“Did you think what I did during the ceremony?”
“That I wish this wedding were ours?”
They took their places in the receiving line inside the mansion. White Christmas lights and Christmas greenery had transformed the bare brick walls and unfinished wood. Gary murmured to Meredith, “The Nutts themselves would approve of how the old mansion has come alive.”
“Wouldn’t they?” She smiled into his eyes, making his knees feel weak with emotion. Then the crowd came in, and they greeted people they hadn’t seen since high school, and parents of old schoolmates. Gary noticed that many people complimented Meredith on her books, and she responded graciously to every one. Finally, the crowd thinned. “I’ll go get us some eats before they’re all gone.”
“Thank you, Gary. I’m famished.”
They enjoyed a bit of a feast, discussing what they would want at their reception. Just then, Wreath Anderson came up to them. “Francine’s going to throw her bouquet. Meredith, I think you should make every effort to catch it.” She winked at Gary and walked away.
Curious, Gary followed Meredith out, where Francine stood on the top step looking down at the bridesmaids and other single women. As he watched, he could see them pushing Meredith toward the front and center. Francine didn’t even turn around. She looked right at Meredith and threw the flowers to her. Then to his surprise, Francine called for everyone’s attention. “I have it on good authority that Meredith really will marry next. Gary Bishop asked her, and she accepted.”
Gary knew his role. He quickly moved up to Meredith’s side and, to the sound of applause and congratulations, took her in his arms and looked deeply into her eyes, seeing his own joy reflected in them. Then his head went down to claim a kiss. Her response quickened his breath, and he deepened the kiss. Soon he would kiss her again, as his bride, on the steps of Longwood.
Christmas at Brandon Hall
Virginia Vaughan
Dedication
This story is dedicated to the memory of my father, JW Williamson, who always encouraged me to be a story-teller and never let me give up on my dream.
Chapter 1
Jackson, Mississippi June
Sandra Brinks choked back the hot tears that stung her eyes. She trembled against the emotion pushing at her senses, waiting to burst through. But she couldn’t break down now, not with Devon so close. She wouldn’t let him see her fall apart.
She stole a quick look at her estranged husband standing beside her in the Wells Christian Academy auditorium. His attention was focused on the stage and the kids lined up to receive diplomas, among them their twins, Cara and Jacob.
Devon cheered, a big smile breaking his face as the headmaster called their names, first Cara’s then Jacob’s. His blue eyes sparkled as he looked her way.
Sandra shielded her face with her hand and turned away. She couldn’t let this happen in front of him. She had to remain strong.
“Sandra, are you okay?”
She tried to match his smile, but the overwhelming emotions of the day slipped through—joy, pride, excitement. Tears spilled down her face despite her internal protests. “I’m fine,” she said, hastily swiping at the tears. She hated this display of emotion. She hated even more that Devon saw it.
“Excuse me.” She brushed past him, making her way through the crowd toward the end of the aisle then through the auditorium doors.
Once in the hallway, she leaned against the wall and tried to regain her composure.
Crying was bad enough, but crying in front of Devon was inexcusable. Since their separation, she’d made it a point never to let him see her bend. She’d done well without him, and she’d promised herself never to give him reason to think she needed him…because she didn’t.
The auditorium doors swung open, and Devon stepped through them, gazing up and down the hallway until he spotted her. Concern flitted through his gaze, but he kept an uneasy distance. They’d lost that close bond they used to share in the early days of their marriage. Most of the time she could forget how much she missed it, but today, having him so close to her, sitting elbow to elbow in the auditorium, she couldn’t forget.
How had everything gone so wrong between them?
“Sandra, are you okay?”
She wiped her tears away. “Look, Devon, I know we were forced to sit together today because there are too many people and not enough seats, but that doesn’t mean I need your pity.”
“I was concerned about you.”
“I’m fine. I don’t even know why I’m crying. It’s not a sad day.”
He shortened the distance between them then leaned against the wall along beside her. He folded his arms as he casually shrugged his broad shoulders. “It’s a little sad. Seeing them up there getting those diplomas makes me realize they’re not babies anymore.”
How could he be so composed when she was falling apart? “No, they’re not. That part of their lives is over. In a few weeks, they’ll be leaving for college. Then they’ll be getting jobs and getting married. It seems to me like it was only yesterday I was rocking them to sleep. Now I’m watching them step out into the world.” Her voice cracked, and another tear slipped from her eye then another and another.
Devon slipped his arm around her and pulled her close to him.
As she nestled her face on his shoulder, she couldn’t remember all the petty stuff that had come between them.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” she said.
“It’s all right to cry. It’s normal.”
The soothing tone of his voice calmed her, and she surrendered to the emotions of the moment, lost in a haze of tears and warmth mingled with the musky scent of his cologne.
With her tears spent, she stared up into his face. He smiled at her as he wiped away her tears his with thumb. Being in his embrace felt so good, so right, so natural. It was wrong to fight it. And she was surprised to find she didn’t want to fight.
“Mom, Dad!” Jacob’s voice called to them.
Sandra stiffened and pushed away. The auditorium doors were opening and people were streaming into the hall, the ceremony over. She wiped her face then pasted on a smile as the twins approached.
Talk about getting lost in someone’s embrace.
“Check this out!” Cara exclaimed, holding out her diploma for them to see.
“Very impressive,” Devon said, pulling her into a hug. “I’m proud of you.” He hugged Jacob, too. “I’m proud of both of you.”
“Mom, are you okay?” Jacob asked.
“I’m fine.” But even as she spoke the words, she knew her voice sounded choked.
Both kids frowned.
Thankfully, Devon came to her rescue by changing the subject. “Hey, what do you say I take us all out for a celebratory dinner?”
“Mom, too?”
Devon turned to look at her. “Sure, Mom, too—if she wants to come.”
Sandra nodded. “Sounds like fun, but I insist on paying for half.” After such a weepy display of emotion, her sense of pride was returning.
“That’s not necessary.”
“Yes, it is.” She didn’t want Devon to get the wrong idea. She needed to remind him she was a strong, independent woman who could take care of herself. Not some weepy, emotional mess.
She pulled herself together and enjoyed the evening. They had plenty to celebrate. A chapter in their lives had just closed, but she knew another was opening.
Once through eating, the twins hugged their father then Sandra and the kids headed home. But once they disappeared into their bedrooms, Sandra had time to reflect on the day. She hated the way she’d broken down, but Devon’s response to her plight had surprised her…and pleased her.
Her phone rang, and she noticed the number of her best friend, Paula.
“How was the ceremony?”
An embarrassed flush warmed her face as she told Paula about the incident with Devon.
“He hugged you? Did the kids see?”
“I do
n’t think so,” Sandra said. “I hope not. I would hate to give them the wrong idea about Devon and me.”
Her friend hesitated then responded, “Would it be giving them the wrong idea?”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s been six months, Sandra, and neither of you has filed for divorce. I’m just saying maybe this marriage isn’t as over as you think.”
“He left us, Paula. How can I ever forgive that?”
But later the empty side of their queen bed mocked her, and one memory of the day pushed its way to the forefront of her mind—the warmth of Devon’s arms as they surrounded her.
Chapter 2
December
It’s about time.” Paula handed her an envelope containing the papers Sandra had asked her lawyer friend to draw up— divorce papers for her and Devon. “Now maybe you can get on with your life.”
Sandra held them, pushing against the folds of the bulky papers as Paula cut into her salad. This lunch was more than a get-together between friends. Today they met to end the last twenty years of her life. These papers would forever change her life.
Suddenly lunch didn’t seem like such a good idea.
“What do I do now?” Sandra asked.
“Sign where I’ve marked then give them to Devon to sign as well. Once he’s signed them, he can forward them to his attorney. We’ll file them with the court, and you’ll finally be free of him.”
Paula was right. It was time to move on. With the kids away at college, her link with Devon was forever broken. No use putting it off any longer. It had been over a year and a half since they’d called it quits on their marriage. It was time to make it legal.
After lunch Sandra pulled her car into the spacious two-car garage and cut the engine, remembering a time when the driveway and garage were full of cars—hers, Devon’s, and one for each of the kids. It had been a long time since she’d needed so many parking spaces. With the kids now both away at school, the garage seemed too large for her single sedan.
She unloaded grocery bags from her trunk and carried them inside. Cara would be home in a few hours, and Sandra wanted to prepare a casserole dish for their evening together. Although her daughter had chosen a school only an hour and a half away, she rarely came home on weekends, so it had been several weeks since Sandra had last seen her. She was looking forward to spending a little mother-daughter time together before Cara left for her aunt’s Christmas wedding in Natchez.
Sandra pulled the invitation she’d received to her sister-in-law’s wedding from where she’d pinned it to the refrigerator with a magnet. Kim was having her wedding at Brandon Hall in Natchez and had reserved rooms for all the family to spend the week and enjoy Christmas together. Cara and Jacob would be attending, which meant Sandra would spend Christmas alone.
The back door opened then slammed shut, and Cara appeared in the kitchen doorway much sooner than Sandra had expected. She quickly returned the invitation to its place on the refrigerator.
Cara placed her purse on the table. “What were you doing?”
Sandra turned back to the casserole, away from her daughter’s curious stare. “Nothing. I was just admiring the invitation—its beautiful design.” Sandra and Kim had once been very good friends, as close as sisters, and Sandra realized she missed that relationship. In fact, she missed being part of that family. With her own parents gone, Devon’s family had filled a void that had been missing in Sandra’s life. But she’d not seen any of them since the separation.
“I’ve never been to Natchez. I wonder what it’s like.”
“Oh, it’s beautiful, Cara. You’ll love it.”
“You’ve been there?”
“I have. In fact, that’s where I first met your father.”
“I never knew that. I always thought you and Dad met at a friend’s wedding.”
“We did. It took place in Natchez. When he looked at me across that four-tiered wedding cake”—she sighed at the memory of Devon’s blue eyes on her. “I think I fell in love right then and there. We spent the weekend strolling hand in hand by the river and touring plantation homes. That place has such amazing history.”
Cara smirked. “Apparently more than I ever knew.”
“That reminds me. Help me remember to put the gifts I purchased in your car. I don’t want you to forget them.”
“You know, Mom, the room Aunt Kim reserved for me is plenty big enough for two people. Why don’t you come? We could go sightseeing and do all the touristy stuff. You said yourself Natchez is pretty, and I’ll bet it’s even lovelier this time of year with all the Christmas decorations. Think of it as mom-daughter time.”
“Honey, this is a family event, and I’m not a part of that family anymore.”
“No one thinks that, Mom. Aunt Kim sent you an invitation. She wants you there. Everyone wants you there.”
Nothing would please her more than to see Kim get married or spend time with the family. She realized it was her own pride that had kept her from it. Cara was right. No one had ever said a cross word to her about the breakup with Devon. In fact, sadness had been the prevailing emotion among his family, not anger.
She wanted to agree, started to agree, until a horrifying thought crossed her mind. What if Devon brought a date? “I can’t, Cara. We’ll do a mother-daughter thing another time.”
“But why?”
How to explain her fears to her daughter without coming off petty? “I just don’t think it’s a good idea.”
Cara sighed. “Fine. But my car has been making this really funny noise, so I’ll need you to drive me to Brandon Hall.”
“You can take my car.”
“No way, Mom. I’m not going to leave you without a car for a whole week.”
Sandra sighed then agreed. She couldn’t let Cara make the two-hour drive if her car was acting up, especially on the Scenic Natchez Trace.
It looked like she was going to Natchez after all.
Devon typed up his report then e-mailed it to his boss, letting him know that installation of the new computer software at a medical clinic in Dallas was complete. His team of six was already packing to head home. They were anxious to be on the road, rushing back to their homes to be with their families.
Devon had once been one of them, rushing home to spend the holiday with Sandra and the kids, but no more.
He was in no particular rush to be anywhere this Christmas.
His cell phone rang, and he recognized his boss’s number. “I have a piece of business to discuss with you,” his boss said when Devon answered. “A promotion, effective January 1. It comes with a nice bump in salary as well as no more traveling.”
Devon had been rallying for such a position for years, a job where he didn’t have to travel, where he could be home for baseball games or recitals or just for supper more than once every few weeks. Only this offer came just a few years too late. The kids were away at college and he had no one now to rush home to.
He thanked his boss for the offer and promised to have an answer in a few days.
After hanging up, Devon opened a file on his computer and brought up a photograph of him and Sandra and the kids. What would this offer have meant to him years ago? More time spent with his family? The possibility of saving his marriage?
His phone rang again. Devon checked the caller ID and saw his son’s name and number pop up.
“You are still coming, right, Dad?” Jacob’s voice held a note of uncertainty that Devon didn’t like.
“I said I’d be there, Jacob, and I will.” If it had been anything but his sister’s wedding, the choice of whether or not to go wouldn’t have been difficult. He wouldn’t miss watching Kim get married for the world, but spending four days that close to Sandra after what had happened between them at graduation—he wasn’t sure he could handle that.
“Good, because it’s not just the wedding. We’re having Christmas there, too. Besides, Cara and I haven’t seen you in months. You’ve been taking on more and more assignments si
nce we graduated. We’ve hardly seen you since spring.”
“Don’t exaggerate. I was there to help you move into the dorms at school.”
“And we haven’t seen you since. It’s like you don’t want to come home. Does this have anything to do with Mom and what happened at graduation?”
For a young man, Jacob was keenly aware. Sandra had been on his mind daily since that moment he’d held her in his arms. They still ached for her. The scent of her hair, the feel of her petite frame in his arms. Seeing her that way had struck him. Since their separation, even before that, every time she’d been around him, she’d been on alert, stiff and unrelenting. How long had he prayed for a glimpse behind her armor? A crack in the tough shell she protected herself with. She’d been vulnerable that day, and although he was certain she saw it as weakness, Devon thought she’d been beautiful.
But there was no need to confuse the kids with the thought of a reconciliation that would never happen. Devon gritted his teeth. “Nothing happened at graduation.”
“Dad, we saw you two hugging.”
“It was nothing. Your mom was upset. I was comforting her. That’s all it was.” But the mention of Sandra brought up another question. “Look, Son, I might not be able to come for the whole week. There are some things I need to take care of at the office first. But I’m sure your mother—”
“Mom’s not coming.”
“I know Aunt Kim sent her an invitation.”
“She did, but Mom said she can’t make it. I talked to her a few days ago and couldn’t change her mind. If you’re not there, Cara and I will be alone for Christmas.”
Even though that was an exaggeration—the kids always had grandparents and aunts and uncles to celebrate with— Devon felt wrong. He couldn’t miss an opportunity to spend the holidays with his kids. He’d missed too much time with them already because of his job.
He faced the facts. He’d spent the past several months traveling, trying to get Sandra out of his mind. It wasn’t working, and neither would staying away from his sister’s wedding. And with Sandra not there, he didn’t need an excuse to arrive late.
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