Plain City Bridesmaids

by Dianne Christner

  Lil flounced by, and Megan shrugged. “Lil showed up at my house today, and I thought she’d enjoy the movie, too.”

  “Believe me, I understand. I’m glad she came.”

  Megan gave a slight nod and entered his apartment, which he’d spent the morning cleaning. He knew that she kept a tidy desk, and by the way her hair was always perfectly swept into that bun and net thing, he was pretty sure she even bordered on the neat-freak side.

  His gaze swept over her, as hers took in the results of his cleanup campaign. Megan usually carried herself with confidence, but today her shoulders were soldier straight. Normally her serene expression and pale skin gave her a feminine appeal, but as she perused his apartment, her face tilted upward, revealing a strong square chin and a don’t-mess-with-me attitude.

  To Chance, it was a challenge. He watched her move about the room. She wore a dark print dress, black stockings, and black shoes. Her clothing was always too baggy for his preference. He figured she did that on purpose to hide her figure.

  “In Ecuador, is your apartment this sparse?”

  “Small and sparse. Except for my tapestry collection. My favorites are a gray elephant print and a blue tree of life.”

  “What’s an elephant print?”

  “The design has rows of elephants.” He thought how to best describe it. “Along the lines of an Egyptian motif.”

  Megan nodded.

  “I’m sure they’re nothing like the quilts we’re used to,” Lil interjected.

  “Do you hang them on the walls or use them as rugs?” Megan asked.

  “Both. I hope I can show them to you someday.”

  She glanced at the floor of his apartment—a short-piled, neutral carpet—and back up at him. He saw a glint in her eye that made his heart race, but he tried to keep his voice casual. “Sit down, ladies. Can I get you something to drink? I have soda and water bottles.”

  Megan and Lil shared the couch, and he brought them water. As they made small talk about Lil’s recent trip, he watched the petite brunette with the stylish haircut swing a jean-clad leg. Not for the first time, he wondered about the women’s friendship. They both had the same Pennsylvania Dutch huskiness to their voices. Were they relatives? After listening for a polite period of time, he asked, “How did you two become friends?”

  Megan replied, “We grew up in the same church. After Lil got married, she started going to a different one, with fewer restrictions.”

  A spark of righteous anger flared up in him, he turned to face Lil. “Then why are you so dead set against me? You do realize I’m a Christian?”

  Lil replied, “I was never satisfied in the Conservative church. But Megan is.”

  He caught a flicker of disagreement in Megan’s gaze. His pulse raced to think that she no longer felt that way. “But it’s her choice. I know she’s interested in missions, like you. That’s why I invited her to see the story of the Aucas.”

  “Um, I’m sitting right here,” Megan interjected.

  Lil ignored her. “My husband is the one interested in missions. But I support him in it.”

  Still feeling that Lil’s attitude was a bit duplicitous, he took the DVD out of its case. “I’ll start the movie.”

  The picture began, and vivid jungle scenery flashed onto the screen. As the plot escalated, it contrasted the beauty and dangers of the jungle, focusing on its hostile tribes. It delved into the missionaries’ faithfulness to their callings, no matter the hardships. Chance couldn’t help but get caught up in the wonder of the story again, feeling a strong desire to return and continue the work he loved. A glance told him that the women were swept into the plot, oblivious to their surroundings, and he wasn’t surprised to see them cry when the missionaries were killed.

  After the movie concluded, the women sat in brooding silence until Chance sought to lighten the mood. “It had a good ending, don’t you think? In real life, the grandson is now a Christian and works with the missionaries.”

  Megan’s voice was huskier than usual. “Grandson?”

  “Yes, although the grandfather was heathen, the grandson has helped to reach many souls,” Chance explained.

  “That’s good to know.” As dismissive as Megan’s statement was, the idea was momentous, taking root in her mind: the grandfather was barbaric, but the grandson became a Christian. It was as if God whispered in her heart, “You don’t have to follow in your grandmother’s steps.” It wasn’t the direction she’d expected from God. And after viewing the hardships the missionaries incurred, she wasn’t so sure about the jungle lifestyle, either. Swiping her eyes, she gave Chance a tremulous smile. “This movie touched me. But I need time to think about it.”

  His expression told her he understood she was talking about more than the plot.

  When Megan stood, Chance tried to detain her. “You ladies don’t have to rush off. Let me take you to dinner.”

  Megan needed more time to process her thoughts. Before she came to his apartment, she’d had every intention of telling Chance the truth about her background and even revealing her feelings for him. She was growing to despise secretive behavior of any kind, lest it fester and spread its malignancy to the unsuspecting. But the movie had planted some reservations in her about rushing forward with her earlier plans. “Dinner? No thank you. Perhaps another time. Lil needs to get home to Fletch.”

  “Yes. I also have a cat, a basset hound, and a rabbit to feed. Fletch is a vet, and he came to me with an entire entourage of animals.”

  “I won’t keep you then.” But when they reached the door, Megan felt his touch on her arm and turned into his low growl. “What if I want to spend some time with you?”

  “Lil?”

  Megan’s accountability partner arched a warning brow. “I’ll meet you at the car.”

  As soon as Lil was gone, Chance joked, “She packs a big wallop for her size.”

  “I don’t know about that, but she’s a good friend.”

  “At work you mentioned a personal problem. The preacher’s not bothering you, is he?”

  Thinking that Micah’s advice was more detrimental to their relationship than anything, she shook her head. “No, nothing like that.” Micah meant well. Why, he’d opened his arms to comfort her even though he lived beneath the congregation’s microscope. If her dad had walked onto the porch and misunderstood, Micah might have lost his position at Big Darby. No, Micah wasn’t bothering her, but his harsh advice sometimes presented a nuisance. Both men found pleasure in cutting the other down.

  “Then what?”

  “It’s a long story, and Lil’s waiting in the car.” But she owed him an explanation. “I’ll keep it brief. You see, I’ve always known my mom was adopted. But this week, I found out that none of her relatives are Mennonite. Or even professing Christians. I always thought I had a strong Mennonite heritage. I was wrong. I came today looking to find some answers.”

  His eyes rounded with understanding. “Because this sheds new light on our friendship. I’ve known all along that you were attracted to me. And now you’re wondering if there’s a way that we can be together?”

  His quick assessment set her pulse racing. “Pretty much. But I’m not ready.”

  He placed his forefinger beneath her chin, tilted her face upward so that she could look into his yearning gaze. “We’re running out of time. Soon I must return to Ecuador. You must come with me. Find your answers in Ecuador. Like I did.”

  “What do you propose? Exactly?”

  “Whatever you need. A trip to Ecuador. Friendship. Love. I want it all, but I’ll take whatever you can give me.”

  She watched his earnest expression, waiting for the word marriage, but it wasn’t uttered. Realistically, it was too soon for him to consider it. They hardly knew each other. But Megan had to make sure the word was in his vocabulary.

  In her hesitation, he urged, “I hope it’s love.” His gaze darkened, and he lowered his head and brushed his lips against hers. His arms encircled her and drew her clo
se. The kiss was surreal. With it, many things went through her mind. He kissed her again and tried to deepen it, but she drew back with a slight gasp. “But are you the marrying type?”

  He smiled. “I dream of sharing my life with you. I’m not opposed to marriage, but I see it farther down the road for us. Somewhere after dating. I believe the more appropriate question would be, are you willing to take the next step?”

  She placed a hand on his cheek. “I know you have to go back to Ecuador soon. But I’m not ready to give you an answer. If our feelings are real, they’ll last. My aunt’s coming to visit. She wants to tell us about the relatives we never knew. I’d like to hear what she has to say before I make a decision.”

  Placing his hand over hers, he assured, “I’ll wait. I’ll give you whatever time you need.”

  The doorbell rang, and Megan withdrew her hand. “Lil.” His smile held disappointment. “I’ll see you Monday.”

  Inside the car, Lil apologized, “I’m sorry about the doorbell. I just wanted to give you a way out.”

  “Don’t worry about it. It was perfect timing.”

  Lil started the car and glanced sideways. “So what happened?”

  Megan sighed. “I told him about my mom’s real family. He asked me to go to Ecuador with him. I asked if that included marriage. He said yes, that he dreamed of spending his life with me. Oh. And he kissed me.”

  “All that!” Lil shook her head. “He’s fast. I’m glad I didn’t leave you alone with him any longer.”

  Megan smiled. “I kind of cornered him when I asked him if he was the marrying type.”

  Lil burst out laughing. “Good for you. But let me tell you that the marrying type needs plenty of patience.”

  Megan burst into laughter, feeling lighter than she had in weeks.

  As the city turned into countryside, the Ecuador decision tiptoed back into Megan’s mind. Gazing at the fields and mailboxes that held names of lifelong friends, she asked herself if she could really leave the familiarity of Plain City. The movie imprinted her with a fresh perspective of a missionary’s life and hardships. It wouldn’t be like her college mission trip. The sacrifices she’d make for Ecuador would be permanent. Life-altering. If not Ecuador, then some place similar; for she was certain Chance wouldn’t be comfortable living in the States. He thrived on adventure and blue skies.

  Pulling into the drive, Lil pointed. “What’s Micah doing by his car?”

  Megan craned her neck. “I’m not sure.”

  “Do you think he’s the marrying kind?”

  Megan sank back in her seat and rolled her gaze toward the car’s peeling ceiling. “How would I know?”

  “Just asking. I imagine that’s what your entire congregation is wondering.”

  “I suppose. But there’s no sense putting the cart in front of the horse.” Yet their midnight rendezvous flashed across her mind. “Micah’s a nice man. He deserves a good woman. I’ll miss him when he moves out of the blue cottage. It’s been nice to have a friend so close at hand.”

  “When I wasn’t there for you.”

  “I didn’t mean that.”

  “All I’m saying, Chance isn’t the only fish in the ocean. And there’re probably even more where Micah came from, too. Remember how the Lord brought Fletch right to my door?”

  With a sad sigh, Megan replied, “I wish you liked Chance.”

  “I’m sorry. I’ll try harder. My family didn’t like Fletch. Yet you helped us get together. You were the one who convinced me to give him a second chance. You deserve the same support from me.”

  “Thanks. It means a lot to me. And thanks for going with me today.” Megan reached for her door handle. “Coming in?”

  “No, I’m going home to make myself presentable for Fletch. We have some making up to do. Anyway, I think your preacher friend is lingering over there, hoping to talk to you.”

  Megan threw Lil a kiss and backed away from the car, waving. Then she saw Lil was right. Micah was watching her.

  CHAPTER 25

  Micah curiously observed the women, not that it was any of his business where they’d been. When Lil finally drove away, Megan started toward him.

  “What are you doing?” she asked. “Hopefully not packing up your car?”

  “You probably wish I was. But no, I’m cleaning it. It was filthy.” He straightened and tossed his drying rag over his shoulder like a tote, noticing that she’d shed her heavy spirit. “You look happier.”

  “I am. I learned something today.”

  Micah crossed his arms. “I’m all ears.”

  “Lil and I went to Chance’s apartment to watch that movie I told you about.”

  Relief washed over him that she’d not gone alone, like he’d imagined. “I’m glad you took someone along. That was the smart thing to do.”

  “I figured you would think so. Anyway, as I told you before, the story was about the Aucas natives who murdered some missionaries. It turns out that a native who threw one of the spears had a grandson who became a Christian. Now he tells people about the Lord. I felt God showing me that it doesn’t matter what my grandmother was like. I can be whoever I want to be. It doesn’t answer all my questions, but …” She shrugged.

  Micah’s arms relaxed to his sides, and he quietly thanked the Lord for answering his prayers. “That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. But we probably shouldn’t judge your grandmother, either. Usually the rumors or hearsay about someone is worse than the actual truth.”

  Megan nodded thoughtfully.

  “So what did you think about Ecuador?” Micah chose to ask that instead of what he really wanted to know: After seeing Ecuador, was Megan still interested in the missionary pilot? Was she planning to run off with him?

  “The film wasn’t actually in Ecuador, but in a place with similar climate and terrain. It’s jungle. Very primitive. I enjoyed my college mission trip, but I’m not sure if I want to live permanently in such a wild and dangerous place. If I’m interested in Chance, it’s my only option. He’s committed there. That’s the kind of life he’s offering me.”

  Micah clenched his fist and snapped his towel off his shoulder, running it through his other hand. “So you talked about marriage?”

  “Sure.”

  His jaw hardened with jealousy.

  “He wants me to go to Ecuador and spend time with him, take it slow. He’s not opposed to marriage.”

  He blurted, “Not opposed?” His throat released a harsh objection. “That sounds like less than you deserve, Megan. You do realize that?”

  “How do you know what I deserve?”

  He tore his gaze from her hurt expression, focusing on the towel. Reminding himself that he possessed no rights to Megan beyond those of a friend. “I think you deserve a clean car. Want me to wash it for you?”

  Her resistance slowly melted away, and she looked at him with gratitude. “Yes. But only if I help.”

  He twisted his rag and lightly snapped her skirt with it. “That depends on your skills, missy.”

  “Ouch! Hey! Do not call me after your cat.” Tossing her purse aside, she tried to snatch the rag away from him, caught the end of it, and held on. “I think I’d better be the drier.”

  Enjoying their tug-of-war contest, he started to reel her in. His breath catching, he wondered what she would do if he reeled her in close enough to kiss. But when their faces got within inches of each other, she released it so fast that he stumbled back.

  “You don’t play fair,” she pouted.

  “And you need to play more.”

  “Is that so?” With a mischievous glint in her blue eyes, she grabbed the half bucket of sudsy water and started toward him.

  Micah’s hands went up to shield his face, allowing the towel to slip from his hands to the ground. He made a pass for it, but missed. Megan eyed the towel, too, and he could tell she was undecided whether to make a move for it or to drench him with her pail of water. His gaze shifted from the towel to Megan, trying to anticipate her
moves.

  She darted forward, letting the pail go. It rocked and sloshed but remained upright. She snatched the towel off the ground and dashed after him with it.

  He dodged her and went back after the bucket. Megan understood his intentions too late. He started toward her, holding the bucket while its contents slopped sudsy water onto his shoes.

  “Oh, no. No you don’t,” she said, backing away. Micah stopped advancing just as she backed into something solid. With a shriek, she turned. “Dad!”

  “Is it recess?” he asked.

  Feeling foolish, Micah explained, “We’re just in the middle of car washing.” He glanced toward the shop, referring to Bill’s Nova. “Want us to wash yours?”

  Megan brought the towel close to her face to cover her grin.

  “No, thank you. Carry on.” With that, Bill strode toward the house.

  As soon as he was inside, Megan keeled over in laughter. When she could finally speak again, she said, “He’d never let us touch that car. Did you see the expression of stark terror on his face when you asked him?”

  Micah set down the bucket and thrust his finger at her. “Young lady, you were born to get me in trouble.” Then he motioned, “Come on. Let’s see how good you are with that rag.”

  He pushed his damp shirtsleeves above his elbows and reached into the bottom of the soapy bucket, retrieving a sponge. He washed, and Megan dried. As they worked, he tried to concentrate on the task and not the woman beside him.

  They were partway through Megan’s Nova when she said, “You must have your sermon ready.”

  “I do. And I took my suit to a new dry cleaner. Hopefully tomorrow will go better.”

  “You deserve a good day.”

  He cast her a flirtatious glance. “And how do you know what I deserve?” “Oh, it’s easy to see into your heart, Micah. Because it’s so big.”

  Her remark couldn’t have been further from the truth. Because if she really could see into it, she would see her own reflection.