ARKANSAS WEDDINGS: THREE-IN-ONE COLLECTION

by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

  “Rachel,” Adrea called.

  Her sister stepped out of the office. “You rang?”

  “Will you call Grayson and tell him that his business is always welcome here?”

  “Are you sure? It would be much easier on you if he went elsewhere.”

  “Yes, it would be, but it wouldn’t be right.”

  With an understanding nod, Rachel went back to the office to make the call.

  Adrea resolutely began the arrangement of white roses for Sara. More tears spilled as she cried harder over the flowers than ever before. Only two months before, she’d joined Grayson at the cemetery for Dayne’s birthday.

  Rachel returned, but wisely said nothing when she saw the tears. She simply took the array to the showroom.

  Adrea didn’t relax until she heard that Grayson and Dayne had come and gone.

  The week after Thanksgiving, Adrea arranged flowers for two funerals. As the back door opened behind her, she assumed it was Rachel, back from a delivery and ready for the next.

  “I’m finishing the last spray. Just give me a minute.”

  “Hello, Adrea.”

  For a few seconds, she couldn’t bring herself to turn toward the voice. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, she turned to see Grayson, just as handsome as ever.

  “Hello.” She controlled the quiver in her voice.

  “It’s good to see you. You look great.”

  “You, too.” A few more lines around his eyes.

  “Dayne misses you.”

  “I miss him, too. It was wonderful to see him at church.”

  “He said you sang in the choir. Why didn’t you join the choir at Palisade?”

  “Your church had a large choir already, so I wasn’t needed. Mountain Grove wouldn’t let me off the hook.” It seemed odd speaking of trivial things while her heart hammered.

  “You shouldn’t keep your talents under wraps.” He stuffed his hands into his jean pockets. “Look, I promised not to bother you, but I’m here on Dayne’s behalf. Do you think you could occasionally find time for him?”

  “What do you mean?” Adrea concentrated on the carnations.

  “He misses you. He hasn’t stopped asking to see you. I probably would have given in sooner, but the holidays kept him somewhat occupied.” Grayson shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “The other day, he said all he wanted for Christmas is to see you.”

  Adrea’s heart clenched. “How sweet.”

  “You were good for him, and he shouldn’t have to lose you simply because we’re no longer seeing one another.”

  “I’d love to see him.” She nodded. “How about tomorrow night and then once a week? There’s usually nothing happening on Thursday nights unless of course a holiday falls on it, but we can work around that.”

  “That sounds good. Dayne will be excited. Should I drop him at your place?”

  “I can pick him up.” Please don’t show up on my porch.

  “At least, let me retrieve him.”

  “That’s okay. We might even go to Searcy anyway, so I can take the Rose Bud route. I’ll come to get him at six o’clock and have him back by nine o’clock. That’s not too late for a school night, is it?”

  “Sounds good. Maybe this will help. Dayne had a hard time with the abrupt ending of our relationship.”

  He’s not the only one. “I hope seeing me won’t confuse him.” Adrea kept a smile plastered on her face.

  “We’ll have a long talk tonight and make sure he understands things. It’s my fault that he had a rough time and I really appreciate this, Adrea. It will help him adjust.”

  “Maybe Haylee can come sometimes, too, just like old times.” Almost.

  “That would be great. Well, it was good seeing you. Take care.”

  “You, too.” She smiled harder.

  Grayson left.

  A full minute passed before Adrea could relax the muscles in her face. The spray she’d been working on was a complete disaster. She pulled it apart to start over.

  As soon as Adrea stopped her car in the drive, Dayne rushed to jump in the back. She waved to Grace, who stood on the white-columned porch.

  “I wish things were like before,” Dayne whined. “I wish we could stay here with Daddy.”

  “We’ll have fun.”

  “Everything’s just different. I missed you on Thanksgiving. I begged Daddy to let me see you at the shop when we picked up Mommy’s flowers last time, but he said you were too busy.”

  Her heart clenched. “You may tell your father that I’m never too busy to see you.”

  “I wanted you to come to the cemetery. Maybe you can come with us for Valentine’s Day.”

  “Don’t count on it, sweetie.” Adrea patted his hand as she turned onto the highway. “At least we’re getting to see each other now, even though things are different. I’ve looked forward to tonight all day long.”

  “Me, too.”

  The boy’s mannerisms so reflected Grayson’s that spending time with him painfully reminded her of spending time with his father. “How about Dexter’s?”

  “Dexter’s, Dexter’s, Dexter’s.”

  She laughed. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

  At the restaurant, numerous birthday celebrations caused the usual ruckus.

  “Dayne,” a familiar voice called.

  Adrea turned to see Edward Owens scoop up his grandson. “Hello, Adrea. It’s nice to see you.”

  “Yes. You, too.” Adrea shook the hand he offered.

  “Run and say hi to Grandma. We’re just about to leave.” Edward motioned to a long table to their left.

  Joyce’s gaze was riveted to Adrea.

  “It’s not what you think.” She swallowed hard. “Grayson and I are no longer seeing one another.”

  “I was sorry to hear that. He and Dayne miss you.”

  “Dayne and I have a date once a week.”

  “We’re here for our friend’s grandson. We actually called to see if Dayne wanted to come, but Grayson said he already had plans. I’m glad it was with you. You’re good for him and for Grayson, too.”

  Adrea didn’t know what to say.

  “Looks like the party’s breaking up. I’ll send Dayne back in your direction.” “Thank you.”

  The weeks before Christmas passed in a flurry of activity, poinsettia plants, and church services.

  The Welches enjoyed their traditional Christmas celebration with thoughtful gifts and scripture readings. Adrea steeped herself in the whole meaning of Jesus’ birth.

  The next week brought Mark and Grace’s wedding preparations. Adrea spent her time obtaining even more poinsettias of every color from the wholesaler.

  Their parents arrived to ride with Adrea and Mark to the rehearsal.

  “I just hate to think of you living here.” While Adrea primped, Mom perched on the bed, with Tripod curled in her lap, purring a steady hum. “Especially with Mark moving out.”

  “I’m fine.”

  “So, nothing’s different between you and Grayson?”

  “It’s old news, Mom. It’s over between us.”

  “This is your mother. I can see the hurt written all over your face. I know how much you loved him.”

  “I can’t talk about it.” Adrea’s stomach knotted. “I’ve got to get through this wedding. For Mark’s and Grace’s sake, I can’t think about Grayson.”

  “Very well, then. Oh, I meant to tell you, the florist shop in Heber Springs is up for sale.”

  “It is?”

  “Mrs. Johnson is retiring. Speaking of retiring.” Mom paused to massage her wrist. “My supervisor talked me into transferring instead, to the Rose Bud office. I start training my replacement soon. A real sweet gal, Laren Kroft.”

  “Kroft. I wonder if she’s related to Sylvie?” Adrea checked her watch. “We need to go.”

  Ten minutes later, they arrived at the church. The rehearsal wore on Adrea as she walked the aisle to stand across from Grayson a dozen times.

&n
bsp; Sara’s parents arrived to sing a duet for the wedding. Though Edward greeted Adrea warmly, Joyce avoided her. Adrea couldn’t blame her. They’d painfully learned Grayson was dating and given their approval, only to watch the relationship falter.

  She diligently managed to avoid Grayson’s parents.

  By the time the rehearsal was over, she was as jittery as a helium balloon with its string caught in a box fan.

  The bridal party settled in the large fellowship hall for dinner. Seated at one end of the long table with Grayson far on the other, Adrea made a mental note to thank the bride and groom for their arrangements. Even so, she was glad when the evening ended.

  On New Year’s Eve, Adrea grabbed her scarlet satin dress, said a prayer for strength, and headed to Palisade.

  She spent an hour on decorations. Placing and re-placing each spray, candelabra, and archway until Grace was completely satisfied. After the bride went to prepare for her wedding, Adrea ducked into the ladies’ room and changed into her dress. Stepping back into the hall, she saw Emma Sterling headed in her direction.

  Kindness radiated from Grayson’s mother. Emma would never broach the subject of the broken relationship. Guilt needled Adrea for avoiding Emma at the rehearsal.

  Emma hugged her. “It’s so good to see you again. You look lovely in that color. It brings out the auburn highlights in your hair.”

  “Thank you. I thought Rachel got all those.” She ran her hand over her hair. “I was so busy last night, I didn’t even get to speak with you.”

  “Graham and I got to sit with your parents at the dinner. They’re always so delightful.”

  “I’m glad. I’ve enjoyed doing this wedding more than any other.” Except for rubbing elbows with your son.

  “And you did a fabulous job, as usual. Well, I’m off to see the bride.” Emma waved.

  “That’s where I’m headed. See you in a few minutes.”

  Vibrant red, faded salmon, lush burgundy, and creamy white poinsettias filled the church. Gold ribbons gathered small bouquets festooning the first several pews. Adrea inspected the decor one last time before going to find Grace. On her way, she ran into Mark and Grayson.

  Trying to ignore her brother’s attractive companion, wearing a chocolate tuxedo, she surveyed Mark’s white one. She straightened his tie and hugged him. “You look so handsome. I’m so happy for you and Grace.”

  “You’re quite lovely yourself. Grace and I really want you to consider moving in with us.”

  “I’m fine and I doubt you’ll miss Mouse. He certainly won’t miss you.”

  “Who’s Mouse?” Grayson asked.

  “A German shepherd. Our new landlord allows pets, so Adrea’s been collecting strays. His leg was full of rat shot, and he’s terrified of men. He hides under her bed most of the time.”

  “Doesn’t sound like much of a watchdog.” Grayson cleared his throat. “I can check on Adrea occasionally, until you get back from your honeymoon.”

  “That won’t be necessary.” She answered too quickly. “Coon is a good watchdog.”

  “Until he bellows.” Mark curled his lip, Elvis-style. “Anyone with ears can tell he ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog.”

  She wanted to smile at her brother’s antics, knowing he was trying to help her relax, but the muscles around her mouth wouldn’t comply. “I better go help the bride.”

  “Tell her I love her.” Mark blushed.

  “My tie could use your expertise.” Grayson stepped close to her. “And my boutonniere, too.”

  Giggles surrounded them and she turned to see several teenage girls from the youth group staring. One girl pointed up.

  Adrea looked up to see mistletoe directly above. Her face warmed.

  Chapter 11

  A drea bolted.

  In a small classroom, Grace glowed with happiness and didn’t seem nervous at all. Emma buzzed around her daughter, fluffing her train and perfecting the curls Grace rarely wore.

  “Mark said he loves you.” Adrea blew her a kiss. “He even blushed.”

  The bride’s smile brightened even more. “He’s so cute when he blushes.”

  Rachel squeezed Adrea’s hand and whispered, “You okay?”

  “I’m fine.”

  The women trickled out of the classroom as the time for the ceremony neared.

  As the music swelled, Rachel walked the aisle, with Curt and Mark waiting at the front. Adrea’s turn came and she concentrated on keeping her eyes off the other man waiting there with her brother. Grayson stood at the pulpit to perform the ceremony until their father handed Grace over to Mark. Then the Sterling patriarch, Graham, took over as Grayson slipped back into his role as best man.

  The two became one in the sight of God and many witnesses. The well-wishers congratulated, cameras flashed, the servers cut the cake, and all too soon it was time for the bride and groom to leave for their honeymoon.

  Mark hugged her. “Yo, Adrea, I wish you’d stay with Mom and Dad.”

  “I’m fine. Really.” Anything but fine; she hadn’t really thought about saying good-bye to Mark. It was just like when he’d left for seminary only this time he wasn’t coming back, to their rental house, anyway. She held her tears until the happy couple disappeared.

  Before helping with the cleanup, she grabbed her coat and went out in the courtyard to gather her composure.

  She missed Mark, and coupled with the many encounters with Grayson over the last month, it was all too much.

  Frigid air chilled her, but she didn’t care. She hugged herself.

  Grayson stared down the highway, long after he could no longer hear the clunking trail of cans tied to Mark’s car.

  The tux did little to keep him warm, but at the moment he couldn’t face anyone. He’d lost her. Adrea had avoided him all evening, and why shouldn’t she?

  “Gray.” His mother touched his shoulder. “You’ll freeze to death out here.”

  He turned to face her. “I’m okay.”

  She cupped his cheek in her hand. “Go home, son. Dayne is having a great time helping with the cleanup. He can spend the night with us.”

  “I should stay to help.”

  “We’ve got plenty of help. Go.” She patted his cheek. “I think you’ve had enough for one day.”

  With a nod, he kissed her forehead. He’d parked on the other side of the church and decided to walk around.

  Someone stood in the lit courtyard. Someone beautiful wearing a red dress.

  “Adrea?”

  She jumped and with jerky movements, wiped away tears.

  He wished the tears were for him, but he knew better.

  “You’ll miss Mark. I’ll miss Grace. I don’t know what Dayne and I will do without her.”

  She took a soggy breath. “Grace still plans to babysit Dayne after school and during the summer.”

  “She offered, but I want her to have plenty of time for her new husband as well as her business. Mom and Joyce have agreed to fill in.”

  “I better go help with the cleanup efforts.”

  “I wanted to speak with you.” He stepped closer.

  She backed away. “About?” Her breath puffed a cloud between them.

  “Us.”

  “There is no us.” One delicate hand clutched the patio railing so hard her knuckles turned white.

  “I’ve been thinking about you a lot. I miss you.”

  “Just leave it alone, Grayson.” Adrea made a mad dash back inside.

  Sheets of rain assaulted Adrea’s windshield wipers, rendering them useless. Traffic putted along blindly. When she could no longer see the yellow line, she pulled over to wait out the onslaught.

  For two weeks, she’d avoided Rose Bud and Grayson. But her luck couldn’t hold forever. She had to get out of this town.

  The escape route continued to percolate in her tired brain. But she’d been the one to talk her sister into their partnership. She couldn’t run out on Rachel.

  After a few minutes, the deluge ebbed and she
edged into the flow again. Just as she parked outside the shop, the sky opened up once more.

  She dashed for the door. A gust of wind nearly sucked the ineffective umbrella from her hand, and by the time she made it inside, she was soaked through. Pushing damp bangs from her eyes, she checked the first order of the day and read Rachel’s note. All the flowers for both weddings were complete, except for the bridal bouquets. Hope it stops raining.

  As soon as Rachel entered from the showroom, Adrea made her plea.

  “How would you feel about buying the florist shop in Heber Springs?”

  “It’s for sale?”

  “Mrs. Johnson is retiring.” Adrea clustered pink roses together in the center of a rounded bouquet. “I don’t think I can take another Valentine’s Day. Not here.”

  “Who would run it?”

  The hum of the busy showroom grew louder as the connecting door opened, then faded away as it shut.

  “I’d move there.”

  “You’re moving?”

  She turned at the sound of his voice and found the reason for all her heartache standing behind her.

  “Ahem.” Rachel cleared her throat. “I’ll just be out front.”

  Adrea turned away from him and concentrated on the roses. “We’re thinking about buying the shop in Heber Springs. It’s a good business move and someone has to run it.”

  “What about your family?”

  “I’ll visit often.”

  “What about Dayne?”

  “I’ll still be here for a while, and he’ll see me when I’m in town.”

  “What about me?”

  “It doesn’t concern you.”

  “I still love you, Adrea.”

  The breath whooshed out of her lungs.

  “Do you still love me?”

  She worked on the roses more frantically, entwining much more baby’s breath than necessary.

  Grayson moved to stand beside her and placed his fingers under her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes.

  Her tears welled.

  “Yes, but what good does that do us? You’re afraid to love me.”

  “Grace’s wedding made everything clear. By breaking up with you, I lost you, which is what I tried to avoid by breaking up with you. This isn’t making any sense.”