Team Bride

by Valerie Comer

  Corbin wasn’t her ticket out of that situation. He was the reason she was there in the first place.

  * * *

  Corbin pressed his ear against the powder room door. All he could hear was the running faucet, and it had been going for five full minutes.

  “Sarah?” He knocked again. “Are you okay?”

  The door opened so quickly he nearly tumbled into the small space. Sarah stood forlorn, tears streaking her face and both arms wrapped around her middle.

  “Sarah.” He reached for her.

  She pushed his hands away as she shoved past him. “Please take me home, Corbin. Or never mind. I’ll just get a cab.”

  His heart ached. “Let’s go.”

  Hurting eyes amid smudged mascara avoided his. “Thank you.” She marched up the stairs to the main floor.

  Corbin turned to the family room doorway, where all his relatives sat more subdued than he’d ever seen before. “Sorry to break up the evening. I’m taking Sarah home.”

  Aunt Deb surged to her feet. “I’ll come say goodbye and apologize for the wedding. It never occurred to me, all these years, what that poor child must have felt like.”

  He hesitated, Sarah’s blank stare still chilling his gut. “Might be best to save it for another time. Thanks, though. I’ll tell her.” Would there ever be another time? He nodded around at his family and followed Sarah up the stairs.

  She stood at the front door with her coat on and her purse clutched to her chest. Hadn’t taken her long.

  “Sarah?” He touched her arm.

  “Please.”

  Oh, Lord, the day had started with such promise. What was he supposed to do now? How could he fix something that had happened twenty-five years ago?

  * * *

  Sarah stared out the truck window. The vibrant autumn leaves dimmed in the gathering dusk. Like life. Headed into nighttime. Headed into winter.

  Corbin had been all about the peppy praise music on the drive to Castlebrook. They’d talked over it, around it, and about it. Why couldn’t he turn on the stereo now to cover the silence? Maybe he didn’t have any dirges. That was about the only style that would fit.

  Her gut, her heart, all of her being felt like one frozen, painful lump. She should’ve known better than to open up to someone, especially a guy like Corbin. Somehow she’d been attracted to fun. Laughter. Dreams of love.

  Shuddering, she pulled her arms tighter around her middle, but it was too late to protect herself. The damage was done.

  “I love you, Sarah. I’m sorry.”

  Sarah shifted slightly in her seat. He’d said that dozens of times in the past hour. She’d ignored him every time. She had to hold strong. Better to rip the adhesive bandage off in one quick move than linger and hope.

  The lights of Riverbend gleamed ahead as they rounded the last curve on the mountain highway. Riverbend. It had always been a safe place for her. Now, all she could wish was that the school year was coming to an end and not just beginning, so she could apply for a position in a different district.

  Mom had run from her problems, too. Blocked them out. Sarah was like her mother. Nothing new there.

  She clenched her jaw as they drove past the car dealerships, then the mall, and finally pulled up in front of the apartment building beside the riverside bike path. One of her hands reached for the seat belt clasp while the other tugged the door handle.

  Corbin’s hand covered hers on the buckle. “Sarah.”

  She stared straight ahead. “I have nothing to say.”

  “Look, I understand why you’re angry, but that happened a quarter of a century ago. I can’t undo the past, no matter how much I’d like to. All I can do is apologize and prove my love for you now, today, is genuine.”

  Could she let the past go? His hand on hers warmed her. Terrified her. It wasn’t enough to thaw her entire frozen interior, just enough to feel a little again.

  Sarah pushed the button to release the seat belt and yanked her hand out from under his. “Apology accepted.” She shoved the truck door open and slid from the warm interior into the chilly night air.

  He bounded around the vehicle and grasped both her hands before she could take more than a few steps. “Thank you, Sarah.”

  She pushed him away. “It doesn’t change anything.”

  “But—”

  “There are no buts, Corbin. I can forgive the little boy.” It would be a whole lot harder to forgive the ignorant behavior of the adults that long ago day. “But don’t you see? You’re still you. I’m still me. We’re too different to make anything work long term.”

  Corbin shoved his hands into his jacket pockets. “I don’t agree. Differences are good. We complement each other. And besides, we have the Holy Spirit living inside us. He changes us and makes us more like Jesus. We’re not stuck being the same old people we always were.”

  That stung. “So I’m a second-class Christian because I’m having trouble dealing with this?”

  “What? No. I didn’t say that.”

  A dozen thoughts ran through Sarah’s mind, but she managed to keep all of them from coming out her mouth while she took three deep breaths. “I’m sorry, Corbin. You’ll thank me later when you meet the right girl for you.”

  “I’ve already met her. She’s you.”

  Sarah backed up a couple of steps, shaking her head, as the ice solidified. “No. I can’t do this.” She turned and ran for the apartment steps.

  Chapter 11

  Corbin glanced around the dozens of people milling around the back of River of Life Church. He hadn’t been here often, usually driving to the smaller church in Castlebrook he’d attended for years.

  Nick had specifically invited him today, as it was his Sunday to preach. Being there for his buddy was his excuse should anyone ask. Not that he’d be believed. Everyone knew he and Sarah had been dating for the past six weeks and more.

  Did they know it was off? His heart clenched. It couldn’t be final. It was all a misunderstanding. She would put the past where it belonged and give him a chance to face the future together.

  Wouldn’t she?

  “Hey, Corbin. Good to see you this morning.” Lindsey peered around him as though looking for someone. “Where’s Sarah?”

  He kept his voice even. Mostly even. “She must be here somewhere. I haven’t seen her.”

  Lindsey narrowed her eyes. “You didn’t give her a ride?”

  “Uh, no.”

  She chuckled. “Dating 101. Pick up the woman when you’re going the same place anyway.”

  Corbin’s jaw twitched. “Dating 101. Don’t introduce your girlfriend to the relatives before your relationship is well established.”

  Lindsey was quick. He’d give her that. “Oh? She told me you were taking her to the anniversary thing. It didn’t go well?”

  “She told you about it before or after?”

  “A few days ago, so before.”

  The music team began to play the call to worship. Lindsey grabbed Corbin’s arm and steered him out into the foyer. “Tell me what happened,” she said in a low voice.

  The only thing he could think of worse than a fight with Sarah was driving a wedge between her and her closest friend. Corbin shook his head. “That should probably come from her.”

  “And she’s not here.” Lindsey bit her lip. “You’re sure she’s not here?”

  “Her car’s not in the parking lot, and I don’t see her anywhere. And you haven’t spotted her, either, I take it.”

  Lindsey shook her head, brows furrowed, as she pulled out her phone and tapped a message. She stared at it for a moment then put it away again. “She’s not answering my text.”

  Did that mean Sarah was retreating from everyone, not just him? Not good. He breathed a prayer.

  Inside the sanctuary, the worship leader welcomed the congregation into the service.

  “I need to find my seat.” Lindsey rested her hand on his arm. “Join me?”

  Corbin nodded and followed her
back into the sanctuary. She slid into the back row beside Heath.

  The worship choruses washed over Corbin. He couldn’t find the words. Couldn’t find the tunes. He grasped the back of the seat in front of him and closed his eyes.

  “Please open your Bibles to Philippians chapter three,” Nick’s voice intoned. “I’ll read verses thirteen and fourteen from The Voice, and then we’ll be shifting to the Old Testament.”

  Onionskin pages rustled around Corbin. He opened his Bible app and found the correct passage and translation.

  “Brothers and sisters, I know I have not arrived; but there’s one thing I am doing: I’m leaving my old life behind, putting everything on the line for this mission. I am sprinting toward the only goal that counts: to cross the line, to win the prize, and to hear God’s call to resurrection life found exclusively in Jesus the Anointed.”

  Corbin stared at the words even as his heart reached out. Everything on the line. Even Sarah?

  “In Isaiah forty-three, the prophet reminds his listeners of something similar: not to dwell in the past. The people of Israel clung to memories of the exodus from Egypt many generations before. Learning from the past is a good thing. Many times the people built cairns of rocks as reminders of God’s goodness to them at specific times and places.”

  Corbin looked up at Nick, standing behind the pulpit. Who would have thought this day would come, when they were in Bible school together a few years back? That God would use Nick to put his own life in perspective?

  “Hear the words of the Eternal One, beginning with verse eighteen. ‘Don’t revel only in the past, or spend all your time recounting the victories of days gone by. Watch closely: I am preparing something new; it’s happening now, even as I speak, and you’re about to see it. I am preparing a way through the desert; waters will flow where there had been none. Wild animals in the fields will honor Me; the wild dogs and surly birds will join in. There will be water enough for My chosen people, trickling springs and clear streams running through the desert. My people, the ones whom I chose and created for My own, will sing My praise. In truth, you never really called upon me, did you, Jacob, My people?’”

  Nick paused and looked around the quiet sanctuary.

  Corbin got the feeling he wasn’t the only one to whom God’s words spoke with piercing accuracy. Had he been so wrapped up in what had happened twenty-five years before — to say nothing of last night — that he wasn’t trusting God for the future, whether or not Sarah was part of it? His love life — or lack of one — would have little impact on the fate of the universe.

  He bowed his head. Lord, I want Your best. I don’t want to be one of those who never really called on You. I want to feel Your trickling springs and clear streams in my life. I want You more than anything. Even more than Sarah.

  Images of him letting go of Sarah, one reluctant finger lifting at a time, edged across his mind, followed by peace. Corbin settled into the pew to listen to his best friend expound God’s word.

  * * *

  It was Monday morning. Sarah had gotten through Sunday by virtue of a long ride as far north as the bike trail went, then looping around to the highway and cycling home. She’d missed three texts from Lindsey and five more from Corbin. She deleted all of them without opening them.

  She needed a plan to get her out of that looming field trip to Corbin’s farm at the end of the week. She breathed a prayer — though why bother? When had God last listened to her? — and tapped on the principal’s door before class. Then she got through her request as quickly as she could before Ms. LeRoy interrupted her.

  The principal shook her head. “Sarah, we have all the permission forms back from the parents. The bus is reserved, and the chaperones are in place. I can’t cancel the field trip with only a few days to spare.”

  Sarah shifted from one foot to the other, clammy hands clenched in front of her. “Please. I’ll find somewhere else to take the classes. Let me try.”

  “The children are thrilled to see how apple juice is made. The other first grade teacher has units on apples scheduled all week.” The principal glanced at the papers on her desk. “Looks like that is your lesson plan, as well.”

  “But—”

  “Miss Jamieson, we are talking about the children’s education. That is what field trips are for. If I’d known you had an emotional attachment to the man who owns this farm, I would have likely declined the plan to begin with, for just such a reason. But I did not know, and the arrangements are made. You will pull yourself together and act like a responsible, capable adult.” Ms. LeRoy cracked a small smile. “Which you definitely are. You’re a fine teacher, Sarah. I’m counting on you to hold it together and make this a memorable field trip for both classrooms.”

  Sarah took a deep breath. “Yes, ma’am. I’ll do my best.” She pivoted and strode out of the office as though she were in complete control. It wasn’t over. She still had one card left to play. The trump.

  * * *

  On Monday, Corbin ordered a bouquet of flowers to be delivered to Sarah’s apartment. On Tuesday, he sent a delivery from Carmen’s Cupcakes and Confectionary. On Wednesday, he dropped a heartfelt poem into her mailbox. On Thursday, he tucked in a small box of chocolates. Hey, he could learn from the way Nick had wooed Lindsey.

  His phone calls went directly to voice mail every time, and she continued to ignore his texts. He ought to be panicking by now, but he wasn’t. Surely someone from Riverbend Elementary would let him know if the field trip had been canceled, and no one had. That meant Sarah and a whole lot of kids would invade his farm in the morning. He might not be able to speak with her privately, but he’d see how she was doing. God would show him what to do next. He had nothing else to cling to. Strangely, it was enough in this entire surreal week.

  * * *

  Sarah helped the last excited child into his sweater after the last bell. Outside the window, students streamed into the open doors of yellow school buses. More children abandoned lunch boxes and backpacks to climb on the playground.

  She stood at the window, watching the colorful vision. These little ones meant everything to her. Teaching them numbers and letters, yes, but also to be fair and feel secure.

  Now, what did she need to do to put her plan in motion for tomorrow? She turned toward her classroom, only then noticing Ms. LeRoy leaning against the doorway. Sarah’s gut clenched. “Hi there. You startled me.”

  The principal strolled into the room and perched on a desk near Sarah’s. “How has this week gone for you?”

  “Um, not bad.” Her mind scrambled to catch up. What was the purpose of this visit?

  “You’re looking well,” Ms. LeRoy continued.

  Better than she felt, no doubt. Her emotions careened into a pit. This conversation should not be happening.

  “I’m glad to know things are fine. I’m sure there’s no reason for me to worry that I might need to find a substitute teacher for your class tomorrow?” Ms. LeRoy’s eyebrows angled upward.

  Sarah opened her mouth and closed it again. Busted. “No, of course not.” So much for that trump card. “My class is really looking forward to the outing.” She gathered up her purse and paperwork as the principal smiled and nodded. She found herself walking down the corridor to the exit while Ms. LeRoy walked beside her, making small talk.

  No sooner had Sarah escaped into the late October sunshine than the horn of a nearby vehicle honked. Lindsey.

  Was it possible for the day to get worse?

  Lindsey jumped out of her car and ran over to give Sarah a bone-crushing hug. “Girl! Is your phone broken? I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve tried to reach you this week.”

  “Um...”

  Lindsey tipped her head and narrowed her eyes. “Unless you’re avoiding me.”

  Sarah had never been that quick at a comeback. She stared into Lindsey’s blue eyes a few seconds too long.

  Lindsey looped her arm through Sarah’s. “We’re going to Carmen’s. My treat. I’ll drop
you back for your car later.”

  “I’m busy.” Sarah made a half-hearted attempt at breaking free. “I have grading to do tonight.”

  “You have the whole weekend for that. I’m not taking no for an answer. Consider yourself kidnapped.”

  Sarah would toss a prayer heavenward, but it seemed God and His angels conspired against her.

  Chapter 12

  Children poured out of the yellow school bus. Several adults whom Corbin did not recognize marshaled the youngsters into groups.

  Heath elbowed him. “Your moment in the spotlight has arrived.”

  “Should’ve had you dress up as Santa Claus.”

  “Oh, come on. It’s not even November yet. Besides, Santa doesn’t do apple juice. It’s all about the milk and cookies.” Heath rubbed his flat belly. “I can hardly wait.”

  The stream of children slowed to a trickle. Where was Sarah? Worry attacked Corbin’s gut. She wouldn’t have sent a substitute, would she? Oh, man. He wouldn’t put it past her.

  “Come on, you’re a natural onstage. Get with your program. Those chaperones are starting to wonder what to do with the kids.”

  His buddy was right, but Corbin’s confidence had crashed with Sarah’s absence. Where was the peace he’d found in his quiet times this week? He imagined reaching deep into that well and bringing up a bucketful. Lord, You’re in charge. As always.

  Corbin took a deep breath and rubbed his hands together as he stepped forward. “Welcome to Morrissey Farm! I’m happy you all have come today, and I hope you enjoy your visit.”

  He stuttered to a halt as Sarah stepped off the bus wearing dark jeans and a fitted navy jacket with pink ruffles from her blouse cascading over the front. Her hair had been gathered into a casual high ponytail with a pink tie.