by Leah Atwood
He walked slowly to the door, bracing himself for a run-in with Landon. As far as he knew, he was the only person they were expecting who hadn’t yet arrived. Laughter drifted from the kitchen, and it dawned on him he hadn’t met Tanya’s parents yet. After he answered the door, he’d go in and introduce himself.
The doorbell rang a second time before he could get there. When he opened the door, Archer and a redhead—Madison, he assumed—stood on the other side.
Archer scowled the moment their eyes met. “So you really are back.”
Madison elbowed him in the ribs.
“Happy Thanksgiving.” Scott attempted to keep the contempt from his tone, reminding himself that Archer’s attitude didn’t necessitate one in return.
“You must be Scott.” Madison struck out a hand. “I’m Madison, Archer’s wife.”
He shook her hand. “A pleasure to meet you. Tanya speaks highly of your friendship.”
“Where is my sister?” Archer asked gruffly, his lips flattened.
“With your parents.”
“Excuse me.” Archer pushed through and stalked to the kitchen.
“I’m sorry.” Madison offered a sympathetic smile. “Had I known he would act like this, I wouldn’t have suggested rearranging Thanksgiving with my parents so we could be here.”
“If roles were reversed, I’m sure I’d act the same way. I haven’t exactly given him reason to like me.”
“But you’re here now, and that’s what matters.”
Scott stifled a laugh. Tanya had said the same thing. No wonder she and Madison had hit it off as friends.
“I know my husband. He’ll come around.” Madison spun her head at the sound of a truck pulling to the curb. Her expression noticeably darkened. She angled her head in the direction of Landon stepping down from his truck. “That one, on the other hand, I don’t know. He’s not been the same since his parents came home.”
“Thanks for the warning.” Drawing a long breath, Scott said a silent prayer that Landon wouldn’t cause a scene. He’d face him any day, hear out what he had to say—but in private, not in front of Tanya’s whole family—she’d be humiliated.
Chapter Eight
Gran clapped her hands. “You know what time it is, everyone.”
“Tree time!” Lacy bounced from side to side.
“And decorations,” Archer shouted.
Tanya glanced at Scott. “Are you ready for this?”
“What’s happening?”
“I forgot you were never here for Thanksgiving dinner.” A broad smile lit up Tanya’s face. “Christmas is about to explode in here.”
“But we just finished eating.”
“Exactly. According to Gran’s tradition, it’s time to set up for Christmas.” This is what she loved most about Thanksgiving. Okay, I love everything about Thanksgiving, but especially setting up Gran’s house for Christmas.
Gran pointed to Scott, Archer, and Landon. “Boys, the three of you are in charge of bringing down the bins from the attic. All of the red ones.” She pointed to her son. “Peter, can you get the tree from the garage? It came in yesterday—one of those fancy ones advertised on the television that are pre-lit and as lifelike as they come. Girls, let’s start taking down the fall decorations.”
Her brothers and Scott left in the direction of the staircase, and Tanya cringed. The tension between them was palpable. Even Archer, who she’d thought would be accepting, hadn’t said a single friendly word to Scott. The only time she’d heard him say anything was when he’d asked with a terse tone for Scott to pass the cranberry sauce.
Madison sidled to her. “They’ll be fine. Scott can hold his own.”
Really, her brothers were the only family causing problems. Scott had charmed her parents, Madison clearly approved, Gran was happily convinced of a romance between them, and Lacy adored him.
And me? She had to admit Scott’s charms were beginning to affect her. He’d maintained many of the qualities she’d been attracted to all those years ago—an easygoing nature that put those around him at ease, a sense of humor, respect for his elders. She hadn’t missed him pulling out Gran’s seat for her at dinner, or refilling her drink without being asked.
“I know he can, but my brothers make formidable opponents.”
“While we were clearing our dishes, I had another talk with Archer.” Madison’s eyes followed the path the men had taken. “I really believe once he sees that Scott has changed and only wants what is best for you and Lacy, then he’ll come around.”
“I hope so.”
Madison leaned in. “Did you make any decisions yet, or are you still feeling out the situation?”
Tanya swallowed. If she told Madison the truth, she’d undoubtedly tell Archer. “We’re testing the waters for now.”
“Keep me updated. If you need to talk, I’m here.”
“Thanks.” Tanya grabbed a figurine from the bookshelf. She’d bought the squirrel surrounded by acorns for Gran five years ago.
“Where are we supposed to put all of this?” Madison reached for an autumn swag crafted with realistic silk leaves and flowers.
“Gran is already at the kitchen table with her orange bins waiting to pack it away until next fall.”
“Your family goes all out for the holidays, don’t they?”
Taking hold of a ceramic pilgrim, Tanya grinned. “Yes, and I love it. This year is all the better since we didn’t think Gran would make it.”
“The other day, I overheard Archer and Landon planning their light strategy.” Madison rolled her eyes, but also laughed. “I didn’t think much of it then, but now I’m curious.”
“Just wait.” Hands full, Tanya walked toward the kitchen, with Madison right behind her. “Are you decorating your house?”
“I plan to, but I doubt it will be as elaborate as here.”
Tanya placed the figurines in her hand carefully on the table and winked at Gran standing by the counter. “Mine usually doesn’t get decorated until the week after Thanksgiving. I’m too burnt out from Gran’s, but the result is worth the effort.”
“I can’t wait to see it.”
Before she took down any more decorations, Tanya peeked into each room until she saw Lacy. She found her at the top of the stairs, helping Mom unwind the garland from the stair rail. “Is she helping?”
“Yes.” Mom flashed Lacy a huge smile. “Gammy’s best helper, right?”
Lacy grinned. “Always.”
“Make sure you listen to Gammy, and don’t go outside without telling anyone.” Tanya nearly choked when she said Gammy. The role of her mother as a doting grandmother was too new and strange.
After living the life of wanderers for twenty years, her parents had moved back to Maryville and moved in with Gran to help after her heart surgery. According to both of them, they planned to stay and make a new life in Maryville. Tanya wrestled with their sincerity, but their actions demonstrated a change of heart, and she clung to that.
Seven hours later, Gran’s house had been transformed into a winter wonderland. Inside, thick pine garlands outlined every doorframe and the staircase. Wreaths hung on every door from decorative hangers. On the console table, a porcelain nativity set with hand-painted figurines was arranged on hay spread over the table.
Over the years, the collection had grown to include many stable animals, and a new baby Jesus to replace the one Landon had broken when they were children. A smaller nativity set was placed on an end table, this one with rubber figurines. Gran had brought it for the kids to play with so no more of her other set were broken. At twenty-four years old, Tanya still liked to move the figures closer to baby Jesus.
Battery-operated candles lit each window with fake snow sprayed sparingly on the corners. On the fireplace, Granddad’s favorite nutcrackers were lined up, according to height. A bittersweet smile came to Tanya’s face. How she missed her grandfather, but there were fond memories of him all throughout the house.
Scott came to her side. “
Gran’s house looks like a fairytale.”
“I love it. Thanks for helping.”
“It was fun.” His lips curled at one side. “For the most part. Archer lightened up, but Landon makes no secret of his disdain for me.”
“He’s, well, Landon. He could earn a world record for the length of time he holds a grudge.”
“Tell me about it,” Scott muttered. “I had to keep reminding myself he only acted like that because he loves you and doesn’t want to see your hurt.”
“He’ll have to get over it. If I can forgive you and move forward, then I don’t understand why he can’t.” She sighed. “He’s still grappling with my parents’ return, and I don’t think that’s helping your case any.”
“I’ll be fine, and can handle anything he says.” Taking her hand, he gave it a brief squeeze. “I would like your whole family’s support, but I already have more than I dreamed.”
The sense of loss she experienced when he released her hand took her by surprise, and she couldn’t form a good response. “We’ll be lighting the tree soon. Is everything ready outside for that lighting?”
“Yes. Your brothers kept insisting I be the one to climb the ladder, and I half-expected one to try to knock me off.” Scott chuckled. “Then I realized, it’s only because I’m an inch or two taller than them.”
A piano rendition of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas came from the living room.
Tanya nudged Scott. “Let’s go listen.”
“Who’s playing?” Scott asked as the left the family room and crossed the hallway.
“My mom, I think.”
She was wrong. Her dad sat on the bench, her mom behind him with her hands on his shoulders. Lacy stood at their side.
Going to her daughter, she felt Scott wrap an arm around her waist. She turned her head to smile at him, then pulled Lacy to them. Together, the three of them made a cozy family. This is how my life was always meant to be. Peace and contentment she hadn’t known in years filled her. She’d accepted the life she’d lived, had even embraced her single life with Lacy, but the desire for a husband and father for Lacy had never left. She’d only suppressed it deep within her being.
Her dad moved on to play O Little Town of Bethlehem. As the song played, the rest of the family moved into the living room. Soon, they were all gathered snuggly around the piano. Gran, Mom, Dad, Landon, Archer, Madison, and her, Scott, and Lacy. She pictured Grandad smiling down at them from heaven.
Picking up the pace, Dad played Deck the Halls next. Archer began singing, and the others soon joined in. Scott still had his arm around her waist and had placed a hand on Lacy’s shoulder.
Joy radiated from Lacy. Tanya put herself in her daughter’s shoes, to see the holiday from her eyes. What a year it had been for her. Her grandparents were finally settled nearby to spend unlimited time with, and she’d gained a father. As easy and happy as a child that Lacy was, Tanya had never seen her this joyful. Her heart melted. Thank You, Lord, for the blessings You’ve granted us this year.
Chapter Nine
“Are you absolutely sure about this?”
Scott stood across from his mom in the church foyer. “Yes. I know you don’t agree with my choice, but I would appreciate your support.”
She sighed and straightened his tie. “You’ve misunderstood me. It wasn’t that I disagreed with you, but you threw it at us out of nowhere. I didn’t want you to rush into something you weren’t prepared for.”
“I’ve taken almost seven years to become a father to Lacy. I’d hardly call that a rush.”
“No, it was past time for you to step up to that role. The sudden marriage is what concerned me.”
“Can you have faith in me, Mom?” He clasped his hands over hers. “I want to marry Tanya. I know this is right.”
A sad smile pulled at her mouth. “Watching her son grow up is never easy for a mother, but I’m proud of the man you’ve become.”
“Thank you.” Since he hadn’t given her much to work with—in the pride department—her words meant a lot.
“And when I saw you with Tanya last night, I lost my reservations about this marriage.” Tears pooled in her eyes. “Some couples are meant to be, and you and Tanya are one of them. I wish both of you nothing but happiness.”
Emotions he couldn’t express came out with a clearing of his throat. “Thank you again. I appreciate you and Dad coming on such short notice.”
“We wouldn’t have missed it for anything.” She glanced around the church. “Speaking of your father, what’s taking him so long to get the camera from the car?”
“I don’t know. Tanya and her family should have been here by now too.” He went to the double doors and opened them.
A sick ball of dread settled in the pit of his stomach. His father stood next to Tanya and Lacy, Landon, Archer and Madison. Gran and Tanya’s parents hadn’t shown up yet.
“Mom, we have a problem.” He continued staring outside, frozen in place.
His mom came to his side. “What’s wrong?”
“We have to get out there. Tanya didn’t tell her family beforehand, and by the look on Landon’s face, I think Dad just told them.” Leaving the church building, he walked at a brisk pace toward Tanya.
To his mom’s credit, she didn’t give him the lecture he knew ran through her head—the same lecture he’d given himself a dozen times over the last two days. He should have pressed harder for Tanya to tell the truth. Her intentions were good, he knew that, but her plan could only lead to problems.
As he reached the group, another car pulled into the parking lot, in which he spotted Gran and his soon-to-be mother-in-law and father-in-law. Lord, give me strength for this.
Landon shot him a death glare. “I should have known you’d pull a scheme like this.”
“Calm down, Landon.” Tanya gripped her brother’s arm. “This was my idea. Leave Scott out of it.”
“Like he left you out of his life?” Fierce daggers shot from Landon’s eyes.
“That’s enough.” Scott tapped Madison’s shoulder when he saw his daughter staring at her uncle with wide-eyed dismay. “Could you take Lacy inside please?”
Madison reached for Lacy’s hand and led her inside. Archer appeared torn between accompanying his wife or staying put. He chose to remain with the group.
“What is going on here?” For all her diminutive stature, Gran barreled at the group, followed by her son and daughter-in-law. “Landon, I could hear you from the car.”
“Did you know Tanya and Scott tricked us into being here today?” Crossing his arms, Landon continued to scowl. “There’s no dress rehearsal that Lacy needed support for. We’re here for their wedding.”
“I don’t see the problem,” Gran stated calmly.
“She can’t marry this guy. He’s a loser.”
“Don’t you dare talk about Scott like that.” Tanya glared back at her brother.
Gran pointed to the church. “Everybody in there. Now.”
No one dared disobey Gran’s order.
Tanya walked beside Scott. “I’m sorry.”
“Everything will work out.”I told you so is what he really wanted to say, but their wedding day was already off to a bad start.
There was no sign of Madison or Lacy in the foyer or sanctuary, and Scott assumed they’d gone to one of the downstairs classrooms.
“Have a seat in the sanctuary,” Gran directed.
Once everyone was seated, Gran addressed Tanya. “Would you care to tell us what’s going on.”
He might have been mistaken, but he was certain Gran winked at him.
Standing to address her family, Tanya visibly shook. Scott stood beside her, showing his support and demonstrating their partnership.
“Scott and I are getting married today. I’m sorry to have lied about the reason for gathering today, but I didn’t want Thanksgiving ruined, and I didn’t want anyone trying to convince us not to marry.”
Seeing her eye twitch, Scott added his o
wn defense. “We’ve given this matter a lot of thought, and we’re doing what is best for Lacy.” Tanya’s soft smile thanked him for speaking up, so he continued. “We’re adults, capable of making our own decisions.” He gave Landon a pointed glare. “Whether you agree with our decision or not, I’m asking you to support this marriage, not for me, but for Tanya and Lacy. They deserve that from you.”
Gran clapped. “I think it’s wonderful, and the perfect time of year for a wedding.”
“I agree.” Scott’s mom stood, joined by her husband. “When Scott first told me about his plans, I had my reservations, but now that I’ve seen them together, I wholeheartedly support this marriage.”
“Me too,” echoed his dad.
Scott rested his gaze on each remaining person in the room.
Archer stood slowly to his feet. “I wasn’t happy about this, but it’s not my choice to make. If Tanya can forgive you, then I have no business holding hard feelings. I only want my sister and niece happy.” He stretched out his hand to shake Scott’s. “Welcome to the family.”
Scott grabbed Archer’s hand and let out the breath he’d been holding. “Thank you.”
Tanya’s parents also gave their approval, but he’d expected that from what Tonya had previously said.
Only Landon remained in opposition, and all eyes turned to him.
He threw his arms in the air. “I’m sorry, but I can’t stand by and watch my sister make yet another mistake that will ruin her life, and I don’t understand how any of you can either. Scott abandoned her and Lacy! There’s no making up for that.” He surged to his feet. “I can’t stay here and watch her do this.”
Everyone stared in disbelief as he stormed out.
Tanya’s lips quivered. “I thought he’d get over it, or at least support me for the sake of supporting me.”
He squeezed her hand, anger burning through him.
“I’ll go talk to him.” Archer started out of the pew.
“No, let me.” He had a few choice words to tell Landon, even if he didn’t want to hear them.
Despite the surprised expressions on everyone’s faces, no one challenged him. He held himself to a fast march until he was out of the sanctuary, then ran outside before Landon had a chance to leave.
