by JoAnn Durgin
Lexa waved to her from the middle of the long table as she entered the private dining room. “Amy! Come over here and give me a big hug.” Sitting next to her, Sam talked with Eliot Marchand and Dean Costas, two of the quieter TeamWork volunteers. Catching her eye, Sam smiled and Winnie waved from the opposite side of the table.
“I’m so glad you and Sam are taking the whole be fruitful and multiply command seriously,” Amy said, moving around the table to kiss Lexa’s cheek before putting one hand on Sam’s shoulder. “Hey, Papa Bear.”
“Great to see you, Amy.” Sam rose to his full height—all six foot five inches—and she leaned into his embrace. He gave the best hugs in the world, and she clung to him for a few seconds.
“Where’s your adorable lookalike son?” she asked.
“With my mom and dad for the weekend. They’re in grandparent glory, and he’s having more fun with them than he would here. You’ll see Joe when you come to Houston in a few days.”
“Can’t wait,” Amy said. “When’s your due date, Lexa?”
“Valentine’s Day.” Lexa winked at Sam.
Natalie rushed over to give Amy a hug. “You look gorgeous!” She leaned close and lowered her voice. “Marc and Sam have a competition going to see which one can populate TeamWork the quickest. So far, we’re letting them win.”
“I heard that,” Marc said, coming up behind his wife and giving Amy a peck on the check. “Hello, Daydreamer. For the record, I want everyone here to know I’m doing my part to keep up with the old man. Since Gracie’s not with us this weekend, who knows what might happen?”
“Too much information, Marc. Stop it.” Natalie gave her husband a love swat. “Okay, I’ll bite,” she said, directing the comment to Lexa and Sam as Marc helped her into the chair beside Lexa. “Something’s up with you two. It’s written all over your faces. Time to share it with the whole group.”
“My wife, the teacher, ladies and gentlemen,” Marc said, seating himself next to Natalie. He looked over at Sam. “The question’s on the table, old man. What’s up?”
Sam’s deep smile lines surfaced and he glanced at Lexa, who nodded. “Since you’ve asked and we’re among friends . . . we’re expecting twins this time. Girls.”
“I knew it!” Marc slapped one hand on the table, and Natalie and Lexa exchanged amused glances. “Congratulations, buddy.”
Josh entered the restaurant with Chloe beside him. “Aunt Amy!” Releasing her father’s hand, the child ran to her, throwing her arms around her middle and hugging her tight. Josh gave her a wink and a broad smile.
“Hey, Buttercup.” Amy kissed the top of the little girl’s blonde, curly head and felt the familiar tug on her heart. “Let me look at you.” She stepped back and smiled. “What a big girl you’re getting to be! You’re going to look like a princess in the wedding tomorrow. Are you excited?”
Chloe’s curls bobbed up and down. “I like your boots.”
The whole group turned as a glowing Rebekah entered the room, hand-in-hand with Kevin.
Chloe scrambled into the chair beside her mother as Amy embraced the bride-to-be. “Beck, you’re going to be the most beautiful bride ever. I couldn’t be more thrilled for you and Kevin.”
Kevin moved forward and kissed her cheek. “Great to have you here, Amy. Now the group is complete.” His gaze encompassed the entire group, and she listened as Kevin greeted everyone. The deep love reflected in Rebekah’s eyes was the kind of love she could only dream of finding one day. She started to tear up again. Stop welling up like an old maid with no prospects.
“I say let’s get this party started,” Josh said, taking the seat on the other side of Winnie.
“Sounds good to me,” Marc said, raising his juice glass in a toast.
After a few more minutes of catching up on each other’s news, Sam asked the blessing and they departed in small groups to the breakfast buffet. The aroma of fresh coffee, cinnamon rolls, bacon, sausage and eggs made Amy’s stomach rumble. Filling her plate, she took a seat on one end of the table with Cassie, Marta and Gayle—the unnamed but obvious “singles” section.
Without giving names, Marc relayed amusing anecdotes about a few famous clients in his Boston sports advertising agency. Lexa and Natalie shared the milestones and antics of their toddlers. When prompted by the others, Sam talked about his book and the plans for a marketing blitz. Winnie told them how Josh thrived in his new position working alongside Sam as TeamWork general counsel, and Kevin told about his wife-to-be’s job heading up the various school operations for TeamWork’s domestic missions. Beck glowed as she spoke of the success of Kevin’s new lumber store outside Houston, and Josh shared about the growing success of Lexa and Winnie’s Doyle-Clarke Catering and made mention of Cassie, Marta and Gayle’s invaluable help. Dean told them about opening new Texas locations in his chain of leather stores.
Amy sat back, content to listen until Lexa asked her to share about her work at Habits. She kept it brief, but shared a couple of humorous anecdotes about recent interviews and stories and told them about her plans for the article on Sam.
True to form, Eliot remained quiet, but those sharp, intelligent eyes missed nothing. He was the mysterious one. Call it a hunch, but Amy suspected one of these days, this guy would surprise them all. Although Sam must know what he did for a living, no one else was privy. Along with his buddy, Dean, Eliot was a loyal volunteer and had served on several missions, including the one in Montana. Moving her gaze to Marta, Amy couldn’t miss the glances the pretty blonde with the unusual violet eyes exchanged with Eliot. Another TeamWork pairing? It made sense, but again, she felt the odd-woman out.
Get over yourself. What’s with all the Miss Lonely Hearts thoughts lately? She could blame it on the wedding. Weddings always stirred up thoughts and feelings to reinforce her single status.
“You okay?” Cassie gave her a gentle nudge accompanied by an understanding smile.
“Yes, thanks,” she said, sipping her coffee. “This love business sure is great, isn’t it?”
“As pretty and successful as you are, I’m sure you have men clamoring for your attention.”
“Hardly, but I haven’t been too interested, either.” Amy shrugged. “Keeps life less complicated.”
“Forgive me if I’m off the mark or out of line here,” Cassie said, swallowing a last spoonful of strawberry yogurt, “but are you hoping to maybe complicate your life sometime soon?”
Words to ponder, but best to divert the question. “How about you? Are you seeing anyone?”
Cassie shook her head. “Not really. As Josh mentioned, I’m getting more involved with the catering business, especially since Lexa’s due soon, so”—she gave her a small grin—“I’m not looking for a complication either.”
“It’s understandable. You’re at the stage in your life where you want to focus on your career. You’ve got plenty of time for everything else later.”
“Don’t misunderstand,” Cassie said. “If the right man comes along tomorrow, I might be interested. My prayer is I’ll recognize him.”
I’ve got to find a way to introduce her to Mitch sometime. With her long, naturally-wavy auburn hair and flawless porcelain skin, Cassie was a natural beauty. Her Alabama accent was warm and captivating, and she was intelligent and quick-witted. She didn’t fit the image of the cool, sophisticated type Mitch normally dated. Then again, her brother dated a lot of women she’d never met. Mitch and Cassie shared a like compassion and intense desire to help others. Good starting point for a relationship if ever there was one, but she knew Mitch wasn’t ready yet.
Gayle nudged her shoulder. “I hear there’s a groomsman who can’t get here until right before the wedding, and he’s a journalist. Imagine that.”
Amy’s brows rose. “Oh? I haven’t heard anything.”
“His name’s Cooper,” Gayle said. “From what Beck said, Kevin met him through an on-campus ministry at A&M, but he was a few years older. He worked on the newspaper staff.”
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br /> Interesting. “Do you know who Cooper works for now?”
“Not sure. Maybe he’s been globe-trotting and covering some breaking news feature or interviewing someone famous. I think he’s paired up with you to walk down the aisle tomorrow. Can’t imagine why they’d think you two might hit it off.” With her classic features and beautiful, deep red hair, Gayle reminded Amy of a young Maureen O’Hara, a gracious Hollywood star she’d once met at a dinner honoring her grandfather.
Amy snapped back to the present. “Imagine that,” she said. She loved to talk shop with someone who shared her passion for words, so the prospect was intriguing. “I’ll look forward to meeting him.” She found it amusing how so many assumed a journalist’s life was fascinating and full of ongoing adventure. While it could be exciting, it usually involved lots of the mundane—endless phone calls, constant prodding to get one decent quote and research followed by hours spent at the computer to write and then edit an article. Hardly a glamorous life, but she might as well let others enjoy their illusions.
The rest of the morning was full of wedding events and details, so many Amy thought the better option might be to elope like Sam and Lexa had done in San Antonio. Granted, their circumstances were a bit unique with a year’s separation thrown into the mix, but elopement sure saved time and money. Listen to me, thinking about such a thing. Cassie’s words came to mind about praying she’d recognize the right man of God’s choosing if and when he came into her life. That seemed a wise sentiment, and a prayer she could likewise adopt with no hesitation.
She inhaled and then released a slow breath of relief when Winnie helped her into her bridesmaid’s gown shortly before lunch. “Oh, thank goodness it fits. Not bad for only one fitting, huh? The deprivation diet and all the jogging on the ‘dreadmill’ worked. I’m glad we’re doing this before lunch, though, and not after. After that huge breakfast, if I keep eating like that, I’ll split the seams on the way down the aisle.”
“Oh, stop it already,” Winnie said, marching her in front of the full-length mirror in her room at the inn. “Whatever you do, don’t say anything like that to Beck or she’ll panic. Don’t want to give the bride nightmares. Besides, if you’d lost any more weight, this gown would hang on you, but right now it fits you like a dream.” While modest, the neckline was scooped and draped slightly off-the-shoulder. Their eyes met in the reflected image. “The color matches the green in your eyes perfectly and really makes them stand out. You’re absolutely gorgeous, sweetie.”
“Thanks,” Amy said. “I have to say, you’re a big boost for my ego.”
“Just telling the truth.” Winnie gave her a sly grin. “I only wish Landon could see you in it.”
“There you go again.” Although she smirked, she wasn’t altogether displeased by the comment. After she slipped out of the dress, Winnie hung it on its padded hanger while Amy dressed. “What do you know about this guy who’s supposedly paired with me in the wedding?”
“Not much other than he was one of Kevin’s good friends at A&M and was the editor of the campus newspaper. They called him”—Winnie hesitated a moment while zipping the garment bag over Amy’s dress—“Cooper the Scoop . . . no that’s not right. Hang on.” She snapped her fingers. “Coop the Scoop Warren. That’s it. Kind of catchy, don’t you think?”
Amy laughed. “Kind of corny, but yes, it’s rather cute. Maybe I can corral the guy into a dance at the wedding reception and we can talk shop. Could be fun.” She hoped to dance at least once during the course of the evening, and Coop the Scoop might be the one to share a dance.
During the church rehearsal late that afternoon, Lorena Grant, Beck and Josh’s widowed mother and self-appointed wedding coordinator, confirmed she’d paired Amy with Cooper for the recessional. Amy didn’t want to think about what would happen if the world-hopping journalist—or whatever the man did now—didn’t make it in time for the ceremony. Although perhaps walking solo down the aisle might be fitting. She could practically hear Mitch’s voice in her head. Get over yourself. You’re not the only single person in the world. Have fun with your friends and then come home to the real world and get on with your life. Imagined or not, she’d heed that advice. She shook her head, thinking she should plan some relaxation time on a secluded beach.
An elegant sit-down dinner at a nearby restaurant followed the church rehearsal. Sam, Marc and Josh toasted Rebekah and the girls roasted Kevin, sending them all into fits of laughter. Amy’s jaws hurt from all the smiling and laughing, and she was more relaxed than she’d been in months. Everyone should be so blessed to have such friends. She’d worked elbow-to-elbow with these people, her best friends in the world, building houses together—dirty, dusty and bone-tired—the best kind of exhaustion. They’d fallen to their knees in prayer for one another. The admiration and love between Sam’s TeamWork volunteers was unconditional and one of the greatest blessings in her life. The kind of easygoing camaraderie that came from baring their souls and sharing things they’d never shared with anyone else. She could be herself and not always be expected to be the consummate professional or worry about criticism and backbiting. The same bonds of deep friendship helped her now—at least momentarily—to push aside her constant thoughts of a certain handsome publisher in New York.
No matter how much she loved being with her friends, one thing was an eventuality: it wouldn’t be long before Landon Warnick resurfaced in her life. One way or the other.
Chapter 13
Saturday, December 14, 2002 — Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Rebekah and Kevin’s Wedding
Amy and the other attendants fell silent as Rebekah entered the church vestibule, her mother and Winnie assisting with her short train.
Breathtaking, Amy thought.
Beck’s gown was simple yet elegant, befitting the statuesque bride. Made from white silk with an exquisite lace overlay, the column-style gown featured an off-the-shoulder neckline highlighting her beautiful neck and shoulders, three-quarter-length sleeves and an empire waist that draped over Beck’s gentle curves to the floor. She wore pearl and diamond teardrop earrings and her long, blonde hair hung in loose waves cascading down her back beneath a crown of flowers matching those in her bouquet. A veil made from the same lace as the overlay of her gown fell to the middle of her back.
Marta led the way as they all crowded around her like beauty pageant contestants to the newly-crowned queen. Beck smiled when Winnie fussed and warned them to keep their distance.
To distract her, Amy asked, “So, Winnie, is that an orchid of some kind in the bouquet?”
Winnie glanced at the flowers she held while the other ladies talked quietly with Rebekah and Lorena. “I think it’s cymba-something.” She shrugged. “I know more about food than flowers.” Combined with the red roses, and ivy and holly representative of the Christmas season, it was festive and lovely.
“It’s called a cymbidium orchid,” Gayle said. “Natalie told me.”
“You look beautiful, Aunt Rebekah,” Chloe said. Amy smiled at the childlike wonder in the little girl’s face and the sweetness of her voice as she gazed up at the bride. “Like the lady on top of a wedding cake.”
Laughing, Beck leaned over and gave her a hug. “Thank you, Chloe. You’re the prettiest flower girl in the whole world.” The compliment sent the little girl into a fit of giggles as she performed a pirouette. In her white organza dress with a green satin bow the same color as the bridesmaids’ gowns, she seemed thrilled with her important role in the ceremony. The small wreath of red rosebuds and baby’s breath atop her blonde curls threatened to topple from its perch as she twirled in a full circle. When Marta handed Chloe a basket of red rose petals, the beaming little girl held it up for her mother to see.
Josh, as handsome and debonair as ever in his black tuxedo, rounded the corner where the ladies waited to begin the processional. His eyes lit at the sight of his wife, her blonde hair upswept in an elegant French twist. When he tried to give her a kiss, Winnie turned her hea
d and pointed to her cheek. Obliging her, he gave her a quick peck before crouching to eye level with Chloe, opening his arms. The youngster ran to him and he folded his arms around her, hugging her close. “My girls are so unbelievably gorgeous.”
Amy waved one hand at him. “Josh, you’ve got to stop. You’re a dangerous man to have around a bunch of women at a time like this. Fair warning: my heart’s so full right now the waterworks might burst any minute. Now scoot. It’s almost time to escort your sister to that darling man waiting for her at the front of the church.” Amy caught Winnie’s smile and the loving glance she exchanged with Josh.
“Yes, boss.” Josh saluted her and gave his daughter a wink. “Do you remember what to do, Buttercup?”
Chloe nodded. “Yup, Daddy.”
Amy’s eyes welled again since it was the first time she’d heard Chloe publicly use the name “Daddy.”
“Beck,” Josh said as he walked toward his twin sister, “you’ve never looked more beautiful.” Taking one of her hands in his, he reached for his mother’s hand with the other. “I wish Dad could be here,” he told them, “but it’s my honor to take you to your groom. Kevin’s a blessed man.”
Amy looked away when Lorena leaned close for a private word with her children. She breathed in deeply, chiding herself to stay strong.
“I’m thankful you’re here for Dad,” Rebekah said. She waved her hand in front of her face and blinked back tears. “Listen to Amy. Don’t get us too sentimental.” She accepted the tissue Winnie handed her and dabbed the corners of both eyes. “Have you seen Kevin?” A traditional bride, Rebekah insisted her groom not see her until the ceremony—not even a peek—so the wedding photos would all be taken afterward.
“The man’s beside himself, in a good way, of course,” Josh said. “Trust me, sis, Kevin’s the happiest man in the world tonight. He can’t wait to whisk you off to your Hawaiian paradise. Does this old heart of mine good to see you so happy.”
“If you’re old, then you’re also calling me old, too, so stop it.” Rebekah kissed his cheek. “I love you.”