She stared up at the night sky through the branches of the mighty oak. Had God orchestrated this weekend to bring her and Devon back together? He had certainly opened her eyes to her own shortcomings in the marriage.
Months ago, her friend Paula had asked her if it was really over between her and Devon. Sandra had been sure then that it was. Now she wasn’t so sure.
With God’s help she was sure she could learn to be more loving toward Devon. She wanted to learn. But what if she took the chance and he broke her heart again? Could she take that?
Tears stung her eyes as confusion mounted. She was scared, scared of being hurt again, scared of taking another chance on what she truly wanted. But she wouldn’t let fear and pride continue to hold her back.
She bowed her head and asked God to give her a new heart like He promised in Ezekiel, a heart for her husband. She wanted to be the wife Devon deserved.
Chapter 9
When Devon came down for breakfast, he was freshly showered and clean shaven. Sandra enjoyed the way his aftershave tingled her senses. She missed the intimacy of seeing him this way. He was still half asleep until he had his morning coffee. She longed to reach out her hand and caress the smoothness of his freshly shaven face, knowing full well that by afternoon it would no longer be smooth, replaced with a prickly patch of stubble. His hair, still wet, curled a bit at the ends, but once dried would be straight and thick as the day they’d met. She knew his left knee was stiff in the morning, especially cold mornings, but would loosen up soon with the activities of the day.
And he still wants me.
She pushed back her chair and walked over to his. Her knees shook as she moved. Was she really doing this? Had she really just decided to give Devon and their marriage another try?
A grin spread across his face as she approached him. “Morning, Sandra.”
“Good morning. Can we talk?”
“Sure.” He placed his cup on the table, but before they had a chance to speak, Kim entered with a young dark-haired woman she introduced as Wreath Anderson. The wedding coordinator came into the room and began handing out duties.
“Devon, will you drive Mike into town to pick up the tuxes?” She turned to Sandra. “And if you’ll help make sure the bride and bridesmaids have everything they need?”
“Certainly.” She shrugged at Devon. “We’ll talk later?”
“I can’t wait.”
Sandra smiled. Neither could she.
Mike drummed his fingers against the car door as Devon drove them into town to pick up the tuxes.
“Nervous?” Devon asked him.
Mike grinned. “Nervous? Yes. But excited, too. I love Kim so much.”
“I’m glad to hear you say that.”
“I understand you’re trying to get back with your wife.”
“Where did you hear that?”
“Kim told me. She and your mom and your kids have been planning for weeks to get you two together this week.” He flushed. “And now that I say it, I believe that was supposed to be a secret. I hope I haven’t messed anything up.”
“Don’t worry about it, Mike. I had a pretty good idea, anyway, they were up to something.”
He pulled the car through the gates of Brandon Hall. On the hill at the front of the house, chairs had been lined up and lights strung. Flowers were being hung, and an arch stood at the entrance to the lawn.
When they stopped, Mike grabbed his tux and headed inside. Devon walked toward the activity.
Wreath Anderson rushed about making sure details were settled as the family gathered on the front lawn. The nip in the air made Devon wonder if an outside wedding was the best choice.
He stopped and questioned Wreath about the cold temperatures.
“It’s what your sister wants, Mr. Brinks. Besides, the ceremony will be short, and then the reception will be inside. But if it’s too chilly, we have heat lamps to warm things up.”
His mother took his elbow. “Devon, we need someone to stand in for the groom during the rehearsal. Would you mind taking over that role?”
“No problem.” It made sense for him to do it. He didn’t have an official role in the wedding.
Wreath led him toward where the altar stood and planted him in position then gathered everyone around and called for the stand-in bride. He was stunned to see Sandra step forward and move to the bride’s position.
Wreath gave instruction. “Kim will ride in on the horse-drawn carriage. It will stop at the foot of the lawn, where she’ll disembark. Bridesmaids will be here waiting. Then the music will begin.” She made a motion with her hand, and the wedding march sounded.
The three bridesmaids, including Cara, marched up the lawn, followed by Sandra.
Wreath began explaining how the ceremony would go. As Sandra walked toward the altar, Devon’s heart lurched. She was so beautiful. Time had only enhanced her beauty. The way her eyes crinkled when she smiled, the slope of her neck, the way her chin jutted out when she was determined. He knew her, every inch of her, and his arms ached to reach out and hold her.
When she reached him, she held out her hand, and he took it. He enjoyed the way her dress hugged the curves of her body as she approached. The aroma of her shampoo floated over him as the wind blew her hair. Her hand was soft and delicate inside his. The sun bounced off her rosy cheeks as she stared up at him, igniting every molecule inside of him, awakened with the memory of the feel of her wrapped in his arms. She took his breath away.
How did I ever walk away from this woman?
Wreath went on with her directions then turned toward them. “Then the preacher will read the vows and ask, ‘Do you?’ ”
“I do.” The words were on his lips before he meant them to be.
Wreath moved on, without a beat. “Then he’ll ask the bride the same question,” she said, turning to Sandra.
Sandra stared up into his eyes and smiled before saying, “I do.”
He realized his heart had stopped beating until she said those words. They meant nothing in the context of his sister’s moment, but had she meant them for him? Or was she just repeating lines? He kept his eyes locked on hers, and she jutted her chin, determined not to be the first to look away. He could just as easily have swept her into his arms and kissed her.
His skin was on fire. Every hair was on end with excitement, and his muscles twitched as if he would jump right out of his skin. He’d felt like this on the first day he’d married her— that overwhelming urge to lift her into his arms and spin with glee, shouting the triumphs of something so immeasurable that his body couldn’t contain it.
When he imagined his future, he imagined it with her. When he imagined holding someone’s hand, it was always hers, kissing someone’s lips, hers. The connection they shared was something bigger than he’d ever realized. His body ached for hers. His soul longed for her.
He wanted his wife back.
Chapter 10
Devon’s hand grew heavy and tight on hers, matching the longing stare in his blue eyes. She sighed. She could easily get lost in those eyes. He stepped closer, shortening the distance between them as Wreath neared the part about kissing the bride. Her heart raced with excitement. How long had it been since she’d seen such passion in him?
Years since she’d stirred any such feeling from him.
It was strange how God kept throwing them together this weekend. Was it His will that they reunite?
It didn’t seem so unrealistic anymore.
His fingers entwined with hers. She only vaguely heard what Wreath was saying over the pounding of her own heart. She’d happily given him her hand when she’d arrived at the altar. And the spark she’d seen ignite inside of him matched her own. This was her husband, her soul mate, the man God had given her to love. And she wanted another chance to prove to him that she understood now, that she wanted to fight for him, that she was willing to make him a priority in her life.
Wreath thanked everyone, and the rehearsal ended. The others began walkin
g away. It was over. Nothing had happened between her and Devon, yet everything had changed between them. With one touch a thousand memories came to life.
He tightened his hand on hers, reaffirming in her that the feeling hadn’t been one-sided. He’d felt it, too. She moved closer and touched his arm. His muscles were tense and tight beneath his jacket.
“Were you serious?” she whispered the question. “Were you serious about us?”
He squeezed her hand tightly, reassuringly, and leaned close. “Absolutely.”
“Then okay.”
She watched a big smile spread across his face.
“Have you told anyone?” Sandra asked, helping Devon tie his tie.
“No. I was waiting for your lead.”
“This is Kim’s day. I don’t want to take away her spotlight.”
He covered her hand in his. “This is a good thing, Sandra. I know everyone will be thrilled for us.” His brow creased. “You’re not having second thoughts about us, are you?”
“No.” She smoothed his tie. “I suppose I’m just uneasy about having everyone know. They’ll all be watching us, waiting to see if we can make it work this time.”
“Hey, this is a good thing. They’ll be happy for us.”
“I know. Still, I don’t think we should tell anyone until after the wedding. I don’t want to upstage the bride and groom.”
He held her hand then pulled her into his arms and kissed her, gently at first. Then he deepened it, pulling her close. “Fine, but come tomorrow morning, I’m shouting it to the world. I love you, Sandra, and I want the world to know it.”
He kissed her again then smiled sheepishly when she pulled away from him. “I’d better go and check on the bride and the bridesmaids. Make sure they have everything they need.”
“Okay. I’ll see you at the altar.”
She smiled then nodded. “I’ll see you at the altar.”
Sandra stopped to catch her breath as she closed the door behind her. Would everyone notice the flush of love on her face? How could they not? She couldn’t quit smiling, and she was certain she was much too happy to attribute it to Kim’s wedding day. Someone was sure to notice.
“How is everything?” she asked, entering the bridal suite. Cara and the other two bridesmaids looked cute as buttons in their flamingo-pink dresses and heels.
Cara reached out to her mother for help clasping a string of pearls around her neck. “Mom, I need your help.”
When Kim entered, Sandra cheered along with the others. She looked beautiful, and the glow of radiance on her face only intensified her beauty.
A knock sounded, and then Wreath peeked around the door. “The carriage is downstairs and the groomsmen have already left the house. Are we ready in here?”
Kim took a deep breath then blew it out as she looked at her wedding party. “I’m ready.” She picked up her bouquet and followed as everyone else walked out the door.
Sandra watched while Kim and her bridesmaids got into the horse-drawn carriage. She waved as it pulled away with the wedding party inside. Then she walked back to the front lawn with Wreath.
“Everything looks so beautiful,” she said. “You’ve done a lovely job, Wreath.”
“Thank you.”
Lynn waved her over to sit beside her. Minutes later Devon took the next chair. He slid his hand into hers, and she clasped it, smiling at the secret encounter between them.
The carriage stopped at the edge of the lawn. Sandra watched as they disembarked and walked toward the crowd. The guests all stood as music began to play. At the end of the aisle, Jacob took Cara’s arm and escorted her down the aisle, followed by two more groomsmen and bridesmaids. Sandra glowed at how lovely her children looked. She was so proud of the young adults they were becoming. She glanced at Devon and saw the same look of pride on his face.
Kim was radiant as she walked down the aisle to meet her groom at the altar. Sandra watched her glow with happiness and felt it with her. Who would have dreamed someone else’s wedding day could bring her such joy? But when she looked into the faces of Kim and Mike and saw the love shining from them, she knew it was a lasting kind of love. They shared not only a love for each other, but a love for the Lord as well.
She listened as the preacher spoke about love and devotion and commitment. Devon had promised such things to her last night.
When the happy couple kissed and the preacher announced the newly married Kim and Mike, Sandra cheered. All the same happy faces would surround her and Devon, too, when news of their reconciliation was known. She thanked God for each and every one of them, for those who’d had a hand in bringing her and Devon back together.
Thank You, Lord, for Cara’s car trouble. Otherwise she never would have come to Brandon Hall, such a romantic setting for her and Devon to rediscover their love.
She stopped as a realization hit her. She was nestled in the bosom of her former family, holding Devon’s hand, and no one seemed surprised. She scanned the crowd. Surely they were all concentrating on the bride and groom, but she caught Cara’s stare then noticed the way she nudged Jacob and the slow, smug grin that spread across his face.
Suddenly the pieces began to fall into place. She’d only come because of Cara’s car trouble. She’d only stayed at Lynn’s encouragement. Kim had softened her up with photographs and encouraging words, while Cara and Jacob arranged for her and Devon to be thrown together. And Devon—
She looked up at his handsome face. He’d swooped in and swept her right off her feet.
And just as they’d planned, she’d fallen right into his arms.
Chapter 11
How foolish she must seem to everyone. How easily she’d been so swayed by Devon’s good looks and words of woo.
The crowd began to move toward the reception area at the back of the house, but Sandra didn’t join them.
Devon turned to her and put his hand on her back. He stared at her. “Are you okay?”
She looked into his eyes, and all she saw was betrayal. He’d betrayed her again.
“I have to leave.” She headed the opposite way, toward her car. Thankfully, her keys were in the pocket of her coat…the coat Cara had insisted she had to have! Another piece of the deception.
Devon followed her. “Sandra, what happened? What’s going on? Where are you going?”
“Home.”
“What happened?”
She stopped at her car and turned to him, willing her gaze to convey the anger bubbling inside of her. “You lied to me. You manipulated me. All this—you planned all this, didn’t you?”
“I didn’t plan anything.”
“Really? So it was just a coincidence that Cara’s car wouldn’t start and I would have to drive her and then your mother and sister told me you were working and then you showed up an hour later? And I guess it wasn’t part of your plan for my own kids to leave me stranded in downtown Natchez with you? I can’t believe how gullible I’ve been this entire week. I thought God was drawing us together. Turns out it was just my own family manipulating me.”
“Sandra, wait. Now, I’ll admit there has been some plotting going on this weekend to push us back together, but that wasn’t my doing.”
She spun on him with a ferocity she hadn’t felt since the last days of their marriage. “I can’t believe I’m such a fool. I see it now. All the coy smiles and heartfelt talks. Your entire family was playing me for a first-class idiot.”
“No, that isn’t what this was about.”
“And I can’t believe I fell for you hook, line, and sinker. You must think I’m so easy. All you had to do was flash your smile and turn on the old charm and Sandra would come running back into your arms. Well, it worked. I hope you’re happy, Devon, because you won.”
“This isn’t a competition.”
“Are you going to stand there and tell me you didn’t know what they were doing? What they were planning? That this entire weekend was nothing but one big trap to push us back together?”
&nb
sp; “I didn’t know, Sandra. I mean, I did know. I figured it out. Our kids are not that subtle.”
“You should have told me what was going on.”
“I know I should have, but I was afraid if you knew that you would leave, and I meant what I said last night, Sandra. I want to be with you. I love you. I’ve known for months that leaving you was a monumental mistake. I didn’t want to risk losing you again.”
“So you lied to me.”
“I didn’t lie. I played along.”
“You let me fall into their trap.”
“I fell with you.”
“I feel like such a fool. I can never face them again. I can never face any of them again.” She walked toward her car. “I have to leave.”
“No, wait! Don’t run away from this, from us. Yes, maybe our family set a trap for us, but they did it because they want to see us back together. They know how much we belong together, Sandra. Don’t let your foolish pride tear us apart again.”
“My pride? I’m not the one who walked out on our marriage.”
“You’re the one who pushed me out. You had nothing for me, Sandra. You gave everything you had to those kids.”
“So I’m being accused of being a good mother? That’s my crime?”
“You are a great mother, Sandra, but you were a lousy wife. I did everything I could to reach you, but you shut down on me a long time ago. Over the past years, you’ve gotten more and more controlling, and everything is your way or nothing.”
“The kids needed me.”
“I needed you! I wanted a wife, not just a mother for my children. I wanted you, Sandra. I have since the moment I met you. But you can’t imagine what it’s like to feel like a stranger in your own home. You lavished your love on Jacob and Cara, but you had nothing left for me. I know I wasn’t the man I should have been. I should have spoken up, I should have told you how I felt, I should have been more of a leader in my house, and for that I’m so sorry. I can’t change what I did, but I want to fix it.”
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