Leaving Oxford

by Janet W. Ferguson

  Mark shook his head. “My little sister wouldn’t want to miss the grub.”

  “Oh, and I had your vehicle brought up here for when you’re released.”

  Sarah Beth’s stomach plunged. The vehicle she’d have to drive six hours north to get back to Oxford. Perspiration coated her palms at the thought.

  ~~~

  Dread filled Sarah Beth as she pulled Mark’s SUV around to the hospital entrance. An orderly wheeled him to the door. Watching out for his shoulder, Sarah Beth helped him navigate the seatbelt.

  Mark patted her hand. “Thanks for taking care of me.”

  “I owed you big-time.”

  Sarah Beth pulled out of the lot, listening to the drone of her electronic navigator’s voice. Her pulse was normal. But how long would it last? Where would they be when panic took over? The SUV bounced forward as she hit a huge bump.

  Mark let out a muffled groan.

  “Sorry.”

  “You can’t help a pothole in the road.” He pointed at an empty lot. “So much was flooded or destroyed in Katrina. Some people never rebuilt.”

  She accelerated into the lane. Her fingers squeezed the steering wheel. Cars sped by. Concentrate on the pickup in front of me.

  Mark punched on the radio which had Christian music primed. “You want to sing, Sarah Beth?”

  Maybe singing would help. “At the top of our lungs. Dad loved to sing, didn’t he? We used to sing on all our road trips.”

  “Oh yeah. We could’ve been like the Von Trapp family. The Jonas brothers.” Mark tried to snap his fingers on his good side and wiggled, then groaned.

  “It troubles me that you tried to dance like that.”

  She turned up the volume and belted out the words to worship songs as they turned onto Highway Forty-nine doing the speed limit. Two eighteen-wheelers pulled up beside her. And stayed.

  “Really, guys? Can’t you move on? Oh my stars.” She had to get back home, and she couldn’t do five hours of this.

  Chest tightened. Face numb. Not good.

  “You’re doing fine.” Mark’s deep voice soothed her. A little.

  Sarah Beth continued north, and a quiet snore escaped Mark’s throat. Leafless trees, like skeletons pointing aimlessly, lined a swampy strip of road. The swamp turned into forests of pine trees and fields littered with cattle and old barns. But the ride was getting old fast. She sang with the radio, counting the songs.

  Every song brings me closer to Jess.

  As they neared the more urban area outside of Jackson, a tingly sensation traveled from her hands across her chest. The road seemed to mock her. Her abs tightened.

  Oh, come on. Why can’t this go away?

  The traffic became heavier. Her palms perspired. Why was it so hot? She jerked the air-conditioner knob to high and adjusted the vents. Crud. She wheeled into the last gas station before they reached the interstate and parked.

  Mark woke with a start. “Where are we?”

  “Jackson. I need a break.”

  “Do you want me to drive?”

  “Don’t be ridiculous.”

  “We could get a hotel and spend the night.”

  She hit the steering wheel. Harder than she’d meant to. “I’m going to find a way to drive these last three hours home to Oxford and Jess.” She rubbed her hand. “While you were sleeping, I passed a cross beside the road covered with red flowers. I got to thinking, would I even know the spot on the highway where Adam died? Should I go and put a marker there?”

  “Sarah Beth, I can’t imagine losing Holly the way that you lost Adam. I’d rather take a bullet any day. And if it were little Drew, you’d just have to lock me up in a padded room.”

  “Adam was such a beautiful person. If only I’d been living my faith when I met him.”

  “Don’t you dare do that to yourself. The apostle Paul said, ‘Forgetting what is behind, and striving toward what is ahead, I press on to the goal...’ No one is sinless, but by the grace of God, we are saved. I know that a part of you will always mourn his loss, but let the guilt go. Adam wouldn’t want you to feel that way. You don’t need a marker. The clinic and the chapel are his legacy.”

  “You’re smart—for a brother.” She picked up her bag. “I’m running in the store to get a snack and a cup of coffee. You want something?”

  “I’ll come with you. I need to stretch my legs.”

  As they exited the Quick Stop, Sarah Beth motioned over her shoulder. “When we get in, set the GPS to avoid the interstate.”

  Mark opened his mouth, then closed it.

  Sarah Beth held the door for Mark and waited until he’d climbed in. She helped him with his seatbelt, then went back to the driver’s seat. “You know, today, I was thinking about the last time we saw Mom and Dad. When I think of that day, pulling out of the driveway, I see them in slow motion waving goodbye to us.”

  Mark popped open a drink. “That’s strange. Me, too.”

  A sour gummy worm slid down her throat almost whole. “It was like that the day of the wreck. Slow motion. I could see it coming, but couldn’t stop it.”

  “It’s like time slows down in those big moments in our lives.”

  She turned the key and put the SUV in reverse. “I’d like for the world to slow down, now that I found Jess—after this drive, of course.”

  Mark laughed. “Wait till you have kids. Then things really accelerate.”

  Straightening her posture, she eased out on the highway. “I’m not sure I’m ready for that. I mean, Jess says we can have how ever many children I want, but I’m scared.”

  “You’ll make a fantastic mom. The fun mom all the kids like. They’ll be flocking to hang out at your house.”

  She allowed herself to imagine it, children filling her living room, pitter-pattering across her front porch. “I like the sound of that.”

  They rode in silence until well past Jackson. Mark drifted back to sleep. How, she couldn't imagine. Her hands ached from clenching her fingers around the steering wheel. Her insides remained shaky, even though they’d been on the road for hours.

  Mark shifted with a groan. “What are you thinking about now?”

  “Pulling off the road. Running and screaming.”

  “Little sister, you scare me.”

  “I know. Go back to sleep. I just need to keep my foot on the gas and steer. Not hard. Me and God.” She hummed praise tunes and kept going.

  Two hours later, Mark lifted his shoulders.

  “We’re near the home stretch.” She pointed to the road sign ahead. “I’ve practiced driving this highway with Jess.”

  “Thank you, Lord.”

  “Hey, you know I did a good job, buster.”

  “Yeah, I was the one who taught you to drive.”

  “Mark, do you think you should try to contact Holly?”

  Mark shook his head. “I’m doing fine, so I’ll wait until they debark. No sense making her freak out when there’s nothing she can do. Besides, I’ve got you to take care of me.”

  “Yes, you do. I get to help you for once.”

  “And I plan to be high maintenance.” Mark snickered, then picked up his phone. “I’ll call and give your fiancé our ETA.”

  While Mark and Jess talked, she glanced at her engagement ring. Her heart filled with warmth. Lord, help me be thankful for every ordinary day. These chaotic ones make me long for normal. Please help me to be a loving wife to Jess. Oh, and thank You for saving Mark.

  Mark’s voice interrupted her prayers. “Earth to Sarah Beth.”

  “Sorry. I was praying, and I thought you were still talking to Jess.”

  “I hope you were praying with your eyes open. Jess said he’d be waiting on your porch.”

  Her heart thumped hard as they crossed into the city limits. “Look! We’re back to Oxford. I did it.”

  “You sure did. Good job.”

  “I’ll race you to the porch when we get out.”

  Mark laughed. “Uh, no. Even if I weren’t injured, I mig
ht be trampled to death.”

  Sarah Beth pulled into the driveway and put the SUV in park. Jess and Gingie stood waiting. “I’ll be back to help you in a sec.”

  Mark smiled. “I can wait.”

  She threw open the door to the SUV and ran down the sidewalk. Gingie leapt toward her. “Whoa.” Sarah Beth held up her hand, but there was no stopping the mutt. She braced for impact.

  “Gingie, I missed you, too.”

  Mark heaved himself from the vehicle. “So much for beating me to the door.” He gave Jess a salute. “She did it. I’m here in one piece.”

  “She is amazing.” In an instant, Jess’s arms encircled her, and his lips met hers.

  She was home.

  When he released her, she sighed. “I can hardly believe this is real.”

  Jess chuckled. “I am the real McCoy.”

  “That was bad. You’ve said that before, no doubt.”

  “It’s funny to me every time.”

  “I love you, Jess.”

  “Hey, Sarah Beth, I love you, too, but God loves you more.”

  Chapter 47

  Sarah Beth peeked into the sanctuary packed with football players, coaches, church members, clients, and a good many McCoy cousins who had traveled to the wedding. Bryan played acoustic Irish love songs on his guitar. Time for the bridesmaids to make their entrance.

  Mark handed Sarah Beth her bouquet. “You nervous, baby sister?”

  Sarah Beth looked down at her feet. “As long as I don’t trip in these shoes, I’m good.”

  Mark took her arm in his. “That’s what I wanted to hear. If you trip, you can blame it on me.”

  “I would’ve done that anyway.”

  ~~~

  Bryan sang “The Water is Wide” as Jess escorted his new wife back down the aisle. His wife. He glanced at her. Wow. She was stunning.

  Sarah Beth pointed. “There’s Bill and Carol. And Juan made it.”

  A horse and buggy carried them around the Square and down the street to the reception. He exited first and then offered his arms to his wife to help her from the carriage. His players, Cole Sanders and Grant Vaughn, held open the doors for them. At least those two got along when it counted. White lights, poinsettias, and greenery transformed the CSU. Sarah Beth had performed another of her miracles.

  Jess laughed as they worked their way around the room full of guests. “Here come more of my cousins. What’d I tell you?”

  “I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes. I hope they aren’t planning to stay with us...especially the one with the harmonica.”

  He held her gaze. “We won’t be home tonight, so we don’t have to worry.”

  “Oh my stars, I forgot.”

  Jess squeezed her close. “I most definitely have not forgotten.”

  She was blushing again. Then her eyes bore into his. “It was only a momentary slip. Trust me.”

  Was he blushing now? His face smoldered all the way to his ears.

  ~~~

  “Did someone say honeymoon?” Juan embraced Sarah Beth, then Bill and Carol followed suit.

  Sarah Beth wiped a tear that spilled down her cheek. “Juan, I can’t believe you made it. I thought there was no way.”

  “I wanted to be here.” His head pointed to Bill. “And you have the kind of boss that made it possible. God is good. The church has opened its doors. I can’t wait for you to come and visit when you are ready.”

  “I look forward to that too, Juan. I will come. One day, soon.”

  Juan turned to Jess. “Where will you spend your honeymoon?”

  “I rented a cottage on the lake, and the caterers stocked it with delicious gourmet food. I won’t have to cook, and we won’t have to leave the cabin for two days unless we want to go for a walk by the lake.”

  The photographer waved for them to come to the other side of the room.

  Juan grinned. “Go on. Enjoy your celebration.”

  “I love you, Juan. You too, Bill and Carol.”

  She touched her hands to Jess’s clean-shaven cheeks. “I will enjoy celebrating Christmas with my husband. I love saying that. My husband.” She ran her fingers along his jawline. “So smooth. I love it, but you look really young.”

  “Now you see why I keep the five o’clock shadow.” His eyes focused on her. “How soon can we leave our party and start our honeymoon?”

  Sarah Beth held his gaze. A profound sense of home washed over her. “I’ll go toss this bouquet. You tell Mark to let the limo driver know we’re leaving Oxford.”

  Dear Reader

  Thank you for your time and resources you spent on this little book. My one desire is that you know God loves you more than you can ask or imagine. He can use you in your weakness. He can use you wherever you are, whatever you’re going through.

  Blessings in Him who is able!

  Did you enjoy this book? I hope so!

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  It doesn't have to be long. Just a sentence or two telling what you liked about the book.

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  Don’t miss the next book in the series.

  Going Up South

  No one told him he had a son.

  Actor Dylan Conner is furious. Not only has he been left out of his child’s life, the baby boy has been given another man’s last name. Determined to be a better father than the sorry guy who’d left him and his mother, Dylan fights to ensure a significant place in his son’s life. Unfortunately, his bad-boy reputation overshadows his good intentions. Only one woman in this small town sees beyond his Hollywood image. And he’s falling for her. Too bad she’s the custody mediator.

  After her scandalous divorce in the small town of Oxford, Mississippi, attorney Cassie Brooks has no intentions of practicing law again. The humiliating experience left a bitter taste for love, marriage, and her profession.

  Now friends need Cassie’s help in a custody negotiation, and her role demands she remain objective. She never expected to be drawn to Dylan Conner—the actor who everyone warns is bad news. Not only is the mediation at stake, but so is her heart.

  Acknowledgments

  I’ve felt like the village idiot since I decided to write this first book. I’ve asked random questions to friends, family, acquaintances—total strangers. I’ve emailed people about everything from football to medical issues to mission trip experiences. I’ve asked dozens of people to read and offer opinions of various (crummy) first versions of this story and to sign up for my blog. If I thanked everyone individually, the acknowledgment would be a novella. But...I have to thank:

  God for loving and searching out prodigals like me

  My husband, Bruce, for supporting me. My daughter, Mary Kristen, for reading my manuscripts twice. My son, Luke, for putting up with my hours on computer

  My sister, Betty Lister, and my niece, Heather Simoneau, English teacher and technical writer who’ve edited manuscripts, articles, and blogs

  My cousin, Brian Hudspeth, who recruits for Tampa Bay and answered many questions

  Coach Pete Hurt who allowed me to interview him about the life of a coach

  First readers/editors and cheerleaders: Melissa Thompson (veterinary medicine advisor), Lisa Cantrell (nurse & medical missionary for Health Talents International, Guatemala), Dixie Livingston, Neddie Joye Tolleson, Kimberly Berry, Beth Hansen, Callie Martin, and all of the Meadowbrook Book Club

  Youth minister, Scott Kopf, who offered insight on how men think and was one of the only guys I could talk into reading the early manuscript

  People at Ole Miss who answered emails: Matthew T. Vincent, H Freeze, Ev Barrett, Tom Eppes

  My fabulous ACFW critique online partners

  ACFW & RWA Mississippi groups, especially Lorraine Beatty who forced me to write better and Angela Young and Jaqueline Wheelock who tried to hel
p me find my many typos

  Mentor author Misty Beller (A saint for answering so many emails), Editor Robin Patchen (Thank the Lord, you made this better!), Cover artist Carpe Librum Cover Design for a lovely cover

  My dog and cats who sit on or beside me while I write, the reason pets end up in all my stories.

  About the Author

  Faith, Humor, Romance

  Southern Style

  Janet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She served her church as a children’s minister and a youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a few cats that allow them to share the space.

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  Copyright © 2016 Janet Ferguson

  Southern Sun Press LLC

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  Publisher’s Note: This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or events is purely coincidental. The characters and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes.

  Oxford, Mississippi, is a real town, but other than the name, the events in the location are fictional. None of the events are based on actual people. The charming city made the perfect backdrop for a novel and a wonderful place for my character to run home.

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