Donuts and Detours

by Baganz, Susan M. ;

  “Good move. It was hard to wait. I proposed quickly once I realized I loved Skye, but we had a few months before the wedding. That was hard. Not sure what I advise more. Used to be we recommended long engagements to work through details but for the sake of purity—shorter is better.”

  “I guess I’ll just keep asking God and letting him lead me in this.”

  “Wise move.”

  Ty’s phone rang. He picked it up and jotted a note down. “Gotta head back. Thought I’d spend the afternoon working on cars, but it seems they have a pick-up for me. Never a dull moment.”

  “It was good meeting you today. Keep in touch. I’ll be praying for you.”

  “Backatcha, Dan. You’ll be in my prayers as well as you navigate married life and ministry. I’m glad Bethany Joelle has found a friend in Skye.”

  “Me too. It was hard for her to connect with some people at church as a pastor’s wife. Andrew’s wife has taken her under her wing but everyone needs more friends than that.”

  “Later, dude.”

  “Later, Ty.”

  ~*~

  Bethany was surprised to see Tanya waiting for her by the service desk when her shift was done. “Tanya. What brings you here? I thought you lived closer to the airport?”

  “I do, but I had a few hours and decided to stop by and see if I might take you to lunch.”

  “Um, OK. Let me run upstairs to my locker and I’ll be back.”

  “No rush.”

  Bethany changed into a clean shirt with fresh deodorant, undid her braid and shook her hair loose, finger combing it as she tipped forward. She grabbed her purse. It was odd to be carrying the thing. Turning on the phone, she grabbed the lip gloss and put some on. She looked in the mirror and hardly recognized herself without a cap. Yesterday she got her history and today she would have lunch with Ty’s mom. She wondered if he knew.

  She grinned. This could be fun.

  She headed downstairs, met Tanya at the doors ,and walked beside her to her car in the lot. A shiny blue two-door coupe. Bethany sat in the passenger seat as Tanya slid behind the wheel.

  “You and your son share a love of leather seats.”

  “We share a love of quality. Don’t let his mechanic get-up fool you. The boy is savvy. He saved up money for years for that truck of his so he could pay cash for it. I was so proud of him.”

  “He told me yesterday how he gave you trouble when he was in his teens.”

  Tanya shook her head. “That boy has no idea. Did he tell you about his high school sweetheart?”

  “Yeah. Sad story.”

  “Hard lessons. I was glad he was seeking responsible options and willing to do whatever it took to make it right for that baby. I’m sure he still carries the weight of what he believes was his murder of two people. Most don’t realize how abortion can impact the father too. Her parents wanted to sue Titus, but there was nothing to be gained and the civil court threw it out.”

  “That had to be hard.”

  “Painful. I really began to worry he might do something drastic. He was depressed, and his grades dropped for a time. A guy from school asked him to come to church on a Sunday and everything changed. Titus brought me, and my life changed. I don’t know if I could have handled living without my son, but now I think it was Jesus I really needed. And the Lord gave my son back to me.”

  “I’m glad.”

  “After that, he became a model student. He worked hard, took shop, and managed to get a scholarship to attend the technical college to get more training. All the while he worked, doing oil changes, driving a tow truck, or fixing flats. Anything to earn him money. I let him live with me even after he graduated high school. I started flying as I believed he was an adult and didn’t need me hovering. He was hardly home anyway. And now, leading a ministry at church, working hard at his job, adopting that sweet dog, and dating you—he’s finally coming into his own and I couldn’t be happier for him.”

  “You hardly know me.”

  “Orphaned at a young age. Foster kid who made it out of the system at sixteen and has stayed away from drugs and trouble but works hard. A bit of a loner, but you possess a kind heart. Titus told me how you were the one who rescued the dog and saved his life.”

  “That pretty much sums up all you need to know.”

  “I suspect that barely scratches the surface. Let’s get a bite at a drive through and I want to take you shopping.”

  “Shopping?”

  “You need to shed the cloak of invisibility you try to wear.”

  “I don’t—”

  “Yes. You do. I understand at the garage, and maybe even at work, but it’s time you start looking like the beautiful woman you are. Let your inner beauty reflect to the world around you.”

  “There’s nothing much pretty about me.”

  “I beg to differ. I’m OK with you going au natural with your face. It’s beautiful as it is and suits you, but honey, you need some better clothes for when you’re at church, or on a date, or even meeting with your family.”

  “I don’t have a family.”

  “From what I understand you have a family who wants you so much that they are willing to pursue adopting you, even as an adult.”

  “Yeah, I’ve not decided what to do about that.”

  “You have doubts?”

  “Well, it’s so permanent. Everything in my life is temporary.”

  “Life itself is temporary. But there are some relationships with staying power. Doesn’t mean they’ll always be easy, but they are worth pursuing.”

  “I’m not so sure about this.”

  “Indulge me, will you? I never had a daughter to pamper and spoil and I only have a few hours before I need to be to the airport.”

  “I seem to be at your mercy.”

  Tanya smiled. “Yes, you most definitely are, but trust me, this won’t be torture.”

  ~*~

  Bethany arrived home late and dragged the bags of clothing to her room. She had at least convinced Tanya to visit some resale and thrift shops and they found some cute things at those places.

  Tanya promised that she would feel better about herself and that Titus would appreciate her looking pretty once in a while.

  Taking off tags and getting things put away, Bethany could hardly wait for her next time out with Titus. She called him. “Hey, Titus. I’m not coming in tonight.”

  “You OK?”

  “Fine, just tired. Long day at work and your mom took me to lunch and shopping.”

  “Shopping?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I’m afraid to ask.”

  “It was a nice time. I like your mom, Titus. She’s sweet and she loves you.”

  “Did she mention a boyfriend?”

  “For her?”

  “Yeah. I keep praying God brings her a man worthy of her.”

  “No. Guess we’re not that close yet.”

  “OK. Going to rest?”

  “Might look at the stuff Kristi gave me.”

  “OK. Call me if you need me or want to talk.”

  “Thanks. I appreciate that. Have a good night.”

  “I’ll try. I’ll miss you.”

  “I’ll miss you too.”

  She hung up and couldn’t help smiling. Yup, she was falling in love.

  16

  God gave us the gift of life;

  it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well.

  Voltaire

  Bethany brought the box down to the screened-in front porch. It was shaded, and the breeze wouldn’t mess with the papers she wanted to read. She pulled out Russell’s letter and prayed for the courage to get through it.

  Dearest Bethany Joelle,

  Our longing for another daughter was fulfilled beyond our dreams when you came to our home, lonely and longing for love. You can’t possibly understand the joy we experienced by your being here. Your sweet smile brightened every morning. Your gratitude warmed our hearts. Your aptitude with cars made me proud. If you re
member, none of the other kids were interested in that. It really was and still is our deepest desire to call you our daughter. To change your name to ours. To be your forever family.

  I can’t explain why God allowed this cancer to come and rip you from our hearts. I could endure this better if you were here. Knowing Kristi wouldn’t be so alone because the two of you could move forward together. But that’s been denied to our grieving hearts and I pray you hold those moments we had, as brief as they were, close to your heart and realize beyond a shadow of a doubt—we love you. God loves you even more and we trust Him to watch over you and keep you safe.

  I grieve that I can’t walk you down the aisle someday to that special someone who will love you. I grieve that I can’t give him a hard time and get to know the man who will one day be your husband. I grieve that I won’t hold your children in my arms and be a grandpa to them. To babysit and teach them how to fix cars.

  Stand firm in your faith, sweet daughter. We may not have legally adopted you, but you are ours in our hearts and we long and pray for you. Even your siblings do. Margaret, Kandace, Timothy, and Peter. They love the little princess you were to us. My death is bittersweet knowing this one thing is left undone and that you are out there in this wide scary world, alone.

  We love you always and forever, our sweet Bethany Joelle. Please don’t ever doubt that.

  Your father,

  Russell Shedd

  Bethany read the letter at least three times. It was hard to believe that someone loved her that much. Russell was gone but Kristi and Margaret acted as if everything he wrote was true. God protected her. It was a difficult and lonely journey, but she came through it and survived by God’s grace. Even when she doubted, those seeds of faith planted in the Shedd home took root, sustained her, and kept her grounded.

  She picked up her phone and dialed Kristi.

  “Mom?”

  “Bethany Joelle?”

  “Yeah. I’d love to come to the Labor Day gathering. Can I bring Titus along?”

  “Yes, we’d love to have you both. Bring Cooper too, why don’t you? There will be plenty of space to run and play. I’ll mail you a map with directions. Your brothers and sisters will be thrilled.”

  “Can I bring something?”

  “Bring yourself, that handsome man, and the dog. That is all we’ve been longing for. Oh, and play clothes and sunscreen.”

  “OK. Thank you…Mom.”

  “You have made me so happy. I look forward to telling the others.”

  “Thanks.”

  Bethany hung up the phone. She wanted to tell Titus but didn’t want to call him again. She looked at all the new clothes. Why not? She wasn’t fixing cars today.

  ~*~

  Titus was surprised when Bethany Joelle walked into the garage. Every man stood up to observe her entrance. She wore a short-sleeved shirt in turquoise with a chunky necklace in salmon, blue, and silver. The outfit was completed with khaki capris and shoes that matched her top. Her hair was down.

  “Titus.”

  He shook himself out of his trance and moved to meet her at the office.

  “What’s up? Everything OK?”

  She smiled up at him. “Can we talk for a few minutes?”

  “Absolutely.” He followed her into his office and leaned against the desk as she sat down.

  “I read Russell’s letter. I called Kristi and told her I want to come to their Labor Day celebration.”

  “Great.”

  “I asked if I could bring you and she said they would love to have you and Cooper as well.”

  Titus was still floored by the vibrant vision before him. “Um, yeah. I’ve no plans and I’ll make sure I’m not on call for the tow-truck. Is this an outfit you purchased with my mom?”

  She stood, frowning. “You don’t like it?”

  “I like it very much. I’m awestruck at how adorable you are. I think you might have blown the minds of the men in the shop away with your appearance. I can see now why it’s good for you to dress like you do when you work here.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “The men would be too interested in you and not fixing the cars.”

  “You’re joking.”

  Titus shook his head. “No joke. If all those eyes out there weren’t watching us right now I’d be holding you tight and kissing you. Well, and—” he pointed to the corner ceiling, “—we just had this video surveillance installed as well. Not sure I want our amorous adventures recorded for the pastors to observe.”

  Bethany’s face grew a sweet shade of pink. “I never knew you to be one for flattery.”

  “I’m not. I’m a straight-shooter and you should realize that by now.”

  “OK. Well, I’d better leave so you can all get some work done. I’ll be heading to bed soon anyway.”

  “Yeah. And thanks for thinking of me.”

  Her brow wrinkled.

  “You invited me to be with your family on Labor Day. That’s a huge thing for you. I’m honored you want me there.”

  She nodded. “Yeah, well, I couldn’t imagine going without you. Thanks.” She rose to her tiptoes to give him a peck on the cheek. “‘Night, Titus.” Bethany pivoted and walked out.

  Ty blinked. He longed to text his mom a thank you but she was flying. He pulled out his phone and did it anyway.

  17

  The most important thing in the world is family and love.

  John Wooden

  September 2014

  Labor Day

  “How did you manage to get off work?” Titus asked.

  “I explained to Jack and he was thrilled and more than happy to make it happen for me to be off. But I did miss church yesterday to work and I’ll likely be working through the next weekend too.”

  “I hope not. I like sitting with you in church. I missed you yesterday.”

  “I missed you too, but we did spend the afternoon together.”

  “I suppose.” Ty grinned.

  Cooper was once again sitting on Bethany’s lap as they rode on Interstate 94 towards Madison.

  Ty could tell she was nervous about the day by the way she played with Cooper’s ears and scratched him. He suspected the stuffed puppy was in her backpack.

  “Your mom flying this weekend?”

  “Yes. She enjoys holiday air travel for some reason, even though it’s often more crowded and people can be crankier. I guess after raising me everything else is child’s play.”

  “Don’t be so hard on yourself. She adores you. I’m sure it wasn’t all bad.”

  “Maybe not.”

  “I think you turned out pretty good.”

  “Only pretty good?”

  “Well, I’m reserving judgment until I ferret out more of your secrets.”

  “I’ve told you my worst one.”

  “True.”

  “You did share some about your scars, but I don’t think you told me the whole story.”

  “Oh.”

  “You don’t have to do it now, but at some point, I’d like to hear about it.”

  She sniffed. Why’d he need to open up a painful subject? “There’s not much to tell. They are from my last foster home. There are more than you’ve seen. The father delighted in using a belt all over and laugh. The mother smoked like a chimney and delighted in snuffing out her cigarettes on my arms. I tried to avoid her, but she insisted on supervising my homework. Anything to have me close so she could control me. I didn’t last long in that home and I’m grateful for that. I was shuttled to a group home that was verbally harsh and lonely. I got out of there as soon as I could.”

  He gulped. “I’m sorry.”

  “The scars aren’t as bad as the things they would say to me. I try not to think about those things, but sometimes the words pop into my mind and I can’t shut them up. It’s like I’m being lashed at again.”

  Titus reached across the seat to clasp her hand. “I will never hold your scars against you or ridicule you for them. Your beauty shines in spit
e of them. I’m thrilled my mom convinced you to wear short-sleeved and sleeveless shirts too. I know you were hiding those things, but to me, they are a symbol of your courage and strength.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Anytime.” He squeezed her hand.

  She hugged Cooper close with her free arm.

  He wished he were able to hold her himself.

  ~*~

  They arrived at the lakeside property and Titus ran around to help Bethany out of the car.

  Cooper was on a leash, but his wiggling nose and wagging tail indicated his eagerness to socialize with the people milling about on the lawn.

  “Bethany Joelle is here!” someone yelled and the adults all converged on her smothering her with hugs.

  Titus stood to the side, suddenly left out of things. He managed to grab the leash and walk further away with Cooper, so the dog could do his business.

  Coop had a hard time focusing and barked at all the people swarming his favorite person.

  Ty could relate. But today was not about him. It was about restoring Bethany Joelle’s family to her and her to her family. About filling that hole in her heart that was too big for him alone.

  But not too big for You, God. He shot up a prayer and soon he was drawn into the group as introductions were made.

  Bethany picked up Cooper so he wouldn’t get trampled on.

  Together they were all ushered into the gathering on the lawn.

  Bethany Joelle never told him anything about her foster-siblings. He’d only met Margaret, the oldest, at the miniature golf course. She was plump and short with brown straight hair. She was married to Steve who was tall and gangly but wore a big grin and glasses. Typical geek, pocket protector and all. They had kids, but Titus stopped trying to figure all the names out. If his brain was on overload, how was Bethany doing? At least she had a previous context for these people.

  Second oldest was Kandace, who was of Philippine extraction, with dark brown eyes and long black hair. Her husband, José, was bubbly and sported a potbelly. They had a few kids too.

  Titus quickly understood that all of the Shedd children were adopted.

  Timothy was an average height, blond Caucasian male. He was married to Arabelle, who was a tall brunette with caramel-colored skin. The last of the bunch was Peter, who was tall, dark chocolate skin, and shaved head. He looked as though he could be a basketball player. Ty shook his head at his own lame stereotyping. Peter was married to Anne, who was of medium height with blonde hair and brown eyes. She was pregnant with their first child, due in a few months.