ARKANSAS WEDDINGS: THREE-IN-ONE COLLECTION

by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

  “Hey.” She didn’t look up.

  “Thanks for sticking around to help last night. I really can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.”

  “I thought you and Mother could use some time.”

  He plopped down across from her. “I probably would have run, too.”

  “So, how’d it go?”

  “Very messy. She cried, wailed, and yelled. I figured the neighbors would call 911.”

  Laken winced.

  “She finally calmed and called Hayden to ask if Brady could spend the day with us.”

  “And he said….?”

  “Yes, if you stick with us.”

  She closed her eyes. “Just the way I wanted to spend my day off—with Mother.”

  Gravel crunched under vehicle tires, and Laken peered out the window. Hayden’s midnight-blue van parked in the drive.

  “I guess you told him I’d hang with you since he’s here.”

  “Listen, Laken, I’m not concerned about Mother right now. I need you to help me develop a relationship with my son. If that requires spending time with Mother, so be it. I need time with my son, and I need your help.”

  The doorbell rang and Collin hurried to answer.

  Laken followed.

  Instead of Hayden, Mother stood on the porch with Brady rolled as close as he could get. They’d have to build a ramp.

  “Hey, Brady.” Excitement oozed from Collin’s tone. “Wait till you hear what I’ve planned today.”

  “What?”

  “We’re going to a basketball game in Little Rock.”

  “And Grandma—I mean, Mimi’s going with us?”

  Brady rolled right into the trap set up for him.

  Mother propped her hand on Brady’s shoulder. “Darling, I’m thrilled we get to spend the day together, but a basketball game?”

  “Not just any old game.” Collin checked his watch. “I’ve arranged for Brady to watch a wheelchair basketball game.”

  Laken’s insides boiled at Collin’s obvious attempt to buy Brady’s affections.

  “Awesome!” Brady’s excited shout spurred yapping from the neighbor’s dog.

  “In fact…” Collin strode toward the van. “We better get moving.”

  Laken frowned but followed. “Did you talk to Hayden about this?”

  “He knows we’re going to watch a game and loaned us his van.”

  She stopped walking.

  Collin stopped a few paces later. “What?”

  “Don’t try to win Brady over by being more fun than Hayden.” She jabbed Collin in the chest with her index finger.

  “Come on, y’all,” Brady called, already in the van.

  “I can’t help it if I’m more fun than Hayden.” Collin grinned. “Don’t ruin this for Brady. This day is about him.”

  “Is it?” She hurried to the van. “Mother, you sit up front; I’ll keep Brady company.”

  Turning a slow circle in her bedroom, Laken checked her coral dress in the full-length mirror one more time. So rarely did she wear one, it felt odd, like her slip was showing or something, but it wasn’t. With a deep breath, she opened the door and strode to the living room.

  Remote in hand, Collin sprawled on the couch and frowned when he saw her. “What are you all dressed up about?”

  “I’m going to church. Want to come?”

  He snickered. “Are you serious?”

  “Yes, I’m serious. Brady goes and he invited me.” Last week, anyway.

  “Brady may have invited you, but that dress is all about Hayden.” Collin gazed off in the distance. “You know, this could work to our advantage. You get Hayden to fall for you and maybe he’d give Brady up without a fight.”

  “Collin Kroft, I can’t believe you said that.”

  “I should have known you wouldn’t help me.” His jaw rigid, his tone steely, Collin’s gaze pierced her soul. “You’re stoking a fire in the enemy camp.”

  Laken held both hands up, as if to ward off a blow. “That’s it. I can’t do this.” She grabbed her purse and hurried to her car.

  With deep, steadying breaths, she backed out of the drive. Pent-up tears singed her eyes, but she wouldn’t give in. What had happened to that feeling she and Collin would be solid, no matter what happened with Brady? She wasn’t taking Hayden’s side and he wasn’t the enemy. He’d done nothing but help her and make sacrifices for Brady. Something Collin had never done.

  At church, Hayden waited on the steps just as he’d promised. Looking way too good, as usual, in a burgundy button-down and gray slacks.

  He caught sight of her and met her in the parking lot. “What’s this about Brady playing wheelchair basketball?”

  “Hi, how are you this morning?” Sarcasm dripped from her tone.

  Hayden ran a hand through his hair. “Sorry. I’m slightly tense.”

  Tell me about it.

  “I’m really, really glad you came.” Honesty shone from vivid olive eyes.

  “Me, too.” She sighed. “They were just talking about it on the way home, and I told Collin he’d have to check with you first. I think he’s trying to win Brady over with treats.”

  “Are the games dangerous?”

  “I don’t think so. It’s recreational and noncompetitive. From what the coach said, it’s just something for the kids to do and have fun.”

  “Who is this coach?”

  “I don’t know. Some retired NBA guy.”

  “NBA?” Hayden’s eyes lit up. “And you can’t remember his name?”

  Typical male. “I’m not into sports. Anyway, his son uses a wheelchair, so he started this program for kids. There’s a small fee to help with expenses.”

  “Hank Smith?”

  “That’s it.”

  “He’s one of my all-time favorite players. I heard something about this.”

  “It’s a good sign. Maybe it means Collin’s planning to stay here.”

  Hayden shook his head as if to get his brain out of the NBA. “I’m not concerned about the money. I’ve always done whatever I had to, to keep Brady happy and healthy. What if his wheelchair tips over?”

  “It won’t hurt my legs.” Brady giggled from behind them.

  A wince distorted Hayden’s features.

  Laken turned to see her nephew on the sidewalk, grinning at his painfully honest humor.

  Glancing at his uncle, the child’s smile melted. He aimed his chair toward the church. “I came out to tell you it’s time for service to start.”

  Her stomach clenched. Already, Brady felt torn between his uncle and his father. And all her peacemaking efforts had fallen flat.

  As they stepped inside the lobby, the harpist’s melody tugged at Laken. She knew the tune. It was on the tip of her memory. “It Is Well with My Soul.” Just like all the other songs she’d heard in this church, she knew all the words by heart.

  As Pastor Grayson began his sermon, Laken watched Hayden from under her lashes.

  Forgiveness.

  Had he asked Grayson to preach to her dysfunctional family? Surely he wouldn’t do that, but it seemed every time she came to this church, the sermon aimed right at her.

  “While Jesus hung on the cross dying for our sins…” Pastor Grayson set his Bible on the pulpit and stretched his arms out, as if he hung there. “He pleaded, ‘Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.’ You see, we’re all sinners and our only hope is Christ’s forgiveness.”

  The pressure began to build in Laken’s chest.

  “If Jesus can forgive those who nailed Him to the cross, those who cast lots for His clothes, those who cheered and jeered, who are we to let a hardened heart rule our lives?”

  Pastor Grayson picked up his Bible and used it to point at the congregation. “Not only are we to accept Jesus’ forgiveness and accept Him as Savior, we’re to forgive others. And we’re to forgive ourselves. If we accept Christ’s forgiveness but can’t forgive ourselves, peace eludes us. If Jesus Christ can forgive your sins, who are you to hold on t
o them?

  “If you don’t know Jesus’ forgiveness and salvation this morning, please come forward. If you harbor bitterness toward others or yourselves, please come forward. Lay your burdens at the feet of our Jesus.”

  The congregation stood as the harpist began a haunting rendition of “I Surrender All.”

  “Excuse me,” Hayden whispered.

  Scrunching forward, she peeked as he stepped out in the aisle, walked to the altar, and knelt.

  Hmm, he’s saved, so he must be working on forgiving himself for the accident. Lord, help him to forgive himself.

  What am I doing? The music swelled. Her chest tightened even more. She wanted that surrender, that peace, that forgiveness.

  Come on. Out of the pew, sidestep Brady. Forward. March. The fifteen feet to the altar stretched into miles. Her feet didn’t move. Snippets of prayers she’d heard through the years swirled through her mind.

  As the long line snaked to the lobby, Hayden waited for the sanctuary to clear.

  “Hayden.”

  He looked down at Brady. “Hmm?”

  The child’s eyes were too shiny. “I forgive you.”

  Hayden’s stomach did a little dip. “What?”

  “I never blamed you for my accident, but just in case it might make you feel better, I forgive you.”

  His knees gave way, and Hayden knelt to his nephew’s level, wrapping Brady in a hug as tears streamed down his face. “I think that does make me feel better.”

  “Where’s Laken going?”

  Hayden let Brady go and wiped his eyes, just in time to see her scurry out the door. “I don’t know. Maybe she’s going to lunch with someone.”

  His mom and dad, with twin disapproving frowns marring their foreheads, waited at the back of the church for Brady to have Sunday lunch with them. “Grandma and Grandpa are waiting for you.”

  Brady rolled toward them.

  With a lump clogging his throat, Hayden followed.

  Outside, Brady flew down the ramp, too fast for Hayden’s comfort, and rolled down the sidewalk to the van.

  Sylvie and Laken stood near her car. Talking.

  Sylvie obviously loved Brady. Laken did, too. Something they had in common. Maybe Brady could draw the two women together. Maybe he already had.

  “ ’Bye, Mimi. ’Bye, Laken.”

  Laken blew Brady a kiss.

  Waiting patiently, Mom and Dad stood by the van while Brady operated the lift. Once he was inside, they climbed in and the engine started. As his family passed, they all waved at him.

  He glanced in Laken’s direction.

  At least she had come. Seeing her loneliness the other day made his chest hurt. Familiar with the threat of ending up alone, the burden she carried made his soul ache.

  He got in his parents’ Ford. To go home alone. To an empty house. To eat a frozen dinner alone. Might as well get used to it.

  Stopping at the intersection, he considered turning toward the Rambler, but he really didn’t want to sit there alone, either, so he followed Mom and Dad home. Brady turned around a couple of times to wave, bringing a smile to Hayden’s face.

  Alone with Mother in the parking lot, Laken tried to let the birds’ chatter settle her nerves. “Brady’s a great kid.”

  “Yes.” Mother nibbled on the inside of her lip. “I so enjoyed spending time with him yesterday.”

  “He did, too. Listen, Mother, I think we should…make up.”

  “Well, I’ve never done anything to keep us apart. I’ve been trying from the moment you stepped back in—”

  “Mother. Please, stop talking. I’d like for us to get along. It doesn’t matter who or what caused problems for us, let’s just forget it and move forward.”

  “Very well, dear.”

  Laken took a deep breath. “I love you, Mother.”

  Mother’s lips trembled.

  “I love you, too, dear. I always have.” Mother hugged her, awkward at first, but both women relaxed in the embrace. “Come home and have lunch with us.”

  Laken stiffened. “I—”

  “Your father would love seeing you.”

  “I can’t deal with his drinking.”

  “I have something to discuss with you.” Mother pulled away. Her eyes bore into Laken’s.

  “Not more gossip. I can’t deal with that, either.”

  “No, Laken. I want you and Collin both to come to the house. Soon.”

  “Collin will never come. Never.”

  “It’s of the utmost importance and affects the entire family.” Mother’s hand shook as she brushed a stray red wisp away from her face. “I need your help, as I don’t know where to begin.”

  Laken’s heart clenched. Was Mother sick? Father? Had his drinking finally affected his health?

  “I’ll talk to Collin and see what I can do. If…”

  “If what?” Mother’s brows drew together.

  “If Father will promise not to drink while we’re there.”

  With a sigh, Mother nodded. “I’ll see what I can do.”

  Hayden pulled in to his parents’ drive to leave the car. Already, Brady was out of the van, practicing his dribbling as usual.

  His parents started inside, clearly expecting Hayden to go home as usual.

  Maybe they couldn’t forgive him, but at least he could try to make things right.

  “Mom.” Hayden cleared his throat. “Do you have enough food for an extra plate?”

  Her mouth tightened into a straight line. “Of course. You know you’re always welcome.”

  “Cool.” Brady spun the ball on his finger. “Can we shoot some hoops till lunch is ready?”

  “I need to talk to the folks a minute, then I’ll come play.”

  “Cool.”

  He followed his parents inside.

  “This is such a treat, son.”

  Hayden ran a hand through his hair. “Look. I know y’all can’t forgive me. To tell you the truth, I just forgave myself this morning, but I’m tired of the strain between us. I’d like for us to be a family again. For Brady’s sake, if nothing else.”

  Mom’s chin quivered.

  “We don’t blame you, son.” Dad clamped a hand on Hayden’s shoulder.

  Truth shone in Dad’s eyes.

  “So, Pastor Grayson’s sermon got through to y’all, too?”

  “Hayden, we’ve never blamed you.” A tear rolled down Mom’s cheek.

  A frown etched across Hayden’s brow. “You didn’t?”

  “Of course not, son.” Dad squeezed his shoulder. “It was an accident.”

  “Then why have things been so tense?”

  “Every time we tried to reach out to you, you pushed us away.” Mom curled her arms around his waist.

  He pulled her in for a hug. “But you never stopped trying.” Unable to see past his guilt, he’d become blind to their faith in him. He kissed the top of Mom’s head. “I’m sorry.”

  “You have nothing to be sorry for.” Dad wrapped his arms around both of them.

  For the first time in years, the house felt like home.

  The quiet park soothed Laken’s nerves. Two more days until church. She didn’t want to go. It was wearing her down. She’d skipped Wednesday night and paid for her cowardice the rest of the week. Hayden questioned her. Carol questioned her. Even Grace had stopped by the post office to question her. And she didn’t have any answers.

  Tired from the long workweek, all she wanted was to go home. But she couldn’t just yet. By now, Collin had arrived. He’d never understand what had happened between Mother and her last Sunday. She didn’t even understand it. And she had to think of a way to convince him to visit their parents’ home. What was going on there?

  But for now, she just wanted to revel in the peaceful surroundings. The concrete picnic table at the edge of the park invited her to sit in the shade. She slipped her sandals off and climbed to sit on top with her bare feet resting on the attached bench.

  Hummingbirds flitted about the honeysuckle-dr
aped fence row. Sweet nectar perfumed the air, while crickets chirped and bullfrogs croaked a chorus from the shallow creek running along the back of the walking trail. How long had it been since she’d relaxed enough to hear it?

  Gravel crunched in the parking lot. Through the cluster of sycamore, oak, and maples, she saw a truck. A very familiar truck.

  Hayden got out and jogged across the park toward her. “Hey, I happened to see your car. You okay? You’ve been quiet all week.”

  “I’m fine.” She forced a smile.

  He took a seat beside her. “I was glad to see you and your mom talking the other day.”

  “We’re better than we have been in a while, but I’m worried about her. She wants Collin and me to come to the house for something important.”

  “When?”

  “As soon as I can convince Collin to go, I guess.” If she could convince him. She shrugged. “Maybe if Father promised he wouldn’t be there.”

  “He can’t be that bad.”

  “I’ve never seen him sober and he constantly maligned Collin. Nothing Collin ever did was good enough.”

  “I’m sorry, Laken.” Hayden gazed across the park. “I can’t imagine what that would be like. Maybe you can help him.”

  “I wouldn’t know where to begin.”

  “Bring him to church.”

  “Yeah, right.” She rolled her eyes. “When I was a kid, we attended Thorndike in Searcy. Grayson’s dad was the pastor and still is, as far as I know. Dad was a deacon, and he’d managed to hide his problem. But one Sunday, he showed up drunk and disruptive. The other deacons escorted him out. After that, we went to Palisade in Rose Bud, but Father never went again.”

  “He’s ill, Laken, and we’re to honor our parents.” He took her hand in his. “Since Brady’s accident, I’ve kept my folks at arm’s length, certain they blamed me. After last Sunday’s sermon, I offered an olive branch and learned they never blamed me. I just wouldn’t let them near enough to tell me that.”

  Something inside her warmed. “I’m glad you made peace with them.”

  “Me, too.” With a satisfied grin, he patted his stomach. “I had the most awesome home-cooked meal after church. Just like old times, before I let my guilt get in the way.”

  “You forgave yourself?”

  Hayden shrugged. “If Jesus can forgive me, who am I to hold a grudge against myself? A lot of good things happened in that church last Sunday.”