Stealing Time

by Nancy Pennick

  Kate forgot about Carl. She knew he was going. He chartered a jet this year and hoped they all could go together. He was flying down to Texas to pick up family and continue on to Arizona. He had managed his money well, calling it his fulltime job. Kate was impressed by what he accomplished in the past year. She was so worried about him losing Rachel. Now he was dating her great-great niece and in a good place.

  “Dad, let me talk to him when you’re done.”

  “Great, just pack it in a safe place. Hold on a minute, Kate wants to talk to you.” He passed the phone.

  “Thanks, Carl, for doing this. I need Lindsey at my wedding...and you. You’re coming, right?”

  “I’m debating what I should do. I don’t know. I feel like I’d be cheating on Renae.”

  “You have to come. Rachel’s part of your past, and you need to...”

  “Sleep with her? Is that what you’re going to say?”

  “Carl! Well, maybe I am. We want to make sure Josie’s born.”

  “Definitely, but I thought once something happens we don’t really need to repeat it.”

  “Yeah, I feel that’s true, but do you really want to take the chance?”

  “I guess not. I planned on going anyway, no matter what happens with Rachel.”

  “Why didn’t you just say so?”

  Carl laughed. “Love to make you work for it. Have a safe trip. See you soon.”

  “You, too. Love you.” Kate hung up the phone and handed it back to her father. “I’m sure you know what that conversation was about. What do you think? Will Carl have to go back year after year to make sure Josie is born?”

  “Hard to say. I hope not.” Her dad looked perplexed. “If he’s willing to test out the theory, we can all stay home next year.”

  “Let’s worry about that next year then. I have a few things to finish up before we head to the canyon. I love the thought of getting married all over again!” Kate twirled around the room and landed in Drew’s lap.

  “I love the thought of making you Mrs. Martin over and over again, too,” he whispered in her ear.

  * * * *

  Loud pounding noises interrupted Kate’s dream. She felt her head throbbing and willed herself awake. Still groggy, she focused on the pine walls, trying to get her bearings.

  The boardinghouse? My wedding! Kate flew out of bed, realizing the pounding came from the door. Standing in the hall were two similar blondes, smiling from ear to ear.

  “Surprise!” Lindsey pushed past Kate as she entered the room. “This is totally different than last year. Grandma J came up to my room, scaring me to death.” She jumped on Kate’s bed, laughing.

  “And don’t call me Grandma J again! You have to call me Anna.” Anna pounced on the bed next to Lindsey. “It was just a little practical joke!”

  “Climbing into bed and tickling my nose with a feather isn’t a practical joke!” Lindsey screamed with laughter. “You’re so much fun, Gran...I mean Anna!”

  Kate stared at the two of them, speechless. They were so cute and having so much fun, but she had to intervene and joked, “Excuse me, isn’t this my day? You two are upstaging me.”

  “Kathryn, stop being such a sorehead.” Anna pulled her onto the bed.

  “Sorehead? Oh my gosh, that’s too funny!” Lindsey rolled around on the bed in fits of giggles. “I’m sorry, Kate. I can’t stop laughing. Slap me or something.”

  “I’m not going to slap my best friend.”

  “Hey!” Anna sat up, causing Lindsey to continue laughing.

  “She likes me best today, Grandma J!”

  “I warned you.” Anna produced the errant feather.

  “No, please, no! I’ll be good.” Lindsey held up her hands.

  Kate longed to stay in the middle of the craziness but knew there were more important things to do. She stood up and went into the hall. Lindsey’s dress was hanging in the closet right where it was supposed to be. Bringing it back to her room, she handed it to Lindsey. “Here, go get ready. Daniel will be here before we know it. You’re supposed to be gone.”

  “Okay, ruin our fun.” Lindsey grabbed the dress and went back upstairs to get ready.

  “Kathryn, I never had this much energy around Lindsey back at the ranch. I hope she remembers this day and treasures it.” Anna wiped a tear from her eye.

  “Of course, she will. I won’t let her forget.” Kate brushed her hair and started packing a small bag to take to the ranch. “I’m so glad we get to share this day together. We had so much fun during my first wedding. It will be hard to top that.”

  “I’m going to try my best. I better finish getting ready, too. See you in a bit.” Anna gave Kate a huge hug.

  Kate’s mom appeared at the door as Anna was leaving. “You two seem to be enjoying yourselves. Sorry to interrupt, but I have to get the wedding party out the door.”

  “Mom, we’re almost ready. You go ahead. I need to get Molly and Ruthie.”

  Kate walked down the hall and knocked on the door. Two redheaded girls popped out of the room, dressed for the wedding. Anna joined them, and they walked out the front door to find Daniel waiting in his car.

  “There’s the blushing bride!” Daniel called out just like he did the first time. Kate put her head down acting shy as she had before but really did feel like a blushing bride.

  Everything felt familiar as the car pulled up to the ranch. The girls headed down the hall to the large back bedroom where everyone would get ready. Kate’s mom was already there, dressed and waiting. A flurry of activity began as they rushed into the room. Hair and make-up needed to be done. The dresses and headbands were put in place. Her mom pulled Kate over to the side of the room so they could talk.

  “I’m still a little nervous about seeing Aunt Lucinda. I can’t get used to doing things over and over again.”

  “You’ll be fine. Stick to the script.”

  At that moment Lucinda burst into the room and ran over to Kate as they grasped hands.

  “Kathryn, you need to get dressed! The guests are arriving.”

  She turned and looked at Kate’s mom, studying her carefully. “So this is the famous Joanna I’ve heard so much about. Jack is a lucky man. Why do you look so familiar? Have I ever met you before?”

  “No, this is the first time. Nice to meet you, Lucinda.” Joanna shook her hand.

  Then Lucinda announced she was feeling queasy, just like last time, and went outside to get some fresh air. Kate knew her aunt was pregnant but couldn’t say anything. She had to keep history the same and followed the advice she gave her mother. After Lucinda left, Anna, Kate and her mother were alone in the room. Anna came out from the corner where she was dressing.

  “She’s pregnant! I never realized it at the time. I just thought she was complaining as usual because she wasn’t the center of attention.”

  “Anna, we know that’s not true. Lucinda’s a very sensitive, kind person.”

  “I know that now, but at the time that’s what I thought.”

  “I keep forgetting. Sorry.”

  “Don’t worry. This is your day, so let’s get you ready.”

  This time both Anna and Kate’s mother helped her dress. They fussed over her hair and placed the headband and veil just so on her head. A knock at the door startled them.

  “Anna, I don’t think you were here when I met my grandmother.”

  “I think it will be alright. We both know, don’t we?”

  “Yes, I keep forgetting. Grandma already knows quite a bit. Right, Mom?”

  “She’s still meeting you for the first time, but I’m sure everything will be fine.” Kate’s mom opened the door. “Lillian, you look lovely. Kate, come meet your grandmother.”

  This time Kate ran directly into her arms, embracing her. “I know you’re seeing me for the very first time, but you also know that we’ve already met.”

  Lillian dabbed at her eyes with a small embroidered handkerchief. “I feel like I already know you, dear, and feel like there’s m
ore to come.”

  “Mother, I have to take you to your seat so I can come back and walk my daughter down the aisle.” Kate’s dad took his mother’s arm, closing the door behind them.

  “I’m so glad I got to be part of that.” Anna sat quietly in a corner chair, observing. “It was so very sweet. I wonder what she meant by there’s more to come.” She shrugged as if she had no idea, stood up and straightened her dress. “Now, let the show begin!”

  Everything was as Kate remembered. Her handsome husband waited for her underneath a canopy of white lilacs. Lucinda had outdone herself. Kate had forgotten how beautiful everything looked.

  Lilac colored sashes were tied around white covered chairs. Beautiful shades of purple and lavender lilacs were everywhere. Soft glowing candles were on tables and in free standing candelabras, making the room seem like a fairyland.

  Kate glanced around the room as she headed down the aisle, taking in the people—friends, family and some she had yet to meet. Last time it was a blur, but now she distinctly saw their faces, memorizing the moment.

  As she reached the front of the room, there was one face that could ruin the day, but Kate was prepared. Nicolas—her soon-to-be father-in-law—glared at her from his front seat on the groom’s side of the aisle.

  You’ll grow to love me or at least like me. Kate wanted to giggle at the thought, but her father stopped, ready to give his daughter to his good friend and take his place as best man.

  The service was lovely, and Kate stared into Drew’s emerald green eyes the whole time she said her vows. She soaked in his words and let them flow through her as he said his. Nothing could ruin this perfect day.

  Kate prepared herself to meet Drew’s parents again. They decided beforehand to stay unrehearsed and recreate the scene the best they could.

  “Kate, my wife, I want you to meet my parents.” Drew stood in front of the handsome couple after the ceremony was over.

  Kate almost forgot how beautiful Ilene was with her dark auburn hair, pale skin and green eyes, reminding her so much of Drew’s. His father, strikingly handsome as ever with wavy black hair and brown piercing eyes, looked right through her.

  “So nice to finally meet you, Kathryn.” Drew’s mom took her hands.

  “Nice to meet you, too, Mrs. Martin.” Kate nodded

  “You can call me Ilene if you are comfortable with that.” She wore a sincere smile. “Nicolas, say hello to your daughter-in-law.”

  “Humph, hello.” He could barely look at her, just like before.

  “Father, Kate’s my wife. I expect you to treat her with a little more respect.” Drew seemed just as angry as the first time.

  “Yes, yes, of course. Welcome to the family.” Nicolas took her hand but didn’t seem any more sincere.

  Anna appeared out of nowhere. “I need to borrow the bride for just a minute.” She smiled sweetly at the group, taking Kate by the arm and led her away. “The introduction, I take it? I thought you needed rescuing.”

  “Yes, it went just as well as the first time,” Kate answered sarcastically. “Let’s find Lindsey and see what she’s up to.”

  They found her standing with Maya, Carl Sr. and Carl Jr. on the side of the room closest to the kitchen. Carl went by the name of Joseph at the canyon. He acted the part of Maya’s cousin. They were already holding glasses of champagne and held them up in toasting fashion when Kate approached.

  “To Mrs. Martin.” Lindsey sipped from the glass and then offered some to Kate. “And to me...for not having to babysit Carl this year,” she whispered.

  Kate remembered designating Lindsey as Carl’s official babysitter last year. She was worried he might do something stupid which he managed to accomplish anyway. Taking Carl Jr.’s arm, Kate walked him to a quiet spot. “Is Rachel here?”

  “Of course she is. She’s Thomas’ date. Drew invited her.”

  “And have you talked to her?”

  “Yes, we’ve already arranged to meet in the barn. I have to admit when I see her I fall instantly in love all over again. It makes me want to bring her home to Ohio and never let her come back here again. Her life as a maid can’t be easy. I could make things so much better for her.”

  “She’s your first true love, isn’t she?”

  Carl shrugged. “I guess.”

  “Aww, you’re so cute, but stick to the plan. Don’t get any big ideas. Aren’t you supposed to be gone by now?”

  “Ouch, that was sweet and mean all at the same time, sis.”

  Returning to the group, Kate wished she could stay with them throughout the evening but knew she needed to mingle. “Have fun, everyone. I’ll try to be back as soon as I can.”

  Kate knew exactly where she’d find Drew. He was having his conversation with Nicolas in the bedroom where she had dressed for the wedding. She’d have to burst in, have her say, and then Drew would carry her out to the reception.

  She readied herself for the next act in the play, aware that was the last of the drama for the evening. Her wish was to be in Drew’s arms for the rest of the evening. Taking a deep breath, she headed down the hall, giving herself a pep talk. As she reached for the doorknob, waiting to make her grand entrance, she listened to the voices coming from the other side.

  Things were going well. Nicolas was telling Drew that Gia still loved him and was waiting for him back in New York. Drew accused him of wanting to build an empire between the two families. Nicolas offered to get their marriage annulled, saying he could wait until Drew came to his senses. That’s when Kate was to burst in and say her piece. Suddenly her heart began to pound. It didn’t sound like last year’s conversation. Drew just went off script.

  “First off, Father, I will never get this marriage annulled. I love Kate. We’ll be together forever whether you like it or not. When we come to New York next week, you’ll get to know her and love her as I do.”

  “You’re coming to the city? I didn’t realize. Does your mother know? I’m sure she’ll want to have her own reception. This is good news, son. Very good news.”

  Kate slowly opened the door. “You ruined the surprise, Drew. I thought we were going to tell them last minute we were coming.”

  “Kate, I’m sorry. Forgive me. Father, if you’ll excuse us. We need to get back to our wedding.”

  Nicolas stormed past her, leaving the couple alone in the room.

  Kate stood, hands on hips, glaring at Drew. “That’s not the way it was supposed to happen. You gave your father information he didn’t have before. So much for keeping history the same.”

  “But we do go to New York, so what’s the harm?”

  “I guess you’re right. Now pick me up, and let’s go!” Kate hopped into Drew’s arms, and he carried her to the transformed wedding chapel. It was now a room ready for dinner and dancing. Tables were spread throughout the room. The band was setting up right where Kate and Drew said their vows.

  Drew set Kate down in the middle of the floor as the band began to play. They danced to “Someone to Watch over Me”. It felt surreal as Kate floated over the floor with her husband. She knew how important the night was to Drew, and she wanted to make sure he had good memories. Even though they didn’t dance before dinner last time, Kate saw no harm in changing that part of the evening. She pulled her parents onto the floor along with the rest of the bridal party. They exchanged partners, laughing and talking, oblivious to on-lookers. Kate didn’t care who was watching and decided they were the entertainment until dinner was served. She noticed plates being placed on the tables so after the song finished she had everyone head for the bridal table. Toasts were made by Thomas, Daniel, and finally her father.

  As the night drew to a close Kate recalled her first wedding, going over every detail to make sure things stayed unchanged. With the exception of telling Nicolas they were coming to New York City, things were almost identical. Kate remembered to slip up and mention Lucinda’s pregnancy. Lucinda revealed she’d name the child Henry or Henrietta—Retta for short. She made sure
Anna caught the bouquet and then danced the night away with Anna and Daniel by her side. Drew signaled it was time to leave, and they circled the room, saying their good-byes. The last people they saw were Kate’s parents who tried not to look like the proud mother and father they were.

  As they headed outside to the cool, clear night, Kate looked up at the sky. “Ooh, my wedding present.” She pointed at the stars. “Remember you said the star-filled sky was from you to me.”

  “Like I’d forget.” Drew kissed her lightly and helped Kate into the waiting car that would take them to Circle H Ranch. Lucinda offered the ranch as a place to spend their wedding night. Kate couldn’t refuse because she knew Lucinda wanted the wedding there, but she couldn’t do that to Anna and her Circle J family. The compromise was to stay at the Hasting ranch tonight and leave in the morning. Kate was thrilled to go back to her special bedroom and couldn’t wait to be alone with Drew on their first anniversary.

  “I know I said the stars were your gift last year, but I got you something else. Happy anniversary.” Drew handed her a black box that was too big for a ring or a necklace. She looked carefully at the box. It said Gruen Watch Company. Inside was a beautiful gold rectangle watch with rounded edges with a black silk ribbon band. “Drew, it’s beautiful.” Feeling a little guilty that she had nothing in return, she gave him a long, lingering kiss. “Thank you.”

  “I know you use your phone to keep time back in Ohio, but here you have nothing.” Drew hugged her. “But it really means more than that, sweet Kate. Your letters always ended the same, the ones that saved my life. You wrote ‘I love you, across the miles, across time’ at the end of every letter. The watch represents that love. Time has nothing on us.”

  “Drew, you always know the right thing to say. I can’t wait to get you up in my bedroom.”

  “Oh, so now it’s your bedroom?”

  “That’s what Henrietta and Lucy told me. Don’t you remember? They call it the Kathryn bedroom. It’s waiting for me still. I can use it anytime.”

  “Then we better stop staying with the Jenkins all the time.”