That Was Then (Always Faithful Book 1)

by Leah Atwood

  She unlocked the door and set the wildflowers on the kitchen counter, but clutched the note. When she got back in her car, she’d tuck it into her wallet. She went to the bathroom, filled her hygiene bag, then changed into pajamas. Although she held herself to a “no pajamas outside the house” standard, it was late, and she was heading straight to Kelly’s. After pulling an outfit from her closet, she ran to her car, ready to spend the remainder of the evening with her sister.

  Kelly had left the front porch light on for her.

  “Bless you,” she whispered, though no one heard. She hated walking in the dark—had a penchant for finding the one stone in the way to trip over.

  As she started to get out, she realized she hadn’t thanked Wyatt for the flowers. Would he be asleep already? Either way, she shouldn’t spend her time on the phone with him. Tonight was about sisters supporting each other. She slipped her phone from the purse pocket and sent him a thank you message, then went in the house.

  The whistle of a teakettle welcomed her.

  Kelly stood at the stove, pouring water over a tea bag. “Want a cup?”

  “Sure.” She leaned over, propping her elbows on the counter.

  “What’s that grin for?” A wary smirk took over as Kelly slid a mug her way.

  “What grin?” She hadn’t realized she’d been smiling while she replayed Wyatt’s note in her mind.

  “You know what I’m talking about.” Kelly steeped her tea, never breaking eye contact. “Do you have anything to tell me?”

  “There’s nothing to tell. Not really.”

  “Why do I think you’re holding out?”

  “Wyatt dropped flowers off at the house while I was gone. Buttercups and violets.” Her voice sounded maudlin, even to her ears.

  Kelly’s perked, clearly hearing it as well. “Are you getting back together?”

  She shook her head vigorously. “No, nothing like that—but it’s been…nice…having him here. After all this time, we fell right back into an easy friendship. He’s been there for me, and I’ve been able to support him as well.”

  “Hmm.” Kelly slid a hand through the mug handle and lifted it. “Let’s move to the living room where we can sit and be comfy. I get the feeling we’ll be chatting for a while.”

  “I thought you couldn’t stay up late.” She cast a teasing wink to her sister.

  Kelly threw it right back. “Your status with Wyatt is worth the lack of sleep.”

  Meg walked directly into a pillar of sentiment on the way to the living room, struck with the realization of how blessed she was to have a sister, that they could laugh and smile together even during their darkest moments.

  “What’s wrong?” Kelly rose her eyebrows from the spot she’d taken on the chenille sofa.

  “Nothing is wrong.” She sat down on the recliner. “I was thinking how blessed I am to have you as a sister.”

  “Aww, thanks. I feel the same.” Kelly giggled. “To have you as a sister, that is.”

  Cradling the warm mug, Meg lifted it to her mouth and blew on the tea. “What’s Kyle doing tonight?”

  “Sleeping for a few hours before going to work. He has the graveyard shift at the hospital this week.”

  “Did you look through the Bible at all?” She’d tucked hers into her purse to look at later.

  “Not yet.” Kelly pulled her legs to the sofa and sat crisscross. “I’d barely checked the mail and started the tea when you came in.”

  “I’ve only read the front page, but I decided I want to do the same thing when I have children.”

  Kelly wagged her brows. “With Wyatt?”

  “With the man I marry.”

  “Like I said—with Wyatt.” With her sly grin, Kelly could have passed as the cat that ate the canary.

  “We’re friends, rediscovering what we have in common, and enjoying the time we have while he’s here.”

  “Sure.” Kelly drew out the word and rolled her eyes. “And I guess the way you look at each other means nothing, besides that you’ve spent every spare second with him the last few days.”

  “That’s not fair.” Uncertain doubt weighed on her. “I’ve spent a lot of time with our family.”

  “I’m sorry, Megs.” Kelly sent her a contrite frown. “That’s not the way I meant it—you’ve held our family together the last two weeks. I was only remarking on the amount of time you’ve spent with Wyatt.”

  “We’ve had a lot of catching up to do.”

  Kelly smirked. “You had lots of catching up to do with Sharon also, but I didn’t see you rushing out at all hours to see them.”

  “I barely know Sharon, and Bill, and our Great Aunt and Uncle, but I did enjoy hearing their stories of Dad when he was a boy.”

  “It’s funny to me that Dad was such a troublemaker.” Kelly sipped her tea. “Do you think he actually put toads under all the girls’ desks in second grade?”

  “Doesn’t seem like him.” Yes! She’d successfully managed to steer the conversation from Wyatt, even though he remained on her mind—a favorite subject to think about, but not to have at the center of a conversation.

  “Or making vegetable soup out of the wild corn, onions, and mud and passing it off as Grandma’s.”

  “That one sounds like a tale that grew every time it was told, don’t you think?” Meg squelched a yawn.

  “Definitely. I can’t see Nana eating it as they claimed.” Kelly rubbed her eyes and covered a yawn of her own. “I can’t stay up much longer.”

  “Go to bed and get some sleep.”

  “I feel bad leaving you alone. We haven’t even finished out first cup of tea.” As though reminded she still had nearly a full cup, Kelly took a sip.

  “Don’t feel bad.” Today had been an emotionally and physically exhausting day, and her eyes were heavy with the need for sleep. “I don’t plan on staying up much longer myself.”

  Kelly unraveled her legs and slowly stood. “Help yourself to anything.”

  “Thanks. Sleep tight.”

  “You, too, and don’t think I’ve forgotten about you and Wyatt.” A lazy smile surfaced. “I’ll get the truth out of you tomorrow.”

  After Kelly had gone to her room for the night, Meg remained on the recliner, leisurely sipping her tea and letting its calming properties take effect. Despite her tiredness and claims to her sister, she wasn’t ready for bed. She’d been surrounded by people the entire day and relished these quiet moments to herself.

  She got up and rinsed out her cup, then set it in the drainboard, before checking her phone. No new messages. The Bible’s spine stared at her, beckoning her to take it from her purse. She ran a finger along its edge, imagining all the times Mama must have touched the same spot.

  She grabbed her bag of clothes and the Bible and went to the guest bedroom. Once she’d brushed her teeth and changed into the navy and pink flannel pajamas, she turned on the nightstand lamp and burrowed under the comforter with the intention to read a few of her mom’s entries before going to sleep.

  Where do I start? She opened to Proverbs thirty-one. It seemed fitting to look at the most popular passage about a virtuous woman, and she was positive Mama would have left valuable insight on those pages. Sure enough, the columns were full of her mother’s handwriting.

  Notes dated back twenty-seven years to when Meg was still an infant. She read through each of them, choking up while reading the handwritten prayers her mother had written for her daughter to grow into a virtuous woman.

  A mist of tears came out when she read entries from the time after her divorce. Mama hadn’t given up on her—she continued to believe in her—no matter the poor choices she’d made. The final note from the passage caught her eye—dated from ten days ago.

  Mama had highlighted the second part of verse twenty-five and drawn an arrow to it. “The doctors say I don’t have much time, thus this will probably be one of my last entries, but I pray you take it to heart. Though sadness will come, laugh and be glad. Don’t fear the future, or
a life without me, for all is in God’s hand. You are a strong, beautiful, and dignified woman. I am so proud of who you’ve become.”

  Mixed tears of joy and sorrow trailed her cheeks. “Thank you, Mama.”

  Chapter Eleven

  “Any plans for summer?” Dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, Wyatt tossed the football outside with his brother in the backyard. Oscar joined them, running around and enjoying his freedom.

  “My advisor helped to arrange an internship for me starting next month.” Noah tossed him the football. “It’s very competitive to get in, plus I’ll get credit for it and be able to graduate in December instead of next May.”

  Wyatt stepped backward, raised his hands, and caught the ball. “That’s awesome.”

  “I’m excited. Wagoneer State Bank is the top financial institution in the state, and this will give me a foot in the door after I graduate.” Noah’s smile revealed his pride in having been selected.

  “Which branch will you be at?”

  “Originally, they planned to put me in a Pittsburgh branch, but then a spot opened outside of Erie.”

  “Where will you stay?” He threw the pigskin to Noah. “That’s too far a commute from your apartment, isn’t it?”

  Noah grinned. “I talked to mom and dad, and I’ll be staying here for the summer. The commute’s longer than I’d like, but I won’t have to pay a high month-to-month lease.”

  “They’ll be happy. What about your apartment on campus?” He bent down and picked up a twig, then threw it for Oscar to chase.

  “That’s covered by my scholarship, and there’s a clause allowing me to maintain that residence since I’ll be gone for educational purposes during summer when campus housing isn’t full.” Noah arched a brow and smirked. “And for the record, you ask more questions than Mom and Dad.”

  “Comes with the territory, and you have no room to talk.” He shot a cocky grin back to Noah. “I heard you interrogating Corie about the guy she went on a date with Friday night.”

  Noah laughed. “That’s different. She’s my baby sister.”

  “Yeah, mine, too. And you’re my baby brother.”

  “You enjoy being the oldest, don’t you?” Noah juggled the ball in his hands.

  “It has its advantages, but Corie has the best position by far.”

  “Now, that we can both agree with—Only girl and youngest. Dad lets her get away with more than we ever could.”

  Wyatt nodded. “Tell me about it. Did you know they’re talking about getting her a dog?”

  “How many times did we ask for one?” Noah pointed to Oscar who ran around in circles with the twig in his mouth. “I couldn’t believe my eyes when I came home Tuesday and saw that one in the house. When he jumped on the sofa, I thought for sure they’d kick him out, but Mom sat next to him.”

  “They’re smitten.” Wyatt chuckled and called Oscar to him. “He’s a good dog. I can’t imagine why anyone would have left him.”

  “My friend at school tried to sneak a pet ferret into his apartment. That didn’t go over so well.” Noah erupted in a full belly laugh. “He got loose one day and scared half the girls out of their wits—they thought he was an odd-looking rat. I shouldn’t laugh, but you wouldn’t believe the chaos one little ferret can cause.”

  “What happened to him?”

  “My friend or the ferret?”

  Wyatt shrugged. “Both.”

  “Adam had a friend watch the ferret for a few weeks, and then he moved off campus and took the ferret with him.” Noah tossed him the football. “Are you sure you’re up for today?”

  “A week ago, probably not, but I’m good now.” When Mr. Horton, the head of Lilston’s VFW, asked him to participate in the Memorial Day parade, he’d wanted to say no. Had, in fact, until the next day when he’d called Mr. Horton and told him he’d changed his mind.

  “Mom’s worried about you going—I overheard her talking to Dad. She said you’ve been happy since you’ve been here, and she’s worried the meaning of today will trigger bad memories and set you back.” Noah scratched his jaw. “I wasn’t sure if I should tell you.”

  “I’ll talk to her.” He’d had the same concerns, which had prompted his negative response, but after much prayer, he knew he should be in the parade.

  Today was about honoring all those service members who had fallen. He’d march for Mike and all those before him who’d died in the line of duty.

  “What time do you have to line up?”

  “I think Dad said eleven. I have to check.” He released the ball, sending it back to his brother.

  Noah ignored it and twisted his arm to see his watch. “You might want to check on that because it’s ten thirty now.”

  “Already?”

  “Check for yourself.”

  Not that he didn’t believe Noah, but his brother had a reputation for playing pranks. Wyatt hadn’t put on his watch, but slipped his phone from his rear pocket and checked the time. 10:32. “I have to run. Would you mind giving Oscar food and water for me before you head out?”

  “Sure thing. Maybe I’ll bring him to the parade.”

  Wyatt hesitated before answering. “He might get overwhelmed. I don’t know how he’ll react in large settings yet.”

  “Didn’t you find him at a busy rest stop?”

  “Yes.”

  “He’ll be fine.” Noah tapped his thigh, and Oscar ran to him. Kneeling, Noah whispered in the dog’s ear, then stood. “Oscar told me he needs a change of scenery.”

  Wyatt pinched his nose while smiling and shaking his head. “I think you’re all more excited about the dog than about me being home.”

  “When you learn how to give puppy-dog eyes like this one, then we’ll see.” Noah approached him and slapped his back in a brotherly gesture. “But for real, I’m glad you’re home, even if it’s only for an indefinite time.”

  “Find me a job around here, and it doesn’t have to be that way.”

  The back door opened and their Dad stepped out. “Are you still going to the parade?”

  “Yes, I’m coming.” He turned his head to look back at Noah as he went to the house. “You can bring him, but you’re responsible for him.”

  He rushed upstairs to change. All his uniforms were packed in Jared’s garage, so he chose a nice pair of khakis and a navy polo. Dad had given him a flag pin earlier that morning, and he attached it to his shirt.

  “Meet us at the usual spot after it’s over,” his mom called as he ran out the door.

  Waving a hand behind him, he rushed to the Land Cruiser and drove—breaking the speed limit by ten—to downtown Lilston. The lineup began at the municipal building, which was located at the end of Main Street and conveniently had the largest parking lot.

  The spot was buzzing with activity by the time Wyatt got there. The backside was sectioned off for parking while the front and middle were reserved for the lineup of all groups participating. A marching band practiced the national anthem while the color guard with matching uniforms waved their flags. On the opposite end, another band practiced “America, the Beautiful.”

  Riders dressed as a Cavalry regiment held the reins tightly to keep their horses in place among the cacophony of noises. Cars dating back to the early nineteen hundreds were placed at various spots and displayed signs of various civic groups.

  Wyatt scanned the crowds for the VFW. Mr. Horton had told him they’d be the last float in the parade before the police cruisers closed the event, but deciphering where the parade ended with so many people still milling around wasn’t easy.

  He spotted Meg twenty feet away, and his body reacted with an increased heart rate. Her dark denim jeans and a white t-shirt with an American flag was a simple outfit, but she carried it well. She’d tamed her wavy locks into a loose ponytail that she’d pulled through the rear side of a ball cap. She easily could have passed for a college student but held the air of maturity a woman should possess.

  Standing back, he watched as she wrangled several
children dressed in replicas of military regalia from the revolutionary days to present. He remembered she’d mentioned these children were the winners of the Spring Reading contest—and good readers they may be, but they were currently full of mischief. As soon as she had one child where she wanted him, another would move out of place. She never yelled or lost her patience, simply smiled and moved them back.

  No wonder she loved her job. She was great with children.

  One day, she’d make a great mom.

  He didn’t even pretend to be shocked at his train of thought. This trip to Lilston had revealed a few things to him. Namely, that Meg was still very much a part of his life. Could he walk away and not fight for what they’d once had? Did he want to, or was it best to stay friends and enjoy what they had rather than risk ruining it again?

  But that was then. They’d since matured and discovered who they were as adults and individuals. More importantly, who they were as God’s children. During their marriage, they hadn’t had any of that. They’d been carefree—children at heart. He’d been a Christian even then, but not living how he should.

  If they resumed a relationship, they’d have experience, wisdom, and Christ in their favor. How could they go wrong with that?

  He wanted to say nothing but wasn’t naïve enough to believe a marriage would be easy just because they were better people than they’d been the first go-round.

  Plus, he hadn’t stopped to consider his career situation. At the moment, he still hadn’t received any interview requests, except for one on Thursday, which he declined. After coming home, he realized he wanted to be near his family—either his birth family in Pennsylvania or his brothers by friendship in North Carolina.

  Life was too short to go through it alone. Everyone needed a support system.

  He strode toward Meg, intent on saying hi before finding the VFW.

  She glanced up from securing the button on the back of a young girl’s costume and met his gaze. A smile broadened her mouth, and she waved, then laughed. “Help me.”