That Was Then (Always Faithful Book 1)

by Leah Atwood

  Were tangible benefits all that mattered?

  Before he realized it, he’d driven past Swansboro—the opposite direction of Jared’s house. Maybe a walk on the beach would help clear his thoughts. He made a right turn, crossed the bridge, and drove into Emerald Isle. He located the public parking and pulled into a spot.

  He stood outside his vehicle and breathed in the salty air blowing off the Atlantic. Three seagulls scoured the area, searching for a late dinner. He removed his shoes and socks, rolled up his pant legs. Taking another deep breath, he filled his lungs with invigorating air. He walked leisurely from the parking lot to the beach.

  Tourist season was in full swing, but the late evening hour had cleared most vacationers from the beach. His feet left indents in the sand, footprints as he got closer to the water where the tide had dampened the shore.

  Tiny waves crashed at his feet then ebbed away, leaving fresh layers of sand over his feet. He stood in the same spot, praying for wisdom and assurance he’d made the right choice. His feet were buried in the coastline, and the sun began to set when a peace settled over him.

  “Go home,” a quiet, still voice whispered to his conscience.

  Wyatt took the advice. He had phone calls to make, bags to pack, and arrangements to make. When he made it back to Jared’s house, only a hint of daylight remained. Within an hour, darkness would cover the land. The thought of nighttime made him yawn. He was working on a two-hour nap, and adrenaline had kept him going until now, but he looked forward to a solid night’s sleep, even if it was on a futon.

  He drove to Jared’s, still questioning his decision.

  Jared switched off the television when Wyatt walked in. “How’d the interview go?”

  “Good. They offered me the position.”

  “That’s awesome. Congrats.”

  He shrugged. “Yeah.”

  “You don’t sound so happy for a man who’s just been offered a dream job.”

  Wyatt laughed. “I wouldn’t call it a dream job, but yeah, it’s a sweet deal.”

  “Then what’s the problem?” Confusion infiltrated Jared’s question.

  “I’m not sure I’m making the right decision.” He proceeded to outline his dilemma, told Jared about all that had occurred during his visit to Lilston.

  He told him about his renewed faith, the fellowship shared with his family, and Meg. Leaving out personal details, he told Jared about the initial meeting, all the way to Meg not answering his proposal.

  “What do you think?” he asked after finishing his narrative.

  Jared was quiet for a time. He rubbed his jaw as if carefully mulling over all the information he’d been given. “You said you prayed and believe this is the answer God gave you?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then I don’t see the problem.” Jared took a swig from the soda can he held. “If that’s God’s will, He’ll work out the details.”

  “I’m trying to have faith, but it’s scary facing an uncertain future.”

  Jared snorted. “I’ll be in your shoes soon, at least in regards to a job. You can keep the romance, though.”

  “I’m going to check my email and then catch some Z’s.” He yawned on cue. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “The neighbors hacked into the WiFi again while you were gone, so I had to change the password. The new one is my MOS then birthdate, no year.”

  That information gave him enough to know the password. They’d all shared the same occupation code, and after years of friendship, birthdays were a given. He went to his temporary bedroom and powered on his laptop. Between helping Meg with the summer blastoff and traveling from Pennsylvania to North Carolina, he hadn’t checked his email since Friday afternoon.

  He waded through the advertisements. He didn’t need new hiking boots and had no use for a promotional balance transfer opportunity. There was an email from Chaplain Reed, checking in, and letting him know he was still available for counsel if needed. The chaplain was a good man, and Wyatt appreciated his dedication to the men he served, even when no longer technically his responsibility.

  In his return email, Wyatt told the chaplain what God had been doing in his life, and thanked him for not giving up on him. Chaplain Reed’s prayers and support had played a pivotal role in his spiritual healing.

  He scrolled through several more emails of lesser importance, but one near the bottom caught his eye. The message came from GJacobs@LilstonRegional.com. His breath caught in his lungs. Lilston Regional was a small airport that rarely had job openings, but he’d sent in a resume in case a position opened.

  Gripping the edge of the screen, he read through the email. His resume had been received and a position recently opened which he qualified for. They hoped to fill the position soon so they could train the new hire in the month before the incumbent left. Would he be available for an interview this week?

  “Yes!”

  A few seconds later, Jared knocked at the door. “Everything okay? I heard a shout.”

  “Come here and read this.” He waved Jared in and with a large grin, handed him the laptop.

  Jared’s eyes shifted as he read the text then his mouth curved in a smile. “God provides, my friend. God provides.”

  “I still have to interview, but I can feel it. This is the answer to my prayers.”

  “It stinks you’ll be leaving for good, but I’m happy for you.” Jared slapped his back. “You deserve the good coming your way.”

  “Thanks.”

  “When will you head out?”

  “Probably Tuesday.” Wyatt took back his laptop and set it aside. “I’ll email him back tonight plus call first thing in the morning. Tomorrow I’ll rent a small trailer to transport my belongings.”

  “And to think, not even an hour ago you were worried you’d made the wrong decision in turning down the other job.”

  “I’m still in shock how it’s all played out.” Thank You, Lord.

  The doorbell rang.

  “I’ll get that. Evan’s supposed to drop off the pressure washer he borrowed.” Jared took a step toward the bedroom door. “Don’t make plans for tomorrow night. We’ll get everyone together for dinner again.”

  “Sounds good.”

  After Jared had left, Wyatt grabbed the laptop and started typing a reply.

  He’d only typed the first two lines when Jared came to the door. “You might want to come out to the living room.”

  “Why?” He stared at the screen, his focus still on the email.

  “Just trust me.”

  “Let me finish this sentence and I’ll—”

  A bark interrupted him. A bark which indisputably belonged to Oscar.

  He jumped up, almost dropping his laptop. “What in the world?”

  Jared grinned. “I’ll call Evan and meet him at his house to get the pressure washer. Take your time here.”

  Could it be?

  He walked to the front room, oblivious to Jared slipping away.

  Meg stood by the front door with Oscar. When the dog spotted him, he jerked away from Meg and bounded to him, greeting him with a jump. Oscar’s paws came to his shoulders.

  Scratching the dog’s ears, Wyatt nuzzled his nose in the dog’s fur. “I missed you, boy.” He gently pushed the dog down and stared at Meg. “What are you doing here?”

  “You left something behind.” One arm dangled to her hip, and she rubbed it with her opposite hand.

  “What’s that?” His breath went ragged. Hopeful.

  “Me.”

  He closed the gap between them and drew her into a strong embrace. “Does this mean yes?”

  “Yes.” Her arms wrapped around him as if holding on for dear life. “Yes, I’ll marry you and follow you wherever life takes us.”

  They held each other until Oscar wiggled his way between them, and they laughed.

  “Come sit.” He kept an arm around her until they reached the sofa. Oscar jumped up, and Wyatt prodded him down. “I don’t think Jared will be as
accepting as my parents about you on the furniture.”

  Oscar jumped down, but not before giving him a pitiful stare.

  “I can’t believe you’re here.” His gaze lingered on Meg. He had so much to tell her. “What changed?”

  “Home is where you are. I was afraid to leave, but I shouldn’t be. Mama helped me see that.” A bittersweet smile turned her lips. “Dad will be okay either way, and I can find another job. Being with you is what matters.”

  “What if I told you home is in Lilston?”

  Her face fell. “You didn’t get the job?”

  “I turned it down.” He scooted closer and covered her hand with his. “I didn’t listen to what you wanted when we were younger, and I’m not going to make that mistake again. Living in Lilston is important to you, and me too. Our families are there, and that’s where we should raise ours.”

  “But a job…”

  “I decided to trust God, and when I got home tonight, I had an email from Lilston Regional about a job. I was emailing them back when you arrived.”

  “Wow.”

  He echoed her sentiment. Their relationship had an interesting way of working out. The last twenty-four hours had nearly done him in, not knowing how his future with Meg would turn out. But they’d both made a decision to sacrifice something important for the sake of the other, and as it turned out, neither would have to.

  Leaning over, he kissed Meg.

  Life was good.

  Chapter Sixteen

  October arrived in colorful hues of copper and orange, vermillion and dandelion. A light breeze blew through the open church windows, tussling the curtains.

  Meg fastened the last button on Kelly’s wedding dress then circled in front of her. “You’re beautiful. Kyle will be speechless when he sees you.”

  Kelly giggled nervously. “As long as he can still say his vows.”

  “I’m sure he won’t have a problem with that. He’s crazy about you.”

  “About as crazy as Wyatt is for you.” Kelly looped an arm through hers. “When Kyle and I delayed our wedding, it was a difficult decision, but it couldn’t have turned out better unless Mama was here.”

  “I still feel guilty.” Meg looked at her sister. “I’ve had my day in the sun once—this day should be all about you.”

  “Hogwash. If I’d had any hesitation about a double wedding, I wouldn’t have asked in the first place.”

  “You are an amazing, selfless person.” She hugged Kelly tightly. “Thank you for sharing your day with me.”

  “Do you remember when we were little and used to dream about it? Who knew it would come true one day.”

  A grin broke out on Meg’s face. “Well, it didn’t completely come true. You’re not marrying Ken.”

  Kelly burst into laughter. “I’m not exactly Barbie, so that’s okay. I prefer Kyle anyway.”

  “Considering he’s out there waiting for you at the altar, I’d say that’s a good thing.”

  “Hey, you are kind of marrying G.I. Joe, though.”

  “I forgot all about that.” Meg laughed again. “To be honest, I never did care for G.I. Joe, but Sammy Wilhelm always talked about him, so I thought that would endear me to him.”

  “Sammy Wilhelm? I never knew you had a crush on him.”

  “I was seven. What did I know?” She winked and pointed toward the direction of the sanctuary. “Besides, a few years later Wyatt rescued me from my fall—and I think, deep down—I always knew he’d be my one true love.”

  “Imagine the stories you’ll be able to tell your children.”

  “And the lessons. My prayer is that my mistakes will prevent them from their own.”

  Kelly’s eyes sparkled. “Wouldn’t it be great if we got pregnant at the same time?”

  “Let’s get through today first,” she answered with a smile. “But that would be cool.”

  Drawing in a long breath, Kelly glanced in the mirror. “Am I missing anything?”

  “These.”

  They both turned to see their Dad at the door.

  “May I come in?”

  “Of course.” Meg gestured for him to leave the doorway.

  “I brought a piece of jewelry for each of you from your mother’s collection.” He reached into his coat pocket and withdrew a white velvet box. “This one is for you, Kelly.”

  Eye’s watering, Kelly took the box. She opened it to reveal a white gold chain adorned with rubies that matched the sash in her dress. “It’s gorgeous.”

  “It was my gift to her on our tenth anniversary. Rubies were her favorite.”

  “Will you help me put it on?” Kelly returned the box to him, then gathered her curled hair while Dad affixed the necklace. “Thank you, Daddy.”

  “You’re welcome.” His voice became husky. He turned to Meg and handed her a blue jewelry box.

  She knew that box. Her favorite piece of jewelry, other than her engagement ring and wedding band, was inside. Regardless, she still gasped when she lifted the lid and saw the triple strand of pearls. As a child, she’d beg Mama to wear them, then dance around and pretend she was Jackie Kennedy. Her love for pearls never died as evidenced by her pearl-trimmed wedding gown.

  “Thank you, Daddy.”

  As he had for Kelly, Dad helped her put the necklace on. Her updo hairstyle made the task simple.

  The pastor knocked on the door. “We’re almost ready.”

  After the pastor had left, Dad reached for a hand from her, and one from Kelly. “You’re both as pretty as your mom was on our wedding day. Even though she’s not here, I know she’s watching from Heaven with pride.”

  “She’s here in our hearts.” Meg clenched a fist to her chest. She’d always have memories and her mother’s wisdom to keep with her.

  “Yes, she is.” Dad blessed her with a smile. Day by day, she saw more of them from him. “May I pray with my girls before I walk you down the aisle?”

  Choked up, Meg nodded.

  Kelly whispered, “Yes.”

  Meg listened carefully as her father prayed for their marriages to be blessed with many years and happiness.

  When he finished, he squeezed their hands. “Are you girls ready?”

  “Yes,” she and Kelly said simultaneously.

  Dad offered them each an elbow, and Meg walked to his left. They waited outside the sanctuary door until they heard the processional music play. Someone opened the doors for them from the inside, and the walk down the aisle began.

  Her eyes locked on Wyatt, and all else faded away. Their gazes held the entire length of the walk, and as the pastor performed the ceremony.

  This was it, the day seven years in the making. There wouldn’t be a third chance for them—this was it. They’d lived, they’d learned.

  They came back to love.

  This time forever.

  Epilogue

  Five Years Later

  Wyatt sat in the front row with his arm around Meg. “I still don’t think this is a good idea.”

  “They’ll do fine.” Meg’s confident smile did little to ease his doubts.

  “I’m glad you have faith in our son and daughter.” He glanced back to the church where four-year-old Michaela Bethany and three-year-old Thomas Paul waited with their cousins and soon-to-be step-grandmother.

  Meg laughed. “More like wishful thinking, but Dad really wanted all the grandkids in the wedding.”

  “But an outdoor wedding?” His gaze traveled to the bushes near the floral archway. Thomas liked to hide, and Wyatt saw a disaster waiting to happen.

  “That’s why we’re on this side, and Kelly and Kyle are sitting over there. If any of the kids run off, we’ll intercept them.”

  “While interrupting the ceremony.” He raised his brows. “Do you remember Noah’s wedding last month? And his was indoors with bridesmaids and groomsmen to contain the kids.”

  “It’s going to be fine,” she repeated.

  Sure.

  The wedding music began, and he forgot his worr
ies. Thomas and David, Kelly and Kyle’s son, walked down the aisle, sharing the responsibility of carrying the pillow with rings on top. Thomas looked too grown up in his childhood tux, but the impish smile kept his youth intact. Wyatt breathed a sigh of relief when the boys reached the preacher and Mr. Bailey without incident.

  Michaela—named in honor of Michael and Mrs. Bailey—came out next with her cousin Chelsea, Kelly and Kyle’s daughter. They looked like little princesses in their frilly white dresses and ringlet curls. They each held a white wicker basket and tossed petals from it as they meandered down the aisle.

  When Esther, the woman Meg’s dad had fallen in love with last year, started her procession, Wyatt couldn’t help stealing a glimpse at Meg and remembering their wedding. Both of them. She’d been a stunning bride each time, but age and motherhood had only enhanced her beauty.

  Laughter drew him from admiring his wife.

  He saw the source of amusement and heat suffused his entire face. He glanced at Meg, whose own look of horror could only match his own.

  Thomas had broken away and hid in the bushes, which didn’t surprise Wyatt, but Thomas didn’t stay hidden. No, he decided to be a jack-in-the-box and pop his head up and down at intermittent times. To top it off, when David saw the attention Thomas received, he followed his older—by two days—cousin’s steps.

  The preacher darted glances at Mr. Bailey, Esther, and then him and Kyle.

  Wyatt jumped from his seat and discreetly—ha—dragged the two boys to the aisle and made them sit with him and Meg.

  Eventually, Wyatt caught the laughing bug, then Meg. They couldn’t be mad at the boys for being boys. They were too young to understand.

  He met Meg’s gaze and smiled. “Life’s always an adventure.”

  She dropped a quick kiss on his cheek as the laughter died down and the preacher coughed to regain everyone’s attention. “And there’s no one else I’d rather spend that adventure with than you.”