Wedding Song in Lexington, Kentucky

by Jennifer Johnson

  Sophia studied her. Megan reached for her purchase. Sophia handed her the garment bag and shoes. A look of regret washed across her face. “I hope he doesn’t have to apologize to you later.”

  The words punched her in the gut. Without a response, Megan walked out of the store. The look of pity on Sophia’s face riled her, but it also lifted the guard around her heart that Megan had worked so hard to build. Justin might be the most delicious-looking man ever, but he was only a business date. That was all.

  Chapter 20

  I like her because she smiles at me and means it.

  UNKNOWN

  Justin wiped the sweat from his forehead with a rag then threw it to the floor beside his water bottle. He shifted on the weight bench to face Kirk. “What are you talking about?”

  Kirk opened his palms. “Megan. I’m talking about Megan. For some ridiculous reason, Marianna thinks Megan has a secret crush on you or something. She’s determined to set her up with this other guy. Colt somebody or other.”

  Justin tossed the information around in his mind. He’d given into his feelings for Megan. God had given him the strength to be patient. He hadn’t asked Megan on an official date, even though he thought that’s what he was doing for the charity ball, and she’d taken his offer a different way. But if Marianna thought Megan had a crush, then maybe he had a chance.

  He didn’t deserve someone like Megan. He knew that. But she never left his mind. And though he wanted to know her in every way, he had changed. He respected her. He wanted to know her as a person, wanted her to know he cared for every facet of her.

  But this Colt guy? Justin looked at his friend. “Who’s this Colt person?”

  “Megan’s giving his niece piano lessons. At the funeral, it was pretty obvious the guy had feelings for Megan. He held her hand while she cried, and …”

  Justin swallowed back the fury that welled inside him. The man held Megan’s hand. His Megan’s hand. He’d gone to the funeral? Megan never mentioned this guy to him. Was Colt the reason she didn’t want him to go with her? Not that they spent time discussing the details of each other’s personal lives, but still, if this Colt guy was special to her, wouldn’t he have some inkling of a clue? He did see her every day at work and a lot of days at church.

  Kirk continued, “I’m really not so sure Megan’s interested in the guy. She’s always been kinda antiboyfriend.”

  Justin exhaled a slow breath. Kirk didn’t think she liked him. That gave Justin hope. It also meant he was going to have to step up his game if there was another guy vying for the woman he planned to marry.

  Kirk took a swig from a water bottle then put it back on the floor. “I told Marianna to just leave Megan alone, that there was no way there was any kind of thing going on between the two of you.”

  Justin nodded. He looked up at the clock on the wall above the floor-length mirrors. “I’ve gotta get out of here. That charity ball’s tonight.” He pulled at the front of his drenched shirt. “And I might just need a shower.”

  “I forgot about that. Who’re you taking?”

  Justin cleared his throat and averted his gaze. “Megan.”

  “What?” Kirk smacked his hand against his thigh. “What do you mean you’re taking Megan?”

  He studied the gym floor as he shrugged. “Just a business date.”

  “I know you better than that. I can tell …”

  Brandy walked up to the weight bench. “Hey, guys.” She waved her hand then traced her fingers through her long, dark ponytail. “How’s it going, Justin?”

  “Fine.” Justin grabbed his water bottle and towel and glanced at his friend. “I’ve got to go, Kirk.”

  After grabbing his wallet and keys out of a cubby, he pushed his way out the front door and popped the button on his keychain to unlock the car. Kirk barreled through the door and stood beside him. “I won’t let you hurt Marianna’s sister.”

  Pain shot through his heart. His friend had led him to the Lord and watched him grow in his faith, but he still feared he’d hurt Megan. He peered at his friend, his hands itching to form into fists to defend himself as he’d been known to do when they were teens. “I’m not the same man.”

  “I hope not.”

  Justin jumped into his car and turned the ignition. “I suppose this means you don’t really believe all you’ve told me about how a man can change once he’s found God. If I can’t change, then why have I been trying?” He pointed to his chest. “Have you not watched my life these last several months?” He clenched his jaw and spit through gritted teeth. “You of all people should know God’s changed me.”

  A look of regret flashed across Kirk’s expression, but Justin jerked the car into reverse and skidded out of the parking lot before his friend had a chance to apologize. He thought Kirk, of all people, would accept him as a new creation.

  He didn’t deserve Megan. He knew that. His fist pounded the top of the steering wheel. It was selfish of him to even ask her to love him. “God, I just won’t do it. I’ll keep my feelings for her to myself. No one but You and I know about them.”

  He pulled into his driveway then headed into the house. “This will be a business date tonight. Nothing more.”

  Trying not to think about Megan or Kirk or some guy named Colt, he raced through his shower and shave. He put on his tuxedo then headed toward the front door. Out of the corner of his eye, he spied the flowers he’d bought for her. Maybe he shouldn’t give them to her. He didn’t want her to think he meant them to be a personal gesture. Even though he did.

  With a huff, he grabbed the flowers off the table. She had every right to a bouquet of beautiful roses. She had agreed to go with him this evening. He would treat her as a date. A business date.

  He made his way to the car then turned up the contemporary Christian music on his radio. He didn’t want to think. He needed God’s Word through music to penetrate his mind. Anything to keep his mind off Megan.

  He pulled into her driveway and sent up a quick prayer of help to feel nothing when he saw her. Maybe she’d have a piece of food stuck in her teeth. Something to keep him from finding her the most adorable woman he’d ever known.

  Shaking his head to clear his mind, he walked to the front door and pushed the doorbell. Marianna opened it. Her scowl was evidence enough of her opinion of the dinner date. She didn’t speak to him but twisted her head and yelled, “He’s here. Remember Mom’s coming in the morning to work on the wedding.”

  She turned back to him, her eyes squinted in disapproval. Her actions were so blatant Justin found them funny. He smiled at her with a grin that usually sent women to swooning. “How are you doing, Marianna? I spent the afternoon with your fiancé.”

  She barely lifted her head in acknowledgment. He heard footsteps down the hall and looked to see Megan standing several feet behind her. His jaw dropped. His sweet, cute secretary had transformed into a princess.

  Her eyes shone to nearly match the color of the long blue dress. Her hair was swept up with rhinestones dotting the sides and top. Wisps fell and kissed her cheeks and neck. Like he wanted to do.

  Justin swallowed and willed himself to think pure thoughts. He needed to keep his mind away from his feelings for her. He feared if she took one step closer, he would grab her in his arms and kiss her with the intensity he’d spent many a day wishing he could exhibit.

  She smiled, and Justin forced himself to close his mouth. Remembering his manners, he extended the flowers toward her. “Megan, these are for you.”

  Megan bit her bottom lip, and her face and neck brightened. That was the Megan he was used to, the one he’d fallen in love with. God, it’s just not right that she looks like this all dolled up. How am I supposed to keep my feelings to myself?

  Her hand brushed his when she took the flowers from him. He winced. God, help me keep my hands to myself, too.

  “They’re beautiful, Justin. Thank you.” She handed them to her sister. “Will you put them in a vase for me?”

  Ma
rianna curled her lip, but she took the roses and headed into the kitchen.

  Megan looked back at him and smiled. “Are you ready?”

  No food in her teeth as he’d hoped. No lipstick on her pearly whites either. He nodded and extended his arm. She touched the inside of his elbow, and Justin felt his insides shake. He’d never experienced this. He wanted Megan, but in every way. He wanted to be near her, to talk with her, laugh with her. And right now, he couldn’t deny he wanted to wrap her in his arms and kiss her with every ounce of energy he could muster.

  He didn’t know how he was going to make it through this dinner. Pray. He’d have to have constant contact with God to make it through. You hear that, Lord? You’re on double time tonight.

  They walked to the car, and he opened the door. Once she slid inside, he closed it and walked to the other side and got in. Megan arranged her dress to avoid as many creases as possible. “So, do you like it?”

  Justin gripped the steering wheel. He hadn’t even told her how gorgeous she looked. He’d been so dumbfounded he’d forgotten the most important thing a woman wanted to hear. “It’s amazing. You are beautiful, Megan.”

  She didn’t look at him. She focused her attention out the windshield. “Sophia sold it to me.”

  Justin cringed. He knew exactly who she meant. He hoped the woman didn’t ask about him. More importantly, he hoped she hadn’t said too many entirely true but ugly things about him either. Judging by the way Megan stared at the windshield, he assumed Sophia said plenty. “Well, she has terrific taste. You’re gorgeous.”

  Megan didn’t respond, and Justin realized Sophia may have been a blessing in disguise. If Megan spent the evening cold and collected, he wouldn’t fall all over himself trying not to reveal his feelings for her. He couldn’t run from the past anyway. There would always be a Sophia somewhere. And Megan shouldn’t have to deal with that.

  He drove into the garage and parked his car. Megan stepped out before he had time to walk to her side to open the door. He started to grab her hand to escort her inside when she stepped in front of him.

  She looked up at him. She’d put some kind of smoky gray color on her eyelids that made the blue in her eyes the most striking color he’d ever seen. Like the darkening of the sky just before a storm.

  She took a step toward him and touched his biceps with both hands. His heart pounded in his chest, and his stomach churned. Her gaze moved to his lips, and he thought he might pass out right there in the parking lot. If she kissed him again … right there in the parking lot … wearing that amazing dress … strands of blond hair kissing her shoulders.

  He couldn’t take it. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer. Blocking the protests from his mind, he lowered his lips to hers. She answered his kiss with one of her own, and Justin sucked in his breath, begging God for restraint.

  Releasing her mouth, he grabbed her arms and moved her away from him. “Megan, I …”

  She studied him, waiting for what he would say, what he would do. She wasn’t ready for a proclamation of love. He could tell by her expression she needed confirmation his intentions were good.

  And they were good. And bad. But they were mostly good. And completely in right standing with God. He had to prove it to her. He didn’t deserve her, but he couldn’t let her go. He’d move to Africa, if he needed, to get away from his past. But he couldn’t give her up. He loved her.

  But first he’d have to prove it.

  He grabbed her hand in his. “Megan, I’m so glad you came with me.”

  She seemed confused, but she allowed him to lead her. They walked into the dining hall. As usual, he had the most beautiful date in the room. But this girl was different. She wasn’t for the night. She was for life.

  Chapter 21

  I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.

  MARTIN LUTHER

  Megan adjusted the fuzzy, pink bride-to-be crown on top of Marianna’s head. Megan, Marianna, Amber, and Julie walked into the restaurant. She grinned as several people looked their way. She knew they were a sight with their hot pink T-shirts sporting their positions in the wedding in metallic silver lettering. Megan had designed them herself. They were more ostentatious than anything she’d ever want, but she knew her sister would flip over them.

  Amber lifted four fingers to the hostess. “Table for four.”

  The gray-haired woman winked at Marianna as she grabbed four menus from behind the table. “Looks like someone’s getting married.”

  “That would be me.” Marianna touched the silver sash at her chest and laughed.

  “When’s the big day?” asked the waitress.

  “Week from tomorrow,” Marianna answered.

  Megan shook her head. She still couldn’t believe her sister would become a married woman in only eight days. They’d already moved several of her belongings from the apartment, which had sent Megan into a tailspin of emotions. She was happy for her sister, but they’d never lived apart. The thought of it left an ache in her spirit. It would leave a hole in her bank account as well—even if she would make more as a teacher than she had as a secretary at the law firm.

  They followed the hostess to the booth, and Megan slid in beside Marianna. The waitress arrived, offering a round of free drinks on the house. They grinned at each other, and Amber asked for four virgin strawberry daiquiris.

  Julie tapped the tabletop as she looked at Marianna. “Everything ready for next Saturday?”

  Marianna glanced at Megan and inhaled a deep breath. “I think so. Mom’s coming in to stay with us this week to help with final preparations.”

  Megan’s stomach tightened. She wasn’t looking forward to spending the whole week with their mother. They hadn’t quarreled, but the tension was still present between them.

  “What about you”—Amber nodded at Megan—”you ready for your sister to move out?”

  Marianna looked at her, and Megan knew this was a concern weighing down her sister’s heart. The separation would be hard on her twin as well, even though Marianna would have Kirk to keep her company. Megan would have—well, nothing. Maybe she should look into getting a pet. She inwardly shook her head. Nah. Wouldn’t have time for one.

  “Well, yeah!” Megan wrapped her arm around his sister’s shoulder. “I’ll get a warm shower for the first time in my life.”

  Marianna giggled as she shrugged. “If you’d wake up earlier, then maybe …”

  Megan rolled her eyes, and the group laughed. They all knew Marianna was the last to rise on any overnight outing they’d ever attended.

  “Here you go, ladies.” The waitress arrived with their beverages, and they ordered nearly every appetizer on the menu.

  Marianna peered at them. “You do know we have to fit in our dresses?”

  “Tonight is celebration night.” Julie swatted the air. “We just won’t eat this week.”

  Megan looked at her sister. Marianna had been fit to be tied for weeks. She probably wouldn’t hold down a bite of food after tonight. Kirk had proven his worth in Megan’s eyes though. He’d been patient and understanding, even when Marianna melted into a mess of tears over the napkins being a shade lighter than she’d expected. Though it would be hard, Megan knew she could release her sister to Kirk’s able and loving care.

  “So, when does school start, Megan?” asked Julie.

  “Three weeks. I begin new teacher orientation the Tuesday after Marianna’s wedding.”

  She could hardly believe how fast the summer had gone. Only one more week at Frasure, Frasure, and Combs. The training of the new secretary was going well, and she was secretly thrilled that the new hire was an older, married woman with grown kids and grandchildren.

  Her mind ventured to the charity ball two weeks earlier. She’d had the most amazing time with Justin. Dancing. Eating. Socializing. He’d kept her in the crook of his arm the entire night. She’d felt more like his girlfri
end than his employee.

  And the kiss in the parking lot—their second kiss. This one had been his doing. Her cheeks warmed as she thought of how she’d done nothing to stop the advance. She’d wanted to kiss him more, but he’d stopped it. He’d been the one to grab her hand, lead her into the charity ball, and then treat her like a cherished lady the rest of the evening.

  That was how she felt with him. Cherished. It seemed impossible given his past. But the Justin Frasure she knew loved the Lord and lived his life trying to follow Him. She’d promised to spend her life alone, and in her mind she knew it was the safest route. But the man who’d spent much of his life chasing women occupied her thoughts at every moment of the day.

  “Are you excited?”

  Megan blinked at Amber’s question. What had they been talking about? Oh yeah, school.

  Megan nodded. “Very excited. I’ve already picked out several pieces I hope to sing with the different age groups.”

  Marianna touched Megan’s arm. “My sister will be the best music teacher Fayette County has ever seen.”

  The appetizers arrived, and they each scooped a variety onto their plates.

  “I can’t wait to see the movie,” said Amber.

  “Then fro-yo?” piped in Julie.

  Marianna groaned at the mention of frozen yogurt as she shoved her third buffalo wing into her mouth. “We’re never gonna fit into our dresses.”

  Megan laughed. “Sure we will.”

  The waitress returned, and they ordered the steak dinner the restaurant was known for. Megan already felt busted, but she was enjoying her sister’s bachelorette party. Dinner, movie, and dessert were probably a bit tame for today’s standards, but it fit them perfectly. And she’d been waiting all week to see the romantic comedy Marianna picked.

  “What are you guys doing here?”

  Megan turned toward the direction Marianna was speaking. A knot formed in her throat when she saw Kirk, Justin, and Kirk’s two groomsmen walking toward them inside the movie theater.