Much too soon, the ceremony was over. Beaming, Dalton and Lindsey walked back down the aisle as husband and wife. The others on the stage followed them out, with Nate and Jenna stopping briefly to take Zach with them. Chance and Nate came back and escorted out the newlyweds’ parents. Then they were back, releasing the rows one at a time.
Megan slipped her hand around Will’s arm as they stepped into the aisle, earning a smile. Good thing he didn’t realize she was hanging onto him because her legs were so shaky. She had to avoid any kind of scene, couldn’t do anything that would ruin Lindsey’s wedding.
They stopped in the foyer to visit with some friends Will hadn’t seen in a while. By the time they reached the fellowship hall, the room was crowded. Dalton and Lindsey had chosen not to have an official receiving line but planned to go from table to table to greet folks during the reception.
Zach spotted Will and Megan and came racing over to meet them, dodging another couple on the way. He’d already shed his coat and tie. Will scooped him up and gave him a hug. “Good job in the wedding, buddy.”
Zach rested his arm on Will’s shoulder. “Thank you.”
Megan smiled at him. Jenna and Nate had been teaching him manners, and he was doing well. “It was good of you to go back for Elizabeth.”
The little boy nodded. “I had to help her ’cause she got scared. Mommy said that might happen, so I was ’pared.”
“Did it bother you to have all those people looking at you?” asked Will, nodding to his sister across the room.
“Nope. I was up there at Christmas.”
Will looked at Megan. “He was in the Christmas play.”
“I was a sheep boy.”
“Shepherd,” Will corrected.
“Yeah. Shepherd.” Zach wiggled, wanting down, but his uncle held onto him. “I want a snack.”
“We’ll have some supper in a few minutes.” Will turned to the buffet tables where some of the church ladies were setting out the food. “Can you wait that long?”
Frowning, the little boy shook his head. “Hungry.”
“Let’s go see if your mom has something stashed away for you.”
Megan led the way, weaving awkwardly through a maze of tables and chairs. Will’s siblings had picked a table where Nate could put his back against the wall and have a good view of the room. She had noticed that habit before, and Will had explained that it was something left over from the war. Nate was doing pretty well dealing with the PTSD now, but Will warned her not to approach him from behind without calling out a greeting several yards away. More than one guy had been decked after they came up behind him and startled him.
When they joined the others, she smiled at Jenna. “You have a hungry boy.”
“I expected that. I hurried in here with him so he could run around a little before it got crowded. He’d stood, then sat, for as long as he could.” Jenna took a slice of Colby cheese from her purse as Will set Zach down in the chair beside her. “Will this hold you over?”
“Uh-huh.”
“You need to stay in the chair to eat it.” Jenna peeled the plastic off the cheese and handed it to him. “Take your time and chew it good.”
“Okay.”
Megan watched Jenna and her son, hoping that she would do as well with Sweet Baby. She desperately wanted to be a good mother, but she’d never been around one until she met the Callahans. Though Mrs. Hoffmann had been sweet and kind to Megan, she’d never had children. If reading books about child rearing helped, then she should be an expert. The few she’d had before the tornado were long gone, but she’d bought more at the bookstore in Abilene and had devoured them.
Still, she expected nothing compared to experience, unless it was being around someone like Sue or Jenna. Dr. Cindy was right. The Callahans—all of them—were a good support group. She’d learned so much about how a real family worked by simply watching them.
They weren’t anything like her totally dysfunctional family, but neither were they perfect. They got tired and grumpy and even argued now and then, particularly Dub and Will. But at the end of the day, or sometimes after a few days, they resolved their differences or silently agreed to disagree. She hoped Will’s test pastures were a success and proved to Dub that he knew what he was talking about.
She wished she could be there when those new grasses grew tall and green next year, but by then, more than likely she’d be on her way . . . to somewhere. Lord, give me enough time with them to learn to care for my baby, to learn how to raise her in a way that pleases you. She skimmed the crowd but didn’t see Mike Craig. I know I’m selfish and probably in the wrong, but please, God, don’t let him give me away. There was so much he could let slip about her relatives without even meaning to cause a problem.
Pastor Brad offered the blessing, then directed folks to eat whenever they were ready. There were two buffets on opposite sides of the room, set up so people could go along both sides of the tables. The lines moved smoothly, enabling Megan and Will to return to their seats faster than she’d expected.
They dined on prime rib, roasted potatoes, petite green beans, and fresh melon. Megan enjoyed the food, though her worry over Mike distracted her from talk around the table. The room was so noisy from laughter and conversations that she doubted anyone noticed.
After they were finished eating, Will carried their plates to the plastic tubs by the kitchen and picked up two more glasses of punch on his way back. He settled in beside her with a smile. “You doin’ all right?”
“Stuffed.” She took a drink of the punch and sighed in semi-contentment. Life would be wonderful right then if the ghost from her past wasn’t lurking somewhere in the room. Still, if everything blew up in her face in the next few minutes, she had much to be thankful for. The past month with these dear people had been a blessing, and one of the best in her life.
God had given her many gifts since that day on the highway. Her’s and Sweet Baby’s lives for starters. Forgiveness and salvation. Security and provision for the time being. People who cared for her. She glanced at Will. Perhaps a man who could take her and her child into his heart forever.
But would he love her if he knew the whole truth about her family? She didn’t think she’d out-and-out lied to them, though she might have. She’d dodged being totally honest so many times. Was that the same thing?
She decided that if Mike approached her, she wouldn’t hightail it to the ladies’ room and stay there until everybody left like she wanted to. Nor would she lie about who she was. She’d just try not to go into too much detail and pray he did the same.
Dalton and Lindsey finished chatting with folks at the next table and moved to theirs.
“You want to sit down and rest a minute?” asked Will, getting up and offering Lindsey his chair.
“Thanks.” She eased down on the seat, being careful not to rumple her dress too much. “Is that glass clean?”
“Yes.” Emily handed it to Dalton, who poured his bride some water from the pitcher on the table.
Lindsey downed the whole glassful. “That’s better. I’ve talked more in the past hour than I do all day at the bank.”
“Have you figured out where he’s taking you on your honeymoon?” asked Jenna, who was sitting to Megan’s right.
Lindsey leaned toward her. “Lake Travis. Dalton has a friend who has a beautiful vacation house on the lake. It will be wonderful, a whole week to relax and recover from all this in peace and quiet.” Smiling, she pushed away from the table. “Mama is giving me the high sign.”
Dalton winked at Megan and held out his arm to Lindsey. “Come on, Miz Renfro, showtime.”
“Don’t you dare smash cake in my face.” She hooked her arm through his.
“Me? You’re the one who’s been threatening to stuff it up my nose.”
“Dalton Renfro, you know I wouldn’t do that. Though I might smear it around a little.” Laughing together, so obviously in love and happy, they strolled to the end of the room.
Dalt
on’s brother waited for them, microphone in hand. “I’d like to offer a toast to the bride and groom. Lindsey and Dalton, may you always be as happy as you are today. May your love grow stronger with each passing year. And may God bless you with much joy and a long life together.”
Before people lifted their glasses to take a sip of punch or water, Megan heard many of them softly murmur “amen.” What a difference between this wedding, where God was the center of their union, and the other two she had attended, where he was not.
Instead of going right for the knife to cut the cake, Dalton took the microphone from his brother.
“Lindsey and I want to thank each one of you for coming today and for sharing our joy. We’re blessed to have so many friends.” He grinned at the four tables filled with his family and the ten containing Lindsey’s. “And family.” He paused a moment as laughter skittered across the room.
“We also want to thank everyone who helped us put on this shindig. Pastor Brad for his wise counsel beforehand and uplifting words during the ceremony. My buds who dressed up in monkey suits to hang out up front with me. And thanks, Zach, for rescuing Elizabeth when she got a little overwhelmed.” He gave the little boy a thumbs-up, and Zach gave him one back, making folks laugh again.
“Of course, I mustn’t forget the lovely ladies who stood up with my beautiful bride. Also the ladies who decorated and kept the buffet tables, coffeepot, and punch bowl full. I’d also like for you to give a hand to the folks from Mary Lou’s Catering out of Abilene for the delicious meal.”
During the applause, he passed the microphone to Lindsey, who thanked the organist and the young woman who sang a solo. “I’m sure I’ll think of others later . . . oh yes, I can’t forget Buds and Blooms for all the beautiful flowers.” Lindsey smiled at the florist. “I’m sure y’all wish we’d get on with it so you can have some of the cake, but I have a little story to share with you about this wonderful creation. Isn’t it beautiful?”
The applause touched Megan’s heart. Most people weren’t merely clapping to be polite. Judging by their expressions, they truly appreciated how pretty the wedding cake was.
“Two weeks ago, the bakery that was supposed to make our cakes had a fire and couldn’t do them. I called all over the area and couldn’t find anyone who would. In case you haven’t noticed, there are a lot of weddings in June. Then I thought about my friend Megan. She’s new to the area, but she’s made some wonderful desserts for functions at the museum, including a cake that was a perfect replica of a patchwork sampler quilt.” Several of the locals nodded and sent glances her way. “She saved the day, making both our cakes on terribly short notice. Megan, would you please stand up and take a bow?”
Heat flooded her face. She really didn’t want to stand up in front of all these people. Being the center of attention made her uncomfortable at any time. Knowing Mike would be able to pinpoint where she was sitting filled her with dread. But it would be impolite if she refused.
When she started to get up, Will slid her chair back slightly to make it easier. Popping up and back down quickly would have been her preference, but that wasn’t possible these days. Still, she stood only for a few seconds, long enough to acknowledge Lindsey’s kindness and to raise a few eyebrows when people noticed how pregnant she was.
She sat down, and Will put his arm around her, giving her a hug right there in front of everyone. Her face grew even hotter, but when he left his arm around her shoulders, she didn’t pull away.
Amid cameras flashing, Dalton and Lindsey held the knife together and cut the first piece, two chocolate layers with strawberry mousse filling. They fed each other a bite and managed to get most of it inside their mouths instead of on their faces. Then their aunts took over to serve everyone else, two at the wedding cake and one at the groom’s cake.
Will and Nate pushed back from the table at the same time. Grinning, Chance was right behind them. “Shall we bring you some cake, ladies?”
“By all means,” said Jenna. Emily nodded.
“I want cake too.” Zach started to get down from his chair, but Nate stopped him.
“I’ll bring you a piece, buddy. You’d better stay here. It looks like we’re going to have a stampede, and you might get squished.”
“A big one.” Zach held his hands wide apart.
Nate laughed and ruffled his hair. “That would be half a layer. Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty.”
Will rested his hand on Megan’s shoulder and leaned down. “You want a piece, don’t you?”
“Yes. Guess I’d better see how it tastes.” She was nervous, but there was no reason to be. She’d made the cakes and fillings before. They would be fine. She hoped. She didn’t think she’d left anything out. “If they’re cutting the second layer from the bottom—white with pineapple mousse—I’d like to try that. Otherwise, whatever is available is fine.”
Less than ten minutes later, Will set their dessert plates on the table.
Before he pulled out his chair, Mike Craig walked up.
20
Stay calm. Act like it’s no big deal. Not easy to do when Megan’s heart pounded like a jackhammer. Had he purposely waited until Will returned? Was that good? Or bad? The two men shook hands and introduced themselves.
“Dalton mentioned you were dating Kim,” said Will.
“We’ve gone out a few times, though I don’t get up this way as often as we’d both like.” Mike stepped aside so a woman could walk between the tables. “This sounds a little weird, but I came over here mainly to meet the pretty lady who made the cake.”
“You planning on needin’ one soon?” Will asked dryly.
Mike laughed and looked down at Megan as she glanced up at them. “No.” He nodded politely to her. “Excuse me, ma’am. I know Lindsey said your name was Megan, but I can’t get over how much you look like someone I used to know. Did you ever live in San Angelo?”
Will’s eyebrows shot up.
“Yes, I did. Hi, Mike. I thought I recognized you earlier, but I wasn’t sure.” Liar. She swallowed hard and managed a semblance of a smile.
His face broke into a wide grin. “I knew it. You’re prettier than ever.” He focused on Will. “May I join y’all for a few minutes?”
“Fine with me, as long as Megan doesn’t mind.” His eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at her.
“You’ll need to scrounge up another chair.” Please, Will, stay close.
He quickly put that particular worry to rest. He was already pulling over an empty chair from the table next to them and aiming it at a spot between Jenna and her. Jenna scooted over to make room, and relief washed through her. He wasn’t about to let another guy boot him out of his place beside her.
Mike thanked Jenna and Will, and greeted everyone else at the table. Chance and Nate leaned over to shake his hand and introduce themselves and their wives. Then he turned his full attention to her. “What happened to you? All I heard was that you’d taken off.”
Will sat down and casually put his arm around her shoulders. She shifted slightly, leaning against his side. His closeness gave her strength, and the big hand gently cupping her shoulder calmed her. The slight flare in Mike’s eyes told her that he didn’t miss Will’s possessive move, and her response to it.
“My mother was driving me crazy, so I struck out on my own. Went to Austin. I’ve been there ever since. Well, until about a month ago.”
“I could tell your home life was rough.” He frowned and shook his head. “I wanted to help you, but I couldn’t see any way to do it.” He glanced at Will, his lips twisting with regret. “I was twenty-two and she was fifteen.”
She figured Will was thinking “jail bait.”
Mike looked back at her. “If you’d been older, I would have asked you out.”
“If I’d been older, I wouldn’t have been there.”
He nodded and smiled ruefully. “When I saw you in the sanctuary, I asked Kim about you. She told me about the tornado. Going through that must have
been awful. Kim said you’re living with the Callahans.”
“I stayed with them a few days, but now I have a house of my own at the ranch. I’m working for them.” She expected Kim also told him that she wasn’t married.
“Good. I’m glad to hear you’re doing okay.” He paused, his expression thoughtful. “Have you talked to any of your family lately?”
“No. I haven’t had any contact with them since I left eight years ago, and I don’t want any now.”
“I understand.”
“I’ve heard a few things through the grapevine.” She kept up with them through various online sites. Public records—weddings, divorces, obituaries, arrests, and court records—told her all she wanted to know.
“I ran into Josh about a month ago at a convenience store.” He watched her closely.
“He’s back in San Angelo?” That should tell him she knew her cousin had been in prison.
“Yes. He’s been back almost a year. He’s helping his dad, though I don’t know what they’re doing. To be honest I was only half listening. I was late for an appointment and stopped to grab a sandwich. The cashier was talking to me at the same time, so I didn’t catch everything Josh said. I don’t know if they’re working for someone else or if they’re in business for themselves. There was something about covering his dad’s territory and being on the road a lot.”
They’re rustling cattle! Megan’s heart began to pound all over again, and her throat went dry. Her grandfather and Uncle Riley had stolen cattle off and on for a few years. They’d gotten caught and gone to jail when she was in elementary school.
She needed to change the subject pronto. “I talked to Kim earlier. She was bragging on you.”
“Tallying up my assets is more like it.” When he smiled, Megan caught a glimpse of the mischievous guy she’d once had a crush on. “I took over Dad’s oil business a few years back when he decided to retire. We’re busier than a boomtown saloon. Lindsey gave me fair warning about Kim, but I like her anyway. I just don’t put up with her nonsense.
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