by Leah Atwood
“In other words, you’re saying I’m my own worst enemy?”
“Exactly, but I think you’re coming around. What are your plans for Thanksgiving?”
“Spending it with Bryce and Gracie at Gram and Gramps’. You?”
Maneuvering her sports coupe with expert precision, Kate parked in a tiny, cramped spot, specifically for compact cars. “Going to my parents’. Evan’s flying in from North Carolina so Mom’s making a big deal about everyone being there.”
“How is your brother?”
“Good. He picked up rank last month. The Marine Corps has been good for him.”
“I’m glad.” She’d always liked Kate’s little brother, but he lacked direction in his life, which often got him into scrapes.
“Where do you want to look first? There’s a new boutique store I went in a few weeks ago. The clothes are a bit more expensive, but they’re so cute.”
“I planned extra in the budget this month, so as long as the prices aren’t outrageous, we can try them. Are the clothes more your style or mine?” She’d learned long ago that her and Kate’s tastes in fashion differed by a vast degree.
“Neither, exactly, but perfect for what you need. Trust me, you’ll understand when you see. It’s hard to explain.”
As it turned out, the store was an eclectic blend of clothing that couldn’t be defined by a single style, yet, all outfits on display looked unique but fashionable. Kate took off, grabbing hangers off the racks, amassing a pile of clothes for Sophie to try on.
“I think you have one of everything,” Sophie teased her best friend.
“We need to make sure you look perfect.”
She put her hands up. “I am not trying on all of those. Half of them wouldn’t even look right with my coloring.”
Kate dropped off the pile in the dressing room. “Get busy, chica.”
Rolling her eyes, Sophie entered the dressing room and closed the door behind her. A few outfits caught her attention, and she tried them on first.
“Let me see how they look,” Kate called.
“Only if it’s a possibility.” She stripped off the black dress she’d just tried—it was much too revealing for her modest tastes.
Next, she tried on an olive green knit dress with a denim jacket. She liked it and stepped out of the dressing room to show Kate, who immediately shook her head.
“Not sure why I picked that one up. You’re not going for a picnic in the park. Did you try on the jeans with the thick belt and tank yet?”
“I’m not wearing yellow.” Any color but that.
“It’s mustard and trust me. Put it on and let me see, no matter what you think.”
“Fine.” Hadn’t she learned her lesson about shopping with Kate after all their years of friendship? Then again, that’s why she did it, because her best friend had a better eye for fashion.
She took off the denim jacket and dress she liked, replacing it with the outfit Kate wanted to see. Looking in the mirror, she had to admit, she liked the way it looked. She pushed the door open and stepped out.
“What do you think?” Spinning around, she showed all sides to Kate.
“Almost perfect.” Kate clapped her hands before sliding off her own jacket. “Wear this over top and imagine the outfit completed with the necklace set he got you for your birthday and a pair of cute boots. You’ll be chic but comfortable.”
The three-way mirror gave her a better look than the small, single one in the dressing room. With Kate’s tan suede jacket on, she took another look at the entire outfit, picturing it with the necklace, bracelet and earrings Bryce had given her. She envisioned herself wearing it while standing on stage, in front of thousands of concertgoers. At least she’d look put-together, even if her insides came unglued from nerves.
“This is the one. You don’t mind if I borrow your jacket?”
Kate gave a flippant wave of her hand. “Please, as if you even need to ask.”
“You’re the best. Let me get my other clothes back on and buy these before I can change my mind. I’ll be out in a minute.”
“If you don’t see me, I’ll be over by the shoes.”
As they left the store ten minutes later, Sophie turned to Kate. “Want to grab dinner at the food court? My stomach still has too many butterflies to eat a big meal.”
“That’s fine. I’ve been craving a slice of pizza. All week, I’ve been eating healthy so I can indulge and not feel guilty.”
“You could indulge for a month and still look great.” Once upon a time, way back in middle school, Sophie had been envious of Kate’s amazing genes.
Kate tossed her perfectly wavy, blonde hair over her shoulder, then gave a dramatic sigh. “We can’t all have a superstar fall in love with us. Some of us have to work at it.”
Smiling and laughing, Sophie tossed her free arm around her best friend. “If I didn’t know you so well, I might think you were jealous.”
“Maybe if you weren’t my best friend in the world, but really, I couldn’t be happier for you. If anyone deserves this happiness, it’s you.”
“Look at the crowds.” Peering around, Sophie didn’t see any open tables. “How about we split up? I’ll look for a table if you want to wait in line.”
“What do you want?”
“A salad and soda.” She pulled a ten dollar bill from her wallet and handed it to Kate.
“Put your money away. I got this one.”
There was no point in arguing. They’d been buying each other meals for longer than Sophie could remember. “I’ll try to get one in the middle somewhere.”
“I’ll find you. See you in a bit.” Kate left to get in line at the pizza place.
Spotting a family gathering their trash, Sophie walked briskly in the direction of the table where they sat. Perfect timing. She reached the table right as they left. The metal chair was still warm from the previous body who’d occupied it. After setting her bags on one of the two empty chairs, she checked her phone again out of habit.
“This seat taken?” A familiar voice broke into her thoughts.
“Ryan, how are you?” She slid her phone back into her purse. Silence rested between them. Months had passed since she’d talked to him. They’d tried to remain friends, but nature ran its course and they drifted apart. He looked good. She had to give him that. Wearing his usual khakis and a polo, he looked like he walked straight off the page of a Country Club catalog. His sandy blonde hair was expertly trimmed and not a shadow of facial hair appeared on his face. So very different from Bryce, whose rugged, sometimes rough appearance set her heart to racing.
“Good,” he finally answered.
“Have a seat. Kate’s in line getting our food.”
“I haven’t seen this place this busy in a long time. Of course, I haven’t been to the mall in months, so my perspective doesn’t mean much.”
“Early Christmas shopping before the season begins?” she suggested.
“Maybe.”
“So,” she drew the word out, “how’ve you been?”
“Good. Great, actually. I got a promotion at work and I leave Monday to go overseas for training.”
“That’s exciting. Congratulations. How long will you be gone?”
“Three weeks.”
“Wow. You must be some kind of big shot now.” Ice broken, the easy banter returned.
He laughed. “I wouldn’t say that, but speaking of big shots…”
“The soda machine was broken, so I got you a tea instead. Is that okay?” Kate interrupted, setting the tray she carried down on the table. “Oh, hi Ryan,” she stammered, just noticing him. “I forgot napkins. I’ll be right back.” She turned from the table and rushed away.
Ryan picked up a pile of napkins from the tray. “Subtlety’s never been her thing has it?” He chuckled and Sophie followed suit.
“She means well. Most the time, anyway.”
“How are things in your world? I’ve seen your picture in the news.”
He
r cheeks flushed. “Crazy isn’t it?”
“A little, but it’s cool. You look really happy with him.”
“I am. I really am.” The automatic smile came, which showed up every time she thought of Bryce.
“Good. I’m happy for you, Sophie.” His eyelids lowered, creating narrow slits that he stared through. “That’s what you deserve. That’s what we all deserve in love— someone to bring us alive and is connected to our spirit as well.”
She thought about what he said before responding. “Did I ever tell you thank you?”
“For what?” he asked, his forehead creased with confusion.
“Breaking up with me.”
“Now that is a first.” A full chortle escaped from him. “I can’t say I’ve ever been thanked for breaking up with someone before.”
“There’s a first for everything.” She unwrapped her straw, stuck it through the lid’s opening and took a sip of tea. “You recognized a relationship needed more than what we shared, but if you hadn’t broken things off, I’d have coasted along with whatever and missed out with Bryce.”
“He’s a lucky man. I hope he knows that.”
Her chest constricted with a rapid onset of missing Bryce. “I’m lucky, too. He’s a good man.”
“I know he is. You wouldn’t have fallen in love with him otherwise.”
“Ryan…” She paused, overcome with emotion. “I hope you’ll find a love like I did.”
He stood. “In God’s time I will.” He gave her shoulder a pat. “Take care, Sophie. Don’t be a stranger.”
“I won’t. Stay safe in your travels.”
No sooner had Ryan walked away than Kate returned. “What was that all about?”
Sophie glanced behind her, watching the man, whom she once thought she’d marry, walk away. “Being thankful for unanswered prayers.”
Chapter 22
“One, two, three, four, five.” Bryce counted out loud as he placed a hand on each thing he needed to take with him. He couldn’t afford the time to turn around if he forgot something. Everything was planned out, so he could still bring Sophie back before the show.
Adam, Rob and Jay sat around the small table on the tour bus, laughing at him. He returned their mirth with a scowl. One day, he’d probably look with hindsight at his nervousness and laugh, but for now he had more jitters than if he’d drunk five consecutive pots of coffee.
“Don’t mind them.” Caroline sent a pointed look toward Jay. “They’re just immature boys,” she said, an emphasis on boys.
“Who are you calling a boy?” Jay puffed out his chest, pounding on his pecs like Tarzan.
The others laughed, but Bryce rolled his eyes.
Turning to him, Caroline muttered under her breath. “Remind me again why I’m dating him?” She and Jay had come clean about their relationship the week after Rob and Adam had told him.
“That’s anyone’s guess.” He winked at her then stepped off the bus.
She followed. “I called Sophie this morning and confirmed the driver would be there earlier than expected.”
“Did she seem suspicious at all?” He wanted everything to be a surprise.
“Not that I’m aware.”
He rolled his neck and shoulders. “I can’t do this. What was I thinking?”
It was Caroline’s turn to laugh. She placed a hand on each of his arms. “You need to take a deep breath and relax. Sophie loves you.”
His hand went to his hair, intermittently raking it and grabbing it. “Is it too soon?”
“Oh, for crying out loud.” Caroline went behind him and pushed him toward the rented SUV and opened the door. “Get in, go get your woman, and get yourself back here in time for sound check.”
He turned the key and put the vehicle in gear. Deep breaths. Inhale. Exhale. There was nothing to it.
“Three o’clock. Be back by three,” Caroline called out as he left the parking area.
As he drove, he spent the next hour and a half in prayer, talking to God. He hoped God understood his thoughts. To be honest, they were so jumbled, he wasn’t even sure they made sense to him and they were his thoughts. The green sign announcing Oden Bridge came into view. He navigated the SUV down the now-familiar way to Sophie’s house.
She was peeking out the curtain, undoubtedly waiting for the arrival of the driver who would take her to Baton Rouge. Even from his vantage point, he could see her biting her lower lip. Man, he loved her for coming to the concert tonight, even though it sent her well beyond her comfort level. But he was going to let her off the hook. If he hadn’t pushed for her acceptance, she’d probably not have considered being there.
He stepped out of the SUV and Sophie’s mouth gaped. The curtain dropped back against the window and within seconds, she was opening the front door. She came to him, greeting him with a hug. That was a welcome of which he’d never tire.
“I was expecting a stranger.” She blew out a relieved breath. “But I’m so glad it was you. Don’t you have concert stuff you need to be doing?”
Her improvised vocabulary made him chuckle. “Not until later. This morning, it’s just you and me. You look great, by the way.”
“Thanks.” She brushed distractedly at the leather jacket she wore. “So do you.”
“Are you ready to go? I thought we could talk for a while before we head back. Maybe at the park.”
Inclining her head, she studied him. “Everything okay?”
“Yes.” He gave her a reassuring smile.
She stepped inside, grabbed her purse then came back out and locked the door. “It’s weird seeing you drive something other than your truck.”
“We have a tour bus. Usually one of us has a vehicle, but Adam’s car broke down in Oklahoma so we’ve been getting rentals as needed.” He opened the SUV door for her then went to his side.
His hand fumbled with the key as he tried to get it into the ignition. He thought once he saw Sophie, his nerves would calm. Not so. If anything, they were worse. His fingers tapped against the steering wheel as he drove.
“Are you sure everything’s okay?” Sophie asked again. “You don’t seem yourself.”
“Pre-concert energy, that’s all.” It wasn’t a complete lie.
She eyed him warily, obviously not fully buying it. When he pulled into the parking area, he didn’t waste any time. His nerves wouldn’t last much longer. He exited the SUV and hurried to her side.
“Take a walk with me?” He held out a hand, assisting her down, and didn’t release it as they made their way to the walking path. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. You don’t have to come tonight. Just knowing you’re willing is enough.”
“I want to go,” she told him.
“Only because you feel I pressured you into it.”
Sophie looked at him and squeezed his hand. “And I appreciate what you’re saying, but I do want to be there tonight. I’ve been fighting the what-if battle of all sorts and I’m done. I love you— past and present, all of you.”
His heart pounded. She’d offered him the perfect lead-in. Stopping in his tracks, he turned to her. “Remember this bench?”
She sat down, rubbing her hands over the smooth cement. “How could I forget?” Looking up at him with doe-like eyes, she smiled. “I still can’t believe I didn’t recognize you. Do you have any idea how ridiculous I felt?”
“You hid it well.” He took a seat beside her. “I want to show you something.” From inside his jacket, he pulled out the magazine he’d been hiding.
Taking it from him, she asked, “What’s this?”
“The magazine issue with my story. It hits the newsstands Monday.”
“Nice tagline. Bryce Landry opens up about faith, fatherhood and finding love. This picture of Gracie and you is perfect. It really captures the special bond between father and daughter.”
“It was my favorite of the hundreds they took.”
“How’d Gracie like the photo shoot? When did you even have the time?” She began to f
lip through the pages.
He brushed away the hair in her eyes to distract her. “It wasn’t easy, but I told Caroline to give them the okay while we were still at your parents’ last month. They knew I had this tour starting, so they sent a crew down immediately. We did the interview and shoot before I left Oden Bridge again. I wanted to surprise you.”
“And Gracie didn’t breathe a word? Impressive.”
A laugh shaved off a slice of his nerves. “Let’s just say I owe her a trip to the toy store for keeping quiet.”
“Can I read the article?”
Palpitations drove his heart rate to the brink. This was it. “Go ahead.” He held his breath, his eyes trained on her, watching closely for any and all reactions.
Her eyes shifted left to right, reading the introduction. He could tell the second she began reading the interview portion, more specifically the reporter’s first statement. Her eyes widened, and a hand flew to her heart.
“Bryce…” she began, trying to speak through tears as she figured out what was happening. “Why… I… she’s congratulating you… on… an engagement.”
Blowing out the breath he held, he dropped to one knee. He reached into his jacket again and pulled out a small box, opening it to display an antique engagement ring that had belonged to her great-grandmother.
“Five months ago, my world was spinning, and I didn’t know where I’d land when it stopped. Then you came into my life and I knew God had put you there for a reason. From the moment I saw you throw down your book and run from the duck, I knew you were special. But I never imagined how deeply in love with you I’d fall or how I wouldn’t be able to picture a life without you. You are it for me, Sophie. You’re everything I could ever want in a partner for life. I love you. Will you marry me? Be my wife and a mom to Gracie?”
She wiped at her cheeks with her palm. “Yes.”
With hands trembling from relief and joy, he removed the ring and slipped it onto her finger. He closed her fists and kissed her knuckles above the ring. He stood and pulled her up into an embrace. His head rested against hers.