Laken elbowed him. “Really?”
“She’s the biggest flirt I’ve ever met.”
“Maybe I need to meet this girl and let her know the postmaster is offlimits.” She squeezed his hand.
“Don’t worry. I told her I’m in love with the most beautiful soon-to-be postmaster in the world. That calmed her down.” He drew her palm to his lips. “What about your new coworkers? Any men I need to tell to shove off?”
Laken laughed. “They’re men, but I doubt they have their own teeth and all they can talk about are their grandkids. But even if they were calendar worthy, you’d be safe.” She opened the screen door. “Do you really think Collin will move to Little Rock?”
“I don’t know. I can barely stand to think about it, but it’s good news compared to California.”
Hope blossomed in her soul. “We’ll just keep praying.”
“You know, on second thought, the way I’ve missed you today, I think we should go out for dinner.” Hayden shot her a lopsided grin. A blush warmed her cheeks. “I’ll freshen up a bit.”
Over the last several weeks, Laken had spent almost every evening with Hayden. Collin hadn’t made as many visits, since his company was in the middle of an audit. Tensions eased, but she felt bad for Brady. How did he feel about Collin not coming to see him so often?
But this morning, Collin was here, at church. That counted for something.
After the closing prayer, Laken noticed Mother headed toward the stage. Her hands trembled, and her posture wasn’t as ramrod straight as usual.
“If everyone could stick around a moment, Miss Sylvie has something she’d like to say.” Pastor Grayson motioned Mother up to the pulpit.
“I need to apologize to everyone here.” A tear trickled down her cheek. “For years, I’ve done my best to spread rumors and gossip. I know I’ve hurt countless people.”
Laken gasped.
“The truth is—I had my own scandal eating at me. Ashamed, I tried to make sure everyone else’s lives out-scandaled mine.”
“Let’s go up and support her,” Laken whispered.
“No way.” Collin shook his head. “She made her bed, let her lie in it.”
With a sigh, Laken stood and sidestepped Hayden into the aisle.
He patted her arm.
As she hurried forward, Mother’s quivery smile forced more tears down reddened cheeks.
Laken ascended the stage and clasped Mother’s trembling hand in her own.
“Thank you, dear.” Mother turned back to the congregation. “All these years, I bore a pain deep in my soul that nothing has ever fixed. When Martin and I were young, we made a bad decision. My resulting unwed teenage pregnancy horrified my parents.”
As her tears flowed, Laken had never been prouder of her mother.
“My son was not a mistake and I wanted so badly to keep him, but my parents whisked me away so I wouldn’t sully the family name. He was put up for adoption.”
Mother scanned the crowd. “Again, I’m sorry for everyone I hurt in the past, and I vow to be a different person in the future. Thank you for listening. I’d appreciate your prayers as our family unites to find our son. And please pray for my husband.”
As Mother finished speaking, Laken hugged her. Someone began clapping and soon the entire congregation erupted in applause.
Collin stood and made his way to the stage, slowly, as if his feet wouldn’t quite comply. Laken’s stomach did a somersault at the prospect of reconciliation between her brother and Mother. Just before he got to the stage, Collin dropped to his knees at the altar.
Her heart swelled as Pastor Grayson met him. Even better. Acquaintance with Jesus.
Another two weeks had passed between Collin’s visits. Already November, and they hadn’t even gotten the chance to talk since he’d accepted Jesus.
Laken hummed as she checked the Crock-Pot. It was kind of nice to have someone to cook for, and she looked forward to a pleasant conversation during their meal. Steaming with savory-smelling stew, plump potatoes and carrots floated to the top. The fork-tender beef sent a rumble through her empty stomach. She spooned a helping into a flowered soup bowl.
“I’ve made a decision,” Collin announced from behind her.
She turned to face him.
Nonchalant confidence rolled off him as he leaned casually against the counter. “I’ve spent the last several months checking into moving to Little Rock.”
Joy welled in her soul. “And?”
“I’m going back to California and taking Brady with me.”
She gasped, dropping the glass lid. It clattered on the linoleum floor but somehow didn’t break. She scooped it up, rinsed it, and eased it back in place. The escaping steam scalded her wrist.
Turning to face him, with twisting insides, she resorted to begging. “Collin, you can’t.”
“I can and I will.”
“But what about what happened a few weeks ago?”
“Precisely what made up my mind.” He straightened to his full height. “God’s been patient with me. It’s time I take control of my life and own up to my responsibilities. I failed Katie. I won’t fail Brady.”
“You’re missing the point here. You’re not supposed to take control. You’re supposed to offer it up to God.”
He sighed. “You know what I mean.”
“Have you considered that by moving Brady, you might just fail him?”
“We’ve talked circles around the subject. All this back and forth to Arkansas has taken a toll on me and my company. They’ve built my career, and I owe them my allegiance.”
Laken grasped on to his words, hoping her insight might be right. “They heard you might leave and gave you a big raise, didn’t they? Maybe some fancy title? What would Brady prefer, his family or a bank account?”
Collin paled for a moment. “I am his father, and I have to think of Brady’s future. One day, he might be on his own. A nice savings account will help provide for his needs.”
Backfire. Her gaze dropped to the floor. “Have you told Brady? What about Hayden?”
“I plan to tell Brady before I leave for the airport. Hayden said he won’t fight me, whatever I decide.”
“At least have the decency to prepare Hayden before Brady comes home in tears.”
“Or excited beyond words.” Collin cocked an eyebrow.
“Let me call Hayden. We’ll go over and break the news to him.”
“I’ll go start the car.” The door thudded closed behind him. Laken gulped a deep breath. Her hands shook so badly she could barely dial.
As soon as he heard a car pull into the drive, Hayden jerked the door open. A chilly wind hit him in the face and curled down his shirt collar.
Laken ran toward him, tears gushing.
“What’s happened?”
“I’m so sorry, Hayden.” She flew into his arms.
Collin grinned. “I think Hayden will be just fine with you to comfort him.”
Fear swept through Hayden. “Why do I need comfort?” He swallowed the hard knot in his throat.
“I’m taking Brady to California to live with me.”
Hayden’s knees buckled. For a moment, Laken held him up. “When?”
“I figure over the school’s Christmas vacation would be the perfect time to transfer him.”
“But that’s only six weeks away.” Hayden splayed his hands in begging mode. Don’t make it any harder than it is for Brady. “Why not let him finish the school year?”
“Because that’s too long. I want my son with me.”
“Fine.” It’s all about you, jerk. “I just want this to be easy on Brady.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll bring him home for Christmas. I’ll tell him on the way to the airport.”
“You’ll tell him here, with me to support him.” Hayden stepped from the comfort of Laken’s arms with clenched fists. “Come inside.”
Collin strode to the door.
“Brady,” Hayden called. “Your father’s
here. He has something he wants to tell you.”
“Now?” Laken whispered.
Hayden drew her inside. A cozy fire crackled and popped in the hearth. A half-full cup of coffee sat next to Hayden’s open Bible on the end table beside his recliner. Only moments ago, all had been calm and peaceful.
“The longer he has to prepare, the better off he’ll be.” Lord, give me strength.
Laken grabbed a tissue and dabbed her eyes.
As he rolled his chair into the living room, Brady’s gaze ping-ponged between Collin and Hayden. “What’s going on?”
Collin knelt beside him.
Deep inside, a corkscrew twisted Hayden’s gut.
“I want you to come live with me in California.”
Brady’s eyes widened. A smile almost formed, but his chin quivered. His gaze flew to Hayden.
Forcing his feet to carry him toward Brady, Hayden clamped a hand on the boy’s slight shoulder, willing himself not to shake. Be a man. Suck it up.
“Maybe some time with your dad would do you good.” So far, so good. No voice betraying the terror roiling inside. “I’ll come to California as often as I can, and you can visit me on school holidays. Right, Collin?”
“Of course, I’ll fly either of you back and forth, whenever you want. I have tons of frequent-flier miles through my work.”
“As long as it doesn’t interfere with school. What do you think, Brady?”
A log shifted in the fireplace and sparks flew.
The boy’s lips twitched. “I really like it here, but I guess it would be okay. Maybe for a while. You won’t have to work all the time, will you, Dad?”
A knife sliced through Hayden’s soul. When had Brady started calling Collin “Dad”? Couldn’t Collin hear the uncertainty in his son’s voice?
“I’ll be home every day by the time you get off the bus.”
“Bus?” Brady’s hands trembled in his lap. “How will I get my chair on the bus?”
“I think most school buses have lifts and a station for the chair.” Hayden glanced at Collin. Oh, to knock him across the room. “If not, I’m sure your father will make arrangements.”
“Can’t you just pick him up from school, Collin?” Laken’s gaze shot nails at her brother.
“I couldn’t leave the office that early.”
“I’ll go with you.” Laken’s tone wobbled.
“You will?” Some of Brady’s tension drained away.
“I’ve got vacation time coming, and I can’t think of a better way to use it than to spend it with my favorite nephew.”
Hayden blew out a big sigh. Thank You, God, for this woman.
She turned to face Collin. “How about letting Brady stay here through the first week of Christmas vacation and you can, too, if you want. That way, you won’t have to worry about bringing him back for Christmas. Then the second week, the three of us will go to California. We’ll have a week to settle in, and I’ll be there for Brady’s first week of school so I can drop him off and pick him up.”
Hayden nodded. “I think that would make Brady feel much better.” Could he do without both of them? Stop being selfish. Right now, Brady needed Laken even more than Hayden did.
“In the meantime”—Laken checked her watch—“it’s time to take Collin to the airport.”
“You ready, Brady?” Hayden hugged the boy.
“We’ll be back in a few hours.” Laken kissed Hayden’s cheek and gave him a quick hug.
He wanted to hold on to her with one arm and Brady with the other. To never let go of either of them. Instead, he held himself in check and watched them leave. In six weeks, he’d basically lose them both. At least Laken would come back.
Laken stood at Hayden’s stove. The turkey once glistening with honeyed sauce, now only a boney carcass. The golden brown stuffing, now only a few piles of mush. The candied sweet potato casserole baked to cinnamon perfection, now congealed with a scattering of pecans across the top.
Most of her loved ones waited in the next room. Yet, even after the bountiful meal, Laken didn’t feel very thankful. Sorry, Lord, I know I’ve still got a lot to be thankful for, but Brady leaving trumps it.
She unplugged the drain and let the dishwater out.
A month left before they’d leave for California. She had to tell Hayden. Later. Let him enjoy Thanksgiving Day.
His mother and hers had both wanted to help, but she’d sent them to the living room. She needed to cry and bake in peace. Now, she needed to cry and clean in peace. She had to pull herself together.
The door opened behind her. She didn’t turn around but tried to inconspicuously wipe her eyes with the back of her hand. Strong arms came around her waist. Relieved, she leaned her head back against Hayden’s solid chest.
“It was a great idea to have everyone come here. I wish your dad would have come.”
“Me, too, but he wouldn’t give up his bottle for just a day.”
“I’m still praying for him.” Hayden squeezed her tighter for a moment. “You did most of the cooking by yourself. You shouldn’t have to clean, too. Let me help.”
“No. You go spend time with Brady.” Her voice wobbled, and she winced.
He turned her to face him, tilting her chin up with gentle fingers. “You okay?”
“No.”
“Me neither.” He kissed her forehead. “In a month, two of the people I love most in the world will leave. At least I can look forward to you coming back.”
Might as well get it over with. Laken sucked in a quivery breath. “But I’m not.”
Hayden gulped for breath, as if he’d been sucker punched. “What are you saying?”
As her eyes squeezed shut, tears seeped from under her lashes. “I’ve decided to move to California with Brady.”
“No.” He kissed each eyelid, desperate to stop her tears, desperate to change her mind.
A sob escaped, and she opened bleary eyes. “Brady will be miserable. I can’t let Collin do this. I’ve tried everything to change his mind, but he’s determined. So the only option left is for me to go with them. I can care for Brady while Collin works.”
“I can’t lose you both.” Cupping her face in his hands, he kissed her, bittersweet with longing and loss. The happiness he’d finally grasped was slipping away, his contentment dying away. Though safe in his embrace, already he felt her pulling away.
“It’s not what I want.” She stepped back from him and shoved her hands in her pockets. “But the only other alternative is going to court.”
“I can’t put Brady through that. And besides, Collin is his biological father. I’m just his uncle.” He jabbed himself in the chest with a forefinger. “The one who ran over him and put him in a wheelchair. Who do you think the judge would give custody to?”
“Hayden—”
“If you’d just stay here, Collin might realize how difficult and time-consuming caring for Brady is. Maybe he’d give in. But instead, you’re…”
“What?”
The tic in his jaw started up. “Nothing.”
“Just say it, Hayden.”
“It’s just that…” He ran his hand along the back of his neck. “You’re enabling him.”
Laken’s jaw dropped. “Enabling? You think I’m enabling Collin?”
“With you, he’s got a built-in caretaker. In a roundabout way, you’re helping Collin take Brady away from me. The very thing you said you’d never do.”
“Hey.” Collin stepped in the doorway. “Laken, I’m heading to your place. I’m sure Hayden can give you a ride when you’re ready.”
“I’ll see that she gets home.” Hayden leaned against the counter for support.
“Listen, Hayden, I know this thing with Brady is hard on you.” Collin slung his arm around Laken’s shoulders and gave her a conspiratorial squeeze. “But Laken and I, we’ll take really good care of him. We’ve got it all worked out.”
His insides boiled. I’ll just bet you do. Hayden searched her face.
Laken pulled out of Collin’s embrace.
The puzzle pieces finally linked together. Laken had told him precisely what he wanted to hear. Just like Jan.
But all the while, Laken had been on Collin’s side. This wasn’t about Brady. It wasn’t about Hayden. It was all about Collin. She’d helped Collin take Brady away, and she’d done it intentionally.
She’d played him and then revealed her true self when he needed her most. Just like Jan.
“I’m ready to go now.” Laken crossed her arms over her chest.
“Give us a minute.”
“Sure.” Carefree, Collin turned toward the living room.
The enemy had infiltrated Hayden’s army, and he’d won.
“Suddenly, it’s all so clear.” Hayden’s words came through clenched teeth.
“What?”
“You’ve been working with him.” Hayden slammed his fist on the table. “All this time, I thought you were helping me, that you cared about me. But I guess blood is thicker than love.”
Her eyes glistened.
But he wasn’t falling for her show. Jan had turned her emotions on and off like a light switch. Laken was no different.
“How can you say that?” She propped her hands on her hips. “You have no idea what I’ve gone through with Collin. How hard I’ve fought him. You’re the one who handed Brady over to him.”
A fresh wave of anger turned his voice steely. “I’m trying to do what’s best for Brady. He shouldn’t be torn between Collin and me. I just wish I’d figured out the truth about you sooner.”
“You wouldn’t know the truth if I priority mailed it to you.” Laken’s tone could have frozen the Romance Waterfalls.
Hayden’s soul felt just as frigid. He gripped the edge of the countertop with both hands as she strode from the kitchen. Just like Jan.
Brady had come between them.
The only difference, Jan didn’t want Brady. Laken did.
Why had he deluded himself into thinking he could trust her?
Chapter 11
Gazing out her kitchen window at the gray winter sky, Laken sipped her coffee and tried to pull her brain away from Hayden’s accusations. She’d had a week to twist the knife he’d lodged in her heart.
ARKANSAS WEDDINGS: THREE-IN-ONE COLLECTION Page 30
