He smiled, pleased with the way things were turning around for him. This Christmas he would spend with his family.
Chapter 3
Is that what you’re going to wear, Mother?” Cara dropped the suitcase in her hand at the doorway of Sandra’s room and rushed inside.
“What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”
“You look like a mom.” She opened the closet and began rummaging through Sandra’s clothes. “You must have something nicer than that old T-shirt.”
Sandra glanced down at her T-shirt bearing the name of Jacob’s high school baseball team. She’d worn it to every game he played, and it was comfortable. “I’m not dressing up just to drive you to Natchez.”
Cara pulled out a V-neck blouse and handed it to her. “Here, put this on instead. And where are those cute jeans I bought you? Never mind, you can borrow a pair of mine.” She retrieved her suitcase, hoisted it onto the bed, then rummaged through her clothes until she found a pair of satisfactory jeans and handed them to Sandra.
“Is this really necessary?” Sandra asked her daughter.
“Mom, you’re so pretty. You should look nice. You never know who you might run into.”
Sandra carried the clothes into her adjoining bathroom to change. Maybe Cara was right. What if she saw Devon while dropping Cara off at Brandon Hall? She would want to look her best.
She stared at herself in the bathroom mirror. She had neglected her appearance of late. There always seemed to be so many things more important. And who did she have to look nice for anyway?
She thought of the legal papers in her purse. She could give them to Devon when she dropped Cara off. And of course she would want to look her best when she saw him, especially after the mess she’d been at graduation.
She pulled her long, dark hair from its ponytail and brushed it out. Devon used to like it when she wore it down.
“And put on some makeup while you’re in there,” Cara called from the bedroom.
Cara’s suggestion made her stop and think. Was she really prettying herself up just to hand her husband divorce papers? Logically, it made no sense.
She reached for her makeup bag. It didn’t matter if it made sense or not. Today Devon Brinks would see just what he’d given up.
The Natchez Trace Parkway was a two-lane road commemorating the historical path used by travelers who brought their goods to Natchez down the Mississippi River then returned home on foot. Sandra chose this scenic route because it would take them directly into the city of Natchez, but it was also beautiful to see the changing colors of the fall foliage. The yellow and red leaves intermingled with the evergreens so common in Mississippi made for a beautiful landscape, unblemished by advertising billboards or businesses. The only buildings along the Trace were rest stops and markers signifying historic sites. Sandra would have enjoyed stopping to explore some of those sites, but there wasn’t time today.
Despite living so close, she’d been to Natchez only once before—the friend’s wedding where she’d met Devon. Kim was getting married at Brandon Hall Plantation, a place Sandra had never heard of. But she’d looked it up online. The pictures showed Brandon Hall to be a beautiful Greek Revival–style house off the Natchez Trace on forty acres of rolling hills. She couldn’t wait to see it. If the pictures were any indication, it would be beautiful.
Kim and her fiancé, Mike Rogers, had reserved several rooms for her mother, Devon, and the twins to stay for the week. The nuptials would take place on December 21; then the family would stay and celebrate Christmas together. It sounded like a wonderful time, and Sandra was glad the kids were included.
She only wished she were.
Sandra found the turnoff for Brandon Hall, a sunken lane that used to be a part of the original Natchez Trace. Sandra let down her window at the gate at the end of the narrow path and punched in the access code Kim had written on the wedding invitation.
Cara’s eyes widened as the gate swung open and Sandra pulled through it. Sitting atop a hill was Brandon Hall. The plantation home was two stories with white, stately columns and wraparound upper and lower porches that spanned the width of the home. The green shutters and brick smokestacks created a beautiful antebellum feel.
She’d been right. The pictures didn’t do it justice.
She pulled into the curve at the front of the house and stopped the car. The front door opened as she and Cara reached the porch. The bride rushed out to greet them, her arms open wide. She hugged Sandra as several people followed her onto the porch.
“I’m so happy you came,” Kim told Sandra.
Behind Kim, Lynn Brinks—Devon and Kim’s mother and Sandra’s former mother-in-law—pushed her way past and embraced Sandra.
“When Cara told us you’d agreed to bring her, we were all thrilled. It’s so good to see you again, Sandra.”
Overwhelmed by the greetings, Sandra smiled and hugged them all back. This was what she remembered, the overflowing love this family bestowed.
Kim reached for the man who was standing behind her. “Sandra, this is Mike Rogers, my fiancé.”
Sandra was happy to see Kim getting married again. Her first husband had been an air force pilot, who’d died in an accident several years after Sandra and Devon had married. Since then, Kim had shown no interest in marrying again…until Mike came along, that is. “I’m pleased to meet you, Mike.”
He shook her hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you, Sandra. We’re glad you’re here. I hope we get a chance to get to know one another over the next few days.”
“Oh no, I’m not staying. I’m only here to drop off Cara.”
“Sandra, please stay. You’ve already made the trip.”
“Come on, Mom,” Jacob said, “you should stay.”
“Yes,” Lynn interjected, “please stay.”
“I really can’t.”
“You made other plans?” Lynn asked.
Sandra considered telling a tale. She wasn’t looking forward to spending the week alone, and she would love to see Kim get married, but intruding on Devon’s family at Christmas wasn’t right. “I really can’t.”
Cara opened the trunk. “Why don’t you stay, Mom? You’ve been looking at pictures of the plantation ever since we got the invitation. I’ll bet you’d have fun.”
“Yes,” Kim insisted. “The grounds are lovely and Natchez is beautiful. There’s shopping downtown, tours of historic homes, the Trace, and of course, my wedding. Please say you’ll stay.”
“I didn’t bring anything.”
Cara pulled her makeup bag from the trunk. “I packed for you.”
“What? When did you do that?”
“I was hoping you would change your mind once you got here.”
“Thank you for the invitation, Kim, but I don’t think I should. Devon—”
“—isn’t here. Something came up at work, and he had to drive to St. Louis.”
“He’s not coming to the wedding?” Hearing this frustrated her. It was typical of Devon. He always put his job over family.
“Hopefully, he will make it here before the wedding, but until then there is no reason you shouldn’t stay.”
Lynn patted her arm. “We’ve missed you, Sandra. We would love it if you would stay and be a part of this celebration.”
Sandra felt an overwhelming love. She’d thought separating from Devon meant she wouldn’t be welcomed by his family. It felt good to know she was wrong. And with Devon away, she had no other reason to resist. “I would love to stay.”
Stepping into the massive foyer of Brandon Hall was like stepping back in time. The high ceiling held a beautiful chandelier, and she stepped onto a rug so thick her feet felt like bouncing. She spotted period furniture in the rooms off the foyer, including one with a beautiful piano.
Kim saw her notice it. “I would love it if you would play for us one night.”
Sandra rejoiced at the idea of everyone sitting around the piano singing while she played Christmas music. It was the perfect s
etting for a Christmas family get-together. It reminded her of the days when she and Devon and the kids would sing carols while decorating the Christmas tree.
She smiled at the memory then remembered it wouldn’t be the same even if he were here, because she and Devon weren’t the same.
“We’ll see”—was all the promise she could give.
Kim introduced Sandra to Rachel Garber, whose family currently owned and operated Brandon Hall. Rachel gave them a brief history of the plantation, including the fact it had once been a working cotton plantation owned by the son of one of Mississippi’s first governors. Given its location on the Trace, travelers returning home would often come by Brandon Hall, exposing the family to diseases that claimed the lives of several Brandon children.
She led them through the men’s and women’s parlors, the library, and the elegant dining room at the end of the hall, pointing out interesting facts, such as the use of the jib windows in the house and the uses of the shoofly device in the dining room.
A curved staircase, its banister bathed in green garland, was tucked discretely into the back corner of the hallway, adjacent to the rear parlor. Kim hooked Sandra’s arm as she started up the steps. “You and Cara will be sharing the Rachel Leigh room. Mother and I are staying downstairs in the Louise Suite until after the wedding, and then Mother will move in with you and Cara, if that’s all right.”
“Of course,” Sandra said. “That’s fine.”
“The men are across the hall in the Rebecca Delaine room. Mike will be bunking with them until the wedding, and then he’ll move into the Louise Suite with me.”
Sandra entered their room and gasped. The luxurious four-poster bed took up one wall, and a twin bed sat nestled between two large windows. A lovely antique mirror hung over the fireplace, and four windows allowed light to enter the room and gave a stunning view of the grounds.
“It’s so pretty,” Cara said, her eyes wide as she took in her surroundings.
“This room has a private bath along with a dressing room that adjoins to the next suite.”
Sandra turned to Kim and hugged her again. “It’s lovely. Thank you so much for inviting me.”
“We’re happy you came, Sandra. This family hasn’t seemed complete without you.” Kim wiped away a few tears then turned to Cara. “I’m afraid I’ll have to steal you away for a while. We need to go into town to do some fittings for the bridesmaid dresses.”
“But what about Mom?” Cara looked at her mother. “What will you do?”
“I’m going to unpack your suitcase, and then I’m going to take a stroll. I’m anxious to do some exploring.”
When they were gone, Sandra turned to their suitcases on the bed. Cara had picked out several dresses for the festivities. Seeing them reminded Sandra that she would need to purchase a dress for the wedding, as well as at least another change of clothing. She was really glad now she hadn’t allowed Cara to convince her to wear those heels her daughter had tried to push on her. She’d seen online that Natchez offered a walking trail of historic sites. Sandra hoped to spend some time with her former family but knew details of the wedding would likely keep them busy. No worries. Although she hated the thought of sightseeing on her own, in a city like Natchez she knew she wouldn’t get bored.
She pulled back the curtain and gazed out over the rolling hills and trees. Sunlight warmed her face, but she could feel the chill of the December afternoon air against the thick glass of the window. Sunset would be in a few hours, and then the temperature would quickly drop.
She grabbed her coat. Unpacking could wait until later. She wanted to enjoy the scenery before it got too cold outside.
She remained close to the house, beginning her exploration in the split-level gardens out back. Though no flowers bloomed this time of year, the green shrubbery and the redbrick walkways were beautiful. A gravel path led into a wisteria overhang, and the lapping water of the fountain in the center garden created a serene feel.
Sandra walked around to the front of the house, where large old oak trees towered. The front lawn gave way to the reflection pond, complete with a wooden dock. She chose to sit in the wooden swing hanging on the limbs of a large oak tree. How many kisses had happened under this old oak, she wondered? How many couples had it seen in its long life?
Her mind immediately went to Devon. What would it be like to snuggle with him on this swing, nestled in the bosom of the mighty oak? She sighed, realizing the futility of that particular train of thought. She was in a town and a home overflowing with rich, colorful history, but all she could think about was her own past with Devon.
That was not the history she’d come to Natchez to find.
Who was she kidding? Since the moment he’d first held her in his arms six months ago, her history with Devon was all she could think about.
A noise grabbed her attention, and she turned toward the gate as it swung open. A black SUV pulled into the driveway. Sandra shrank back, recognizing the vehicle and hoping its driver hadn’t seen her hidden beneath the massive limbs of the mighty oak.
The worst had happened. Devon had arrived early.
Chapter 4
Devon parked beneath a large tree then turned off the car. Beside his SUV sat a blue Nissan sedan, identifiable as Sandra’s by the tag. On the other side of her car was Jacob’s old Chevy. Had Cara driven up in Sandra’s car or—he caught his breath—was she here?
He grabbed his duffel bag and got out. When he entered the house, he heard familiar voices coming from the front room. He stuck his head in to see his mother, Kim and Mike, and the twins sitting around putting together rice bags for the wedding.
“Dad, you made it.”
Both kids rushed to hug him, as did Kim and his mom. He shook hands with Mike. After explaining how he’d finished his project early, he turned to his daughter. “Cara, did you bring your mom’s car?”
Everyone quieted at his question; then Jacob confessed. “Mom’s here.”
Devon stopped and turned to face his son. “You said she wasn’t coming.”
Jacob’s face flushed with guilt, but his grandmother came to his rescue. “Don’t fuss at the boy. This isn’t his fault.” She pulled Devon along the foyer and out into the back of the house for privacy. “I asked Cara to make sure Sandra came. She’s been away from this family for far too long.”
“That’s not my fault, Mom. I never wanted that.”
“I know you didn’t. Sometimes that’s just the way things work out. However, I think this weekend is the perfect time to change that. You and Sandra have two wonderful children together. There are going to be situations where you cannot continue to avoid one another, like the graduation. There will be weddings and birthdays and grandbabies. You should find a way to get along even if you’re not together.”
He remembered the way Sandra had felt in his arms. How could he be around her and not hold her? But his mother was right. He had to make the effort. “I’ll try.”
“I remember the first time I met Sandra, when you brought her home. She was so beautiful. I remember how her eyes twinkled when she smiled.”
He nodded. “Yes, she was beautiful. She still is.”
“Devon, I don’t know how things went so wrong with you two, but this weekend is an opportunity. Don’t run from what you want. Chase after it. Weddings are a time of joy and romance.”
He shook his head. “It’s too late for me and Sandra.”
“It’s never too late. Remember, nothing is impossible with the Lord.”
She left him alone and went back inside. Devon walked to the gazebo and sat down, trying to clear to his head. It had been spinning ever since his mother first mentioned Sandra. He couldn’t believe she was here. He’d spent months trying unsuccessfully to push her from his mind. Now she was here, invading more than just his fantasy—his physical realm as well.
He reached into his bag and pulled out his Bible. He’d stumbled upon the verse Malachi 2:14 during his time on the road, time spent prayi
ng day after day for God to push Sandra’s memory from his mind if there was to be no chance for them. Instead, he’d found this verse stating that God was acting as a witness between him and the wife of his youth, the wife of his marriage covenant.
Sandra.
He’d prayed and prayed about what that verse meant for him and Sandra, until eventually his prayers had turned from asking God to help him forget Sandra to asking God to help him reunite with Sandra.
Was this God’s response? Had He brought Sandra here for a second chance? Excitement burst through him. Was this the fulfillment of God’s plan? The next verse seemed to give him his answer.
“Has not the Lord made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his.”
“Father, forgive me of my weakness,” he whispered. “I know it’s Your will that Sandra and I reunite, so I ask You to go ahead of me, God. Give me the words to speak, and bend her heart to mine.”
As always, he felt better after putting everything in God’s hands. He would work it out the way He saw fit.
He glanced up at the sound of footsteps heading toward the house. Sandra. The nip in the air gave her cheeks a rosy red glow, and she pushed an errant strand of dark hair behind her ear as she walked. She didn’t see him, but as he stood in the shadows and watched her, he was amazed at her beauty. This was truly God orchestrated.
Had she overheard right? Had Lynn just implied Devon still wanted her? And encouraged him to chase after her?
Her mind swam at the notion. So much had happened between her and Devon. Could it ever be undone? Was it possible for them to ever recapture what they’d once had?
She kept walking toward the house, uncertain now what to do. She’d thought she could make a clean getaway without being seen by sneaking around to the back of the house and up the staircase, but she’d been surprised to find Devon and Lynn having a conversation about her. She hadn’t planned to listen, but she’d heard regardless.
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