Someplace Familiar (Laurel Cove Romance Book 1)

by Teresa Tysinger

  When the sun, hanging high above their heads, warmed the pavement and rocks, they retreated to the shade of some trees for a picnic lunch. Patches of purple and red wildflowers danced in the wind. Everything was so lovely. After eating, they lay on the quilt they’d packed and watched the clouds pass through the bright blue sky, fingers intertwined. After a while, Jack looked at his watch and suggested they pack up and head down the road a little farther.

  “There’s a spot you’ve got to see before we head back,” he said. “It’s just above the tree line, where the air is thin enough that only a few plants grow there. It’s really different from all of this. Worth seeing for sure.”

  “That sounds really neat. How much farther?” Livy had heard of the different environment past the tree line, but had never seen it for herself. It was definitely something to check off her list.

  “Just about ten minutes, I think.”

  A few miles down the road, Jack maneuvered the truck up a steep incline. All of a sudden, the tall pine trees thinned out. Some only had needles on the very top points of their trunks. Other shorter plants had thicker, heartier leaves that reminded her of the desert. Jack was right. It was very different, but breathtaking in its own right.

  Jack parked in a small lot for an overlook where only a few other cars were parked. Livy didn’t see any other sightseers, so they were probably the cars of hikers who’d gone into the woods on the other side of the road. The view was magnificent. They stood there for a moment, breathing in the thin air, taking in the 180-degree view of the Blue Ridge.

  “Let’s go on an adventure.” Jack took Livy’s hand.

  The phrase he used made her shiver and turn to look up at him. She’d asked him to take her on an adventure back when they decided to begin their relationship. It was what she’d ask him to do as children. She smiled and followed him across the road to a trailhead. They walked into the woods a short distance before coming upon a clearing framed by an impressive view of a larger mountain ridge to the north.

  Then Livy saw it—an artist’s easel in the middle of the clearing. The beautiful old easel they’d seen in the antique store the first week she was in town. It held what appeared to be a canvas covered with a white cloth.

  What was going on? She didn’t see any other hikers. She looked up at Jack with questioning eyes. He smiled and led her to the easel. So, he was the one who’d bought it—and she’d been so disappointed to see it gone.

  “Jack…” Livy placed a hand over her heart, fingers shaking.

  “Livy, darling.” He paused and took a few deep breaths. She grabbed both of his hands, encouraging him. He smiled gratefully. “I’ve brought you here for more than just admiring the scenery. Way up here, above the tree line, only the strongest plants survive. They can’t rely on the water that runs down the mountain after a rain or snowfall. They can’t hide under the protection of bigger, stronger trees. Instead, they rely on their deep, strong roots, trusting that their Creator has made them to not only survive, but to thrive in the conditions in which He’s placed them.”

  Livy wiped at a tear escaping down her cheek, then reclaimed his hand. It shook, too, as she squeezed it.

  “I believe God has placed us together to thrive. In our own ways, we’ve tried hiding under circumstances that were maybe holding us back. But with you, up where the air is thin and the view is so spectacular, I am not just surviving, I am thriving.”

  Jack removed the cover from the canvas and knelt on one knee. From his back pocket came a black velvet box. He opened it, presenting a diamond ring more breathtaking than the scenery. Livy’s heart soared as she read the words painted on the canvas: “Be my adventure. Marry me?”

  Livy let out a laugh mixed with happy tears. “Yes, Jack. Yes!” She lowered to her own knees, throwing her arms around his neck—the man she would soon call her husband.

  He pulled back, taking her face in his hands. She watched his eyes brim with tears and mouth quiver. “You’ve made me the happiest man. I love you, Olivia.” They then shared a long kiss—one whose passion matched the grandeur of the Blue Ridge itself.

  Livy stared at the gorgeous ring sparkling on her finger as they sat in the grass savoring the moment. “So, how did you do this?” The thought and detail that went into this perfect proposal could not have been easy.

  “When we were at your mom’s, I spoke to her about my plans, asking her permission. She was so wonderful and asked me if I’d like to have Gram’s ring. It was unexpected, but so perfect.”

  A gasp escaped Livy. She peered down at the ring he’d placed on her finger. In the excitement of the moment, she hadn’t even noticed that the gorgeous, antique, round-cut diamond ring was the very same one she used to admire on Gram’s wrinkled hand.

  “Oh, Jack.” It meant so much that he had included her mom in this moment by talking to her about his intentions first.

  Once they had made their way back to the truck and were headed down the mountain, Jack explained how everything had come together. “I went back and bought the easel soon after we saw it that day I took you to breakfast at The Blue Bird, thinking I’d save it for your birthday or Christmas or something. But it came in handy a little sooner.” He smiled, looking proud of himself. “I’m no artist, but at least it got the message delivered. Jen and Owen came up here a bit ago and set it up. We probably missed them by just a few minutes.” He looked positively giddy, smiling bigger than she could ever remember seeing him smile.

  “I love you so much.” Livy thought she might burst.

  “I love you, too,” he said. “You deserve the best, so that’s what I tried for.”

  Livy’s thoughts wandered back to Claire’s note, telling her that the woman who healed Jack’s heart deserved to marry him. Thank you, God, for making this moment possible. The good, the bad, and the many moments of grace. She also included Claire in her prayers, asking for God to heal her in ways that only He could.

  When they arrived back at Jack’s house about an hour later, all of their friends were waiting to celebrate their engagement. The sound of music and aroma of the grill greeted them. When Livy and Jack walked out to the porch, the women screamed with excitement, and everyone rushed over to hug and shake hands. Owen blessed the couple with a celebratory prayer before dinner began a while later. The moment was sweet since Livy knew without even talking to Jack that Owen would be the one to perform their ceremony.

  Later in the evening, after everyone had left, Livy sat on the porch looking out at the land. She and Jack had survived these crazy few months to see God’s faithfulness prevail. A faithfulness mightier than all the obstacles they’d encountered. This was a story Livy would have never dreamed for herself back in New York City, but one she ultimately came looking for and found. The sliding glass door from the house opened, and Jack walked toward her with a steaming coffee cup. He’d been her happy memory, her someplace familiar. Now, he’d be her future, forever.

  Epilogue

  T ake a deep breath.” Owen’s hand rested on Jack’s shoulder to still his swaying as they stood at the front of the sanctuary. Lord, help me be the husband she needs. His heart thundered in his chest. Jack focused on the impressive orange, yellow, and red hues of fall foliage through the tall windows of the church on this Saturday afternoon in mid-October. Just what Livy had envisioned for their wedding day.

  Jack drew in a long breath. He smiled and relaxed as he looked across the congregation of Laurel Cove Fellowship Church and focused on the faces of friends and family who loved him—who had grown to love Livy, too. Lane and Hank fidgeted with their new baby boy. From seats near the middle of the aisle, Meredith gave him a smile and a wink as Greg offered a thumbs-up. Sweet old Mr. Wilson sat in the back row, leaning on his cane with both hands.

  Jack found Katherine’s eyes, brimming with pride and love for them both. With both of his parents gone, he had asked Aunt Bea to let him walk her down the aisle, arm in arm, and sit at the front to represent his family. She had cried then and
was already crying now, wiping happy tears from her eyes with a handkerchief that Livy had given her with Love J & L embroidered into the corner.

  Standing next to Jack at the front of the church was Jasper, his best man. He had been an invaluable friend and supporter in the very best and worst of times.

  As the organ music began to play, Jack’s mind flashed with highlights of the last seven months. He had known, in some small way, the moment they’d bumped into each other outside Room 12 that Livy was the one for him. It hasn’t always been easy, Lord, but it sure has been worth it.

  “This is it, buddy,” Owen whispered in Jack’s ear as the organist began the wedding march. A peaceful calm washed over him as the doors at the back of the church opened. Jen stepped down the aisle in a simple, elegant copper-colored dress. She beamed a bright smile at Jack when their eyes met. Next came Beth as the flower girl and Noah as the ring bearer, both so grown-up in their formal outfits.

  Finally, the bridal march began, and the congregation rose, turning to face the back of the church. Jack’s eyes fixed on the entrance, waiting for the first glimpse of his bride. He could not wait another moment to make her his wife. Livy stepped out, looking down at her feet. The white dress was stunning, and his emotions brimmed. Show me those eyes. She slowly looked up right at him. His breath caught and tears threatened to fall. Her sparkling green eyes never left his the entire time she walked toward him. Nobody else existed in the full church.

  Their hands came together as she stood in front of him at the altar.

  “You are beautiful.” Jack’s voice was a whisper, only for her. She answered with a tearful smile.

  “We’re here today to witness just one step—albeit an important one—of the adventure these two are on together. An adventure can be scary, requiring of us the best we possess. The strongest, most patient, most enduring, and most challenging parts. Sounds a lot like marriage to me.” Owen paused as the congregation nodded and laughed.

  Jack smiled at Livy, then at his friend for weaving in the language so important to their relationship.

  When the time came to exchange vows, Jack held Livy’s hands, rubbing his thumbs across her soft skin, and swallowed hard. “Olivia, if someone had told me almost eight months ago that before the end of the year, I’d be marrying the woman of my dreams, I would have laughed. I would have also been a fool for not believing in God’s amazing love for me. In you, He’s given me a gift.” Jack’s voice broke. “You are my precious gift. I promise to treasure you, to love you for the many ways you bless me every day, and to encourage you when you forget how marvelous you are. I promise to always see life with you as an adventure, keeping things exciting as well as keeping you safe. I love you.”

  Jack wiped a tear from Livy’s cheek.

  I love you, she mouthed. “Jack, darling.” The corners of Livy’s lips trembled. Jack squeezed her hands and smiled. “My entire life changed the day I decided to move here. I see now that God was setting my feet on a path—a path to you. And there’s no place I’d rather be. I promise that I will love you fiercely for the caring, tender, thoughtful man you are. I will remind you when you forget the ways you are so wonderful and encourage you when you need a helping hand. I love you.”

  Jack’s heart swelled listening to the words of his bride.

  After exchanging rings, Owen prayed over the couple then turned to the congregation. “I am now overjoyed to introduce you all to Mr. and Mrs. Jack Bowdon.”

  Before Owen could say, “You may kiss your bride,” Jack reached for Livy’s face with both hands, unable to contain his excitement and enthusiasm that this woman was his wife. Just like when Livy walked down the aisle to meet him, it was as if everyone and everything faded away in that moment. Jack felt Livy melt into his embrace as he whispered in her ear, “I love you, Mrs. Bowdon.”

  “I love you, too, sweetheart. So very much.” Livy threw her arms around his neck and kissed him again to the applause of the full church.

  ***

  The inn was simply stunning decorated for the reception, just how Livy envisioned. Hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and cake adorned tables draped in white linens under trees lit with strands of twinkling lights. The early evening sky gave a cozy glow to the celebration. The band that had played at The Garage the first night Livy and Jack danced together now played acoustic sets of their folksy tunes.

  “I can’t wait to take you home.” Jack whispered the flirty line into her ear during their first dance.

  “So you’ve said.” Livy blushed like she had every other time he’d said as much. “It’s been a perfect day, hasn’t it?”

  “It sure has.” Jack dipped her then, and she let out a loud squeal that earned a laugh from the crowd.

  “Hey, you two. Time to cut the cake.” Meredith beckoned to them from a table near the dance floor with the ivory three-tiered cake that Greg had insisted on gifting them.

  Livy savored the playfulness in Jack’s wide eyes as he held out a piece of cake for her to taste. “Don’t even think about it.” She pointed a finger as onlookers encouraged him to shove it in her face.

  “Don’t you dare waste that cake!” Greg’s voice bellowed from somewhere deep in the crowd, sending a song of laughter into the breezy evening sky.

  “I wouldn’t dream of it.” Jack gingerly placed the sweet, soft cake in Livy’s mouth then grazed her lips with his.

  She returned the favor with a forkful of cake and a sweet kiss of her own.

  The evening wound down with pats on the back, hugs, and the clinking of a few glasses full of the night’s last champagne. With her husband’s help, Livy settled into the truck and waved to the remaining guests. “Let’s go home, Jack.”

  “You got it.” Jack drove out of town with a few toots of the horn to his house—now their house—to spend their first night together as husband and wife.

  Livy kicked her shoes off inside the truck and propped her legs on Jack’s lap, leaning against the passenger door so she could look at her husband while they drove. He reached down and rubbed her feet, then an ankle, then a calf, then leaned further up her dress to reach for her knee.

  “You’re teasing me, Mr. Bowdon.” Livy giggled and squirmed a little.

  “Call me Mr. Bowdon again and see what happens.” He flashed her a frisky smile, but his tone was deep and serious. Even after seven months together, she was still taken by his ability to be both sweet and incredibly sexy all at the same time.

  “Mr. Bowdon.” Her whisper was slow and deliberate.

  They had just turned onto the long driveway. Jack pulled the truck to a slow stop on the shoulder of the road, parked, and climbed toward Livy before she could realize what was happening. The weight of his body pressed her against the door. He held the back of her neck with one hand and kissed her with the passion of a man who couldn’t wait any longer to be with the woman he loved. Her body arched toward him, meeting his passion with her own. Then he pulled away, just an inch from her face, and smiled. “That’ll teach you to tease me.” He sat up, put the truck back in drive, and headed up the driveway, leaving Livy out of breath and speechless. Being husband and wife wasn’t going to disappoint, of that she was more than certain.

  ***

  “I’m off. See you in a few hours.” Livy’s lips were warm against his face as she leaned over the back of the couch where Jack watching a football game. She was off to teach a painting class at the cottage, which Jack had helped her convert to Art at Audria’s, a studio space named after Livy’s grandma. Since they were living at Jack’s place—now their home—it was the perfect solution to requests for lessons Livy had received in the past several weeks. In every other way, too, life had just fallen into place with her, and Jack had never been happier.

  After the game ended, Jack turned to putting away the laundry Livy folded that morning. As he reached into Livy’s top drawer with some socks, he noticed what appeared to be a stack of envelopes sticking out from underneath a folded scarf. His curiosity got the best o
f him and he pulled them out. He instantly recognized Claire’s unique handwriting on the outside of the eight notes addressed to Livy. He opened the one on top and began to read. It was dated only two weeks prior.

  Dear Livy,

  I’m so glad to hear that the classes at the studio are going well. I knew you’d have a lot of success. Thank you for your offer to come and take a class, but I still don’t think I’m quite ready.

  I’ve started seeing someone. We’ve only been on two dates, but he’s very nice and polite and seems interested in what I have to say. I would appreciate your prayers as I see where it goes.

  I know I say this every time, but your encouragement has made such a difference. I still can’t believe you have forgiven me for what I did to you. I’ve been talking to my pastor about accepting forgiveness from God, but it’s a slow process. Thank you.

  I hope you and Jack are well.

  My best,

  Claire

  Jack stared out the window. Livy and Claire had been in communication with one another? He pulled out the note on the bottom of the stack, probably the earliest. Sure enough, it was dated May 25, just a few weeks after the incident with Claire at Livy’s house.

  Olivia,

  I’m sure you can imagine my surprise when I received your letter here at the clinic. I guess the whole town is probably talking about what I did and where I am.

  Did you really mean it when you said you forgive me? I don’t know how that is possible after what I did to you and Jack. People don’t just forgive terrible things like this. But I am glad you found my note. Yes, I wrote that after I realized what I had done, how far I had let this go. I was—I am—so consumed by the shame and guilt about what I did to Jack. How I ruined everything.

  Just before you and Jack arrived, I had decided it was better for everyone that I was gone. I got the gun from my truck and something to write on to leave you a note telling you that you deserved Jack.