by Ginny Aiken
She shook her head, unable to believe what was happening.
“Mattie Stevens, you make the world turn for me. You make me excited to be back in Heaven. You make me remember all I lost when I left this town. You are the woman God created for me. I know it in my heart.” Jeff opened the little box, and a sparkling diamond the size of a small marble glistened toward her. “Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Chapter 8
Mattie looked at the ring then into Jeff’s aqua-blue eyes. Her first thought was how she wanted her future children to have those eyes, but then she thought of the ring and its enormous size. She would be a wealthy wife. She would have a four-year-old right away. Everything in her life would change for Jeff Weatherly. Yet her mouth betrayed all these objections.
“Yes, Jeff. Yes, I will marry you.”
A spattering of applause followed, and she looked around to see the patrons smiling at them. He lifted her chin and kissed her lightly. “When?”
She looked self-consciously at the violinists and wondered if she heard right over their romantic squealing. “When?”
“When.”
“I guess when the church will marry us.” Let your yes be yes. Those words haunted her at the moment. Was she ready to make such a big commitment? Such a change in her life? Yes, she loved Jeff, but Kenny still despised her. Mattie knew nothing of parenting, and trading in her paintbrush for baking cookies scared her feverishly.
Jeff took her arm and led her from the restaurant. Once in the car she felt herself exhale. Oh, Lord, help me. What am I doing? Is it enough to love this man? Although she’d been in love with Jeff since she was sixteen, how much of that was real? And how much was the imaginary hero she’d created for herself in her mind? She’d known he had his doctorate for less than two hours. What else didn’t she know? She needed to pray.
“Jeff, I am so flattered. I am so incredibly happy and the idea of being your wife sends shivers down my spine—”
“But?”
Mattie took a deep breath. “But this is all happening so fast. I’m worried we don’t know the new Mattie and Jeff well enough yet.”
Jeff nodded, pursing his lips together in obvious thought. “I completely understand. But, Mattie, one question.”
“Yes?”
“Have you ever known me to do anything lightly? Anything by the seat of my pants?”
“Only play in a certain chess match that changed your plans for our senior prom.” Immediately she wished she could take her accusatory words back.
“I prayed long and hard about that night, Mattie. And I’ve prayed even harder about this. I bought this ring before I came home to Arizona. I knew in my heart we were meant to be together, and when I found out you were still free, I knew God thought so too.”
His certainty scared her. Mattie couldn’t remember being certain about anything except salvation. Even now she wondered if she should have become more educated. Would her painting business have been more successful if she were a better manager? These thoughts and doubts plagued Mattie. She tried to focus, to think what else might come along that was better than this offer. An offer from the man she loved. That old saying haunted her: Marry in haste, repent at leisure.
“May I remind you, Mattie—you said yes.”
“I did, didn’t I?”
Jeff laughed. “Relax, Mattie. I’m teasing. This ring belongs to you. If you don’t feel you’re ready to wear it yet, I’ll keep it for you until such a time comes.” Jeff reached for the ring, and Mattie felt a surge of anger.
“Don’t you touch that ring!” She raked her hands through her hair. “Oh, Jeff, I’m so sorry. I don’t know what I’m thinking. You must think I’m absolutely crazy. I’m just so taken off guard, so surprised. Everything is too good, too right. Something has to be wrong.”
Jeff leaned in and kissed her forehead. “Why does something have to be wrong because you’re happy?”
“What if I’m a terrible mother to Kenny?”
“What if I’m a terrible father?”
Mattie shook her head. “That’s ridiculous. You’re wonderful at anything you choose to do.”
Jeff’s eyebrows went up. “As are you, Mattie. Now is this a yes or a very slow no?”
For the first time since leaving the restaurant, Mattie looked into his eyes. The pale light of the evening pink sky provided a soft light, and Mattie knew. In those eyes was a soul she loved more than anything on earth. Nothing had changed about Jeff. Only their circumstances.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
“Pardon me?”
“Do not be anxious for anything, but by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Jeff’s eyebrows furrowed. “Is the Scripture for me or for you?”
“It’s for both of us. Come on.” Mattie opened the door and slipped out of the Cherokee. Jeff met her at the back, and she walked alongside him to a perfectly groomed piece of grass on the golf course. The Arizona sky lit up in a million sparkling lights, and Mattie reflected on the greatness of God. She wondered if she would ever be this happy again. All her joy culminated in this one moment in time. The creation of God called to her from the stars. The realization of the love she had sought for so many years stood beside her, beckoning her, and she would not be the only cousin unmarried. Was it possible?
Jeff and Mattie prayed together until they didn’t have enough light to see. In the desert without the moon shining, the darkness surrounded them. Mattie laughed out loud as she and Jeff tried to find their way to the Cherokee by Braille. She felt perfectly at ease now. Ready to take on the world. And a certain four-year-old. Her heart was light and her whole being never happier.
Once inside the vehicle, Mattie breathed in Jeff’s delicious scent. He smelled masculine and attractive. And dangerous. Being married was obviously the only safe course of action.
“I’m ready to go home now, Dr. Weatherly. And when you pick me up the next time, I shall be sporting this rather gaudy rock to show all my friends I am to be married.” She fluttered her hand in the air, but it was far too dark to see her movements.
“Mattie, if you don’t like the ring, we can get something simpler.”
She shook her head vigorously. “Bite your tongue. It’s grown on me. We’ll get you a simple one to make me feel better—how’s that?” Mattie enjoyed teasing her straight-laced love almost as much as she loved looking into his eyes.
“Is tomorrow okay to get the supplies for Kenny’s room?” Jeff asked, abruptly changing the conversation.
“Absolutely. I have a portfolio of ideas I’ll drop off before work tomorrow. He can dream about the perfect mural all day. Maybe that will get him excited about shopping with us.”
“Work is going to be harried for me in the next couple of days. I’m afraid I’ve let some things go to care for Kenny lately. I also need to make sure I approve of his preschool. If it’s not okay, it’s better to pull him out now.”
All the severity of their relationship rushed into Mattie with the vengeance of a hungry coyote. Jeff seemed to sense in her quietness that something was bothering her.
“I’m sorry. This is our night, and I’m rambling about parental duties. I guess if you haven’t figured it out by now, I’m not very romantic.”
Mattie found his lips in the dark. “Then I can’t imagine what romantic is. I’ve been whirlwind-romanced, and I get to marry my Prince Charming. All I’m missing is the glass slipper.”
“Well, those expensive sandals you bought should make a nice substitute.”
“Jeff, you made a joke!”
“Come on—let’s get somewhere into the light. I miss looking into your beautiful face.” Jeff opened the sunroof, and a shadow of light danced across his jaw. “There’s the woman I fell in love with. Stars or no stars, I want to see my beauty in the light.”
Mattie practically danced on air when she arrived home. Once inside, she studied the ring again and
again, wondering how she’d ever thought it was too big. It seemed perfect now.
Thank You, Jesus.
She fell into a dreamy sleep with her jeweled hand resting on her heart.
The next morning Mattie made a special trip to see Kenny before he started back to preschool. She brought her portfolio and a big smile, hoping the little boy would forget his last reaction toward her. As she knocked at Jeff’s grandmother’s door, hope filled her.
“Hi, Helen. Did Jeff tell you I would be stopping by before I went to work?”
Helen nearly squeezed Mattie with an embrace. “Did my grandson tell me about my future granddaughter-in-law coming by, you say?”
After returning the warm greeting, Mattie felt as though she’d stepped into a new family. A family she would love as much as her own.
“Did you see the ring?” Mattie lifted her ring finger, wishing she’d taken the time to buff her nails or use nail polish. Something worthy of the ring that now graced her usually paint-covered hand.
Helen winked. “I saw it when Jeff announced his first date with you, Mattie. I’ve never known my grandson to set his mind toward something he didn’t follow through on. With him and his prayers I don’t think you ever stood a chance.” Helen backed away from the door and allowed Mattie to step over the threshold. Kenny sat watching a train video but was wholly interested in Mattie’s entrance.
“Hi, Kenny.”
Kenny sent her a glowering glance then turned his head away without speaking.
“Uncle Jeff told me you liked trains so I brought you some of my paintings. We’re going to paint your new room with trains.”
“No, thanks.” Kenny sunk his elbows into the carpet and turned back toward the television.
Helen stepped forward and turned off the set. “That’s enough, young man. You apologize to Miss Stevens.”
“Oh, please, Helen—I want him to call me Mattie.”
“Apologize to Mattie, Kenny, or there’ll be no macaroni and cheese for lunch. You’ll eat a liver sandwich.”
Kenny’s eyes widened. He apparently wasn’t sure if he believed his grandmother or not. But clearly he wasn’t willing to risk it. “Sorry,” he answered, but the curl of his lip and defiant tone told Mattie the apology was in word only.
Mattie knelt down on the carpet and opened her oversized book. Her children’s fantasy creations quickly captured Kenny’s attention. “Is that Thomas?”
Mattie nodded. “It is.”
“I like James the best. James is the red engine.”
She turned the page, and Kenny’s eyes grew round. But they quickly reverted to normal size. “I don’t want nothin’.”
“Your uncle and I are going to take you to pick out the paint tonight. You just need to choose one of these pictures.”
“No! I don’t want any dumb picture. My mom hates you.” Kenny’s eyes thinned to slivers, with a look so angry that Mattie feared what lurked inside the child. She quickly banished such thoughts, knowing this little boy needed her. Whether he knew it or not.
“Kenny, your mom knew me a long time ago. We didn’t get along so well then, but I’ll tell you what: I’m going to marry your uncle Jeff, and I want to love you because he loves you. And because Jesus loves you. I don’t care if you love me. That’s not your job, honey.” Mattie resisted squeezing the little boy’s shoulders affectionately.
“My mom’s coming home, and she still won’t like you.”
“But your uncle Jeff likes me. Can’t you try to put up with me because he likes me?”
“No!” Kenny crossed his pudgy arms, and Mattie knew it was going to take time. Nothing else would help the situation. She would start James the red engine tonight and be there for Kenny. She would pray and look to God for comfort. She said her good-byes and focused on all that was right in her world.
Now it was time to tell Gram she was batting one thousand in the matchmaking department. Gram took the news with all the grace of a professional quarterback, whooping and hollering and talking about prayer’s outcome like Mattie didn’t have a thing to do with Jeff’s affections. Mattie smiled to herself. All was right with the world for the time being.
Epilogue
Six months passed as if they were mere seconds. Of course, Gram still took all the accolades for scoring a perfect ten for her four granddaughters. Gram welcomed everyone at the church doors as though she herself were marrying today. If Mattie had any doubts left, they had quickly passed with her family’s happiness. Jeff was an admired man, and it was impossible not to feel everything for him that everyone around her felt. She was fortunate to be marrying such a kind-hearted, successful, intelligent man, and she never wanted to forget it.
As she stared down the church aisle at Jeff’s tall build, with his gentle hands upon Kenny’s shoulder, she knew there would never be another for her. There never had been. Mattie almost turned to see if Jeff was looking toward her. Her heart was swelled with joy like a ripe, red strawberry.
Callie, Cassie, and Mel looked elegant in their bridesmaids’ gowns, and Mattie closed her eyes for a moment. She wanted to capture everything inside her mind and never forget this moment when love and family collided into one precious mold.
She reached the end of the aisle, and Jeff took her hand. Together they faced the preacher. She promised to follow Jeff anywhere, to be his helpmate, come what may.
Jeff pulled out a letter, and Mattie’s heartbeat became rapid as he cleared his throat to speak.
“I thought I might be too nervous to speak, so I wrote some things down. For those of you who don’t know our history, Mattie and I met in our high school youth group and fell in love. We might have married right out of school were it not for a very important chess match.”
The congregation laughed, and Jeff cleared his throat again.
“If you’re not familiar with this woman, all I can say is that it is a privilege to know her. All through my college career, both undergraduate and post-graduate, she never left my mind. I knew someday I would return for her as my bride. My mind never contemplated anyone else. I only prayed that she would still be here for me when I returned. In my heart I knew God meant for us to be together, though, and that prayer was answered. We’ve had an interesting voyage. I almost dated her cousin Melissa, hoping to spur some interest and announce that I was back in Heaven.”
Mattie felt her cheeks flame red, and the congregation gave a spattering of applause.
“Besides being incredibly beautiful, Mattie has a heart wholly for God. She has readily agreed to help me parent Kenny until Joan returns, which for those of you who have been praying, should be soon. Joan met a wonderful biker, who led her back to the God of her youth. She has been in rehabilitation for three months now, and we will soon have to part with Kenny.”
Jeff rubbed Kenny’s hair lovingly.
Mattie recalled all the miracles God had performed in their lives in the last six months. Joan’s phone call had been a desert bloom. Once Kenny heard from his mother that it was okay to love Mattie, the little boy’s allegiance was no longer divided. Raindrops of joy fell into their lives one by one.
Jeff continued. “So thank you to all of you who are here to celebrate the happiest day of my life. I have a feeling it only gets better from here.” He folded the paper and slipped it into his pocket.
“You may kiss the bride,” the preacher said.
Jeff kissed her for the first time as her husband, and Mattie thought she might burst from emotion. Jeff had come home again, and they would live in Heaven together.
KRISTIN BILLERBECK
Kristin Billerbeck makes her home in the Silicon Valley with her engineering director husband and their four children. In addition to writing, Kristin enjoys painting, reading, and conversing online.
HARMONIZED HEARTS
by Lynn A. Coleman
Dedication
This story is dedicated to my granddaughter,
Serenity Paige, who loves to sing and has a smile that lights up t
he room.
May your heart always be in harmony with our Lord Jesus.
Love, Grandma
Chapter 1
M arissa, did you put lead inside Bertha the Beast tonight?” Tyrone teased as he hoisted the stand-up bass into the van.
Marissa giggled and looped her arm around Jason’s. “Possibly. ‘Night, all; I’ll see you tomorrow at the studio.” They headed out of the reception hall of the Miami Country Club. They’d been dating for awhile now, and the idea of the group growing with the addition of spouses increased Tyrone’s longing to find just the right woman.
Tristan handed over his viola. “Guess we can’t quite call ourselves ‘the quartet who always plays at weddings but never participates in them’ any longer.”
Eva placed her arm around Tristan’s waist. “True, but we’re still a quartet, plus one now.”
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy for them.” Tyrone straightened his back. The staging seemed to be getting heavier. “Seriously, I know my parents wouldn’t mind me settling down. Mom’s been giving me more and more hints.”
Eva groaned. “Mine reminds me of my biological clock.”
Tristan chuckled. “That’s one advantage we have over you gals. Me, I don’t have a clock. I live in Miami. Can you say, Miami time?”
“Ticktock, ticktock. You’d better remember to wind your clock. Tomorrow at the studio will cost us if you come on Miami time,” Tyrone quipped. Getting used to Miami time had been a problem, but after spending summers here for three years and having lived here for five, he understood it. He didn’t agree with it, but he’d become more relaxed about the late concert starts. They’d show up on time to do a wedding reception only to discover they’d have to wait an additional two hours before the guests arrived.
