesn’t? She’d never considered that. She jumped to her feet and swerved around.
“Ow!” Michele dropped the hot flat iron to the floor.
“What if Ethan doesn’t like his surprise?” She whipped around to Michele. “Sorry.”
“Ethan will love his surprise,” Mom reassured her.
Elizabeth added, “Didn’t he ask you to marry him again?”
Julie fanned her face. “Okay, okay.” She took a cleansing breath and sat down.
“Don’t get up again.” Michele had came at her with the flat iron, her lips pressed into a narrow line.
In fifteen minutes, Michele worked her magic, and everyone agreed Julie looked radiant and beautiful. “I even like the jeans,” Grandma said.
As if on cue, her father tapped on the door. “It’s time, Julie. We’ve maneuvered Ethan to the center of the deck, away from the bonfire smoke.” He smiled. “But I’m not sure he’ll stay there. He’s asking for you.”
“Thanks, Dad. I’m ready.” Julie’s gaze lingered on his angular face for a moment, thinking how much she loved him. He and Mom had taken the baby news as well as expected. Mom cried, and Dad cleared his throat, even disappeared for five minutes without warning. Yet they offered their love and support for whatever decisions she and Ethan would make concerning future children.
“Okay, Julie?” Dad’s gentle voice interrupted her thoughts.
She cleared her head with a slight shake. “I’m sorry. I missed what you were saying.”
He grinned. “Go down the front stairs and out the front door. Wait at the edge of the house until you hear the quartet play “Pachelbel’s Canon.” Then walk toward the deck steps. We’ll all be waiting for you.”
❧
Ethan leaned against the deck railing, arms folded over his chest. “Where’s Julie?” he asked Grandpa. “I see Kit and the quartet setting up, but no Julie.”
Grandpa glanced around with a shrug. “She’s coming.”
Ethan shook his head. Something’s not right here. Is that Mrs. Hayes from Grandma’s Bible study? Mark Benton passed by with Sophia. This was not a typical Lambert gathering. Something’s definitely up.
From the opposite end of Grandpa and Grandma’s wide deck, Ethan heard the quartet begin to play. The family started gathering around. They all smiled at him. What?
“Ethan, over here.” Will motioned for him to come by the steps.
“What’s going on?” he asked in Will’s ear.
“Look.” Will nudged him.
Julie emerged from the shadows wearing his navy sweater, a small bouquet of flowers in her hand. His heart flip-flopped. Every sound, every person faded away in the light of her beauty.
She stopped at the top of the steps. “Hi, Ethan.”
He tried to speak but couldn’t. Suddenly Pastor Marlow stood beside him. “Here’s your surprise, Ethan.”
Low chuckles rippled through the crowd.
Julie grabbed his hand. “You asked me to marry you again. So we’re getting married, again.”
His smile burst wide, and he rubbed his forehead. “How’d you. . . ? I mean—I had no idea. All of you knew?”
“Surprise!”
Pastor Marlow settled the intimate gathering. “Let’s get these two married before they change their minds.”
The friends and family laughed.
Pastor Marlow prayed, then instructed Ethan, “Face your bride, please.”
“Gladly.” Ethan turned to Julie, his bride for all time. He winked. “Nice sweater.”
“I think so.”
Marlow started, “Do you covenant with God to love this woman as your wife, in laughter and sorrow, in disappointment and success, in poverty and riches, always remembering Lambert’s Code?”
Ethan peered sideways at the pastor. The man was grinning. Shifting his gaze forward to Julie, he answered strong and sure, “Absolutely.”
Pastor Marlow looked at Julie. “Do you covenant with God to love this man as your husband, in laughter and sorrow, in disappointment and success, in poverty and riches, always remembering Lambert’s Code?”
Softly she said, “With my whole heart.”
“Then I declare you husband and wife for a second time. Let no one separate what God has joined together.”
While everyone cheered, Ethan snatched her into his arms and twirled her around. When he set her down, he heard Pastor Marlow ask for the ring.
Julie le
aned toward him and said in a low voice, “There is no ring, Pastor.”
Ethan winced. He had a ring—a perfect ring for a perfect occasion. But it wasn’t here. It was at home, safe and sound in his smelly sports bag.
“How about this ring?” Will stepped forward and handed the pastor the red velvet box.
“I thought you put it back in the pocket.” Ethan’s eyes followed his cousin as he returned to his spot among the family.
“I did. My pocket.” He tapped his jacket pocket and winked.
Ethan shook his head, grinning. A conspiracy.
Julie gasped when Ethan slipped the ring on her finger. “Ethan, it’s beautiful. Oh my, I don’t know what to say.” Her hand trembled in his.
“Repeat after me,” Pastor Marlow instructed. “Let this ring be a sign and seal of our covenant and pledge.”
Ethan repeated the words with vigor. Then he added a vow of his own. “Babe, you are number one in my life: before sports, before work, before everything.”
Her green eyes sparkled.
Pastor Marlow turned to Julie. “You don’t have a ring, but repeat after me.”
“Okay.” Her gaze never shifted from Ethan’s. He thought his heart might explode. Every ounce of heartache that led to this moment almost seemed worth it. Almost.
“Let this ring be a sign and seal of our covenant and pledge.”
Softly Julie made her promise. Like Ethan, she added a few words of her own. “I promise to respect you by never keeping bad news from you and by consulting you on future car purchases.” She squeezed his hand. “I love you, Ethan.”
“I love you, Julie.” He drew her to him.
“Ethan,” Pastor Marlow said, “you may kiss your bride.”
So he did.
Epilogue
Six months later
Julie cradled little Matthew Lambert Donovan in her arms, breathing in the scent of his newborn skin. With her fingers, she smoothed his soft, dark curls.
“He’s beautiful, Elizabeth.”
“I’m still amazed. He’s a week old, and I can’t imagine life without him.”
Ethan marched into the nursery. “Where’s my new cousin?” He sounded like a general looking for his troops.
“Shh, Ethan, he’s right here.” Julie settled Baby Matt in his arms.
Ethan stared down at him. His voice was husky when he said, “He’s so little.”
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