“Good morning, Marilyn. Thought you might like some coffee on your ride to Baton Rouge.”
“Cows Rule” caught her eye as she stepped off the stairs and reached for the cup. She wanted to remind him that a washer and dryer were available but decided she should just take the coffee and go. “Thank you, Beau. It will make my trip much nicer.”
“Look, kid, I’m sorry if I have irritated you or embarrassed you in any way. I guess I’m not used to big-city girls.”
“No, you’re good. I just have a lot of work back at the office and so much on my mind. You know, with this wedding and all.” She braved a look into those blue eyes. Then she swam out of that ocean as quickly as possible. “Well, if you can carry my bag to the car, I’ll take this delicious cup of coffee and get on my way.”
“Sure, hon.”
She watched his muscled arm pick up the suitcase. Not even a pause. He took his left hand and pushed a sandy blond lock out of his eyes before opening the door and leading the way. She actually heard her intake of breath.
When she and her luggage were tucked away safely, she started the engine, smiled out the window, and drove off. She caught his salute in the rearview mirror. Was that sarcasm?
Thirty minutes past Natchez, her cell phone rang. By the time she fished it out of her purse, it quit. Constance. She pressed the callback button and heard her daughter’s first words this morning.
“Mom, did you tell Beau good-bye?”
“Yes, dear. He fixed me coffee.”
“He is sweet. I don’t know why you had to be so rude to him. I honestly feel he’s a very attractive man.”
“Yes, he is.”
“But?”
“Constance, don’t take this the wrong way. I don’t feel Justin’s like his dad. Not really.”
“What does that mean? Like what?”
“Well, I guess I have always had preconceived notions about Southern men. Especially farmers. Don’t get me wrong. He’s a super guy, but I’m used to a little more class.”
“Like in the men you work with?”
“Yes.”
“The men who wouldn’t bother coming to your daughter’s wedding or being your friend outside of the office?”
Marilyn slowed the car. Stunned. “I don’t suppose I expect them to do that.”
“Mother, may I share something I recently read about rednecks? And I assume it’s what you think Beau is. Who happen to only fit in that group because of people like you, by the way.”
“Constance, I—”
“Let me finish. I grew up in Denver. But I guess because I’m young, I had no preconceived notions like you. But redneck jokes have been around for years. I read an e-mail the other day. It said we need to take a look at the core beliefs of a culture that values home, family, country, and God. If I had to face terrorists who threaten my life, I’d choose these so-called rednecks to back me up. They are never offended by the phrase ‘one nation under God.’You’ve never seen them protest the Ten Commandments being posted in public places. They are true and loving and care about individuals—like you, Mom—who are lonely and don’t have a very large network of people who care. All I’m saying is judging Beau by such a demeaning standard is wrong. He would give anyone the shirt off his back. What about those men at your work? Would they do the same? Don’t answer. Just think about it. And when we meet the week of Christmas, maybe you’ll be willing to give Beau a break. Oh, and please be nice to his whole family. They are farmers who work hard. They love me, and I surely love them. And one last thought, Mom. Beau and his family do have class. Lots of it. They don’t prejudge people. They value everyone. And the ladies can set a table even you haven’t seen the likes of. They use china and silver and absolutely beautiful arrangements. They know which fork to use for each course. Actually, they are more refined than any of your associates. Don’t you remember our chicken salad conversation?”
“Oh, honey, I’m so sorry. You are right, of course.” Marilyn took a deep breath. “Please pray for me, Constance. My own daughter has pointed out my shortcomings. I’m like a Pharisee. I promise I’ll be a different person.” She wondered if Constance could hear the break in her speech as she felt the break in her heart. She wiped tears off her cheeks. “I do love you. So very much.”
“It’s okay, Mom. I guess even old people still learn, huh?”
Marilyn laughed. “And the old people would be whom?”
“Who.” Constance laughed. “I better go. Have a safe trip, and I’ll talk to you later today.”
“You stay safe. And tell Justin and Beau I’ll see them soon. Let me know when they find out what happened to the cows.”
“That sentence seems so strange coming from you. But it sounds good. Love you.”
“I love you, too, Constance. I’m really glad you’re happy.”
“Oh, Mom, before you hang up, I found out something.”
“What?”
“I asked Justin about his mom. He told me his grandmother let it slip one day she got killed in a wreck while leaving with another man. They had suitcases in the car. He overheard her talking to her friend.”
“Oh dear. No wonder he seemed angry. I’m so sorry.”
“So, you’ll be nice to him?”
“I will. I am so sorry.” Marilyn knew she could never mention to Beau what she’d learned. He was too proud. But she could be nicer. She hurt for him.
Beau drove straight to the vet’s office before going home. He pulled up to an old white house his friend had bought and restored. Over 100 acres of woods and pasture surrounded the building. Dr. Rhodes had plenty of fenced area to accommodate sick horses, cows, and an occasional goat.
Barking dogs greeted him when he opened the front door.
“Hey, Michelle. Doc in?”
“Sure, Mr. Burnham. Go on back.”
Beau stepped over a calico cat, which showed no interest in him. Had that experience already this week. He grunted and wound his way through the doors to the back, where he found the doctor.
His friend Kevin looked up. Then shook his head.
“So, what’s going on with my cows?”
“Just got the report. Blackleg.”
“You’re joking.”
“No, wish I were.”
“So, my soil is contaminated?”
Kevin scratched his head. “I think maybe just a patch somewhere, or more of them would be dead by now. What say we go on over to your place and look around. I need to vaccinate as many as we can get ahold of. We can take some random soil samples to send the lab.”
“Sounds like a plan. The sooner the better.”
“Beau, you go on ahead while I gather up what I need. I’ll meet you at your house.”
“Good. Just come on in. I’m going to take my luggage upstairs and check the house. I’ve been gone almost a week.”
“Sure thing. See you in a little bit.”
Beau left with a sick feeling in his stomach. Driving home, he contemplated what this could mean. He hoped Kevin was right about it being just a patch of soil these particular cows had grazed. He felt if they could get them all vaccinated and they hadn’t yet been exposed, it could work out all right. Ironically, his first inclination was to go home and try to contact Marilyn. Like she’d care.
The moon cast enough light for the taller structures in her neighborhood to loom like ominous gray forms in a horror film. Marilyn felt loneliness engulf her. She pulled onto the driveway of the garden home she had purchased when Constance left for college. She sat in the car and stared at her house through her tears. She didn’t even know her neighbors.
Oh God. How did I become this person? She blew her nose and closed her eyes. I need You so much. I always have. Did I somehow blame You for our loss? Give me something, please. Something to make me feel whole and happy again. Hold me, Lord. Marilyn pictured herself in Jesus’ arms. He wrapped His loving arms around her, soothed her hair, and promised everything would be okay. These were her thoughts, but maybe, just maybe
, He gave them to her for comfort. She wiped her last tears and smiled. Her heart felt light. She could change.
Marilyn opened the front door before retrieving her purse and bags. She pulled out the shopping bag holding her dress and smiled. She thought of Beau. How she hoped she had not ruined their friendship. The realization of how tender and caring a man he was almost brought her to tears again. How ignominious she had been. Mean. Despicable. Beau, who wanted only to invite her to be a part of his family. Beau, who loved everyone. Who even cared for his cows. And the tears started again.
After setting her bags down by the front door, Marilyn called Constance to say she was home. She dialed the number, walked into the kitchen, and put on a kettle of hot water for tea.
When Constance answered, Marilyn’s first response was to inquire of Beau’s cows.
“Oh, Mom. They had blackleg. That comes from contamination in the ground. They checked the pastures until it got dark and will finish tomorrow, but it’s not good. They’re hoping it is in a small area and the other cows somehow avoided eating there.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry. Will you tell him I asked and I wish him the best of luck?”
“Are you sick?”
“No, why?”
“This doesn’t sound like you. I thought you didn’t care for Beau.”
“I haven’t cared for a lot of things. Coming home to a lonely house made me see that. Constance, I really want to change, and I realize God is my answer.”
“Mother. How wonderful. I’ll be praying even harder for you.”
“You’ve already been praying?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Seems He’s answering your prayers, sweetheart.”
“I love you, Mom.”
“I love you, too. I’ll see you in a few weeks.”
“Yes. I can’t wait. I wish for you the happiness I feel when I’m with Justin.”
“Thank you. Maybe one day.”
She took her tea to the living room and sipped it. She would unpack later. She smiled at the thought of returning to Dunleith. To family. To a special friend.
Beau walked through the chilled house to the kitchen, poured cold coffee into a cup, and microwaved it. He had been out all day fixing fence and feeding cows. The results of the samples had come back negative, meaning there’d been a small patch of contamination. He hoped, since the weather was getting colder and almost all the grass had died, he could keep them fed and happy through the winter. If they could get some snow or ice, it would probably kill whatever was in the ground. The ding brought his attention back to the coffee. He carried it with him to his den and set it on the fireplace mantel while he built a fire.
Fire blazing, Beau turned on a floor lamp and pulled the wingback recliner closer to the hearth to enjoy his coffee before the blazing flames. He studied the flames changing colors, reflecting on, not for the first time, the trip to Natchez. He tried to recall all the things he had done that seemed to irritate Marilyn. He wanted to avoid them on his return trip next week. This was to be his son’s special day. He wanted everything to be perfect for him and Constance. After that, well, the ball would be in her court. If she wanted to be part of this family, she could. If not, then so be it.
He looked around the old house. It had never seemed so lonely.
He moved his Bass Pro catalog over on the hearth and picked up his Bible. He always kept it there when he wasn’t at church. He read it every night before going up to bed. He was studying Kings, but tonight he flipped through, trying to find a verse to give him comfort. He was even at a loss at what to pray.
He ran his finger across random verses until he stopped in chapter 8 of Romans. He read verses 26 and 27. “The Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Beau bowed his head and prayed what was in his heart, knowing his Lord already understood. He stood before the warmth of the fire, the loneliness fading, his heart full, his hopes sealed by the One who directed his path.
Chapter 7
Marilyn arrived at Dunleith the afternoon of December 23. She briefly paused to look at the mansion, its banisters draped with fresh greenery, the front door adorned by a huge wreath tied with red ribbon. She drove slowly and parked outside the office, which was close to the Dairy Barn. She glanced that way and saw Beau’s truck. Of course a big wreath was secured to the back. She’d bet there was one on the front grill, too. She didn’t know if she would be glad if her room was in the Dairy Barn or not. But when the woman at the desk affirmed she would be staying there again, she stifled a smile. She was determined to be different. She thanked the woman, took the key, and hurried to move her car closer to the Barn. She had little time to dress and get ready for a short rehearsal and dinner.
The wreath swung out as she opened the front door, and she had to move her head back to keep from getting hit. She was disappointed to see the door to the living area closed. Only the stairs were visible, so she trudged up, pulling her suitcase behind her. She unlocked her room and at least felt at home in the familiar surroundings. She sat on the edge of the bed and started thinking about the wedding. She panicked. She didn’t know who was marrying them. Was it someone locally? Living so far from here, she didn’t feel involved like she needed to be. She dug in her purse for her cell phone and dialed Constance.
“Mom, are you here?”
“Yes, just arrived. Constance, who is marrying you?”
“Are you nuts? Justin.”
Marilyn chuckled. “No, I mean who is officiating?”
“Oh. Pastor Guy. From Beau and Justin’s church. He was nice enough to bring his family during this busy time. I think they’re staying through Christmas.”
“Good. It has occurred to me there is a lot I don’t know.”
“Don’t worry, Mama. I have everything under control. I should be the apprehensive one.”
“I know, dear. I’m sorry. What time do I need to be at the Main House for the rehearsal?
“A little before six. It won’t take long. With only one attendant and Beau as best man, there won’t be much to do. Then we all have reservations at the Castle Restaurant.”
The mention of that name brought back memories to Marilyn. Not all good. But then she remembered how kind Beau was to her by inviting her into his family. Not all bad.
“Sounds nice, baby. See you there.”
Marilyn unpacked her clothes and hung them in the closet. She laid out the black silk pants and jacket she would be wearing this evening, shaking her head already. She looked back in the bag and found her red lace-trimmed tank and her red-and-white crinkle cotton voile scarf. Yes. Then she took a long, hot shower before dressing. She wanted to look her best. She smiled at the tingle in her stomach.
Beau had heard Marilyn arrive, but he was about to dress, and he didn’t want to do anything that would cause problems before the rehearsal. He would meet her there. But he felt anxious. Like he was going on a first date. Or the last time he would see her. He glanced upward, as if he were reminding God it was all in His hands. But Beau would do his part.
He walked the brick path to the Main House where his pastor and several more had gathered. Pastor Guy reached out and shook Beau’s hand while patting him on the back with the other. Beau wanted to hug him.
“This is a beautiful setting, Beau.” Pastor Guy had wanted to marry them at the church. Constance had informed him God would be present wherever they married, after which he smiled and relented that it was true.
The men turned to see who was approaching. Beau stepped forward and took the girl’s hands in his.
“Bethany, thank you for supporting us. I know you should be home with family at Christmas.” Beau glanced at the young man beside her. “Hi, I’m Beau Burnham, Justin’s dad.”
Bethany ma
de the introductions. “Mr. Burnham, this is Chase. I hope it was okay for him to come.”
“Of course.” He looked at Chase and patted his back. “We’re glad to have you, son.”
They all turned to see a beautiful woman open the back entrance to the hall. Beau squinted to see if he recognized her. She was all smiles, and it took a minute for him to realize it was Marilyn. He stiffened, waiting for her response to him. But he smiled and held out his hand, which she graciously took and kissed his cheek. The eighth wonder of the world. He had to suppress looking her up and down.
“Marilyn.”
“Beau. How good to see you.”
They stared at each other before remembering people were standing around awaiting introductions. Beau took the honor.
Bethany hugged Marilyn. “You look wonderful, Mrs. McLemore.”
“You, too. I haven’t seen you since you and Constance left for college and your parents moved from Denver.”
“They couldn’t let me get too far away, and Dad was able to transfer.”
“Yes, I wish I had done the same.”
The rest of the party arrived, and rehearsal began. When Marilyn stepped into the two open rooms where the wedding would take place, she let out a breath. “Oh my, it looks beautiful.” Fresh greenery covered the mantels, a mixture of pine and cedar. The white roses Constance ordered had not yet been delivered, but large, glittering, white Christmas balls peeped from the stems among candles glowing through pristine glass. The lights in the chandeliers cast a warm glow over the floral carpet and antique furnishings.
A gentleman appeared and took his seat at the grand piano situated in the corner of the room. The ceremony would take place in the middle of the two rooms to allow enough standing room for the guests.
Wreath Anderson called for silence and began directing the players into place as the rehearsal began. Marilyn, softening, but still in attorney mode, timed the event. Eighteen minutes. Perfect. Now they could eat. Her growling stomach reminded her she had not eaten anything but a bagel before her flight. She stood back and allowed the wedding party to lead her out the back entrance and down the walkway to the Castle Restaurant.
Plantation Christmas Weddings Page 6
