Counting Stars

by Michele Paige Holmes

  * * *

  Dinner consisted of barbeque chicken, salads, and fruit-and-marshmallow kabobs with chocolate fondue. Caroline said that, with the exception of barbequing the chicken, Jessica and Amber had planned and carried out the whole party themselves.

  When Jane sought the girls out to thank them, they each gave her a hug.

  “Everyone deserves a bridal shower, Aunt Jane,” Jessica said.

  “Especially you,” Amber added. “You had to wait so long.” She rolled her eyes.

  Instead of feeling hurt or offended, Jane laughed. “You’re right, I did.”

  “It’s time to open presents now,” Jessica said, pulling Jane to one of two chairs set up on the patio.

  Feeling embarrassed, Jane sat next to Peter and began opening packages from the pink pile. In addition to the traditional dish towels and cookbooks most brides received, she opened a large package of stationery for writing to Peter, and several bags of chocolate.

  “The chocolate is for the first week Pete’s gone,” Caroline explained. “You’re on your own for purchasing the repentance grapefruit.”

  “Thanks, Caroline,” Jane said, a catch in her voice. “This is so nice. I can’t believe you guys went to so much work.”

  Pete opened all the red-wrapped presents next, and the gifts he got were even more unusual. Caroline had given him a copy of Ladies Home Journal and Women’s Day. An attached note said that she was arranging for a subscription to each to be delivered to his unit in Iraq.

  “I expect you to read up,” Caroline said. “Learn all you can while you’re away, so that by the time you come home you have a better understanding of women and their feelings.”

  “Good luck,” Ryan called.

  “Should have gotten him Sports Illustrated,” Scott shouted.

  Jane’s mother gave him a large bag of her homemade brownie mix. “I’m sure if you give it to the cook over there, he’ll be able to bake those up for you.”

  Rising from his chair, Pete walked over and gave Marsha a hug. Jane guessed that if she’d been closer, she would have seen tears in both their eyes.

  Karen’s gift was an eight-by-ten of the whole family that she’d taken at Easter. Peter and Jane were in the middle of the picture, each with a baby in their arms. Looking at the photo, Jane was struck by how normal they looked—a regular little family, just like everyone else.

  Pete thanked everyone again, then turned to her. “And now I’ve got something for you.”

  “Me first,” Jane said. “Just a minute.” She returned to the table where they’d been sitting earlier and pulled an envelope from her purse. She walked back to the patio and handed it to Peter. He glanced up at her, then opened it, removing two tickets.

  He grinned. “All right. Barenaked Ladies.”

  “Jane!” Her mother rose from her chair and started marching toward them. “This is not that kind—Why would you—?”

  “They’re just concert tickets, Mom.”

  Grinning, Pete held them out for Marsha to examine.

  Jane giggled as she tried to explain. “They’re a Canadian band—Pete’s favorite—and I read last month they were coming to town, so I decided to surprise him with tickets.”

  “They’re all men and completely clothed,” Pete added. He reached for Jane’s hand and pulled her onto his lap. “Thank you,” he whispered, then kissed her. A familiar thrill shot through Jane. They hadn’t kissed for weeks, but the chemistry between them was still there—as strong as ever.

  “Well, all right, then.” Marsha returned the tickets, and Pete slid them into his shirt pocket. “What a name.” Shaking her head, Marsha went back to her table.

  Ignoring her mother, Jane bent to kiss Peter again.

  “Ah-ah. Enough of that,” Jessica said, walking onto the patio. “It’s karaoke time.”

  “I am not singing tonight,” Jane said.

  “Of course not.” Jessica rolled her eyes. “It’s your party. Uncle Peter is going to sing.”

  Jane’s eyebrows rose. “Really?” She looked at Peter. He shrugged and gently moved her from his lap.

  “Did Jess put you up to this?” she asked.

  “Nope. It was all his idea.” Amber handed Pete the microphone. “The CD is ready to go.”

  “You sit here, Aunt Jane.” Jess pulled her back into the other patio chair as the music started.

  “Oh no,” Jane murmured, quickly recognizing the tune. “How appropriate,” she said, attempting a joke as she looked up at Peter. He wasn’t smiling anymore, but looking at her as he had that night on the beach. She read desire in his eyes and tenderness and something else she couldn’t quite place.

  The lyrics started. The song was “Jane,” from his Best of BNL—as she liked to think of the band—CD. He’d played it for her the first time when they’d driven out to the beach to look at the stars.

  Folding her arms, Jane squirmed uncomfortably in her chair. Why on earth would Pete choose to sing a love ballad in front of her entire family? But glancing out at the yard, she was astonished to see they were nearly alone. Caroline was herding the last of the cousins out through the side gate, just as Jessica and Amber snuck in the house through the back door. Slowly, Jane looked up at Peter again. He sang as he walked toward her, his tenor voice on perfect pitch with the song, the words seeming to be his own.

  The music trailed off, and he got down on one knee in front of her. She felt her heart pounding as he took her hand.

  “Jane,” he said. “Would you do me the honor—of attending my baptism next Wednesday?”

  “Wha-at?” She brought her free hand to her cheek. “Did you just say ba—?”

  “Baptism,” Pete confirmed, a smile breaking out over his face. “I finally understand Joseph Smith. I know he restored the gospel. I know it.”

  Jane read the excitement in his eyes. “You’re serious?”

  He nodded. “The answer was right in front of me the whole time. I can’t believe it took me so long to see the truth.”

  “What happened?” Jane asked.

  “I remembered,” Pete said. “I’ve never told you about the year I was fourteen, but it was really rough. Mom was having her first bout with cancer, and Paul was having his time of rebellion. I had to hold everyone and everything together . . . and I did.”

  He squeezed her hand as his grin widened. “I’ve tried to forget that year, almost had, until I was talking to my friend Shane last week and he reminded me. The thing I remembered most was the time I spent asking some divine being for help and guidance—as I paid the bills, gave Mom her medicine, had words with Paul. And I got the help, the answers.” Pete paused, looking at Jane intently. She leaned forward, trying to understand what he was telling her.

  “I realized that if I could ask and get an answer at such a young age, of course Joseph Smith could too.”

  Jane sat frozen for another several seconds, then she threw herself forward, into Peter’s arms. “I love you, Peter. You’ve just made me the happiest woman in the world.”

  “And I’m not even done yet.” He laughed as he removed her arms from around his neck and set her back in the chair. Reaching into his shirt pocket, he withdrew a small, white box. He opened it, revealing the solitaire she’d admired at the jewelry store.

  “Marry me, Jane,” he whispered. “I mean, really marry me. I’m in love with you, and I want nothing less than to spend forever proving it.”

  Jane brought a hand to her lips as words failed her. Tears spilled over her eyes and she nodded. She couldn’t even think of a movie scene this moment compared to. It was everything she’d ever dreamed of.

  Peter took the ring from the box and slipped it on her finger. It fit perfectly.

  “How did you—?”

  “I’m a bit slow at first.” A corner of his mouth lifted. “But after that I catch on very quickly.”

  “I love it. I love you,” Jane exclaimed, then leaned forward and kissed him.

  From around the corner of the house, and
just inside the back door, applause broke out. Jane laughed as she looked up and saw all the faces pressed to the glass at the door and window. A moment later they were surrounded by Jane’s family, her sisters and nieces clamoring to see the ring, while the guys slapped Pete on the back and congratulated him.

  Jane longed to be alone with Peter but found she couldn’t even reach him across the sea of her family. But for a moment their eyes met, and she saw in them the promise of tomorrow.

  Chapter Sixty-Eight

  Jane’s fingers fumbled with the alarm as she tried, half asleep, to shut it off. After several annoying seconds, she found the right button, and the shrill beeping ceased. With a moan, she rolled over and stretched, her arms reaching out beneath the canopy of her old bed. For a minute she wondered why she was home, but a glint of sunlight peeked through the frilly curtains and caught the sparkle of the diamond on her finger. Jane froze.

  She stared at the ring, not quite believing it was there. Slowly, she lowered her hand and touched the very real diamond. Her face broke into a smile, and a squeal of delight escaped her lips. She sat up, hugging her knees to her chest. Today, she was marrying Peter. In only a few more days, he was getting baptized.

  Resting her chin on her knees, she closed her eyes and allowed herself the luxury of reliving the previous evening—especially the last part when Peter had proposed to her. I’m in love with you, he’d said. Words she’d begun to believe she’d never hear from any man. I love you. I love you. I love you. Her heart sang, remembering Peter’s love and sincere testimony. Joseph Smith restored the gospel. I know it’s true.

  Kneeling on her bed, Jane closed her eyes, folded her arms, and offered a prayer filled with gratitude. That she was so blessed seemed a true miracle. She could hardly wait until next Wednesday, and she could hardly wait until ten o’clock when they were supposed to meet at the courthouse.

  Jane stretched again, then swung her legs over the side of the bed. It was only six thirty, but she decided she’d shower now before the twins woke up. She wanted plenty of time to make sure she looked her best today.

  She stopped midstep, mouth hanging open at the sight before her. Instead of the white suit she’d purchased, a gown—long, white, and flowing—hung from the back of the door. On unsteady legs, Jane padded across the floor to see if the dress, too, were real. Reaching up, she lifted the hanger from the door. Gently, she pulled the plastic off and laid it on the bed. She ran her fingers down the back of the gown, tracing the pearl buttons. Looking at the door, she saw the train billowing out from a second hanger.

  It was the dress from the store.

  Holding it up to her shoulders, Jane walked across the room to look in the mirror. She stared at her reflection and saw past her tousled hair and plain brown eyes. It was the dress of miracles—even at six thirty in the morning, it made her feel beautiful.

  “Jane? Are you awake, dear?” The door opened and her mother stepped into the room. She held the matching veil in her hands.

  Jane turned to her. “Oh, Mom . . .” Her voice caught as she saw the tears already flowing from her mother’s eyes.

  * * *

  Jessica bounced up and down on her toes as she waited. “Hurry, Aunt Jane. You’re not going to believe this.”

  “Oh, I might,” Jane said, laughing. At this time yesterday, she certainly wouldn’t have believed anything about a diamond ring, a real wedding dress, a gorgeous bouquet that included her favorite flowers ordered from Hawaii, or the customized CD Pete had made for her to listen to as she got ready this morning.

  She leaned over the counter for a last glance at her lipstick as “I’m a Believer” played in the background. Yes. A believer she definitely was. She turned to Jessica. “Let me guess, there’s a limo parked outside?”

  “Not even close,” Jessica said.

  “A horse-drawn carriage?”

  “Still cold.” Jessica grabbed her hand and pulled her from the bedroom down the hall.

  “Slow down,” Jane begged as she gathered the layers of her gown. Jessica continued towing her to the open front door.

  Jane stepped over the threshold to the porch. Her eyes widened in disbelief. “A backhoe? No way.” She wouldn’t have been more surprised to see a pumpkin-turned-coach parked in front of the house.

  Beside her, Jessica jumped up and down. “Isn’t it great?”

  Jane could only nod her agreement as she looked at the shiny backhoe, covered in flowers and ribbon. A similarly decorated open carriage was attached by heavy chain to the back. Lifting the hem of her gown again, Jane hurried down the walk. “Max?” she asked, surprised, as she recognized the tuxedo-clad man standing beside the front tire. She was used to seeing him in denim and behind the counter at the equipment rental company she often used.

  “At your service.” He gave her a little bow.

  Jane ran forward and hugged him. “What are you doing?”

  He grinned. “Heard you needed an escort to your wedding, and horses are in short supply in these parts—more messy too,” he added with a chuckle.

  “It’s perfect,” Jane exclaimed, running her finger over the new paint. “Much better than a horse.”

  “She’s a beaut, ain’t she?” he agreed. His face fell. “Shame I won’t be seeing much of you anymore though.”

  Jane tore her gaze from the decorated machine to Max. Her brow furrowed. “What do you mean you won’t be seeing me? I’m your best customer. And Peter is very supportive of my business. So don’t you worry.”

  “Oh I ain’t worried—’cept maybe ’bout you getting hurt driving this thing. But you won’t be needing me anymore, seeing as how you own this baby now.”

  Jane’s mouth opened in astonishment. “I own it?”

  “Yes-siree.” Max nodded. His grin was back. “Though the groom told me specific that you’re not to drive it today. He wants you safe to the church.”

  “Does he now,” Jane mused. She glanced at the driveway where her mother was unlocking the car. “Someone want to tell me what happened to the courthouse?”

  “Oh, you couldn’t get married there.” Jessica exclaimed. “Everything is all ready for you at the church. Grandma and Grandpa took care of it.”

  “I see,” Jane said, her lips pursed in amusement.

  Max walked over to the carriage and held the door open for her. “Ladies.” He gave a little bow.

  “Can I ride with you, Aunt Jane?” Jessica begged. “Please. It’s only a few blocks, and Grandma says the twins can’t come because they have to be in their car seats, so can I—please?”

  “Of course,” Jane said. “You can be my lady in waiting.” She stepped aside, allowing her exuberant niece to board first. When they’d both settled on the velvet-covered seats, Max shut the half door.

  “Mind your hair bobs. We won’t go too fast, but I’d hate for you to lose them.” With a quick nod, he returned to the backhoe and climbed up.

  “He bought me a backhoe,” Jane said once more.

  Jessica giggled. “I know. Isn’t it silly?”

  “Not silly,” Jane corrected her. “Romantic. I bet I’m the only girl who ever had a backhoe drive her to the church for her wedding.”

  “Probably,” Jessica agreed. She looked at Jane. “You’re so lucky.”

  Jane squeezed her niece’s hand. “I know.”

  All too soon, the stake center came into view, but not before Jane had waved to the few cars that drove by, honking their horns as they passed. She wondered vaguely if Pete was planning the same mode of transportation when they left the church. Was there a Just Married sign on the back of the carriage?

  Max parked the backhoe, turned it off, and came around to let them out. “How was the ride?” he bellowed.

  “Wonderful,” Jane said, lifting her gown as she descended the steps to the sidewalk. “Maybe you should think about doing this as a side job.”

  Max pretended to consider it for a moment. “Nah,” he said at last. “I don’t think many women would apprec
iate it like you did. It takes a mighty special female . . .” His voice trailed off and he gave her a wink. “I’m going to go park this around back. See you inside.”

  Jane gave him another quick hug. “Thank you.” Gathering her gown in both hands, she began the walk that led to the open doors of the building. Behind her, Jessica followed, holding up her train.

  Reaching the entrance, Jane hesitated. Was she supposed to go right in? Her parents’ car was already here—their Volvo traveled a bit faster than a backhoe. Glancing at the parking lot, Jane recognized several cars belonging to other family members.

  “Why are we waiting?” Jessica asked, impatient. “You’re not scared, are you?”

  “No. Of course not.” Jane climbed the last step and entered the foyer. She paused, waiting for her eyes to adjust to the change in light.

  Jessica fanned the train out behind her, then gave a little wave and hurried away. Jane stood still, unsure what to do next, when suddenly her father was beside her.

  He held out his arm, and Jane placed trembling fingers on his sleeve. Her father patted her hand reassuringly. Leaning close, he whispered, “Nice of you to spare us all that bridesmaid and line business we had with the other kids.”

  “No problem, Dad.” Jane gave him a peck on the cheek.

  “I love you, sweetheart.” He looked into her eyes a moment, then turned his head to the doors of the chapel. “And so does that man in there.”

  Jane walked with her father to the chapel doors, following his gaze down the aisle to Peter, standing stiffly—tall, dark, and handsome—in his tuxedo. He had known about this, had planned it all.

  Matching her father’s footsteps, Jane started the walk toward her groom. For the first time in her life, she understood what it meant to have a heart swell with happiness. Hers felt near to bursting beneath the magnificent gown that floated around her. Behind, she felt the weight of her train as it glided across the floor. Her hand clutched the exquisite bouquet that had been delivered that morning.

  Glancing to the side, Jane saw the pews filled with family and friends. Tara, wearing a bright orange pantsuit, waved a tissue. Jane noticed a whole box on the empty seat beside her.