Ruse
Page 15
As they exited the kitchen, Katherine thought she caught a glance exchanged between her parents. Did they know that something was about to happen? Katherine didn’t dare think it to be so. She took in a breath.
Once they entered the parlor, she was glad Christopher had chosen such as setting. Though Katherine had been in the parlor often—mainly to dust it once a week—she looked at the room with fresh eyes that evening, perhaps because the night seemed to offer a new beginning.
Moments later, she and Christopher were settled into the sofa, as much as one could settle into unforgiving black silk cushions sewn with covered buttons and stuffed with rigid horsehair. As they partook of their pie, they recalled the evening’s entertainment, reliving the highlights of their favorite acts.
“I think we can count this as a successful night,” Christopher observed.
Katherine concealed her nervousness. Surely he hadn’t summoned her here just to mull over the evening’s events. “Too bad everyone couldn’t win at the show,” she managed.
“We all had fun, though.”
Katherine finished the last of her lemonade. “I guess that’s really what counts in the end.” She sighed. “And to think, on this night, God brought a new life into the world.”
Christopher nodded. “Each new life is a miracle, that’s for sure.”
They sat in companionable silence for a few moments.
Christopher broke the quiet. “Maybe this evening can be even more significant, with your consent.”
She was glad she’d finished the lemonade. Otherwise, she might have been most unladylike and spit it out in surprise, certainly not an auspicious end to any evening. “Uh, what do you mean?” Time slowed for Katherine. Her heart beat faster, and her hearing became acute.
He set down his plate on the coffee table. “I have to admit, I was disappointed when I first learned Otis would be visiting.”
“Really?”
“Yes. I was jealous. Especially after you and Miranda went to such lengths to impress him.”
She felt a flush of chagrin. “And I tried to drag you along with me. I am truly sorry for that, Christopher. I will never ask you to do such a thing again. Not even for Miranda. But I think the trick with the horse was what clinched the relationship between her and Otis.”
“If that was her plan, it certainly worked. Are you sorry?”
“No! I hope they live happily ever after.”
“Just like in the fairy tales, huh?”
“Sort of like that.”
“That’s a good idea. I’ll do the same.”
“Are you still keeping our agreement to thank God for three blessings each day?” Katherine asked.
“I sure am. Tonight in my evening prayers I’m going to thank Him for the birth of Paul Victor, for the success of the talent show, and for you.”
Katherine felt herself blush. “I’ll do the same. Except I’ll thank Him for you.” Feeling perhaps she spoke too boldly, she continued, “And I’ll add a fourth thanks. That we solved the mystery.”
“Yes, that is something to be thankful for.” Christopher cleared his throat and set down his plate. He drew closer to Katherine. “Enough about all of that. I have something else to ask you. Something I’ve been wanting to ask you for a long time. Something I had planned to inquire about before Otis entered the picture.”
She felt her heart beating once again. “Oh?”
“You mean to say, you had no idea of my interest in you?”
“As a friend, yes.” Her heart beat faster.
“Of course I value your friendship, and that relationship is a fine basis for my growing feelings for you. I suppose I’m not a man of great and flattering words like your friend Otis. I’m not as skilled in making my real feelings known.” He swallowed. “I didn’t want to ask for you to commit yourself to me while I was still in school, so I didn’t plan to speak to your father until after I graduated. Then, when I came home, I discovered Otis was arriving in town and even staying at your house.”
Katherine took in a breath. No wonder Christopher had been so distressed! “I never meant to cause you any concern.”
“You know something? Now that all is said and done, I’m glad Otis visited. You’ve had a chance to sort out any romantic feelings you might have harbored for him, and he for you. You’ll never have to look back and feel a trace of doubt.”
She considered the wisdom of his words. “True. I know that Otis can never be more than an acquaintance. In fact, I doubt we’ll resume our letter-writing relationship after this. Make no mistake. I’m not angry with him.
“Understood.” Christopher let out a happy sigh, then took her hand in his.
She trembled in happiness at his touch. She found she couldn’t speak, an unusual plight for her.
“Katherine, I’m hoping you’ll allow me to ask your father if I may court you with the earnest intention of our future marriage.”
She took in a breath. “By all means, don’t delay! Ask him as soon as possible!” She looked into his blue eyes. “Not that there’s any doubt as to what his answer will be. I know how fond he has always been of you.”
“Really?”
“Really. I could tell he never was rooting for Otis.”
Christopher chuckled. “That’s good to hear.” He stopped, returning her gaze. “I love you, Katherine. And believe in my heart, I always have.”
“You know something? I believe in my heart I have always loved you, too. I just needed to come to my senses, that’s all. At least I didn’t have to fall off a horse like Miranda to see the light.” She smiled.
“Please don’t. I always want you to take care of your sweet self.” He brought his face closer to hers.
Their lips met, the reality far exceeding the anticipation in joy.
Epilogue
Finally, the day Katherine dreamed of so long had arrived. The day she would become Mrs. Christopher Bagley! To her eyes, the church had never appeared more beautiful, decorated as it was with fragrant summer flowers and lit with long tapered candles even though evening would not approach for hours.
Katherine watched her mother, dressed in a blue summer frock suited to the mother of the bride, begin her walk up the aisle, escorted by Ralph.
Katherine, knowing her turn would arrive soon, smoothed the white lace that decorated her white silk bodice. Vera had assured her repeatedly that the train kept its proper fall. Katherine dared not move too much lest she spoil the effect.
Katherine’s first bridesmaid, a cousin from Virginia, took her turn walking up the aisle.
Katherine clasped her father’s arm as she stood behind the church doors, ready to make her entrance for her walk down the aisle. Christopher would be waiting for her. She anticipated seeing the light in his eyes, knowing his expression of happiness would mirror her own.
Her second bridesmaid, another cousin, entered the sanctuary.
Katherine thought about their plans. Christopher had promised her a honeymoon trip to Washington, D.C. She hadn’t been to the city since a family vacation years ago. She remembered feeling as though she was in the middle of a grand place. But to tour the city again with her beloved husband by her side; why, the thought was too delicious!
Her third bridesmaid, Lily, took her turn. The time drew near. Katherine could only think of Christopher. He would be her husband in a few moments. And she would be a wife. Lord, I pray I will be a worthy wife for Christopher.
Miranda and Otis, wed the previous month, were visiting from Charleston. When they had visited earlier, Katherine had seen the glow of love reflected on Miranda’s face and Otis’s as well. How happy she felt that they had wed and were there to witness her nuptials as well.
Katherine watched as Vera stepped through the doorway, taking her turn walking up the aisle. While her friend made a beautiful maid of honor, Katherine hoped that one day soon Vera would be a bride.
“Are you nervous?” Father whispered.
“No. Nothing else has felt so right
.”
Father’s eyes misted.
She squeezed his hand. “Father, stop it, or you’ll make me cry.”
“I know you’ll be living only three miles away, but you won’t be my little girl anymore.”
“You never need to worry, Father. Christopher will always take care of your little girl.”
They exchanged a tender smile and then took the first steps that would lead to Katherine’s new life.
About the Author
Tamela Hancock Murray is an award-winning, best-selling author living in northern Virginia. She and her husband of over twenty years are blessed with two daughters. Their first, an honors student, is a college freshman at Tamela’s alma mater. Their second, a student at Christian school, keeps them busy with church activities and AWANA. Tamela loves to take mini vacations with her family, and she also enjoys reading and Bible study. Visit Tamela’s Web site: www.tamelahancockmurray.com
Dedication
To the real Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Bagley
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