Entangled: Surrendering the Past (Surrendering Time Book 2)

by Julie Arduini

  She starts pacing around the home she rents from Sara. “The flowers. I forgot to order them. We don’t have any for the wedding.”

  Sara chuckles. “Relax. Don’t you remember I said months ago I’d take care of flowers? They’ll be arriving Friday night. Enough for the entire wedding party and for decorating the church.”

  Jenna exhales. “Oh, thank goodness. I’m forgetting everything. I can’t even find the clipboard Shirley gave me to keep track.”

  Meg tapes up another box that’s headed to Ben’s house. “That’s what we’re here for.”

  “Everything is in good shape. One week and you’ll be walking down the aisle, marrying my grandson.” Sara’s face glows.

  Meg stacks the box on top of the others. “So---what’s the plan for this place once you leave here and move in with Ben?”

  Jenna and Sara exchange looks, and Sara shrugs. “I haven’t thought about it. I was so excited about the wedding, I forgot this house will be empty.”

  Meg nods as she wraps a figurine in newspaper. “Would you consider renting to me?”

  The bride-to-be freezes. “Meg? You’re moving here?”

  “I’m thinking about it. Why not? I’m job hunting. I have my degree. I can get certified in New York, no problem.”

  Jenna furrows her brow. “This is a huge transition. Trust me. Then there’s mom and dad. What are they going to say?”

  She shrugs. “Not much. I’m twenty-two. You left and they survived.”

  Sara and I watch their interactions like a tennis match.

  Jenna’s jaw looks pretty tight. “Yes, but you’re the baby. Don’t you think this will crush them?”

  Meg keeps boxing items without giving any of us a second glance. “I’m an adult. They knew we’d move on and out. It’s time.”

  Jenna puts her hands on her hips and narrows her gaze, not that Meg has a clue. “Okay. I have to ask. What does Johnny think of all this?”

  Meg finally stops and faces her sister. “We’re done. Which reminds me,” She focuses on me. “How finished are you and Will Marshall? I could get lost in those green eyes, you know?”

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Walking down the sanctuary aisle to my seat, I realize next time I’m in the church I will be wearing a bridesmaid dress. Suddenly all the jokes Jenna made about a double wedding flood back, and a new wave of regret hits.

  Then I turn and see Will sitting with Meg, and now the tidal wave is nausea.

  “Hey, Carla.” Will stands and starts holding out both hands, then quickly extends one for a handshake.

  “Will. Good morning. Ready for a wedding?”

  His face pales.

  “You know, Ben and Jenna’s?” What did he think? Him and Meg? Ugh.

  I’m trying, Lord, but that would be asking too much of me right now.

  He lets out a nervous laugh. “Right. Yes, I’d say I’m ready. Ben, he could be in a tux and down the aisle in ten minutes.”

  Meg suddenly stands and giggles a little louder than needed.

  I manage a smile for his sake. “I believe it. Well, I better find my seat.”

  Will shuffles over, stepping on Meg’s foot. “You could sit here. If you want.”

  Meg hops on one foot, biting her lip.

  “No, I couldn’t, I don’t think there’s enough room. Thanks, though.” I sprint to my seat, my heart pounding.

  Thanks, God. Even if Will and I never reunite, I’m thankful we can be kind to each other.

  It takes me until the sermon before I can calm my thoughts and focus. Pastor Craig approaches the podium and opens his Bible.

  “You know what I love about the Bible? It repeats the same theme over and over without getting boring. There’s Paul and his journey when he was Saul. Rahab and her line of business, yet she is remembered as a woman of faith. One of my favorites is Zacchaeus. Can you guess the theme?”

  Kyle Swarthmore is the first to shout out. “Short people?”

  Chuckles fill the sanctuary.

  “No, although the song mentions several times that Zacchaeus wasn’t winning any height contests. The theme is that everyone’s redeemable. Isn’t that reassuring?”

  I close my eyes for a moment, drinking in his statement.

  “Zacchaeus wasn’t a popular guy. He bought his way into a job as chief tax collector and took from the Jews to give to Rome. Not only that, he skimmed off the collection plate to help himself. It’s safe to say he wasn’t someone with a lot of friends. Perhaps that’s what drew him to Jesus.”

  I look to the cross that hangs behind Pastor Craig. What’s the connection between a crooked tax collector and our Savior?

  “Although Jesus drew crowds of hungry people desperate for a touch from Him, there were people intent on getting Him to make a mistake. He was hated. And that was something Zacchaeus could relate to. When this short, chief tax collector hears Jesus is coming, he’s a lot like the woman with the issue of blood. She was desperate enough for healing that she was willing to touch the hem of His garment if that was all she could get. Zacchaeus climbed a tree to get a glimpse of Christ. Do you think that’s a position a man with his job would want to be seen in? A tree?”

  Jenna nods as she takes notes.

  “That’s the power of Christ. When you no longer care how you look to the world because the desire to be near Him is that great, He’ll meet you there. Not only does Jesus call Zacchaeus out of the tree, He lets Zacchaeus know He’s heading to his house. The hated tax man. It was a bold move from Jesus and a message of hope for Zacchaeus.”

  It’s such an inspiring passage of Scripture I can almost picture the man sliding down the sycamore tree to run home.

  Pastor Craig flips a couple pages in his Bible. “If you’re following along, this story is in Luke, chapter nineteen. And as you can imagine, the crowds aren’t thrilled with Jesus and His dinner plans. They accuse Him of getting cozy with a crook, and Zacchaeus is probably in a panic. But he tells Jesus he’s giving away half his earnings to the poor, and if he’s doing anything wrong, he’ll pay four times the amount.” Pastor looks out to the congregation. “Remember---he was cheating the Jews and Rome and now, he’s ready to make it right. He’s proclaimed it to the crowds, but it’s a promise he’s made to Jesus. Zacchaeus is sold out for Christ and Jesus feels the same for the little man. I love this because if Jesus can redeem Zacchaeus, there’s hope for us.”

  The chat Noah and I had earlier in the week reminds me of the sermon. I’m forgiven for my high school sin. And for all the waffling I did between Wayne and Will. And for taking Will for granted. Even in my lowest place, I’m still redeemable.

  Jenna leans in and whispers, “You okay?”

  I nod, forgiveness and love welling up and spilling over.

  Pastor Craig walks away from the podium and to the center of the stage. “If you can relate to the Zacchaeus in the beginning---the desperate man willing to lower himself in the world’s eyes by climbing a tree to see Jesus, there’s a place for you at the altar. My prayer is no one leaves today the same. Let Christ’s redemption touch you today. If anyone would like to come forward for prayer, you’re invited.”

  Once again I rise, this time because I want to give thanks for my redemption. No matter what my future holds, I know I’m forgiven and loved. I stand up front without paying attention to the others. A streak of red walks by before I close my eyes, and I glance over.

  Noah’s come forward for prayer.

  Standing right next to him is Will.

  ⌛⌛⌛

  Twenty minutes later, Pastor Craig dismisses us and I feel like I could fly out of the sanctuary. It’s a spiritual high blended with the wonder of feeling God’s true love for me despite my choices and seeing Noah walk forward for prayer.

  Ben catches me on the way to the lobby. “Carla, did you and Noah want to come out to the house for lunch?”

  He’s come a long way with his hospitality since falling in love with Jenna.

  “I wish I could.
I have a lot of studying to do. Once you guys are back from your honeymoon, we’ll get together.”

  He breaks out into a grin at the mention of “honeymoon.”

  Jenna walks over and puts her arm around Ben. “What’s so funny?”

  I wink at him. “Ben giggles every time someone talks about your honeymoon.”

  Neither lovebird can respond because Will zig zags through the crowd and stands next to me.

  “Hey, everyone. Carla, do you have a minute?”

  My smile falls with my confidence. “Sure?”

  “Great. The church library is quiet. Is that okay?”

  I nod and try to read Jenna’s expression, but she mouths, “I don’t know.”

  Will leads the way and looks back as we walk, probably to make sure I’m still there. With each step I’m trying to figure out what’s going on. When we reach the musty smelling room with books dating back to the 1950’s, he turns on the light and stands inches away.

  I swallow in an effort to find moisture for my throat. “Everything okay?”

  “I hope so. This might seem dumb to you, and I don’t want it to sound arrogant, but I have to say it.”

  He’s blinking so much that I wonder if his message is in Morse code.

  “You can talk to me. Go ahead.”

  He looks up and then to me. “Okay. Here goes. I forgive you.”

  I try to gauge his motivation by gazing deep in his eyes. The longer I look, the feeling from church returns. He means it. And it isn’t condescending at all. “Will, it isn’t necessary. I acted like a middle schooler and hurt you.”

  He takes another step forward, closing the gap between us. “I’m not done, though. I didn’t handle your confession well, or anything after that. Would you consider forgiving me?”

  Chapter Thirty

  Even during the commute to school, I replay my conversation with Will. My normal reaction would have been to keep him and everyone but Noah at arm’s length.

  I fold my arms. “I’ll forgive you on one condition.”

  Will’s eyebrows arch. “Okay. What?”

  “That you excuse me for my many failings with you. I’ve done a lot of soul searching and repenting for a lot of things. I completely took you for granted. You are a wonderful man. You always were.”

  He clears his throat. “I’ve been praying a lot. You didn’t deserve my silent treatment or judgment. I’m really sorry.”

  The two of us stand there, forgiven.

  Will clears his throat as I look at the ceiling.

  “So…” He chuckles.

  “What now?” I risk looking in the eyes of the man I love so much.

  He opens his arms. “Can we start with a hug?”

  I nearly jump into his embrace.

  Start. I love that.

  My heart still feels light and full of God’s love when I enter the beauty school doors.

  ⌛⌛⌛

  During afternoon break, Daniel takes the chair next to me and turns it so he sits backwards in it, facing me. “Doing anything tonight?”

  I narrow my eyes and give a teasing grin. “I thought you were dating Claire.”

  He rolls his eyes. “I’m not asking you on a date. In fact, the gang is going if you want to.”

  “Going where?” I place my hands on my hips. “And thanks for thinking of me last.”

  “We’re going to visit Ella for a few minutes. Then, I have somewhere I want to take you all.”

  I take out my phone and pull up my calendar app. “If you don’t mind people coming with me. Wayne dropped my son off at Betty’s house before work. I was going to take Betty and Noah out to dinner before I return to Speculator Falls.”

  Daniel drummed the desk. “Hmm. I don’t want you out too late. But what I have to show you is really cool.”

  The intrigue gets to me. “I don’t have any studying to do and Noah stays up, anyway.”

  He slaps the table. “Awesome. Meet at the pizza place at six? We’ll grab a quick bite before going to see Ella.”

  “Do I get a hint?”

  Daniel laughs and returns to his desk. “You’re funny.”

  ⌛⌛⌛

  Ella’s mom opens the door and smiles. “Hello, everyone. Come in.”

  Mitzi, Sandy, Betty, Noah, Daniel, Claire and I shuffle into the brick foyer.

  Daniel speaks first. “Thanks for letting us visit. How’s she doing?”

  The silver-haired woman gestures for us to follow her. “Why don’t you go see? The kids are with their grandpa so it’s nice and peaceful. Take all the time you want.”

  We walk down the hall to the living room where Ella’s reclining on the couch. She slowly sits up as soon as she sees us.

  Mitzi enters first and walks over first to give her a hug. “You look great.”

  “No, I don’t, but thank you. Each day I feel better. Please, sit down.”

  Noah and I remain standing, but I move a little closer. “Ella, this is my son, Noah, and my friend, Betty. Guys, this is Ella.”

  They exchange hello’s and then I bend down and reach for her hand. “How are you, emotionally? Is there anything we can do to help?”

  Ella bites her lip. “It’s going to take time. But for the kids, I’m ready. My parents said we can stay as long as we need. The children are confused, but relieved, I think. There was so much tension. Dad took them to dinner and the movies to help them build trust in men. Things were volatile for so long…” Her voice trails off.

  Sandy jumps in to squash the awkward silence. “Will you ever go back to school?”

  Ella picks at a loose piece on the couch. “I don’t know. I have to take things a day at a time. I liked it. I have a lot to consider.”

  Daniel stands. “I’m looking into opening a comprehensive salon in Lake George. It’s not a done deal, but if plans come together and you and your family want a fresh start, you would be a great asset.”

  Betty clasps her hands together. “That sounds wonderful.”

  Ella nods. “Daniel, I have no doubt you’ll make it happen. And if that’s where I’m meant to be, you can bet I’ll be licensed and ready to go.”

  ⌛⌛⌛

  After we leave Ella, Daniel hands me a slip of paper.

  “What’s this?”

  His grin is wide. “The address where I’m going next to show you the surprise.” He walks to his vehicle, whistling, as Claire, Mitzi, and Sandy climb in.

  I hand the paper to Noah, and he plugs it into his phone. A map pops up, and Noah nudges me. “Hey, Mom. It’s the library.”

  What is so important to Daniel at the library?

  Betty offers a guess from the back seat as she clicks the seatbelt. “Maybe he found books that would help you all with school?”

  I glance at Noah for his reaction, but he’s on the phone typing so fast that I expect to see smoke rising up. Suddenly he lifts his head and looks at me. “Mom, we have to go home.”

  His face is expressionless but his chest is heaving.

  “What’s going on?”

  “I have to get back to Speculator Falls. Something happened.”

  His phone keeps beeping through the vocalized map directions and when I look over, he’s typing with mad force.

  I try to think of all the things that would warrant a fast return. “Is someone hurt? Is it Ben and Jenna? The store?”

  Noah drops the phone and bangs his fist against the door. “Brittany’s at Frosty’s sitting with Eric. Josh says it looks romantic.”

  ⌛⌛⌛

  It takes all of five minutes to pull into the library lot and spot Daniel and the girls.

  I place the car in park and face Noah. “Give me a couple minutes, Bud. I’ll let them know and we’ll head home.”

  He nods, punching his seat.

  I whisper a quick prayer and run over to the gang. “Hey, Daniel. I’m sorry, but I have to go.”

  He furrows his brow. “Everything okay?”

  I shrug. “To a thirteen-year-old boy, no. I thi
nk it’s important I be with him. You better text me the news.”

  Daniel smiles. “I can do better than that. I’ll send you the link.”

  With that cliffhanger, I sprint back to the truck and shift. I glance at Noah. He’s texting. I look at Betty in the mirror.

  “So, Betty, do you want to come with us?”

  She pats Noah on the shoulder. “I’d love that. And don’t you two worry. I’m sure it’s a miscommunication.” Her smile could disarm warring nations.

  Noah grips the phone and shakes it. “Mom, they’re holding hands. What do I do?”

  I turn onto the highway and sigh. Back in my school days the girls wrote notes to each other to process their drama. I have no idea what boys need. “What are you thinking about doing?”

  He shakes his head. “Well, pound Eric for starters.” Noah chuckles and sits up. “Kidding. Kind of. I don’t know. If Brittany is out in public with him, I mean, what about me?”

  Lord, please comfort Noah. And give me wisdom.

  He squirms in the seat for a second before looking my way. “Mom, can I ask a question?”

  I keep my eyes on the road, but nod. “Of course. Anything.”

  Noah holds up his phone. “Is it okay if I call Will?”

  Chapter Thirty-One

  I shake the ibuprofen bottle and it sounds near empty, and that only accelerates my stress headache. Noah’s broken heart looms over the house like a rain cloud. He didn’t say much after his chat with Will, but Noah confirmed after school that Brittany indeed found someone new even though she had feelings for Noah. My heart hurts for my son and my head spins.

  Should I call Will for advice, too?

  There’s no time because the wedding rehearsal dinner is a day away and I’m still commuting to school. Jenna’s busy with her family in town but I want to be there for her. And I’m not.

  Daniel has no trouble reminding me I’m failing to be there for him, too. “Did you get my text?”

  I barely have one foot in the classroom. “What? I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  He rolls his eyes. “Remember the other night we were at the library and you had to leave? I sent you the link about the big mystery.”