by Lori Wick
“You thought the kids were joining us, didn’t you?”
Nikki laughed. “Yes. I thought I’d misunderstood you and dressed all wrong.”
His smile was still in place as he put the car into gear and moved down the road. They didn’t say much as he drove almost 20 miles to a restaurant in Montpelier, but as soon as they sat down across from each other, the words just flowed.
“How was your day?” he asked.
“Busy, but good. I feel as though I got a lot done. How about yours?”
“It started with a birth. I delivered twins at 5:30 this morning,” Dorian announced with a smile.
“Twins.” Nikki’s voice dropped with wonder. “How are all three of them doing?”
“Just great. It’s a first delivery, so everything was new and special.”
“Two boys …?” Nikki prompted.
“A boy and a girl, both dark-haired and howling with great health.”
“That’s wonderful, but you must be tired.”
“I was tired. I was tired when Petra decided she needed every stuffed animal she owned with her at the Butrams’ tonight, and also when Theo said he’d forgotten to feed Brutus, but as soon as I saw you in that dress, the fatigue suddenly lifted.”
Nikki smiled at the compliment, thinking Dorian looked wonderful too. His suit was a medium shade of navy and his shirt a bright white. The tie at his throat was a subtle red and blue stripe that only accentuated his aquiline features, still brown from the summer.
“You’re Greek, aren’t you, Dorian?” Nikki asked suddenly.
He eyed her in speculation. “What was the giveaway, my nose or the black hair and eyes?”
“Your name and the children’s names were the first things I noticed.”
Dorian nodded. “My mother is Greek, and when I was first married, my wife loved my Greek name and the idea of naming our first son Theodore.” He hadn’t planned to talk about Crystal, but it seemed the right time to add, “but that, along with everything else in our marriage, soon lost all appeal for her.”
“Where is she, Dorian?” Nikki asked gently.
“I don’t know right now,” he admitted. “In the last five years, I’ve seen her only twice: the day she left the children and me and the day she showed up with her lawyer, asking me to sign divorce papers.”
Nikki felt a sting behind her eyes just at the thought of what he’d gone through. Her look was compassionate, but she stayed quiet so the man across from her could share.
“She never wanted to move to Vermont, but I didn’t know that until we’d been here a year. I knew everything was not fine, but most of the time she wouldn’t talk to me. Now I’m able to see so many things I could have done better, but at the time I plodded along the best I could. For a while she agreed to meet with our pastor every week. I thought we were making headway, but then she found out she was pregnant with Petra, and you’d have thought I asked her to give up her life. She was inconsolable. She stopped taking care of Theo, and I feared that she would take her own life or even the baby’s.
“Petra wasn’t 48 hours old when I came to the hospital and found Crystal dressed and ready to leave. There was no talking to her. She called a cab and left, not even returning home for her things. I took my baby daughter home alone, and Theo and I picked out her name. I nearly lost my practice in the year after that, trying to take care of the kids and see to my patients at the same time. Then when Petra was two, Crystal showed up and wanted to see me. She came to the office so the kids weren’t there, and since I’d been given two years to think about it, I knew what I would do.
“I asked her if she was willing to work on the marriage. I told her I loved her and still wanted us to share our lives. She wanted none of it. I questioned her several times—several different ways. I had to be sure. When I was positive it was over in her heart, I signed the papers.
“I’ll never forget that day. I don’t know how I finished my rounds; it had to have been the Lord. I made myself tell Theo that evening at bedtime, and although he cried a little, he was very brave. I wasn’t brave at all. I cried the entire evening and again when I talked to Pastor Andersen.
“But all was not black,” he shared softly. “I grew more spiritually that year than I had my whole life. I was forced to lean on the Lord and be in His Word in a way I never had before. I know that God works all things together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose, and He’s been the One to help me move on. I feel no anger or bitterness, only a deep desire to be there for my kids and show them a better way.”
“Thank you for telling me, Dorian.”
“It’s important that you know, Nikki,” he told her seriously, his eyes on hers. “Don’t misunderstand what I’m about to say next, but there were things that Crystal never told me. It can’t be that way between husband and wife or two people who are thinking about marriage.”
“I quite agree with you,” Nikki said, not put off at all. “I have a friend in New York who told me she’d met the man of her dreams, but he wasn’t ready to have her meet his family or to talk about his past. Yet she was sure he was the one. I told her outright that she could be walking into a world of hurt. I’m thankful that her family felt the same way and that she listened to us. She’s still getting to know him, but there’s been no more talk of marriage.”
“You were a good friend to tell her the truth.”
Nikki nodded. “I’m still trying to figure out how good of a friend you are,” Nikki suddenly said with a teasing glint in her eye.
“How’s that?”
“Well, you’ve asked me to dinner but waved the waiter on three times. I’m starving, Dorian.”
He smiled. “I knew you were going to be opinionated.”
Nikki chuckled. “I’m taking lessons from your daughter.”
Dorian found this highly amusing but still got the point. Their dinner orders were given and their salads delivered just a short time later. It was a fabulous evening. They dined and talked until very late and then slowly drove back to the street where they lived. Once outside Nikki’s house, they sat in the car and talked for two more hours. They both knew it was going to be tough to get up in the morning for church, but both agreed it would be worth it.
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s came and went, and in those weeks Nikki and Dorian talked on the phone or saw each other nearly every day. Nikki flew to be with Tim and her mother for Christmas, but they drove her back and were able to meet Dorian and the children. Both were very impressed with the family and could see for themselves what Nikki had written in letters: Nikki and Dorian were very much in love. Dorian’s family was scheduled to visit at the end of January, and all were looking forward to it. But before that time, there was a lot of Vermont winter to be enjoyed.
It was during this time, a snowy day about the middle of that month, that Dorian, Nikki, and the kids ventured out on the snowmobiles. They had gone two other times during the season, but now there was more snow. Nikki rode behind Theo, and Petra held on tightly to the back of Dorian on the first sled. Nikki loved it, feeling that she could go for miles. For her, the time to head back and warm up by the fire in the Swanns’ living room came all too soon. But Petra’s cold little hands gave them no choice.
Back at the house, the fire and hot chocolate were just what was needed, and the kids even volunteered to see to the microwave popcorn. While they were out of the room, Dorian picked up Nikki’s hand and kissed the back before entwining their fingers.
“Pastor asked me a question this morning.”
Nikki took her gaze from their hands, his so dark and hers so fair, to look at him. “About?”
“Us.”
She studied Dorian’s eyes for a moment. They were normally so expressive, compassionate, and kind in the extreme, but right now she couldn’t tell what he was thinking.
“What exactly did he ask you?”
“He wanted to know if we would be joining the marriage class soon.”
“And what did you tell him?”
“I said I would have to ask you.”
Nikki’s heart beat against her ribs until she thought they would break, but excited as she was, one thing was holding her back. She glanced over her shoulder to see if the kids were ready to join them, but they were still occupied. Her eyes went back to Dorian, a worried frown creasing her brow. She opened her mouth to speak, but the doctor cut in.
“Did I mention to you that Theo gave his snake away?”
Nikki blinked. “No,” she said softly.
“He did.” Dorian’s voice was conversational, but his eyes kept track of Nikki’s every move. “There was a boy in his class who really wanted it, and Theo felt it would be best. We delivered it yesterday.”
“Is Theo upset?”
“Not at all.” Dorian replied kindly. “He knew you would never be comfortable with it. And as much as he likes Brutus, he likes you more.”
Nikki couldn’t help throwing her arms around his neck. Dorian’s own arms came up to hold her tight, and Nikki squeezed him as if she would never let go. They were still hugging when the kids joined them.
“Is Nikki all right?” Petra wanted to know.
“Yes, she’s just happy.”
Nikki shifted back to the room then and found Theo with her eyes. She had not cried but still felt as though she could. She waved Theo toward her with a hand and spoke when he sat by her side.
“Are you sad about Brutus?”
“No, not really. I can visit him at Richie’s anytime I want. His mom said so.”
Nikki’s hand brushed the black curls from his forehead. “Have I told you that I love you, Theo?”
The sweet 11-year-old nodded and smiled.
“You love me too,” Petra came close to remind Nikki.
“Yes, I do,” Nikki said and pulled her into her lap. With an arm around Theo, the three snuggled together for a few minutes. It didn’t last long because Petra felt it was her duty to hand out the popcorn, and after all, she told them, it was getting cold. Once Dorian and Nikki both had their bowls, the kids went to select a video, giving the adults a few moments alone. For a moment all Nikki could do was stare at the man beside her.
“I wasn’t looking for love,” she finally whispered, “but then there you were.”
Dorian smiled and pressed a soft kiss to her lips.
“Do you know when I fell in love with you?”
“No.”
“At the pet show.”
Nikki’s eyes rounded. “The pet show? I didn’t even see you.”
“I know you didn’t. You were too busy smiling at my daughter and trying not to show how terrified you were of Brutus.” Dorian’s eyes lovingly searched her face. “I would have said I was too busy even to think about marriage, but that was before I met the girl next door.”
Nikki’s smile was huge as she leaned toward him for another kiss.
“I guess this means I should tell Pastor we’ll be in the class?” he asked, a teasing light in his eyes.
“Yes, please.” Nikki’s voice was fervent. “The sooner the better.”
The kids chose that moment to return with a video, one that they’d seen many times. They sat on and between Dorian and Nikki, but Dorian still managed to have an arm along the back of the sofa, his hand on Nikki’s shoulder.
Nikki watched the video, but her heart was elsewhere. I’m going to be married, Lord. Isn’t that wonderful? Please tell my dad, Lord. Tell him I’ve found someone as wonderful as he was to Mom and as wonderful as Tim is now. Nikki could have prayed on for hours, but at that moment she caught Dorian’s eyes on her.
“Are you all right?” he asked softly.
“Yes,” Nikki whispered back, “just sending a message to my dad.”
Dorian reached for her hand then and held it very tightly, his eyes glued to her face. Nikki was just as taken with him. Indeed, it was a good thing the kids didn’t question them about the story, since neither one saw much more of the video that evening.
The wedding was set for the first Saturday in June. It was warm and breezy, the weather almost as lovely as the bride herself. A small service was planned at the church with a large reception to follow at the community hall. Tim Warburton, who would walk Nikki down the aisle, Dorian, and Theo, who would stand as best man, went ahead to the church. The bride, her mother, and Petra, Nikki’s maid of honor, were coming on their own.
“All right.” Virginia’s voice was all business. “Have we got everything?”
“I think so,” Nikki said, her eyes glancing about. “Petra, did you use the bathroom?”
“Yes, and I washed my hands.”
“Good job. Let’s head to the car.”
The three trooped out in all of their finery, Petra in pink lace, Virginia in pale blue silk, and Nikki in an old-fashioned white lace dress that fell to midcalf and showed off her high-buttoned white boots. The dress was not the type that needed much babying, so she climbed behind the wheel of her small car and they headed down the road.
When the flat tire hit about a mile down the road, it took everyone by surprise. The car swerved a little, jerking the inhabitants around before Nikki maneuvered to the shoulder.
“I refuse to believe that was a flat, Dominique,” her mother said softly. “We’re already running a bit late.”
“Well, Mom,” Nikki replied, unable to stop her chuckle, “I think you’re going to have to face facts. Are you all right, Petra?” Nikki shifted to look into the back.
“I didn’t like that.” Her voice shook a little.
“It was a little scary, wasn’t it?”
Petra nodded but didn’t cry, and even managed a smile when Nikki reached back to stroke her leg.
“I think I’ll get out and have a look,” Nikki suggested.
“Watch your dress,” Virginia warned.
“I will.”
Looking did no good, but getting out in the air helped Nikki to think over her options. They were still quite a distance from any houses or businesses. It was hard to know what to do: head back to the house or try to walk toward town. Petra suddenly spoke before Nikki even realized she’d gotten out of the car.
“We can go back and get my dad’s car. He won’t mind, Nikki.”
“We could, Petra, but even if I walked all the way back, I don’t have a key to it.”
“He leaves the keys in it.”
“Every time?”
“I think so.”
Nikki thought it might very well be true, but she wasn’t taking a chance.
“How does it look?” Virginia called from the window.
“It looks flat, but I think I should just try to change it.”
Her mother was out of the car almost before Nikki could finish speaking.
“Your dress will never survive, Nikki. Maybe if we just wait a little longer …”
“What time is it?”
Virginia consulted her watch, and the face she pulled told Nikki they were running very late. Suddenly Nikki wanted to laugh. She bit her lip, but her mirth would not be squelched. Her mother tried to look stern, but it was no use. They giggled for a few moments; it was all so crazy. But light as the mood was, it didn’t change the inevitable—a minute later Nikki popped the trunk in order to get at the jack and spare.
Dorian told himself that anything could have happened—the car may not have started, Petra could have become ill, anything. It probably wasn’t anything very exciting either, but the need to know where his bride was pressed in more strongly by the second. At the moment he was very pleased that they’d opted for a private ceremony—the only people present were Pastor, Tim Warburton, and Theo. No one teased him, but everyone was very aware that the bride was late. Tim hung by the door in order to catch sight of her, and indeed, Dorian had stood with him for a time, but he now walked to the front pew, sat down, and stared at the cross that hung over the baptismal tank.
He was still praying, giving this day to the Lord and asking fo
r His peace, when Theo joined him.
“You’re trying not to worry, aren’t you, Dad?”
“I am working on that, Theo. It would be very easy to panic right now.”
“Should you call the house?”
“I could, but something tells me that if Nikki could get to a phone, she would have called here first.”
Dorian looked down at his young face, marveling at how often he acted and spoke beyond his years.
“I think it will be fine, Dad. Nikki’s not the type to not come.”
“You’re right; she’s not.” There was so much more to that statement than most people would have guessed. It caused Dorian to ask, “Did you think of your mother today?”
Theo nodded.
“Were you sad?”
“No. Nikki is special, and Petra doesn’t even remember Mom.” Theo looked at his father. “Did you think of Mom?”
“This morning, I did. I thought about the joy and peace the Lord has given me with Nikki, and so I prayed that wherever your mom is, she would turn to the Lord and live for Him.”
Theo nodded. “Nikki won’t leave us, Dad. I just know she won’t.”
Dorian smiled. “When did you grow up on me, Theo?”
Theo only smiled, and Dorian put an arm around him. He continued to pray, but not just for himself: There was a little boy waiting with him, whose heart was as involved as his own.
“How’s it going?”
“Not well,” Nikki grunted, a trickle of sweat running down the side of her face. “They make this look so easy on TV, but two of these lug nuts do not want to budge.” Nikki came to her feet. She’d been hunkered down so long that her back and legs were cramping. If she could have just dropped to her knees it would have been more comfortable, but her dress was going to be in bad enough shape as it was.
She was taking a deep breath to go at it again when her mother said, “Oh, Nikki, look.”
She followed her mother’s gaze; a police car was stopping. The sweltering bride could have wept with relief.
