by Leah Atwood
The activities weren’t limited to outside. Inside the library, a volunteer would read stories throughout the day, and in the conference room, a selection of five different crafts were ready to make.
Planning the event was exhausting, but at the end of the day each year, she’d decided it was worth it. She had no doubt this year would be the same.
Several cars drove into the lot and parked. Showtime.
She hurried to gather her crew for a last-minute pep talk. “Remember, this event is for the kids, and we want them to have fun while encouraging them to participate in the summer reading program. Speak kindly, be energetic, and if the occasion arises, strike up a conversation about your favorite childhood book. Also, be sure to follow all rules and guidelines regarding your station. We want the kids to have fun, but their safety comes first. Any questions?”
Wyatt raised his hand. “I do.”
“Yes?” She furrowed her brow—she’d been very clear on her instructions regarding his area.
“Do I get to sample the cotton candy as I go?” An irresistible grin of mischief appeared.
The crowd laughed, including her.
“Eat as much as you want.” She smiled back and winked. “But don’t come complaining to me when you have a bellyache.”
When nobody else had any questions, she dismissed them with a humongous sincere thank you. The Summer Reading Blastoff would be impossible without the help of the entire library staff and twenty plus volunteers.
She sat behind the registration desk and immediately jumped up. In all her double checking, she’d forgotten the registration cards inside. Eyeing the growing crowd, she chided herself for not bringing them out. She sprinted inside, grabbed them from her desk, along with a box of pens she’d set out, and then back to the table.
Mrs. Franks, as library director, had the honor of opening the event. Technically, the Blastoff didn’t start for another fifteen minutes, but they’d previously agreed to open once a substantial crowd was present.
“Welcome to our tenth annual Summer Reading Blastoff. We ask that you first stop at the entry table and register your child for the program. While it’s not required today, it will help provide us with more accurate information to serve you better.” Mrs. Franks made a wide circle with her arm that encompassed the entirely of the outdoor activities. “We have lots to do outside, but there are also activities inside when you want to catch a break from the heat. While you’re in there, be sure to check out the latest assortment of just-released books.”
She stepped aside, and parents and children poured into the area. For the next hour, Meg remained busy handing out and collecting registration cards. Once the initial rush died down, she glanced through them and started to alphabetize the cards by last names. Many of the participant she knew, or at least recognized their name, but was pleased to discover names of families new to the program.
Two hours into the event, new attendees diminished to a small enough amount that she left Eva Sartor, a teen volunteer in charge. She left her station and wandered around, getting a feel for the public’s response. Too bad Wyatt’s at the far corner. At the time, the placement seemed wise because it was the farthest spot from the building, lessening the likelihood that the sticky candy would find its way into the library.
Now, however, she begrudged the distance it placed between her and Wyatt. She’d looked his way many times during the morning, stealing glances whenever possible, but he was often obscured by the crowd. For every step she took closer to him, someone stopped her to chat. This is my job, she had to remind herself multiple times.
How did couples who worked together ever accomplish anything? Around Wyatt, she wanted to talk to him and be with him—work was the last thing on her mind. Did the magic fade after a while? It never had with them. Even during the divorce, she’d wanted to be near him. Lack of affection and love was never the problem between them.
Fifteen minutes after leaving the registration table, she stood near the cotton candy machine and watched Wyatt with the children. He was a natural. Instead of rushing the children along, he took the time to speak with each one—a joke, a question, a comment on their pink hair. No child was ignored, and each one left with a smile on their face and a hive of cotton candy spun around a white paper cone.
Watching him, her stomach knotted. Anticipation? Regret? He’d make a great father. Both had always wanted children, but they had wanted to wait several years. The big D arrived before a pregnancy. Would they be blessed with children in round two? Some could accuse her of jumping ahead, but she knew in her heart, she and Wyatt would marry again. It’s what they both wanted and was only a matter of time.
Their second chance wasn’t a dream. It was reality. She knew there would be struggles along the way, but their pasts had prepared them for this time in their life.
They’d buy a house together in Lilston with a white picket fence and let Oscar run outside and make friends with the neighborhood kids. They would raise however many children God blessed them with and live happily ever after.
Wyatt glanced up and met her gaze. The sly grin on his face hinted that he’d read her thoughts.
He held up one of the confections. “What do you think kids? Should Ms. Meg get a treat for all her hard work?”
A half dozen kids screamed yes and pumped fists into the air.
She had the best job in the world.
Extending a hand, she reached for the cone, but Wyatt dove in and surprised her with a quick kiss, much to the delight of their audience. The familiar tinge of a blush heated her cheeks as she took the cotton candy.
Before he released it, he leaned in and whispered, “Your kisses are sweeter than any candy.”
Tingles spread from her toes to her shoulders. She loved this man, forever and always. Loved that joy had returned to him. Loved his support. Loved everything about him.
Unfortunately, duty called, and she had to continue with her tasks. “I’ll get back when I can.”
His voice dropped low. “There’s always dinner tonight.”
“I look forward to it.”
She moved on before the kids tired of waiting. Mrs. Franks had stopped by her table earlier to update her on the inside activities, but Meg wanted to see them for herself. She finished what she could of the cotton candy and, not wanting to waste it, gave the rest to a close friend’s son when she passed him.
Inside, Mrs. Belinda, a grandmotherly type with snow-white hair, read an Amelia Bedelia book to a captive audience. Meg laughed with the children when Amelia drew a picture of the curtains instead of pulling them back. The stories never lost their humor, and she loved seeing a new generation find entertainment in them.
The craft room looked like a tornado touched down, but on a table along one wall were bookshelves made from graham crackers, suns made from paper plates and tissue paper, along with other crafts children had made that morning. Hopefully, the parents would remember to pick up their children’s projects on their way out.
She continued making rounds and helping where needed until two o’clock when the event came to an end. Her feet ached—she’d already put in the equivalent of a full day—but now came the not-as-much-fun part. Clean-up.
Mrs. Franks was an expert in efficiency and had helped her craft a plan for a quick tear-down and clean-up job. Each employee and volunteer oversaw their specific area, and the janitors were authorized overtime to come in and clean the grounds and store equipment. By four o’clock, there was no indication any special event had taken place that day.
Meg searched for Wyatt. She hadn’t seen him in a half-hour, which was odd considering the small area they were in. His Land Cruiser was still in the parking lot—anyway, she knew he wouldn’t have left without saying bye.
She stopped at the circulation desk where Dana Andrews would be for the next hour until the library closed. “If you see Wyatt, will you send him to my office please?”
“Yes.”
“Thanks.” She went to her off
ice and turned on her computer. Even though she was off the clock, she figured she’d enter some of the registration cards into the database while she waited for Wyatt to reappear.
Someone rapped on the door on entry number seven.
She spun in her chair and saw Wyatt. “Hey there. I wondered where you went.”
Only then did she see the torn expression on his face.
“I got a call for an interview.”
“That’s great, right?”
He shrugged. “Yes and no.”
“How is it not?”
“It’s in Jacksonville, and they want to interview me tomorrow at three.” He sucked in a breath. “I have to leave tonight.”
A punch to the gut couldn’t have taken more of her breath away. “But tomorrow’s Sunday.”
“If they like me, they’ll hire me on the spot.”
Her eyes narrowed and creases formed on her forehead. “Why so urgent?”
“A candidate backed out at the last minute, and the training class starts Tuesday in Texas. The next one won’t be until September.” He rubbed his neck, appearing uncertain.
“But if you get the job, you’ll work in Jacksonville?” All her perfect dreams flashed before her.
“Yes.” The single word came out strangled. “I have to know, Meg. Would you be willing to move to North Carolina?”
The room spun. She’d been sure he’d find a job in Lilston. “I…I don’t know. I can’t leave Dad right now. Maybe in time.”
“Time is short. No one knows how much they have left.”
“I know that,” she snapped, then put a palm against her forehead as if that could stop the oncoming headache.
Wyatt’s head jerked back as though he’d been slapped. “You know I love you and want to marry you. The possibility of returning to Jacksonville has always been there.”
She took a deep breath and lifted her head. “I’m sorry. You came in here and sprung this on me. I can’t make a major life decision in a matter of seconds. I need time to process this.”
He took a deep breath, his solid chest rising then falling. “Fair enough.”
“What time do you have to leave?”
“I’m going to run home to my parents, pack things up and head out. I’d rather drive through the night and catch a few hours of sleep tomorrow then risk missing the interview because of traffic or vehicle problems.”
“No dinner tonight?” I hate how pouty I sound. She swallowed hard, determined to take this twist in stride.
His mouth twisted in a frown. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.”
A dry laugh came from this throat. “No, it’s not, but I appreciate you trying.”
“Will you stop by before leaving?”
“I’d planned to.”
She shut down her computer, realizing too late she hadn’t saved her work. “I’m leaving now. I’ll be at the house.”
He offered a hand, and she accepted. He pulled her to her feet and into an embrace. “Don’t give up on us. We’ll figure this out.”
She could only nod against his chest.
***
The image reflected in the mirror was a sorry sight. Her eyes were red and swollen from crying, and her face blotchy.
What is wrong with me? Why can’t I tell Wyatt yes without hesitation?
Had she learned nothing in the last seven years? She loved him. She wanted to be with him. But to leave her family, especially with Mama dead only a month? And what about her job? She’d worked hard, and sure there were libraries all over, but here she had a direct path to Assistant Director if the grant came through.
“Why God? Why couldn’t you have provided Wyatt with a job here?”
Be still, child, and trust in Me.
That was difficult enough in theory, let alone in practice.
A text came through, and she checked the message. Wyatt would be there in ten minutes.
“Great.” She rolled her eyes at her appearance then rushed to apply her makeup in hopes of being presentable.
When the doorbell rang, she didn’t look much better, but at least the splotches of red were disguised.
She opened the door, automatically traveling her gaze to the Land Cruiser. Oscar sat in the front seat, happily grinning with his tongue hanging out, oblivious to the turmoil she experienced.
Wyatt shifted on his feet, breaking from his typical confident stance. “I can’t stay long with Oscar in the car.”
“I understand.” She drew her bottom lip between her teeth. What could she say?
“I’m not going to ask for an answer. I know you still need time.”
Out of the blue, the truth hit her. She was scared. “What if we marry, and I move there, and we realize that the magic between us only existed here in our youthful memories?”
“I love you. Here, there, anywhere. Love is love, no matter where we are.”
“If I did say yes, it couldn’t be right away. I’d need to give notice to the library and make sure Dad’s okay.”
“That’s fair.”
“What if you get back to North Carolina and realize this was all a dream?”
He nudged her into the house and closed the door. “This is a dream, but it’s one we don’t have to wake up from. I know you’re scared, sweetheart. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t, but we’ll get through this.”
“I’m trying.” She found refuge in his embrace. “Promise me you’ll come back.”
“I’ll come back as often as I can. Just say yes, that you’ll marry me and make a life with me.”
Dry tears overwhelmed her breaking heart, “I can’t. Not yet.”
He broke their hug. “I won’t stop praying for us. I told you before I’ll fight for us, and I mean it. If I know anything, it’s that God brought us together.”
She saw his kiss coming and ducked away. This moment seemed eerily familiar. Memories of the day their divorce was final replayed in her mind. That final kiss. She couldn’t do that again. Couldn’t taste the sweet pleasure only to not have it again.
Wyatt slipped out the door without a word. She leaned against the wall, too wrung out emotionally to cry, or sob, or even move.
A minute later, the door opened again, and Wyatt walked in with Oscar on his leash, a bag of food, and bowls.
“What’s going on?”
His gaze never faltered. “Oscar is my promise to you that I’ll be back. Will you take care of him until I can return?”
Her hand went to her mouth. He loved that dog. He loved her.
One step. Trust in Me.
“I’ll trust in You.”
Wyatt quirked a brow. “What was that?”
Yikes. She hadn’t realized she’d spoken out loud. “I’ll take care of him.”
The smile on his face told her she’d made the right decision.
“I need to get on the road.” He held the leash out to her in obvious reluctance to let go of his dog.
“You don’t have to leave him. I know you’ll be back.”
He shook his head. “He needs you.”
More like I need him.
“Thank you.” Barely a whisper, but it said all she couldn’t voice.
“Can I kiss you?”
Her head moved slowly up and down.
He cradled her chin and stared into her eyes. Peppermint breath brushed against her skin. “I will be back.”
His kiss gave her his love, and the assurance another seven years wouldn’t pass without one.
He pulled away, letting his hand graze her cheek until he stepped too far away.
“Call me when you get there.”
“I will.”
She watched him leave, uncertain of the future, but sure of his love.
Exhausted and drained, she trudged to her bedroom and fell on the bed.
She didn’t remember falling asleep, but she must have, because her alarm clock flashed a two followed by two zeroes. She should be sound asleep, but after six hours of sleep, her mind was wide awak
e.
Thoughts of Wyatt swirled around her. She prayed and prayed for answers, but all she heard was, “Open your Bible.”
Her daily Bible was in the living room, where she did her quiet time every morning, but the Bible from her mom lay on her nightstand. She grabbed it and started at the beginning. A few notes were written on the first page of Genesis, urging her to not fall into the world’s view of creation, but hold steadfast in the Creator. She flipped a page, and then another.
On the right-hand column was a note from her mom, with an arrow to Genesis 2:24. Before she read the note, she read the verse. “This is why a man leaves his father and mother and bonds with his wife, and they become one flesh.”
She gasped. She didn’t have to read Mama’s note to know she’d gotten her answer, but she read it anyway.
One day you will marry and leave our house. Your Daddy and I will always love you, but once you are married, your loyalty is to your husband. Love him, cherish him, and nurture your bond. Follow his lead and go where God guides. The effort will be rewarded with a union beautiful beyond measure.
“Thank you again, Mama. Thank You, Lord, for revealing the answers.”
Oscar lay by her bed, and she patted his head. “We’ve got some work cut out for us, boy. I hope you’re ready.”
Chapter Fifteen
After his interview, Wyatt drove with no direction in mind. His brain had too many thoughts fighting for attention, and he wasn’t sure what to do with any of them. The interview had gone well, and he’d been offered the position, but had he made the right decision?
He missed Meg and his family. Even Oscar. The last month had been good for him, had provided healing he’d needed. He’d accepted events of his past and had come to terms with Mike’s death. No more guilt.
No matter what the future brought, he’d be ready.
Nonetheless, his gut twisted. After waiting over a month for a potential job, the offer came swiftly without time to properly reflect on an answer. Before he went to the interview, he made a list of pros and cons, reasons to accept it if offered and reasons not to. As the interview progressed, he’d mentally added to the list. One side had tangible benefits that heavily outweighed the others.