ARKANSAS WEDDINGS: THREE-IN-ONE COLLECTION

by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

  Grayson winced. “It’s probably not the eyesore you remember. The Williamses had gotten too old to take care of it. The men at the church have helped Grace and me transform it since we moved in.”

  “I’ve always loved this house. Even in disrepair, it always had such charm.”

  “Grace wanted to have you and Mark over long before now, but she’s so busy with her business.”

  A freshly painted white fence flanked each side of the road for about a hundred yards; then the dense forest faded into a rounded clearing on one side. The stream, with a footbridge and ornate, white iron furniture nearby, gave her imagination flight. A lovely spot for a flower garden.

  The second clearing revealed the two-story house. Huge columns pillared the porch, which spanned the entire length. It looked like an old-South plantation. A picket fence enclosed the front and back yards. Perfect. For kids, cats, and dogs.

  “Can I have a complete tour? I’ve always wanted to see the entire house.”

  “Sure.”

  A dog’s bark echoed from the backyard.

  “Can I go play with Cocoa?” Dayne called, an afterthought as he ran toward the side of the house.

  “Don’t get too dirty.”

  A spacious living room, large family room, cozy kitchen and dining area, four bedrooms, and two baths. The house boasted numerous windows, high ceilings, and walk-in closets.

  Rendered speechless by the beauty of it all, Adrea finally found her voice. “It’s the most beautiful house I’ve ever seen.”

  “You really like it, don’t you? Grace hates it and Sara would’ve, too.” He stared out the kitchen window. “It felt odd buying something she’d hate with her life insurance money, but Dayne loves it and we needed a new start, without all the memories.”

  “I’ve always wanted to fix up an old place. Just think of the history and lives lived here.” She hugged herself.

  “It’s really too big for us, but I fell in love with it. I’ve always loved big, old houses. It took a lot of work, but it’s been worth it. We have five acres with a walking trail around the property.”

  She looked out the sliding glass doors to see a deck across the back. Cocoa danced along a fenced enclosure as Dayne ran toward the house.

  A garden, plenty of room for lots of pets, and a real backyard. Heat crept up her neck. What am I thinking? We’ve only been dating a month.

  Dayne burst through the back door and grabbed Adrea’s hand. “Come see.” The boy propelled her down the hall.

  His red and blue room housed every airplane imaginable, from the wallpaper and ceiling fan to his bedspread and curtains. Every piece of furniture and fabric resonated BOY. The small perfume bottle he retrieved from his chest of drawers went against everything else in the room.

  “This was my mommy’s.” He held it up for Adrea to sniff. “Daddy lets me keep it so I can smell it when I miss her.”

  Adrea’s eyes burned. The soft, powdery fragrance of flowers captured the essence of what she knew of Sara.

  “It smells really pretty.” She hugged him and blinked away the moisture. “I’m glad you have it to help you remember her.”

  Dayne inhaled deeply. “When I smell this, I can almost ’member sitting in her lap.”

  Unwilling to sadden the boy further, Adrea’s tears fell as she turned away. “I really like your room.”

  “Don’t worry. They’ll love you.” Grayson escorted Adrea up the sidewalk toward a white two-story house in Searcy.

  Meeting his parents? Don’t read too much into it.

  His mother, Emma, met them at the door. “Come in. Come in.” Her green eyes twinkled, just like her son’s. Graham was a silver-haired version of Grayson.

  They welcomed her into their large, inviting, older home. Dinner conversation consisted of theological studies. Just like spending time with Mark and Grayson. She willed her heart to slow.

  After the meal, Emma gave Adrea a tour of her lovely garden. A lavender clematis vine snaked up a white lattice archway at the entrance of a floral wonderland. A natural rock border lined the flower beds, packed deep with cedar chips. Humongous hibiscus in pale pink and lilac mingled with purple and fuchsia petunias. The whir of hummingbird wings and buzz of honeybees formed an intense rivalry over various blossoms.

  “I’m so happy Grayson is finally seeing someone.” Emma held both of Adrea’s hands in her own as the two women faced each other. “You don’t know how we’ve worried about that boy.

  “After Sara’s death, at times we wondered if he’d ever manage to keep on living. We never thought he was suicidal,” Emma clarified. “Nothing like that, but he just lost his spark. For the last two years, he’s only gone through the motions of life, for Dayne’s sake. Then that drunk coming forward opened the tragedy all up again.”

  Adrea swallowed hard. “I guess Grayson told you about my connection to that drunk.”

  “The way I see it, you were another broken spirit left in the wake of Wade Fenwick.” Emma hugged her. “For the last several months, Grayson has had the spring back in his step. Thank you for putting it there.”

  “Dayne and Grayson have been a blessing to me, too.”

  “God has brought healing to your and Grayson’s souls by bringing you together. God is smiling on me.” Emma winked. “First, he brings us Mark for Grace, and now, you for Grayson and Dayne.”

  “Oh, I don’t know. We’ve only been seeing—”

  Grace opened the patio door.

  A green hummingbird with a splash of red across its throat flitted away.

  “We need you two. Hurry up.” Grace motioned them inside.

  The three women hurried to the living room where they found the men.

  “We have something to celebrate.” Mark looked as if he might burst.

  Adrea had a sneaking suspicion at the cause of her brother’s happiness.

  “Grace has agreed to marry me!”

  “Whoo-hoo!” Emma threw her arms around her daughter.

  “I’m so happy for you!” Adrea hugged her brother. “Have you told Mom and Dad? Mom will be beside herself.”

  “We’re going there in a few minutes,” Grace said.

  Grayson hugged Grace. “Finally, you’re getting a life of your own. That’s some surprise.”

  “I feel guilty for abandoning you and Dayne. We’re talking about several months away, though, maybe New Year’s Day. And I can still watch Dayne after school and in the summers. I just won’t live in that old relic with you anymore.”

  “Don’t think of anything other than your happiness. Dayne and I will be just fine. We’ll miss you, but if you want to get married next weekend, do it. Don’t worry about us.” He lowered his voice. “It’s possible the Sterling household will change before long anyway.”

  Adrea gasped.

  Grace, the only one who’d heard, stared openmouthedly, but left her inquiries unsaid.

  He put his arm around Adrea’s shoulders. “We better get Dayne home.”

  “Oh, but it’s not even dark yet,” Emma said.

  “Yes, but he skipped his nap today, and he starts school next week.”

  A few weeks later, Grayson and Adrea took Dayne to see a kiddie movie at the Rialto. Afterward, on the way to Romance, Grayson stopped at the coffee shop on the outskirts of Searcy. They entered the dimly lit café, and Adrea tried to adjust her eyes.

  “Let’s go somewhere else,” Grayson whispered.

  Confused, Adrea turned back toward the door.

  As Grayson hurried them outside, she caught a glimpse of a middle-aged couple adding cream and sugar to their drinks. Somehow, they looked familiar to her, but she couldn’t put her finger on how she might know them. It hit her as Grayson drove away.

  “Where are we going, Daddy?”

  “You ate such a good supper, let’s go to the ice-cream shop instead.”

  The child didn’t argue with that idea.

  After Yarnell’s Death-By-Chocolate ice cream, they arrived back at Adrea’s apartm
ent. Dayne went to the bathroom to wash his sticky hands.

  “That was them, wasn’t it?”

  “Who?” Grayson’s attempt to sound casual miserably failed.

  “Sara’s parents.”

  “How did you know?”

  “I’ve seen their picture at your house and besides, she’s an older version of Sara. They don’t know about me, do they?”

  “I’m sorry, Adrea.” He hung his head.

  “Don’t be.”

  “I’ve ruined our evening.”

  “No you haven’t.”

  “I just can’t find the words to tell them. But I will. Soon.” He clasped her open palm to his lips. “I promise.”

  September 21st dawned a lovely day, Dayne’s sixth birthday, his third without his mother.

  Outside, birds chattered as if it were still spring. The showroom door opened and Grayson arrived just as Adrea finished the roses. “Beautiful as usual. This ritual doesn’t bother you now that we’re dating, does it?”

  “Of course not. You know I’m okay with Sara’s memory. Where’s Dayne?”

  “He’s entertaining Rachel and the salesclerks. Would you like to come with us to the cemetery today?”

  She opened her mouth, but no words came. Her heart hammered.

  “Dayne and I discussed it already, and he said it was all right with him.”

  “Oh Grayson, I couldn’t possibly do that.”

  “Why not? We’d both like for you to come.”

  “I’d feel like such an intruder.”

  “You wouldn’t be.” He tipped her chin up with his fingers until she looked at him. “You’ve been there with me before, on Sara’s birthday.”

  “Yes, but it was an accident and I felt terribly awkward.”

  The showroom door opened and Dayne entered.

  “Dayne, I told you to wait out front.”

  “I know, but I wanted to ask Adrea. Are you going with us?”

  How could she turn him down?

  “You betcha. Happy sixth birthday, Dayne.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Just let me tell Rachel I’m leaving.”

  Dayne wriggled his little hand into hers.

  Her heart warmed.

  “I already told her.” He tugged her toward the door.

  Along with the curious salesclerks. “Let’s go out the back.” To avoid watchful eyes.

  Soon, they reached their destination. The threesome held hands as Dayne carried the white roses for his mother. A blue jay squawked his disagreement with their presence. A squirrel grasped a hickory nut with both paws and chattered at them, then scampered up a tree.

  They made the silent trek through the cemetery, sidestepping occasionally to avoid walking on graves.

  In the few months they’d dated, her relationship with Grayson had deepened considerably. She knew for certain that she loved him, completely and irrevocably.

  Grayson seemed to feel the same way.

  She knew down to her toes, he was the one. No matter what anyone else thought, there was just something right about her and Grayson.

  Though she’d loved Wade, she’d never had that right feeling with him.

  “We don’t talk to her at the cemetery,” Grayson explained as they drew close to Sara’s grave. “She’s not here. We simply place the flowers to honor and remember her.”

  Dayne solemnly placed the flowers and polished the headstone while his father tidied up around the grave.

  Adrea stood off to the side, still feeling a bit awkward, careful not to tread on Sara’s memory.

  Since it was Saturday, the entire Sterling family, along with Adrea, Mark, and Haylee, gathered for lunch at Dexter’s for Dayne’s celebration. Sara’s parents didn’t show up, and Adrea knew it was because Grayson didn’t invite them. Their absence bothered her, though she covered for Dayne’s sake.

  That night at Grayson’s home, Adrea stood in the entryway, staring at the table lined with Sara’s image. Though Sara’s face had embedded itself in her memory, she inspected the Sterling family portrait taken shortly before disaster struck. They looked so happy. The senseless tragedy still saddened her. Even though Adrea would have no place in Grayson’s life if Sara were alive.

  Sara had been a lovely woman. Her short blond hair, powder-blue eyes, and petite frame perfectly contrasted her husband’s darker coloring. The two had been an attractive pair.

  Strong arms came around Adrea’s waist from behind. Though Grayson was careful not to hold her too closely, her pulse raced.

  “I can put these away if they bother you.”

  “Don’t you dare. They’re lovely pictures of a happier time.” She carefully set the gilded frame among the others on the marbleized tabletop.

  “I’m quite happy right now. Thanks to you.” He nuzzled Adrea’s neck, sending shivers over her.

  “I am, too, but you better stop that.”

  “Thanks for going with us today. I hope it wasn’t too much for you.”

  “It was an honor that you wanted me to go.” She wisely pulled away as he continued to cause shudders. “But it bothers me that you left Sara’s parents out of today. I could have stayed home, for Dayne’s sake.”

  “We had a party at their house yesterday, after school. Dayne thought it was cool to have two celebrations.” Grayson turned her to face him, his hands resting on her shoulders. “They’re coming for dinner next week, and I plan to tell them about you.”

  “It doesn’t matter to me whether they know or not. I just don’t want them hearing it from someone else.”

  “The movie’s ready,” Dayne called from the next room.

  Linking his fingers with hers, Grayson pulled her to the family room.

  Adrea expected a cartoon, but Sara’s face filled the screen. The camera panned out to show a birthday party for Dayne in a contemporary kitchen with stainless-steel appliances. Sara led several children and adults singing “Happy Birthday.” The high soprano lilt of her voice riveted Adrea. Grayson apparently had filmed the video, as he wasn’t in the happy scene.

  Dayne sat in the floor, mesmerized by the image of his mother.

  “That’s the wrong tape, Dayne,” Grayson said gently. “Turn it off and find the movie. We can watch that later if you want.”

  “We can watch it now if you like.” Adrea’s voice cracked. “We’ll have plenty of time for the movie afterward.”

  “Are you sure?” Grayson mouthed silently.

  She nodded and turned her attention back to the screen. The happy images of Sara trying to encourage a much younger Dayne to make a wish and blow out his candles made Adrea smile.

  The scene changed to a backyard of a modern house. Children played numerous games with gleeful howls and giggles. She recognized most of the adults and children from church. While Grayson occasionally offered direction from behind the camera, Sara played referee. The tape ended with a shot of the entire group.

  The happy faces of Sara’s parents haunted Adrea. Tears trickled down her cheeks.

  Quickly, she wiped them away. “Which birthday was that, Dayne?” The banner above the table, in the cake scene, proclaimed it his third. But maybe Dayne needed to voice his memories.

  “I was three. It was my last birthday party with Mommy.”

  “From the tape, it looked like a good one.”

  “Why are you crying, Adrea?” Dayne asked. “You didn’t know her, did you?”

  So much for hiding tears. “No, but I’ve heard wonderful things about your mommy. It makes me sad that you and your daddy lost her.”

  Dayne ran to Adrea and hugged her. “It makes me sad, too, but I like ’membering her.”

  “I think that’s enough sadness and remembering for one night. Let’s watch the movie,” Grayson suggested.

  As Dayne pulled away and settled back on the floor, Grayson moved closer to Adrea on the couch and took her hand in his.

  Halfway through the cartoon, she went to the kitchen to check on the slow-cooker.

  A f
ew minutes later, she looked up to see Grayson leaning in the door frame.

  She shooed him away. “Go watch the movie with him. I can handle things here.”

  He stepped close and cupped her face in his hands. “I love you.”

  Tears welled in her eyes. “I love you, too.”

  Grayson kissed her soundly, then headed back to the family room.

  Her heart skittered in her chest.

  The doorbell chimed. With the cartoon on in the back of the house, Grayson probably wouldn’t hear. Wooden spoon in one hand, she ran to open the front door.

  A familiar couple stood on the porch.

  Adrea pressed a hand to her heart. Its hammering echoed in her ears.

  Obviously shocked, it took a moment before the woman spoke. “We’re Dayne’s grandparents, Joyce and Edward Owens. I didn’t know Grayson had hired someone. I guess since Grace is getting married, she won’t have as much time.”

  “Grandma! Grandpa!” Dayne zoomed into Joyce’s waiting arms.

  Adrea turned to see Grayson behind her.

  “Joyce, Edward, what a surprise. It’s great to see you.”

  His mother-in-law kissed him on the cheek. “You never told me you’d hired someone. I wouldn’t mind bringing over a dish, and your mother would certainly do the same.” Joyce turned back to Adrea. “Forgive me, dear. I don’t mean to oust you out of a job.”

  Grayson cleared his throat. “I didn’t hire anyone. Adrea is my—”

  “Friend.” Adrea’s face warmed. “Everything is ready. Let me get the pork roast on the table and I’ll be on my way. There’s plenty for your guests.”

  “Dayne mentions you often.” Edward’s eyes narrowed. “You’re his Sunday school teacher.”

  He knew.

  “Dayne and I have become great friends.” She hurried toward the kitchen.

  “There’s no need to rush off, Adrea. Why don’t you join us?” Grayson followed her and lowered his voice. “Let me get it over with and tell them.”

  “There’s no rush to do it tonight. Just have a nice dinner with them and I’ll go.” The haunting pain she’d seen in Joyce’s eyes tore at her.

  “I don’t want you to go.” Grayson kissed her.