A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Your Wedding

by Cindy K. Green

When they parted, Kari looked at him with renewed eyes. “I was so afraid when you left the way you did the other day. I thought I’d never see you again.”

  “I was scared. I don’t know why except I’ve never been in love before.”

  “Neither have I.” He questioned her with his eyes. “I was never in love with Geoffrey. I realized that the day I knew I loved you.”

  Randy bent down and kissed her again.

  Afterwards, they walked silently together again, savoring the time and thrilled at just being near each other.

  Out of the silence Kari said, “It’s funny to think back to that rainy August day and remember how we met.”

  “God brought us together.”

  “And to think I used to hate the rain.”

  ****

  Christmas morning Kari rose from her borrowed bed and dressed. Coming down the stairs, she could smell coffee and pancakes. The joyful sounds of laughter echoed through the halls. When she entered the dinning room, the chatter ceased and the entire family looked at her with conspiratorial smiles—Randy’s the largest of all.

  “Good morning, Kari,” said Alice walking over to her. “Come have some breakfast with us.”

  “Good morning everyone,” called Kari to the entire Steele family. “And Merry Christmas.”

  In unison Philip and Amanda said, “Merry Christmas.”

  Kari took a seat between Alice and Randy. They both filled her plate to the point of overflowing with pancakes, eggs, and pastries. Randy didn’t say a word, but his eyes were as overflowing as Kari’s plate. He also looked amused, almost like he’d just heard a funny joke. She’d seen that look before when he forced her to sing karaoke. In the small recess of her mind, she was worried he had worked out some other embarrassing activity for her.

  After breakfast, they returned to the living room and the colossal Christmas tree. Kari sat in the chair adjacent to the tree while Randy sat on the arm of the chair next to her. Philip and Amanda relaxed on the couch together both looking at each other with a seemingly happy anxiety. It was Alice who put on a Santa hat and walked over to the tree.

  “I’ll pass out the presents today. Let’s get this over with because I have plans. I don’t know about you old folks, but I have a social life.”

  Alice began distributing the gifts. A putter for Dad, a platinum diamond drop pendant for Mom, a bottle of Alice’s favorite perfume, and Randy got the European coffee maker he’d been wanting. Kari received a cute sweater from Alice and a 1940 edition of Pride and Prejudice from the Steele’s.

  “It’s to replace the ruined one,” said Philip. Evidently, Randy had shared their accidental meeting during the rainstorm.

  Kari also brought gifts for the Steeles. New Bibles for Amanda and Philip with their names imprinted on the cover in gold foil and for Alice a biography of her favorite female journalist, Nellie Bly, along with a t-shirt that said “Ace Reporter.”

  She had a hard time figuring out a present for Randy. When she knew she was going to be seeing him for Christmas, she wasn’t sure where his affections lay. She finally decided on a book of poetry from the Romantic Period as well as a music CD from that same period. That way he could read his Byron and Keats while listening to the likes of Beethoven and Chopin.

  When it appeared that all the presents had been opened, Alice called out. “There’s one more gift here under the tree.” She pulled out a narrow rectangular box and handed it to Kari.

  Kari glanced up to see all eyes on her. Lifting the cover of her box, she saw a small black umbrella nestled within the confines of the tissue paper lining. She smiled at Randy who seemed to be glowing with happiness. On top of the umbrella lay a note. Kari pulled it out and read it silently.

  I would never want you to get the wrong impression of me. I do have inappropriate behavior that has been called unforgivable at times. Please accept this umbrella with the hope that it can cover those mistakes and lead to a life of love and understanding firmly planted in God. I love you, Randy.

  Kari pulled out the umbrella and held it up. Dangling from the handle by a string was a tiffany cut diamond. She looked swiftly from the ring to Randy and then back to the ring. She couldn’t believe this was happening. The joy that had bubbled up into her laughter, she could now feel in her heart.

  Randy kneeled down in front of her and took the umbrella from her hand. He untied the ring and with love in his eyes said, “Kari, I love you with all my heart. I know God had us meet for a reason and the reason is that we both needed each other. I know He will be the foundation of our marriage and bless our lives.” He paused and took a deep breath. “Will you marry me?”

  A cry of happiness broke from her lips. She couldn’t believe he had asked her to be his wife, to share his life, and to be a part of this wonderful family. She flew down to the ground next to him and threw her arms around him. “Yes, oh yes.” When she met him, her heart was empty and hurting and now it was overflowing with joy.

  And there in front of the entire Steele family, who had quietly observed this intimate and lovely scene, Randy kissed Kari again, sealing the pact of their future marriage.

  A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Your Wedding

  Kari forgot about her heartache…

  His dark hair ruffled in the billowing wind with a single lock falling forward on his forehead. For the first time in a long time, Kari forgot about her heartache. A sudden shiver skittered down her back. She wasn’t sure if it was caused by her soaked condition or the man who somehow sent her senses spinning.

  She pushed her wet tawny hair back from her face before accepting her waterlogged book from him. “I’m so sorry,” she finally said after releasing the breath she hadn’t known she’d been holding. “It’s just this rain…and I’m late.” Her voice wavered. “I can’t seem to find the place I’m supposed to be. I’m in a wedding this afternoon.” She tried to hide how awkward and strange she felt standing a few inches away from a stranger.

  He smiled teasingly as he looked over her outfit of Capri pants and tennis shoes. She’d never seen such an authentic smile. It was as if it started in his eyes and traveled down to his genial mouth. “And that’s what you’re wearing?” he asked as his eyes returned to her own.

  “No, of course not. I…” She shivered again.

  “Well, maybe I can help you out with directions.”

  She replied with the name of the church and he provided her with yet another devastating smile. “Sure I know the place. You passed it at the beginning of this block. Just turn down the street and you’ll see it. If you don’t mind, I could come along with you. It’s on my way.”

  “No need and I’m really in a hurry. Thanks.” She started to head off when he stopped her, causing her to jump at the gentle touch of his hand on her arm.

  “Here take my umbrella,” he offered.

  She faced him again, taking the handle of the umbrella. “Are you sure? You’ll get soaked. I don’t want to impose and I won’t even know where to return it.”

  “Consider it a gift then. And who knows, we just might bump into each other again sometime.”

  “Yes, but hopefully it will be less jarring in the future,” she said with the hint of a smile on her lips, trying to be just as witty.

  He tipped his head close to hers. “I doubt that.”

  A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Your Wedding

  by

  Cindy K. Green

  A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Your Wedding

  Chapter Four

  Kari entered the office of Ellen Bradstreet, the Assistant Director of Archives at the Wellington Opera House. A large valanced window graced the back of the room, allowing warm afternoon sunshine to fill the office. As she took a seat on the plush couch covered in a floral tapestry material, a wave of nervousness soared inside her stomach. Her eyes glided around the room past the small, white shelf containing a set of antique books and then settled on her friend.

  “Kari, thanks for coming in today. I know it
’s short notice, but this will really help me out.” While Ellen spoke, her attention was focused down on the papers in front of her. When she was finished, she looked up and smiled at Kari from across an ornate nineteenth century cherry wood desk which was covered in files and papers, order seeming to be nowhere in sight.

  “It’s no problem. I enjoy the days I get to come be tour guide.”

  “It makes you wonder if you should have gone into public history, doesn’t it?” Ellen flashed her a large smile.

  “Sometimes,” Kari answered with a shrug.

  “That reminds me. How’s your book coming?” asked Ellen, playing with the pen in her hand.

  “Okay. I’ve had more time to work on it these days.”

  “Still based on your dissertation?”

  “Yes and growing.”

  “Sounds like fun. Well, I have to get going.” She dropped her pen and started straightening the disorganized papers on her desk. “Your tour group should be getting together in a half an hour or so. Until then just relax in here.” Taking the papers, she slipped them into a manila file folder.

  Kari gave her a fleeting smile before Ellen left. While still sitting in her chair, Kari mentally walked through the script she had put together for her Opera House tour.

  Ten minutes later, she stood and stared out the window to the street below, observing the crowd forming at the door of the Opera House. Peering at the people, she thought she saw Randy Steele among them. She shook her head, thinking she must be mistaken but found herself looking again, trying to focus in on the faces. A tall man with hair like coal glanced up at her and smiled. It was Randy. Kari stepped back from the window and sat in a nearby chair.

  What is he doing here?

  She had been surprised to see him at Palmer House two days ago, but after she recovered from the shock, she just wondered what had brought him there. Now he was here again. Sitting back in her chair, she wondered what it was about him that made him seem so different. She chuckled to herself when she realized it was his sense of humor. Even in high school, she always ended up choosing funny before good looks. Randy was blessed with both. She moved over to the window again, casting a guarded look down below. After seeing the young pastor with the rest of her tour group, she quickly moved away from the window, returning to the seat she had just vacated.

  Her heart seemed to be keeping time with the lighthouse clock hanging on the wall as the second hand moved around with a loud tick, tick, tick . As the time for beginning the tour approached, Kari took a deep breath, rose from her seat, and then walked to the door closing it behind her. Stepping into the early afternoon sunshine, she faced the crowd with a smile as she clasped her hands tightly behind her back, attempting to avoid locking onto a certain pair of steel blue eyes.

  “Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I want to welcome you all to the Wellington. My name is Kari Montgomery and I will be your guide today.” After the introduction and opening remarks, she started in on her script. “Built in 1874, the Wellington is one of the oldest entertainment venues in the state. It was built by Abraham Beatty and so it was first called the Beatty Opera House.”

  “And how did Mr. Beatty afford to build such a building?” asked a familiar voice out in the crowd.

  Kari glanced around to spot the owner of the voice and stopped on Randy. A tiny smile teased at his mouth and she couldn’t help the slight curving of her own lips in return.

  “A good question…sir,” she responded to Randy. As if she had no control over herself, she smiled again. “Mr. Beatty was a coal and lumber merchant who was quite wealthy by the time he built the Opera House. In fact, this was the site of his uptown coal and lumber yard.” After answering his question, she returned to her script, feeling a little bit more at ease.

  “This building is one of the best examples of American Victorian architecture in the country.” She went on to describe some of its outstanding features. Before leading the group inside, she pointed up at the black marquis with the golden lights spelling out “Wellington,” explaining it had been put in place in 1932.

  After walking into the lobby, Kari led the group past the staircase and began the tour of the building, imparting the history and significance of the structure as they went. At the end of the tour, she took them to see the Wurlitzer Organ, which was installed in the twenties to accompany silent movies. The white instrument gleamed under the lights as she stood next to it and explained the history of the organ and the extent of its restoration.

  At one-thirty, she ended the tour and said her farewells to the group as they went their separate ways. She started to walk back inside when someone called her name. She turned to see Randy walking toward her.

  “Good afternoon, Pastor Steele. Enjoying the cultural amenities we have here, I see.”

  “It was Alice. She asked me to come spend the day with her and at the last minute she got called away. A ‘journalism class fiasco,’ I believe she called it. She told me to check out the Opera House tour. I was surprised to see you as my tour guide.” He slipped his hands casually into his pockets.

  “I don’t usually lead the tours. I went to school with the archivist and I like to help her out from time to time. I love local history. I’m a historian, if you didn’t know.”

  “My sister told me you teach history.”

  “Teach it, live it, breathe it.”

  “Something you are passionate about.”

  “Sometimes it seems like it’s all I have.” Kari stopped and looked away from him. Why had she conveyed so much personal information to him? She shifted from foot to foot and glanced around at the opera house gardens nervously. She recognized she put more into her job and researching her articles and book than she should. Yet deep down inside she knew it was really all she had these days since Geoffrey had exited her life and Emily had gotten married and moved away.

  “You worked hard this afternoon. Why don’t I take you to lunch?” offered Randy. His expectant expression was hard to resist with that particular pleasant smile gracing his face. A gentle wind lightly ruffled his soft, dark hair as he waited for her answer. “Please don’t refuse by saying you have too much work to do. We always have too much to do. Sometimes you just have to stop and do something fun.”

  Kari gazed at Randy with her head cocked to the side as she considered whether to agree or not. She knew she needed to get back to campus and start on her Sunday school lesson. But there was just something about him that pulled her towards him. Despite her better judgment, she began to think he was right.

  “I do have a lot to do. I would normally refuse, but I have to eat. Okay let’s go to lunch.” She released a smile at him. “And I even know the place.”

  After going upstairs to fetch her purse, Kari led Randy to a nearby deli on Market Street. They ordered their lunches and sat down at one of the umbrella adorned outdoor tables. The sunlight shimmered down through the branches of the cherry trees that lined the street, casting shadows all around them.

  They both just sat with their sandwiches before them until Randy suggested he’d pray. As he bowed his head, Kari followed his lead. “Dear Lord, Thank you for this wonderful day and the pleasant weather. Please bless this lunch, the food and the fellowship. In Your name, Amen.”

  Randy lifted his sandwich but before taking a bite said, “I enjoyed your tour today, Kari. Very informative.”

  “You mean boring, right.”

  “No, I really enjoyed it. I didn’t realize there was so much history behind a building.” The wind blew a piece of his dark hair across his forehead. He pushed it back into place and again it slipped down onto his brow.

  “I love old buildings especially Victorian ones. There is so much in the architecture alone that tells a story.”

  “And the Philharmonic.”

  She wasn’t sure what he meant as she stared back at him.

  “You love the Philharmonic as well, or do you just enjoy spending time with…Dr. Hamilton, was it?”

  “Linu
s? Oh, he’s just a friend.”

  “Just a friend?” He lifted his left eyebrow at her, questioningly.

  “Actually, he’s more of a colleague. I met Linus last summer when we were assigned to teach a joint class— Comparative Literature of the Early United States . It was half literature and half history. I haven’t been on a real date since…” Kari stopped amazed at herself for again conveying to him more than she had intended. What is it about him and his soothing voice ?

  “Since…?” he encouraged her to finish as he arched his brows.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to talk about that.”

  “About what?”

  “I’m sure my Aunt Patty has told you my entire life history.”

  “She told me your father died when you were in high school and you helped your mother out considerably until she died last year.”

  Kari looked down, feeling that particular pang of loss over her parents once again. Still staring at her half eaten turkey sandwich she replied, “Yes, I’ve lost both my parents; I still miss them.”

  “I’m sure you do.” He took another bite of his sandwich before continuing. “So, you haven’t had a date since your mother died? Is that what you were going to say?”

  Kari wanted to agree with him. It would make it simpler than admitting the truth, but she couldn’t lie to him. She eyed her glass of iced tea innocently, “Uh, no, it wasn’t. I haven’t had a date since I broke off my engagement.” Picking up her glass, she took a big gulp while looking straight at Randy.

  His astonished expression revealed his surprise. Evidently, Aunt Patty had exercised some restraint because she had clearly neglected to fill in the young pastor as to the details of Kari’s broken engagement.

  “I’m sorry. That must have been hard on you, especially with losing your mother, too. You seemed in good spirits last month at Emily’s wedding though.”

  “Actually, I was feeling a bit down until I…” A slow smile emerged. “…well, until I talked to you. I guess your antics took my mind off it.”

  Randy smiled at her with satisfaction. Kari felt the affect of it with goose bumps tingling at the back of her neck.