The Unexpected Shelter

by Abby Tyler

  Luke grinned at Savannah. “I’ll just run this out to her car, and then I’ll be all yours.”

  Felicia’s grin got even bigger at that. “Oh, I do love love,” she said. “Weddings are the best places to find all the young romance.”

  Savannah’s heart beat a little faster. What was everybody seeing? What would make Felicia talk about love? And make Billy Ray so angry? She decided not to wait inside while Luke carried the box. She didn’t want Billy Ray to find her alone.

  Felicia prattled on about how beautiful the day was, and it didn’t get any prettier than this for a wedding in Missouri. Luke loaded the box into her trunk and Felicia kissed his cheek, saying not to worry about her, but she would get more help on the other side.

  Savannah and Luke paused on the sidewalk, looking toward the garden, where the photographer posed the happy couple in a kiss, Anna’s long veil floating in the breeze.

  “She seems really happy,” Savannah said.

  “They both do,” Luke agreed. Their hands brushed against each other as they walked, and Savannah’s cheeks burned. Why did it seem so natural that they would hold hands? She stepped just a little farther away to avoid the complication of them deciding or not deciding to close their grip like he had in the garden. She still feared Billy Ray making a scene.

  When they got back inside the church, the family had gathered to wait. Luke and Savannah sat in a pew.

  Anna’s mother approached. “Thank you so much for being one of Anna’s bridesmaids. It’s so important to her.” Her gaze fell on Luke. “I don’t think I’ve met your young man.”

  More assumptions. “This is Luke. He’s Mayor T-bone’s son.

  Anna’s mother turned to her in confusion. “The Mayor has a son?”

  Luke himself extended a hand. “I’m Luke Southard. My arrival in Applebottom was a surprise to everyone, including T-bone.”

  Anna’s mother folded a cloth handkerchief on her lap. “I guess I’ve been so distracted by the wedding that I hadn’t even heard. It’s very nice to meet you. I’m sure T-bone was delighted.”

  “Well he was surprised, that was for sure.”

  Thankfully, they didn’t need to go any deeper into the story, because the happy couple returned with the photographer.

  After a round of hugs, and Violet fixing Anna’s hair and makeup, they ran through a full complement of photographs. When they were done, Anna asked, “Does everyone have a ride over to the reception? We can squeeze a few people into the limo with us.”

  Violet and Candace opted to ride with the couple, since their families had already headed across town. But Savannah went with Luke.

  “You knew you were in it for the day, I hope,” Savannah said as they sat at a red light.

  “It’s been fun.”

  “Hauling boxes and holding flowers?”

  “Seeing you with your friends. And you don’t even have one mud smear on you.”

  Savannah shook her head. “How will I ever resist that sweet talk?”

  They grinned at each other like giddy kids.

  The hall was decent sized, filled with long tables decorated with peach table cloths. A DJ had set up in one corner, even though he wasn’t playing yet. White lights were strung all across the ceiling, giving the room a fairy-like glow.

  Luke drifted into the crowd as Savannah stood with the rest of the wedding party to greet guests. Billy Ray pushed his way beside her. “Pretty crummy when your best girl won’t even walk up the aisle with you like she’s supposed to.”

  “You guys were in the wrong order. That wasn’t our fault,” Savannah said.

  Savannah waited out the hugs and handshakes as the guests greeted the couple, then she fell back into the crowd. This was the part she had dreaded, when she would be forced to sit next to Billy Ray in front of everyone, and Luke would be alone among the guest tables taking Boone’s spot.

  But one thing she hadn’t counted on was Felicia. When she arrived at her assigned chair at the long table for the bridal party, she realized that Violet was placed on one side of her and a hastily made card that read Luke was on the other.

  Candace passed behind her. “Interesting,” she said. “Billy Ray is way over there by me.”

  “Where’s Jeremy?” Violet asked.

  They walked along the table. Jeremy was seated on the other side of Frederick, who was by the groom. Somehow, none of the exes were near each other.

  “Works for me,” Candace said, sliding in her chair.

  “You won’t hear me asking questions,” Savannah said. She looked out over the crowd to spot Luke wandering the tables. She waved him over. “Felicia gave you a spot next to me up front. Is that okay?”

  Luke shrugged. “Sounds great. Otherwise, I’d probably spend the reception chatting up elderly ladies.

  “Too bad for the ladies,” Savannah said. “You are mine.”

  She slipped her arm through his, her face warming up at what she’d just said. But it seemed right.

  Savannah spotted Billy Ray behind the tables, scowling at the cards. He picked up his as if he might move them around.

  “Let’s sit,” Savannah said. “Before Billy manages to undo the order.”

  But Violet was on it. She took the card from Billy Ray and put it back where he found it. The bride and groom moved to their seats, and the room generally settled down.

  Savannah looked out over the guests, and for the very first time, wondered what her own wedding might one day look like. She’d never even considered the thought.

  Why was she now?

  But when she turned to Luke to catch him watching her with an expression of pure tenderness, she knew.

  This wedding was pretty typical as far as weddings go. Not that Luke had been to many.

  The toasts had just ended, and the DJ was calling the bride and groom down for the first dance.

  Savannah leaned in. “Halfway through the song, I will have to dance with one of the groomsmen.”

  “Not Billy Bob, I hope,” he said.

  Savannah clapped her hand over her mouth to avoid a loud laugh. “No. Candace and I have an agreement that I’m to grab Jeremy and she will dance with Billy Ray.”

  “When do I get to dance with you?” Having Savannah in his arms would be plenty payment enough for the work he’d done at the wedding.

  “The DJ will make an announcement inviting everyone up. You can cut in then. Jeremy won’t care.”

  The table began to empty as the wedding party moved toward the dance floor. Luke stuck with Savannah, keeping his eye on Billy Ray.

  Candace moved into position to snag him, and Savannah stepped close to Jeremy. Watching all this unfold was entertaining, like the wedding party version of musical chairs.

  The music began, and the bride and groom walked out to the center of the dance floor. Billy Ray continued to try to edge his way closer to Savannah.

  The song was slow and felt like it would never end. But at last, the maid of honor and best man stepped out to join the couple on the dance floor. Billy Ray rushed over to Savannah, but Luke cleanly sidestepped in front of him, giving her time to take Jeremy’s arm.

  Candace more or less stomped over to Billy Ray and dragged him out into a dance.

  A few of the people closest to them tittered lightly.

  Luke couldn’t help but flash a wicked smile. Candace definitely had Savannah’s back.

  The DJ invited the mother of the groom and the father of the bride out to have their dances. Billy Ray tried once again to turn loose of Candace and head toward Savannah, but Candace kept a vice grip on his arm. The music switched to a new song, and the DJ invited the guests onto the dance floor.

  That was Luke’s cue. He swiftly approached Savannah, and Jeremy released her. Before Billy Ray could even get across the room, they were already circling the space.

  He scowled at them as they passed.

  “And here I thought Billy Bob and I were going to be good friends,” Luke said.

  “Don’t cal
l him that to his face or he’ll try to hit you again,” Savannah said with a laugh.

  “Sensitive topic?”

  “He hates that name. He says it sounds like a cartoon hillbilly.”

  “Billy Ray is not much better.”

  “He was named after the singer.”

  They moved along the floor, and finally, Luke began to relax. All the tough parts were over. Savannah hadn’t been forced to sit by her ex, or dance with him.

  She seemed to realize it too, because her body gradually grew less stiff.

  One good thing about weddings was that he could count on them to play slow songs that gave you an excuse to hold somebody close.

  “I swear, a wedding is harder than taking care of twenty animals a day,” Savannah said.

  “I believe it,” Luke said. “But now is your time to just be chill.”

  She let out a long sigh, and he drew her a little closer. He navigated them through the other couples, the music washing over the rumble of the guests who were talking at their tables.

  As they grew more familiar with each other’s movements, they danced like one person, slipping in and out of the lights, cocooned in the happiness that surrounded them.

  Luke had never felt quite this tender toward a woman. But then, he’d never felt quite as settled as he did in Applebottom.

  As one song blended into another, he sensed that Savannah didn’t want to leave the dance floor. He hoped the slow songs would hold out for a while before the DJ pulled out a rock anthem or the chicken dance. Savannah’s body began to melt closer and closer to his, until finally, her head rested on his shoulder.

  At that moment, his body flooded with emotion. This felt exactly right, more right than anything he’d ever known in his twenty-five years.

  The song crooned on about one true love. He caught a glimpse of the bride and groom, staring starry-eyed at each other. He knew exactly what they felt. This rightness. This absolute perfection.

  He released Savannah’s hand and slid a long length of her hair behind her shoulder.

  She made no move to pull away, and rested her free hand on his waist. But she did look up.

  No words passed between them. They weren’t necessary. The disco light overhead flashed its brilliant bits of color over her face. She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.

  And even though it was risky, and they were in public, and her ex-boyfriend, who’d come swinging at him just a few days before stood nearby, Luke discovered he couldn’t stop himself. He lowered his face to the tilt of Savannah’s, and brushed his lips against hers.

  She didn’t pull away. They stopped dancing, although the other guests continued their slow circle.

  For them, time had stopped. Something was happening here. Something unexpected. Incomprehensible.

  And perfectly right.

  Chapter 13

  Savannah didn’t even know what to do with herself on Monday morning as she waited for Luke to arrive at the shelter. All day Sunday she had stopped in front of mirrors and touched her lips, wondering if it was really true that she had kissed the mayor’s son at a wedding in front of everybody.

  The reception had gone on as usual. Anna and Landon had cut their cake and fed each other. Landon had thrown the garter, and Jeremy, of all people, had caught it.

  A general conspiracy was created to make Candace catch the bouquet, but she caught on and stormed to the bathroom until it was over.

  Likewise, Savannah made sure she was not in range of catching the flowers. She’d already started enough talk with the kiss. Thankfully, one of the elderly ladies from the church had gone after it, pleasing the crowd.

  The rumor mill hadn’t moved too quickly, because when Savannah got home, Flo hadn’t heard anything yet. The speed with which Applebottom citizens would call and text each other when a juicy tidbit came about was mind-boggling. But they’d gotten a little reprieve.

  Luke had kissed her once more, just lightly, when he dropped her at her front door after the wedding.

  Savannah didn’t know how things would be between them now. Would they kiss a lot? Never again?

  Would they go out on an actual date, not a fake one?

  Was she going to go crazy before she figured any of this out?

  Boone walked into the kitchen and sat at the table. He didn’t seem to remember any of the conversation with Luke and Savannah from two nights before, or his confusion about who was getting married.

  “Eggs okay for breakfast?” she asked.

  “Are they fresh? You’ve been getting store-bought lately.”

  Savannah whirled about. His voice sounded like normal Boone. Like this was one of the best days, the days where he was almost his old self. They were so rare.

  She spoke carefully. “Mrs. Hutchins brought them by yesterday as thanks for protecting her chickens. She also wanted to see the Doberman we took in over it. I don’t think she’s mad anymore.”

  “Sounds good then,” he said. “How many of her chickens did you say he got?”

  Wow. A normal conversation. Tears sprang to Savannah’s eyes. She took the eggs out of the refrigerator as if nothing were different. She didn’t want to jinx it.

  “Five or six. Which is a lot for her.”

  “She always liked her chickens. How are her grandkids? Didn’t they just have another great-grandbaby?”

  “Almost. Mandy is due at Thanksgiving.”

  “That’ll be nice.” Boone looked around as if he were coming out of a long sleep and just now recognizing where he was. “Should I go check on the dogs? Have they had their morning feed?”

  Now a small panic zipped through her. If he wanted to do too much, and he went back into his fog in the middle, she could have a situation on her hands. She needed to keep him right here.

  “We can do it together when I’m done. Would you fetch some plates and juice glasses?”

  To her relief, he got up and headed to the proper cabinet. He really was having a good day. While he fetched the dishes, she quickly put some bacon on to fry. She wanted to ask him a thousand questions. She had a list upstairs titled things to ask Boone when he’s having a good day, but she didn’t dare run up and get it at the moment.

  She tried to think quickly about what was on it. And how to phrase it so that she didn’t tip him off that he didn’t normally have the answers.

  “Boone, do you remember where the charter for the shelter is? It wasn’t with the house title in the safe when I checked.”

  “David Livingston has it in his files.”

  Small slip there, but that was okay. Micah Livingston had taken over his father David’s practice three years ago. Boone could have easily forgotten that detail.

  Still, if they had the charter in their office, she could get it from Micah.

  “I’m sure he stuck it somewhere,” she said carefully. “And one time you told me about some little life insurance policy you took out on me when I was a baby. I never have found any records of that.”

  “Now that would be in a box of your mother’s things,” he said. “She’s the one who insisted.” His face twisted in sorrow as he set the plates on the table, almost as if he’d forgotten about that loss until this moment.

  Oh. She could see him slipping away, his back hunching over, his hands fumbling. He didn’t bother to move the juice glasses from the counter to the table, but sat down in his chair. “Are you making flapjacks?”

  Tears sprang in Savannah’s eyes for real then, and she wiped them away quickly. “We were planning on eggs, Boone,” she said. “Are you hungry enough for eggs and flapjacks both?”

  Boone looked out the window. “Eggs are okay, I guess. Are they fresh?”

  “Really fresh. Mrs. Hutchins brought them over from her coop.”

  “Mrs. Hutchins? I thought she moved to Springfield.”

  He was definitely lost. He was thinking of the first Mrs. Hutchins, the current Mrs. Hutchins’s mother-in-law. But there was no point in correcting him. “She was visiting.�
��

  Savannah wondered if talking about her mother had sent him back. Anything could. Or it was nothing. Just the whims of the severed connections in his mind. The lucid moments were so brief, and she cherished every one.

  And she had gotten two very valuable pieces of information this time, the location of the charter and possibly where another document had been put away.

  She flipped the bacon and turned the eggs.

  Boone stayed quiet while she finished cooking and set the plate on the table. He stared down at the eggs and strips of bacon. “I thought we were having flapjacks,” he said.

  “We’ll do them tomorrow,” Savannah said. He didn’t seem agitated, so it should be safe enough to stick with the breakfast she’d already made.

  And it was. Boone ate without complaint.

  Savannah had planned to bring up the wedding so that she could correct any misperceptions Boone might have, but his sad contemplative expression as he stared out the window kept her quiet. She’d let it go.

  It’s not like it mattered. If he mentioned it to anybody else, they would know that she wasn’t married to the mayor’s son. The confusion wouldn’t go past Boone.

  The roar of a truck let her know that Luke had arrived. The back door was probably still locked. Savannah shoved down a couple more bites. “I’m going to let the volunteer in, and then I’ll be right back,” she said.

  Boone didn’t respond but picked up his bacon. “I like it crisp,” he said.

  Savannah hurried into the kennel room, sending all the dogs barking. She unlatched each cage and unlocked the back door. The dogs raced into the big yard.

  When they were all clear, she headed to the Doberman, now named Nero, and leashed him up.

  As she was preparing to take Nero to the smaller yard, Luke came into the room, Luigi at his feet.

  “I’ll take him,” Luke said. “I assume nobody’s been fed yet?”

  “Not yet,” she said. “And, good morning.”