At the back of the auditorium, Jonathan grinned at his bride. “That’s a wrap. We went through it twice, so we’re finished until tomorrow. Right?”
Adoration lit Molly’s eyes as she gazed up at him. “I guess so.”
Tonya gave another wistful sigh.
The wedding party, plus parents and extended family, left the church for the rehearsal dinner. At the restaurant, Tonya ended up sitting between Murray and Callie in the crowded room. Derek and Melissa sat across the table from them.
The hum of pleasant conversation surrounded Tonya as she ate her salad. She wished she was sitting next to Poe. Murray made a few comments to her until Derek brought up the recently played Super Bowl. Play by play, he and Murray discussed the entire game. She tuned them out as she conversed with her sisters.
Murray was stuffed. He shouldn’t have eaten those last three bites of dessert, although the french silk pie was delicious. If only his partner had been more amiable, but Tonya ignored him during the rehearsal and the dinner.
Still holding a grudge.
Since most of the wedding party and relatives didn’t live in Douglas, they formed a carpool to a nearby hotel. Murray entered the hotel lobby behind the Brandt and Hunt families, which comprised at least thirty people. The relatives clumped down the long arm of the first-floor hallway, all rolling their suitcases behind them. Pulling his own suitcase, Murray walked beside Derek, his roommate for the night. Just a few more steps, and he could take off these pinching elevator shoes. He didn’t relish the thought of wearing them all day tomorrow.
Following a noisy passel of women, Murray spotted Tonya talking to Melissa. Soon small groups broke off as people found their rooms. Derek stopped at room 127 and slid the card key in the lockbox.
Murray spoke in a low voice. “I’ll join you in a few minutes, Brandt. I have to talk to Tonya.”
“Sure, Twitch.” Derek opened the door and pulled both of their suitcases inside.
Murray walked down the hall as Tonya disappeared into a room with two other women. He strode to the door and knocked.
Opening the door, Tonya looked up at him. “Need something, Murray?”
Only you. “Uh, could I talk to you for a few minutes?”
“Okay.” She leaned back in the room to tell her roommates she was leaving, then entered the hallway and closed the door. “What did you want?” She folded her arms.
He glanced down the hallway. Several travelers still looked for their rooms. “We can’t talk here, and it’s too cold to walk outside.”
“Let’s go to the breakfast room.”
Tonya took off with her long yellow skirt flowing behind her. Murray caught up and strode by her side, ignoring the pain in his feet. They passed the front counter and then the outside doors to the hotel. She entered the breakfast room and led him to a small table in the back. No one else was around.
He took a seat across from her. “This is perfect.”
“What do you need to talk about?” She folded her arms on the table. Her entire manner seemed resigned, as if she was at the dentist’s office waiting for a root canal.
Murray glanced at the sapphire necklace that resided against the fabric of her dress before he gazed into her beautiful dark eyes. “I just wanted to apologize for the way our date ended on Tuesday night. I realize I was too hard on you.”
Surprise swept across her features before she looked down. “I’m the one who should apologize. I talked to … a friend … about the situation, and he told me to accept the consequences of my speeding ticket instead of complaining about it.” She looked into his eyes. “So, I’m sorry.”
He tried not to grin, knowing that “friend” was Poe, aka Murray Twichell.
“I’ll forgive you if you forgive me.”
She smiled. “Done. And I really did learn my lesson, Murray. I’m not going to speed down the road anymore.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” He wouldn’t even mention her piano playing. “Can we be friends again?”
“Sure.” Instead of getting up, as he thought she’d do, she seemed to relax. “I thought the wedding rehearsal went well, didn’t you?”
“Uh, I guess so.” Murray shrugged. “Actually, this is the first wedding I’ve been in, but you’re an old pro at weddings.”
“Yeah, lucky me. Always the bridesmaid and never the bride.”
“You’ll have your turn someday.” Maybe I’ll be the groom! That thought startled him. It seemed impossible that they would ever get that far in their relationship.
“Well …” She leaned across the table as if sharing a secret. “When I get married, I’m planning to have ten bridesmaids, and I know exactly what they’re going to wear. Of course, I must have a June wedding so their dresses will be in the right season.” Her voice softened. “I’ve always wanted to be a June bride.”
He grinned, again enjoying this side she seldom revealed. “Maybe next summer, Tonya.”
Her eyes widened. “No, this summer, Murray. I know June is only four months away, but I’m ready to go. And my dress is going to be beautiful.” With a contented sigh, she cradled her chin in her palm. “I designed it myself, and all I have to do is sew it up. Would you believe that Molly is wearing Melissa’s bridal gown tomorrow? It’s pretty, but I wouldn’t want to wear someone else’s dress.”
“I could finally tell your twin sisters apart tonight.” He shook his head. “Never could keep them straight, but tonight I knew who Molly was.”
“The one who couldn’t keep her eyes off Jonathan Hunt.” Tonya stood and pushed her chair under the table. “That’s the way it will be with my groom and me—if I find him before June. I might have to get married without him.”
Murray laughed as he stood. “I’m afraid he’s a fundamental part of the equation, Tonya.”
“Yeah, too bad.” Her lips curved up as she strolled down the hallway. “The Lord might have to perform a miracle, although I have a guy in mind.”
Poe. He ambled by her side, aching feet notwithstanding. What if he ended up marrying Tonya in four short months? Now that would be a miracle.
They approached her room, and she stopped to face him. “Tell me, Murray. Do guys care about big, fancy weddings? Wouldn’t most men rather elope?”
“Not necessarily.” He looked down into her beautiful eyes as she stared up into his. “A wedding is an important occasion since it marks an important beginning—the marriage of two lives into one. Most men want to make it a big day.”
“I’m glad to know that.” She knocked on the door of her room. “Thanks, Murray. Good night.”
He took a step back. “See you tomorrow.”
Walking back down the hallway, he heard the door to her room open and close. If only he could reveal himself as Poe. But was Tonya ready to accept him for who he was? What if she rejected him and shut him out of her life?
That scenario scared him. All correspondence would stop. The entire town would discover the identity of her secret admirer—and her dismissal of him. He would be a failure in everyone’s eyes.
He paused in front of room 127 as a verse of scripture popped into his mind—something about the Lord holding the king’s heart in His hand and turning it whichever way He willed.
God held Tonya’s heart. Murray would leave their relationship in the Lord’s capable hands. He was thankful he had followed his impulse to apologize. At least he and Tonya were friends once more. For now, that would have to be enough.
Surrounded by other single girls, Tonya lifted her arms, ready to catch Molly’s bouquet during the reception the next afternoon.
“Okay, ladies, squish together!” Molly, dressed in Melissa’s creamy white bridal gown, turned her back to them and flipped the bouquet over her shoulder.
Watching it spiral toward her, Tonya gave a little basketball-player-like jump and grabbed it. “I got it!” She grinned as the other girls congratulated her. Despite all the weddings she had attended, this was the first time she had caught the bridal bouquet.
Callie ran up and hugged her, their fuchsia dresses blending together. “Congrats, baby sis! Remember how I caught Melissa’s bouquet and ended up getting married the next year?”
“I sure hope that happens to me.” Tonya giggled. “But my wedding will take place this June, and my groom will be Poe.”
“Maybe.” Callie glanced around the reception room and then lowered her voice. “You know, I think Murray likes you. He’s certainly been attentive to you today.”
Tonya shrugged. “He’s making up for the disastrous date we had last Tuesday.”
Callie’s eyebrows shot up. “You guys are dating?”
“No!” Now Tonya glanced around. Murray stood by the punch bowl talking to Derek. She looked at her sister. “It’s a long story, but he apologized last night. We’re friends, nothing more.”
“I think it’s more.” Callie leaned closer. “I’ve seen the way Murray looks at you. He’s interested romantically.”
Tonya rolled her eyes. “Oh come on. Murray and I never got along, you should know that. We argue all the time.” She shook her head. “It would never work. Besides, he’s not very handsome. When I get married, I’m going for a hot guy.” Tonya’s conscience struck her as she thought of her impromptu Bible study Tuesday night. What happened to not looking at the outward appearance? “Well, someone who’s pleasant to look at and has a nice personality, too.”
“Don’t write Murray off, Tonya. He’s a good Christian guy. Remember, he wanted to marry me before Lane came along.”
Tonya gazed at her sister. “So why didn’t you marry Murray?”
“He wasn’t the one for me.” Callie glanced toward the men. “But he might be the right one for you.”
“Thanks a lot.” Tonya pursed her lips. Certainly she could do better than Murray Twichell. On the other hand, no one was banging on her door right now, begging to marry her. If she didn’t have Poe in her life, she might consider Murray.
Maybe.
Chapter 16
On Sunday morning, Murray walked into the crowded church auditorium. The service had already started, and he hated being late, although it wasn’t his fault. After Sunday school, George Whitmore had buttonholed him, wanting to know the laws concerning domestic violence. His daughter was in a bad marital situation, and Murray had taken fifteen minutes to enlighten the man. Now he needed to get his mind off other people’s problems and onto the Lord.
The organ and piano reverberated through the auditorium as Wayne Holland led the singing and the standing congregation belted out the words to “Power in the Blood.”
The tempo was much too fast.
Murray wandered down the side aisle, looking for an empty seat. He smiled a greeting to several singing people as he passed the crowded pews. Finally he found an empty spot at the end of the second row just as Wayne seated the congregation.
Murray settled on the pew. Straight ahead he had a perfect view of Tonya Brandt. She sat at the piano, replacing the hymnbook with another music book.
His heart stirred as he gazed at her profile and thought of their instant messaging last night. He had arrived home at five minutes to nine and immediately went to the computer. After all, Poe wouldn’t have been at a wedding in Douglas all weekend. Sure enough, Tonya’s comments showed up at nine o’clock, and they wrote back and forth until midnight.
Pastor Reilly stood behind the pulpit. His shoulders seemed a bit more stooped than usual, but his voice was strong. “Welcome to our church service this morning. We have a lot of announcements, so listen carefully.”
Announcements. Murray tuned him out and went back to pleasant thoughts from last night. He kept his eyes on Tonya as he reviewed some of their conversation.
Tonya: I want to know your identity, Poe.
Poe: Sorry.
Tonya: Just tell me what you look like.
Poe: Picture a fat, bald guy who wears Bermuda shorts.
Tonya: Poe! You’re not Horace Frankenberg, R U?
Poe: Ha! You caught me!
Tonya: Tell the truth. R U Horace?
Poe: (We had this same conversation over Reed Dickens.) What if I am Horace?
Tonya: Just say yes or no.
Poe: Well, um … no.
Tonya: Whew! (Big sigh of relief here.) That man is old enough to be my father, plus he has a strange personality—unlike you. You’re so much fun.
Poe: We do get along well, don’t we?
Murray had to laugh at that bit of sarcasm.
With the announcements over, the ushers stood in the center aisle, passing the offering plates down each row. Murray pulled two fifty-dollar bills from his wallet, folded them, and threw them into the plate as it went by. Then he centered his attention on Tonya, who played “How Firm a Foundation” for the offertory. Could that arrangement be from the piano book he had given her?
While she played, she kept her eyes glued on the music, and he kept his eyes glued on her. She played flawlessly, weaving around on the piano bench like a cobra to a snake charmer’s music.
That girl is so proud. She never moved around like that when she played hymns for the congregation, but as soon as the spotlight was on her, so to speak, she became a drama queen. As the music intensified, so did her hands. She raised them higher and higher, crashing them down perfectly on the right chords every time.
Murray folded his arms. That music must not be as difficult for her as she pretended.
When she finished, the congregation broke out in ardent applause, but Murray didn’t clap. Smiling, Tonya glanced around the auditorium. Her eyes stopped at his, and her smile disappeared. Raising her chin a fraction of an inch, she left the piano and walked past him to her seat without so much as a glance his way.
A silent sigh escaped Murray’s lips. He picked up his Bible as the pastor approached the pulpit to give the message. Lord, he prayed, I need a word from You today.
Maybe he should forget Tonya. He loved her on the computer, but in person their relationship was an emotional roller coaster. Of course, it didn’t help when he gave her speeding tickets and pointed out her faults.
Pastor Reilly’s white hair touched the back of his suit collar as he looked out over the congregation. “Since this is the Sunday after Valentine’s Day, we will center our thoughts on love. Our text is taken from 1 John 4:19, ‘We love him, because he first loved us.’ ”
That’s your answer. As if the Lord had spoken directly to Murray’s heart, he saw the love of Christ to himself—a sinner who didn’t deserve God’s love. “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
And that was the exact love he needed to show Tonya. Love that gives and doesn’t expect anything in return. Love that wouldn’t be turned off by any angry retort, a cold shoulder, or a proud look. Love that keeps on loving, no matter what.
Murray closed his eyes. I’ll try, Lord. He would show Tonya the love of Christ, and deep down inside he hoped she responded because now he knew …
As crazy as it seemed, he was falling in love with her.
Tonya : I’m going to a cooking show this Friday in Denver.
Tonya hit RETURN on her computer and sat back to wait for Poe’s reply. It was Monday evening, and even though it was only nine o’clock, she was completely ready to go to bed. She and Poe usually kept IMing until midnight, when she could barely keep her eyes open.
Poe: What is a cooking show?
Tonya: From the brochure—“a two-hour showcase of cooking demonstrations and creative meal ideas, plus handy cooking tips and fresh seasonal recipes.” Sounds fun, huh?
Poe: Joyous. R U going by yourself?
Tonya: Cheyenne Wilkins, Laurie Smullens, and Gretchen Hughes are also going. We’re planning to drive down in my car early Friday morning. I’m so excited. Not only will we take home a dozen recipe cards, but also everyone will receive a set of measuring cups as a gift.
Poe: Woo-hoo! Measuring cups. Every woman’s fantasy dream.
She huffed out a breath. Men!
T
onya: You could at least be happy for me.
Poe: JK—it sounds like your kind of thing, and I hope you have a great time.
Tonya: Here’s another secret—I’m compiling a cookbook of recipes
I created. Since my brother-in-law, Lane Hutchins, is a famous author,
I hope he can help me get my cookbook published.
Poe: Wow! Sounds great, Tonya. Go for it!
A warm feeling filled her. Poe was so encouraging.
Tonya: At the cooking show they’re giving away three prizes—an electric mixer, a new stove, and a trip for two to Hawaii! That grand prize is my fantasy dream.
Poe: Don’t get your hopes up.
Tonya: I know.
She sighed. It would be amazing if she won anything. On the other hand, it really didn’t matter. The cooking show would be exciting enough.
Poe: What kind of recipes are you putting in your book?
She shared her ideas with him, dominating cyberspace for half an hour. His comments were few and short.
Tonya: Am I boring you?
Poe: No way. I’m interested in anything that interests you. I want to know all about you.
Tonya: Really?
Poe: Yes. I have to admit—I’m falling in love with you, Tonya Brandt.
Drawing in a sharp breath, she sat back. Poe was falling in love with her? But did she love him? She didn’t even know who he was!
Tonya: Are you serious?
Poe: I wouldn’t tell you I love you unless I was serious. Since we’ve been IMing, I feel I know your heart—the real Tonya.
Tears pricked her eyes.
Tonya: Thank you, Poe. That means a lot to me.
Poe: Hey, let’s pick out a poem. It will be “our poem.”
Tonya: My favorite is “How Do I Love Thee?” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
Poe: Good choice.
Tonya: How about a song? Most couples have their very own song.
Poe: I’m in favor of “When I Fall in Love, It Will Be Forever.”
Tumbleweed Weddings Page 26
