by Leah Atwood
Seconds ago, disappointment had filled him when he realized he’d have to wait for Sybil, but that soon changed to gratitude. She deserved better than to have him show up for this important moment smelling like a barn mixed with a gym.
He hopped back in his truck and went home. Showered and changed into a fresh pair of clothes. The occasion called for more than the worn jeans and sweatshirt he’d had on before. He pulled on a pair of tan cotton pants and a navy sweater. A compromise between dressy and casual.
The minutes ticked slowly by as he waited for the time the service usually ended. Finally, he returned to Sybil’s house, walking this time. He waited on her front steps, then stood when he saw her car.
If she noticed him, she didn’t let on. It looked like she was singing along to the radio. Before she got out of the car, she leaned over the passenger seat and grabbed something. She walked towards him but didn’t see him until she was several feet away.
She froze in her tracks. “You’re home.”
“Surprise.” He shrugged and waved his hands slightly in an open gesture.
“I didn’t think you were coming in until tomorrow.”
“I couldn’t wait until then.”
Her mouth formed an O.
“You asked a question, that can only be answered in person.” He stepped toward her. Again. And again, until he stood in front of her. He touched her arm then reached her hands. “The answer is yes, I’ll teach you about forever.”
Moisture built in her eyes. “I thought you’d changed your mind when you didn’t respond.”
“Never.” He lowered to one knee, still holding one of her hands. “When it’s forever, we commit to love each other through the good times and bad. We know we’ll hit hard patches, but we promise to work through them and fight for our forever. We’ll anticipate the big moments but cherish the everyday ones. We’ll laugh and cry together on each other’s shoulder. We won’t be perfect, but we’ll show mutual respect and practice forgiveness and grace. We’ll do life as a family and raise our children in a house full of love. We’ll pray together and keep God as our focus.”
“Jared,” she whispered.
He pulled a ring from his pocket. “I asked you once, but for the wrong reasons. I’m asking you again, this time out of love. Will you marry me and be with me forever?”
“I never knew forever existed, but then I met you, and you broke through my defenses.” She sniffled and wiped her eyes with her forearm. “You’ve shown me that love is patient, kind, and doesn’t ask for anything in return. It took you leaving for a few days to make me admit it, but I love you. Yes, I’ll marry you, and move with you to Wyoming to start our family.”
Standing to his feet, he slipped the ring on her finger. She didn’t glance down but kept her eyes on his, and he fell more in love with her. Their love had taken an unconditional path and had a happy ending they didn’t deserve, but God’s mercy shined down on them.
His arms wrapped around her, needing her touch after too long apart. “I love you.”
If he lived to be a hundred, he’d never stop spending his days showing her.
At some point, they moved inside. Sybil was about to show him the decorating she’d done when something she said clicked in his head.
He stopped in the opening to the living room, furrowed his brows, and tilted his head. “Did you say you’d move to Wyoming with me?”
She nodded and smiled. “I could see how much it meant to you, and I want our daughter to have family nearby.”
“You’d give up your job?”
“I like it well enough, but I also like the idea of staying home for a few years.” She slid her arm around his waist and rested her head on her shoulder. “If our marriage is to succeed, I can’t bring my fears with me, and that means trusting you.”
His heart swelled, and he wondered if she realized the gift she’d given him. “I won’t let you down. And if you want to stay home, then I support you.”
“I’ve thought a lot about it, and I’d like to take online classes and work toward a degree.” She lifted her head to look at him. “When Brilyn is older, I’d like to return to work. Not because I want to be financially independent, but I want to make a difference in other people’s lives. I’m not sure how yet, but I figure I have time to figure that out.”
“You’ll do great at anything you do.” He tugged her even closer to him. “I have faith in you.”
Her smile said it all. “I have one request.”
“Your wish is my command.” He grinned, then broke away to bow.
“I’d like to be married before the baby comes.”
That surprised him, but he wouldn’t argue—her request suited him just fine. “Tell me a date, and we’ll make it happen.”
“January twentieth.”
He cocked his head. “Any special reason why?”
“You told me that’s your great-grandparents anniversary and they were married seventy years.” Her bashful smile that he’d come to love appeared. “I thought it would be a good way to honor them.”
Stunned that she’d remembered that tidbit and touched by her sentiment, he fought against the emotions pooling in his chest and throat. “January twentieth would be a great day to get married. And that gives us three weeks before Brilyn’s entrance to the world.”
She bit down on her lower lip. “Here or Wyoming? When did you plan to move?”
“Here, if that’s okay. My contract doesn’t expire until April, and I feel obligated to fulfill it.”
“Good.” Her chest fell with a relieved sigh. “I would have gone now if that’s what you wanted, but I’d really like to stay with my same doctor for the delivery.”
“Of course.” He dusted a kiss on her forehead. “Should I call my mom and Cara and tell them to book their flight?”
“Will they mind that it’s so soon?”
His laughter ended in a snort. “Not one iota. They can’t wait to meet you.”
Her shoulders shrank into her, revealing a glimpse of the old, insecure Sybil. “Are they upset I got pregnant how I did?”
He shook his head slowly. “Did I ever tell you about my great-great-grandmother Tallie?”
“No.”
“Most of the Scott family that’s still around consider her the matriarch of the clan. She was pregnant and never married when she met my great-great-grandfather.” He brushed a hand over her hair. “Our pasts don’t define us, and my family is well aware of that. They’ll adopt you right into the fold.”
She drew a long breath then exhaled. “This is insane … but it’s the best crazy I’ve ever experienced.”
He couldn’t stop his laughter. “That’s an interesting way to put it.”
“Come on.” She tugged at his sleeve. “I want to show you all I did, and then we’ll sit down and figure out all the details.”
Chapter Sixteen
“Are you sure you can’t come with me?” Sybil clasped her hands in front her, begging Rysa for a favor.
Rysa smiled but stood firm. “You’ll be fine. Jared’s mom and sister will love you.”
“But I need support.” Her palms went clammy. Less than two hours until she and Jared picked up Mrs. Scott, Cara, and her husband, Jase.
“Jared will be there. I’m your friend, but he’s your fiancé.” Rysa patted her shoulder. “I promise, I’ll be there tomorrow evening for the showers and Saturday for the wedding.”
Sybil crashed her back against the sofa cushion and laughed. “A wedding shower and a baby shower all in one day, the day before I get married at that. What a sequence.”
“Keeps it exciting.” Rysa winked. “Take it for what it is—people wanting to shower you with blessings and love.”
“I’m grateful, looking forward to it even.” She twisted the engagement ring on her finger. “Liz and the others—they are really coming?”
“That’s what they said. Kylie, Jayla, and Emma are definites, and Liz said she’ll try. Shellie’s out of town, but left a
gift with me to bring.” Rysa crossed her legs. “They feel bad for not supporting you and want to make it up.”
“I’ve missed them.” She stared off, thinking how much had changed since spring. “I can’t blame them entirely for backing away—I was overwhelmed and didn’t make much of an effort to keep in touch. And my life went in a different direction they weren’t prepared for.”
“Regardless, I’m glad the gang will be back together, if only for a short time.” Blinking, Rysa smiled sadly. “I can’t believe you’re moving to Wyoming. Can I sneak away in your luggage?”
“Don’t tempt me to say yes.” Conflicting emotions tore at Sybil. “You better come visit though. Often. And for long periods of time.”
“You better believe I will.”
“Maybe we’ll find you a cowboy to fall in love with. Then you’ll move there too, and I’ll have a friend.”
“No cowboys for me.” Rysa pursed her lips before breaking out into a wide grin. “Well, who knows?”
Sybil grabbed a present she’d hidden on the floor between the sofa and end table. “This is for you. A thank you for all you’ve done.”
“You didn’t have to do that.” Rysa’s eyes collected tears.
“Yes, I did. Without you, I wouldn’t have made it through this time. When none of the others stuck by me, you did.” Her own eyes teared up. “It meant everything to me.”
“Should I open it now?” Rysa grabbed a tissue and dabbed her tears away.
“Yes, please.”
Carefully, Rysa unwrapped the paper and lifted a rustic wood sign. She read what it said. “A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” A few sniffles later she moved across the sofa and hugged Sybil. “Thank you so much.”
Sybil lost the fight against ugly tears. “I’m so glad God brought you into my life.”
“You know, I really do believe that He brought us together.” Rysa sat up straight. “I’ve seen how He’s worked in your life, and how you’ve changed. It’s made me realize I want that again, and I’ve been trying to work through my past and forgive my parents, and the church. More than that, I’ve realized just because they left me, doesn’t mean God did.”
“That’s great. I’m happy for you.”
“I wish I hadn’t waited so long to figure it out.”
“But you got there, and that’s what counts.” Sybil glanced at her phone, reluctant to end their time together. “One last plea to come with me?”
Rysa chuckled. “I’m only a call or text away.”
“Wish me luck, say a prayer, send good thoughts, say another prayer.” Anxiety tipped her voice to a higher octave.
Rysa clutched her purse. “Want a ride to Jared’s?”
She shook her head. “Thanks, but I’ll walk. My body needs movement, or it stiffens.”
“Call me when you get a chance and let me know how it went.”
“I will.” She walked Rysa out and locked the door.
The winter air nipped her skin. She turned back to retrieve a jacket then left for the second time. One, two, three steps until she started to hurt. Pressing a hand to her lower back, she continued walking to Jared’s. A cold sheen broke out on her forehead. Everything these days took extra effort.
She rang Jared’s doorbell and leaned a shoulder against the vinyl siding while waiting for him. What was wrong? That short of a walk shouldn’t have worn her out like that, no matter how pregnant she was. Maybe so. It’s not like she’d been pregnant before to know.
Jared opened the door, dressed casually in faded jeans and his favorite hoodie. His relaxed attire alleviated the edge of her nerves. His family couldn’t be too formal if he weren't dressing up more to pick them up. Granted, he’d told her many times they were laidback people, but her brain liked to argue and doubt.
“Did you walk?” Jared’s gaze fell on her hand, still pressed into her back.
“Yes. I needed the exercise.”
“I mean this in the nicest of ways, but you don’t look so good.” His forehead wrinkled. “Are you feeling okay?”
“My back’s hurting, but other than that, I’m fine.”
“We don’t have to leave right away. Come sit a few minutes.”
She shook her head. “That will only make it worse.”
“What will help?”
“Having this baby?” She shrugged. “I’m okay. Really.”
He didn’t look convinced. “My truck has heated seats. Will that make it any better?”
“Actually, that sounds perfect.”
Within minutes, the leather passenger seat cradled her tired body. Heat warmed her back, providing a small measure of comfort.
As they neared the airport, Jared glanced at her. “We’re early. Want me to drive around a few minutes, so you don’t have to stand or sit on a hard-plastic chair for longer than necessary?”
She hated asking for favors or causing an inconvenience. She wanted to be brave and strong, and endure the pain without complaint, but the idea of leaving the warm truck and heated seats for frigid air held no appeal. Not to mention, leaving the truck put her one step closer to meeting Jared’s family. “If you don’t mind, can we stay in here?”
“Fine with me.”
They drove down the back roads, had a speculative conversation about a house that still had Thanksgiving directions displayed—but no signs of Christmas ones despite the fact it had come and gone. Jared held the opinion the family had gone away for Christmas so hadn’t bothered redecorating or even taking down the harvest décor. She thought, based on the Marine Corps flag visible hanging in a window, that a single, female, Marine had lived there and been deployed.
The conversation had no point, but it distracted her from worrying. She suspected Jared knew and that’s why he’d initiated the debate.
“How’s your back?”
“Better.” A relative word, in that her back still ached, but she smiled anyway. “Time for the plane to land?”
“Soon. By the time we circle back, park, and go inside, the plane will have just landed.”
“At least it’s a small airport that makes getting in and out easier.” Though in this case, she wouldn’t have minded more delays.
“Much better than driving all the way to Raleigh.” He switched hands on the steering wheel and reach for her hand. “Don’t be nervous. I promise they don’t bite.”
“I’m trying.” She couldn’t help her fear that Cara would harbor resentment toward her. Jared had told her about his sister’s miscarriage and desire to have a child. I don’t know why life unfolds like it does, Lord, but please let Cara and I get along. Please give her peace and don’t let my pregnancy cause her any hard feelings or further pain.
The airport came into view, and she winced. I can do this.
Jared parked and came to open her door. “Ready?”
“No.”
He took her hand to assist her down. “I’m sure you’ll feel better once the initial meeting is over. Then you’ll see what I mean.”
“I hope so.”
His smile relayed nothing but assurance. “I know so.”
Once inside, they stood in the waiting area, peering through the large glass window. They watched the plane fly in, land, and then glide to the gate.
Her heart worked overtime, pumping double the blood through her body. She breathed in deeply until her lungs couldn’t take more air. Held it in before slowly releasing it. She repeated the process, breathing away her nervous energy.
“I see them.” Jared pointed to a middle-aged woman, a tall man with a cowboy hat, and a girl with dark hair.
She saw a mild resemblance to Jared in his mom, but none in his sister except their smile. The cowboy had to be Jase, Cara’s husband. She stood still while they approached. If she could have, she would have retreated into the shadows, but that wasn’t an option.
Jared threw his arms around his mom, his love for her evident in his welcome embrace. He greeted his sister with the same enthusiasm, then shook hands and slappe
d shoulders with Jase. Once he’d finished welcoming them, he stepped back to her, slid an arm around her waist.
The pride radiating from his face eased another layer of anxiousness. Jared loved her, and he wouldn’t leave her.
He pulled her closer to his family and made the introductions.
Mrs. Scott came to her first, engulfing her in a hug. “I’m so happy to meet you after all the wonderful things I’ve heard about you. And you must call me Nora, or Mom if you’re comfortable with that.” She released her and glanced at Sybil’s stomach with a joyous smile. “I never looked as beautiful as you when I was pregnant. You’re absolutely glowing.”
Is this how a mom was supposed to act? In a two-minute span, Nora had shown her more affection than her own mom ever had.
“Thank you.” Her hand fluttered to her stomach when Brilyn kicked. “I’m glad to meet you, too. Thanks for coming on short notice.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it for anything.” Nora glanced at Cara then back and winked. “I better back away and let my daughter greet you before she loses her patience.”
“Hey now,” Cara cried in mock protest. She stepped forward and hugged Sybil. “I couldn’t believe it when Jared said he was getting married. Then when he told me you all were moving to Weatherton, I squealed in his ear. He told me later he couldn’t hear for a day.” She leaned in to whisper, “I think he stretched the truth on that part.”
Sybil laughed, immediately liking Jared’s family. “Likely so.”
“But don’t let his tendency to exaggerate sway you.” Cara glanced at her brother and winked, returned her attention to Sybil. “You’re a part of this family now, and we’re not letting you go. Especially when my prayers for a sister have finally been answered. I started praying for one when I was six.”
“I guess I’ll have to take him, flaws and all.” Sybil heaved a sigh and smiled mischievously at Jared.
He grinned and reclaimed his spot at her side. “Maybe I shouldn’t have let you all meet. I didn’t know you’d gang up on me.”
“I’ve got your back, Jared.” Jase came out of the shadows. Shook her hand and addressed her. “But if you ever want to hear stories about this guy, let me know. I’m Jase, Cara’s husband.”
