ARKANSAS WEDDINGS: THREE-IN-ONE COLLECTION

by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

  Closer to the house, Laken noticed a brooding older couple rocking on the porch in matching white chairs. She waved. “Hi, I’m Laken.”

  “Laken, I’d like you to meet my folks, Paul and Maye Winters.” Hayden rocketed the ball back to Collin in a hand-stinging pass and strode to the porch. “Laken’s the new postmaster I told you about, and she’s also Brady’s aunt.”

  Laken hurried after him. “Nice to meet you. Sorry to invade your yard.” Neither accepted the hand she offered.

  “Brady’s always welcome.” Maye rocked harder.

  “Mom.” Hayden lowered his voice. “Laken’s on our side.”

  “Actually, I’m on Brady’s side. I want what’s best for my nephew, and this morning has convinced me that staying here would be best for him.”

  “Well, in that case…” Maye shook Laken’s hand, as did her husband. “Let me get you a glass of lemonade.”

  Laken followed Brady through the bustling airport with Collin trailing behind. A staccato voice droned over the intercom, and wheeled suitcases glided over the tile, mixing with the hum of numerous conversations. Security was backed up as usual.

  This afternoon, Collin had begun to bond with his son, but tonight, he had to leave. Would he learn to put Brady first in the future? Or would his work always take priority?

  The crowd parted neatly to let Brady through. Lots of pitying glances flashed their way, but Brady held his head high.

  Collin put his arm around her shoulders. “Thanks for talking Hayden into letting Brady see me off.”

  “No problem. He’s a great kid.”

  “He is, isn’t he?” Collin frowned. “And I had nothing to do with it.”

  “Hayden loves him. And Brady loves Hayden and his grandparents. He’s happy here, Collin.”

  “I know.”

  “Won’t you just think about moving back here?” She snaked her arm around his waist, not wanting to let him go.

  “With Mother and Father just around the corner?” A bitter laugh punctuated his words. “No thanks.”

  “We could get a place together.” Laken shrugged. “I’ve been here a month and have only run into Mother three times.”

  “Brady, we’ll have to stop here. Only passengers past this point.” Collin wrapped Laken in a big bear hug.

  Tears rimmed her lashes. “I don’t want you to go.”

  “Trust me, I don’t want to go. You take care of Brady until I get back. A week, tops.”

  She nodded against his shoulder then forced herself to let go of him.

  He knelt beside Brady.

  Feeling like an eavesdropper, she backed out of earshot, determined to give them privacy.

  Hugging his son, Collin spoke to the boy for a few minutes. When he stood, his eyes, too, were shiny.

  Brady’s shoulders drooped.

  Collin waved her over.

  “I’d better go.” He chucked Brady under the chin and hurried toward security without looking back.

  Brady’s chin trembled.

  “Hey, how about some ice cream?” She squeezed his shoulder.

  “I haven’t had supper yet. Hayden never lets me have dessert before supper.”

  “Just this once, I think it’ll be all right, but I’ll call Hayden to make sure. Maybe he can join us.”

  “He’ll probably say okay if you invite him. He’s a pushover when it comes to ice cream.” Brady’s mischievous grin warmed her insides.

  She handed him her cell as they threaded through the crowd. “I don’t know his number.”

  Brady didn’t flip the phone open. “I’ve been thinking.”

  “About?”

  “Miss Sylvie, she’s my grandmother, right?”

  Laken clutched her hand to her chest. She hadn’t thought of that complication. “Yes.”

  “But my dad hasn’t told her about me.” Brady’s shoulders deflated.

  “Our family isn’t close. Until this weekend, I hadn’t seen your dad in eight years.” She held the exit door open. “I guess he wants to tell her about you in person.”

  “I think I understand. It’s kind of like how Hayden loves me and Grandma and Grandpa love me, but they don’t get along very well with each other.”

  So wise for such few years. “It’s complicated.”

  “Can I tell Miss Sylvie who I am?”

  Laken winced. “We’d better let your dad do that. He’ll be back next weekend.”

  “How about you come to church with us tomorrow? Maybe that would help you and Miss Sylvie make friends again.”

  Chapter 6

  Laken sucked in a deep, steadying breath. She’d vowed never to step inside a church again, especially not the one her mother attended. Yet, here she was. Because she couldn’t say no to her adorable nephew. She stepped through the door, barely supported by noodle legs.

  “Welcome.” An usher shook her hand and passed her a bulletin. He looked familiar. “I’m Bob Reynolds. I saw you at the trail ride. You’re Sylvie Kroft’s daughter, but for the life of me, I can’t remember your name.”

  “Laken.”

  He snapped his fingers. “Welcome, Laken. We’re so glad you could join us today. Some of the classes have let out already, and the rest should be along soon.”

  “Well, I’ll be.” Carol clasped a hand to her heart, as if she thought it might escape her chest. “I’m so glad you decided to come.” Carol linked arms with her. “You can sit with us.”

  “Actually, Brady invited me, so I should sit with him.”

  “Wow, you two became fast friends.”

  “You have no idea.”

  “I tried to call you the other night.” Carol frowned. “I wanted to make sure your brother made it in okay, but I didn’t get an answer.”

  “Sorry, I didn’t check my messages. He made it just fine and flew back last night.”

  “So you had a nice visit?”

  “An enlightening one.”

  “Laken, you came!” Brady rolled toward them.

  “I told you I’d think about it.” She dropped a kiss on top of his head and inhaled the fresh minty scent of his shampoo.

  “Hayden said you didn’t like church, so you might not come.”

  She scrunched her nose. “The first part is true, but I couldn’t say no to you.”

  “We’ll have to remember that.” Hayden’s hunter-green button-down, black pleated trousers, and contrasting paisley tie complemented his eyes and dark hair. He looked absolutely delicious, and Laken couldn’t find her tongue.

  “I’m glad you came. You look”—his gaze took in her appearance—“really nice.”

  From the pleased expression on his face, she was glad she’d chosen the pool-blue sheath. “Thanks. You’re not so bad yourself.”

  He cleared his throat. “We usually sit over here. Brady, lead the way.”

  “Laken, you’re here!” Grace squealed and gave her a quick squeeze as the harpist trilled a soothing hymn Laken knew but couldn’t put her finger on. She’d missed the harp, and she had to admit being in church with Grace felt right. “I’ve got dibs on lunch. You have to go with Mark and me.”

  Five people stopped them to welcome Laken before they got to the pew, fifth from the front, right side. Brady positioned his chair in the wide aisle by the window and patted the pew beside him for Laken to sit at the end. Hayden claimed the seat on her other side, looking and smelling way too good. His spicy cologne served up a constant reminder of his proximity.

  The harpist trilled her last notes, and as the pianist began a traditional hymn, Laken tried to concentrate on her surroundings instead of Hayden. The burgundy carpet, matching cushions on the pews, and white walls shone with multicolored prisms shooting about from the stained-glass windows. All just the way she remembered. The harp dwarfed one side of the stage, and Laken longed to hear more of its soothing trill.

  Mother, Doreen, and Virgie walked the aisle and turned into the pew two rows ahead. Before taking her seat, Mother took the opportunity to survey the cr
owd behind her. She spotted Laken and her jaw dropped. Recovering quickly, a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.

  A real one.

  Misty-eyed, Mother blew Laken a kiss.

  A knot formed in her throat. The first kiss since Laken was a child.

  Maye and Paul hugged Brady, welcomed Laken, and threaded through to sit on the other side of Hayden.

  Twice, Doreen turned around, with obvious interest in Laken, Hayden, and Brady. A knowing smile curved her lips.

  Laken’s stomach clenched. Oh no! Everyone would assume she and Hayden were dating.

  Hayden could barely keep his gaze off Laken. Her blue dress deepened the color of her eyes and brought out all the femininity her usual jeans and post office uniform top concealed. Who was he kidding? She was all woman, no matter what she wore, but the dress definitely exclaimed the point. Yet her broken spirit shone from within.

  His soul danced. She was here, beside him in church. Holy Spirit, do Your work.

  During the hymns, he sang louder than usual, holding his book so Laken could see.

  Her mouth remained clamped shut.

  “How Great Thou Art” echoed through the rafters, and his heavy burdens rolled off his shoulders. If only he could live here, safe and secure from the rest of the world. From Collin.

  At the close of the third song, the congregation reclaimed their seats. Laken’s shoulder rested against Hayden’s, the silky fabric of her short sleeve smooth against his skin. Her soft perfume—just a hint of flowers mixed with her coconut shampoo—filled his senses. Keep the brain where it should be. He placed the hymnal in the rack and forced his attention on the pastor.

  Lord, let Pastor Grayson speak directly to Laken’s heart.

  Sylvie Kroft stood and moved toward the stage with customary elegant ease.

  Laken stiffened.

  “Relax, she’s singing,” he whispered. What did Laken think her mother might do?

  The pianist played the intro, and Sylvie’s high soprano echoed through the hush in a perfect rendition of “In the Garden.”

  Covering her mouth with her hand, Laken looked as if she might hurl when Sylvie hit the last flawless note.

  Laken studied her nephew, intent on the sermon, as if his very life depended on the message. The pastor’s words began to seep through her barricade. According to him, she needed a Savior and all she had to do was ask.

  The same message she’d heard as a kid, sandwiched between her hypocritical parents. And she’d vowed never to be like them. If this Savior was someone her parents knew, she didn’t want anything to do with Jesus and His salvation.

  Lack of circulation tingled in her foot. She shifted position and un-crossed her legs.

  But Virgie Patton wasn’t like her parents. Sara hadn’t been and Grace wasn’t. Grayson and Adrea weren’t, either. Hayden was the best person she’d ever known. Laken wouldn’t mind being like any of them.

  Grayson opened the altar call and her chest tightened. As the pleading song “Just As I Am” droned on and on, surely she’d explode. How many verses could one song have? Unable to stand another second, she stepped out into the aisle. Brady looked up at her and she motioned to the lobby, then scurried to the restroom.

  She stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes looked vacant, her expression hard and bitter. The song faded away and voices neared. Coward. Yellow-bellied coward.

  Several women entered, and she made a show of washing her hands.

  “Dear, are you all right? You look pale.” Virgie’s brows pinched together.

  “I’m fine. I skipped breakfast this morning.”

  “Well, we can fix that. Have lunch with me?”

  And Mother? No way. “That sounds lovely. Maybe some other time.”

  “I understand, dear. You’re probably going with your mother.”

  Laken’s brow rose. “No, actually I’m going with Grace and her husband.”

  “Maybe next week. Carol and I were going with Helen Fenwick.”

  Three sweet women with no hidden agendas. “That sounds like the most pleasant gathering I’ve ever heard of.”

  The door opened and Grace strolled in. “There you are.”

  “Oops, I’m holding up your lunch guest.” Virgie leaned toward the mirror and dabbed on fresh pink lipstick. “I invited her, but you already beat me to it.”

  “Why don’t we all go together?”

  “That sounds lovely.” Virgie blotted her mouth with a tissue. “Laken, see if you can find Carol and Helen. I’ll catch up.”

  Laken and Grace exited to find the sanctuary cleared out with everyone outside already.

  She scanned the parking lot. The steady thump of a dribbling basketball drew her gaze to the court. Brady, of course, with Hayden watching from a distance.

  “I want you to meet someone.” Grace snapped her fingers. “Dayne, come here.”

  Following Grace’s gaze, Laken saw a blond boy run toward them.

  A gasp escaped her. He was all Sara, except for the eyes.

  “This is Laken, the one I told you about. The other friend your mom and I spent so much time with growing up.”

  “Nice to meet you, Laken.”

  “Dayne loves hearing stories about his mom.” Grace tapped her chin with an index finger. “Over lunch, we’ll have to remember some exciting tales.”

  “You’re going to lunch with us?”

  “And Hayden and Brady, too.”

  “Cool.”

  “Are you and Brady the same age?”

  “I’ll be in first grade, but I’ll be seven in two months. We would have been in the same class, but my birthday’s too late.”

  The dribbling stopped, and Laken glanced toward Brady. Mother knelt by his chair.

  Every nerve ending jolted. “Excuse me.”

  Laken rushed over to Hayden. “What’s she doing?” she hissed.

  “Just asking how long he’s played basketball and where we used to live.”

  “She’s up to something.” Laken pressed her finger to her lips, straining to hear.

  “So, are Laken and Hayden dating?” Mother’s light tone carried in the quiet and swirled fire through Laken’s veins.

  She hurried toward the pair, with Hayden close behind her.

  “I don’t think so.” Brady dribbled the ball faster.

  “They seem to spend a lot of time together.”

  “They’re really just spending time with me, since Laken’s my—”

  “Ready to go, Brady?” Hayden cut in front of Laken.

  Mother stood and turned to face them. “Doreen and I were hoping Brady and Hayden would have lunch with us. Laken,” Mother’s voice quivered, “would you like to come?”

  An invitation? Laken had never heard her mother do anything but bark orders. “Sorry. We already have two other invitations.”

  “Maybe another time.” Hayden swatted at a bee buzzing near him.

  “It was nice chatting with you, Brady.” Mother’s tone rang unnaturally chipper.

  “You, too.” Brady rolled his chair toward the van. “Hey, Laken, you gonna ride with us?”

  “Sure.” She slowed her stride to let Brady get a few yards in front of them and whispered to Hayden, “We have to talk.”

  Hayden waited in the drive until Brady rolled inside his parents’ door and Dad waved an all-is-well. Craning his neck, he looked behind him several times and repeatedly checked his bumper cam as he made the loop in the circle drive and pulled onto the highway.

  “Mother needs to know about Brady.” Laken’s words tumbled in a rush.

  “I really don’t need further complications.” Hayden’s jaw ached from smiling and making light lunch conversation at the Rambler. “Can’t we just keep it quiet for a while?”

  “She’ll keep asking questions until she gets to the bottom of it. Brady was about to spill when we showed up.”

  “I’m being completely selfish.” Hayden pulled into the church lot next to Laken’s car and punched the steering
wheel. “Brady has a right to know his other grandparents, and they have a right to know him.”

  “I didn’t say anything about my father.” Her seat belt clicked as she unlatched it. “And I wouldn’t advise you to let Brady anywhere near him.”

  Tired of wearing a brave front, Hayden faced her, despite tears welling in his eyes. “I can’t shake the feeling that with every new family member who comes into Brady’s life, I lose a bit more of him.” Hot moisture traced down his left cheek.

  Laken’s chin trembled. With tentative fingers she caught the tear. “He loves you. No matter what happens.”

  “I’m not sure I can handle it”—his voice cracked—“if Collin takes him to California.”

  Soft arms came around him.

  Hayden closed his eyes and reveled in her embrace, pulling her close. Comfort in the arms of a beautiful woman. A woman he cared for. A woman he could fall for. How could that be? He’d only known her a little over a month. He’d carefully constructed a wall, determined not to trust another woman with his heart.

  Yet, they’d spent time together on a daily basis, and over the emotional weekend, they’d bonded. But she wasn’t saved. Yes, she’d attended church this morning, but she’d made no decision for Christ.

  With everything in him, he wanted to hold her tighter, to trace kisses across her cheek until he found her lips.

  A chill replaced the warmth of his arms on Laken’s skin as Hayden pulled away.

  He stared off in the distance. “When will you tell your mother?”

  “It’s Collin’s place.” Her voice sounded throaty and tight, affected by the close contact more than she’d expected. “He’ll be in Friday night.”

  “Will she want custody of Brady?”

  “I doubt it. Mother isn’t very child oriented. Besides, no judge in his right mind would send a child to live with my alcoholic father.”

  Hayden sighed. “Guess I’ll prepare Brady for more sprouting on the family tree.”

  “Actually, he already caught on. He doesn’t miss much and wanted to tell her himself.”

  “Think we can hold him off until Collin talks to her?”

  “I’ll come to church Wednesday night, just to run interference.” She touched his hand. “Try not to worry.”