Sunset: 4 (Sunrise) (23 page)

The entire Flanigan family was invited to the wedding, and Bailey was told she could bring Tim as her date. She was in his passenger seat as they followed her parents’ Suburban to Clear Creek Community Church, and though Tim was singing along to the radio and making casual conversation with her, Bailey was quiet.

Weddings had a way of making her think about the future.

She stared out the window at the trees that lined the boulevard, trees that had been barren and snow-covered what felt like a few days ago. Now that she had graduated, she had a better understanding of what her parents had always told her about time. Basically that she shouldn’t blink, because the seasons had a way of running into each other, faster and faster all the time.

“What are you thinking about?” Tim turned the radio down and smiled at her.

“Nothing.” Bailey kept her tone casual, her smile easy. Her thoughts were still trying to line up in order, so there really wasn’t anything to share with Tim. Not yet, anyway. “Just life and how quickly it goes.”

“Like the fact that you’re all grown up and graduated?”

“Yeah . . . I guess.” She turned the radio back up. Her graduation party had been small but wonderful. A few friends from school and a houseful of CKT kids. Her parents had given her a memory book with photos from her life and school days, and her mom had put together a movie on her MacBook. The combination of the photos and video and the music her mother chose made it a tearjerker. Bailey would treasure it always.

Tim was once again involved in the song on the radio, focused on following her parents. Bailey glanced at him, and again she wondered if five years from now the trip to the church would be theirs. Was that the way God was leading her? She leaned against the car door and straightened her navy blue skirt. Since prom her friendship with Tim had been moving right along. He hadn’t kissed her again, but she was glad. She wasn’t ready for something serious, and no matter how they felt about each other, she had the feeling he wasn’t either.

They arrived at the church, and Tim parked next to her parents. She was glad for Mr. Baxter, glad he’d found someone to love after all the years of missing his first wife. Her parents said the wedding would be simple, certainly not like Katy and Dayne’s wedding.

Tim’s eyes looked warm and kind as he walked beside her, and halfway to the door of the church he took hold of her hand. Her brothers were behind them, and she knew she’d hear about it later, but she didn’t care.

Inside, Bailey saw the Baxter family gathered on the right side of the church. Katy and Dayne were cuddled up close to each other, and Bailey smiled at the picture they made together. That’s what she wanted. Someone who would love her as much as Dayne Matthews loved Katy, a guy who would fly across the country for a few minutes with her. Someone willing to let God lead in every aspect of their relationship.

They found their seats and the guests grew quiet as the music began, something traditional played by the organist at the front of the church. Pastor Mark Atteberry stood near the center aisle just below the altar, with Mr. Baxter next to him. Bailey wasn’t sure, but it looked like Mr. Baxter’s eyes were a little wet. Then all his grown kids joined him. Bailey glanced at the single-page program and read their names—Dayne, Brooke, Kari, Ashley, Erin, and Luke. She looked up. Their stories weren’t entirely clear to her, but she knew they’d been through a lot together. They were a beautiful family.

Bailey let the music fill her heart, and for a few seconds she closed her eyes. What would her siblings look like years from now all grown up and dressed in fancy suits? What would her mother wear, and how would her dad handle giving her away? Most of all, who would be waiting for her at the front of a church someday?

Without meaning for it to happen, her mind turned to Cody. He was in Washington now, recuperating. His mother hadn’t given them many details, and neither had Cody. But he must be doing pretty well because he was writing again—twice, anyway. His letters weren’t long like before, and he didn’t talk about his feelings much. Almost as if he wanted to create distance between the two of them. In his first letter he thanked her and her family for praying and said he hoped to be back in Bloomington around the first of July. He also said that he’d changed his mind about moving to the West Coast, and he was going to live with a few of his friends from the Clear Creek football team. The good guys who would never consider partying.

Okay, great that he had a plan, but Bailey wondered why he wasn’t coming back to live with them, and she asked as much in her first letter to him once she had his new address. His response had hurt, though she wasn’t sure she understood exactly why. He wrote that he needed to make his own way in life, just like she needed to make hers.
“You’re grown up now, Bailey.
You need the freedom to live your life and fall in love without me hanging around in the background.”

Beside her, Tim ran his thumb along the side of her hand and smiled at her.

She returned his smile just as the music changed. But as they stood and faced the center and as Ms. Denning made her way down the aisle, Bailey couldn’t shake the thought of Cody. He wanted only to be her friend, and Bailey was sure that’s where things would stay. Besides, maybe the war had changed him. It did that to a lot of guys. At least that’s what she’d read.

But as much as she cared for Tim and as great as it felt to know he had feelings for her, she had to be honest about one thing. When she asked herself who would be waiting for her at the front of a church someday, Tim’s face wasn’t the one that came to mind, no matter how crazy that was. Rather, the image that filled her heart in that moment was one that belonged to a dark-haired football player. The face of Cody Coleman, who maybe still meant a lot more to her than she was willing to admit.

Even to herself.

Like her sisters, Ashley wore a deep brown satin dress that fell softly to well below her knees. Hers had to be specially made to accommodate her growing stomach, and now, standing in front of their family and friends, Ashley made sure to bend her knees just a little so she wouldn’t pass out. She’d been having false contractions all day, probably because of the emotion of the day, having Tommy and Malin at the house until lunchtime, then hearing from Luke and Reagan that they’d reached a breakthrough and that now they were committed to making their marriage work.

All that and now this.

She drew a slow breath and steadied herself. On either side were her siblings and to her far right was her dad, looking handsome and far younger than his sixty-some years. They were all here, all six of them and their families, and Ashley couldn’t help but think that very soon they would all be together for more than special occasions and the once-in-a-while Christmas.

Erin and Sam and their girls had flown in for the wedding and to close on a house they’d found back in December. It was a two-story in a newer development, not far from Ashley and Landon, which meant that she and Erin could meet often at the local park and begin to make up for so many years apart. For that matter, they could meet with Kari and Katy, Reagan and Brooke too. All of them were raising kids, needing the friendship and camaraderie of each other.

The music switched to a wedding march, and Ashley willed herself to exhale. This was it . . . the moment she’d been unable to fathom for such a long time. For an instant she felt a hint of anger or maybe just an intense sadness. If only her mother hadn’t gotten sick again . . .

But just as quickly the moment passed, and Ashley watched as Elaine came into view. She wore a short-sleeved off-white silk dress that came nearly to her ankles. Her grayish blonde hair was styled in a way that flattered her face, and in her hands was a bouquet of white roses cut from her mother’s flower garden.

At first Ashley hadn’t agreed with the idea. But her father had explained it. “Your mother wrote me a letter giving me her blessing about this day, as if she somehow knew my life might include the chance to love again. The roses are one way to acknowledge that your mother—her love for both me and Elaine—is very much a part of this new life we’re beginning together.”

And so each of the girls held a single rose from their mother’s garden.

Ashley stared at the roses and then lifted her eyes to Elaine’s. As she did, Elaine looked straight at her, and even from halfway down the aisle, Ashley felt her love as clearly as if she’d shouted it for all their guests to hear. All at once Ashley relaxed.
Thank You, God. Thank You for Elaine and thank You for letting my dad find love again.

She looked away, turning her attention to her father. He was smiling, bursting with joy, even as tears gathered in his eyes. Ashley felt her own eyes grow damp, and then once more her gaze fell on the white roses in Elaine’s hands. Her mother wasn’t really gone. She would stay in their hearts always, and when her name came up in conversation, Elaine would join them in talking about her. That her dad would fall in love with someone so kind and dear, someone who had been a friend of her mother’s . . . Ashley could ask for nothing more.

Elaine reached the front of the aisle, and her kids took their places on her other side.

Pastor Atteberry looked first at Ashley’s father, then at Elaine. “This is not the kind of wedding that comes along every day. And I am in a very unique position. For I knew each of you when your first spouses were still alive.” He paused and looked at their dad. “I watched you honor your wife, John, loving her through health and in the end through great sickness.” He turned to Elaine. “And I watched you love and respect your husband until he drew his final breath. I know that if you’d had your way, neither of you would be standing here now. God’s plans don’t always match ours. But God does promise that those who love Him will have life to the full—now and forever.” His smile filled his face. “John . . . Elaine . . . I believe this marriage is God’s way of giving you life to the full even after all you’ve separately lost.”

Around the church, several people dabbed their eyes, and next to her Ashley felt Kari do the same thing. Ashley had figured she would weep through the entire ceremony, weighed down by memories of her mother and unsure about what this next stage in their life as a family would look like.

But instead she felt the peace and certainty that Pastor Mark was right. They had loved much and they had lost, but they were Baxters and they stuck together even in the darkest times. Over the years, their family had always come out with more love on the other side of whatever trial they’d faced. Their father’s marriage to Elaine was further proof of that fact. Today wasn’t about losing the past or jeopardizing the future; it was about overcoming sorrow with triumphant joy.

She blinked back happy tears as the ceremony wound down, as Pastor Mark led them through the exchange of vows and rings, and as he introduced them to the congregation. Their story was still being written, and as her dad and Elaine walked up the aisle toward their new lives, Ashley rejoiced in all the next chapter would bring.

Because that’s what Baxters did.

Katy had slight contractions all through the wedding, but afterward she compared notes with Ashley. False contractions, Ashley had told her. Braxton Hicks, nothing more.

Now Katy and Dayne pulled into the garage at the lakeside house for the reception, and her heart raced as she scanned the list of last-minute details. “You talked to Tim’s mother about starting the coffee?”

“Yes.” Dayne grinned. “And about putting the sherbet in the punch and about warming up the quiche in the oven and about breathing every so often.”

She poked him in the ribs with her elbow. “Seriously . . . that was her car in the driveway, right? Hers and Lori Farley’s?”

“They’re here and they know exactly what to do.” He touched his lips to hers, and his kiss gave her a welcome distraction. He breathed the next words against her skin. “Everything’s going to be fine. It’s just a dinner reception.”

“I know.” She exhaled and put her hand on her round stomach. “I’m giving myself false contractions worrying about it.”

Dayne straightened and stared at her, fear gathering in his eyes. “False? How do you know?”

Katy laughed and pulled him close again, returning his kiss. “Because Ashley said so. And she should know.”

He didn’t look quite sure. “The books talk about that, don’t they? False contractions?”

“Yes, dear.” She giggled. “To quote my favorite guy, ‘Everything’s going to be fine.’”

They kissed again, and then they heard the sound of more cars pulling up in their driveway. “Yikes.” Katy drew back and opened her door. “Come on. We have a party to throw.”

Dayne hurried around to her side and lightly took hold of her elbow, guiding her up the three steps to the garage door. “You tell me if they stop being false, okay?” he whispered into her ear as they entered the kitchen. “I want to be the first to know.”

She smiled, and before she could wonder if things were under control, she saw her two friends working away in the kitchen. They looked calm and controlled. Katy exhaled, relief stopping her short. This was the nicest party they’d thrown since they’d moved into the lake house, and she wanted all the details to line up. She walked the rest of the way into the kitchen. “You two are great.”

Tim’s mom was at the sink, and she grinned at Katy. “How was the wedding?”

Katy felt a softness come into her eyes. “Beautiful. Everything the family thought it would be.” There was a knock at the front door, and Katy motioned in that direction. “I’ll get it.”

Dayne was already opening the door by the time she reached the entryway. Brooke’s and Kari’s families were on the porch, and Luke and Reagan and their kids were walking up the drive, with more cars arriving. Dayne held the door open wide. “Come on in!”

For a few seconds, Katy stood back and watched him. The picture he made welcoming his family into their home grabbed at Katy’s heart and drew her instantly back to a time she didn’t think about much anymore. Dayne’s car accident. And right there, with Brooke, Peter, Maddie, and Hayley all talking at once and the laughter of Kari and Ryan behind them, Katy was suddenly in Los Angeles at the rehab center. Back then, Dayne hadn’t thought any of this would happen. Not the return of his health, not his marriage to her, and certainly not his relationship with his family.

That had been a critical point for the two of them, a time when Dayne had needed God more than ever. But here they were . . . God’s promises evident at a single glance. Tears stung Katy’s eyes, and she shook her head. This wasn’t a time for sentimental reflection. It was a celebration. She took hold of Maddie’s hand. “Come on, girls.” She grinned at Hayley. “Let’s get some punch.”

“You’re pretty, Aunt Katy.” Hayley’s eyes shone with the sweet innocence that always marked her smile. “And you’re gonna have a baby!”

“I am.” Happiness filled Katy’s heart. It wouldn’t be long now. Just a couple more weeks. “The baby’s going to be your cousin.”

“Remember that, Hayley? I told you Aunt Katy and Uncle Dayne’s baby was going to be another cousin.” Maddie gave Katy a grin. “I hope it’s a girl cousin!”

The conversation continued on into the kitchen, and after the girls had their drinks, Jessie and RJ lined up for theirs and soon all the cousins had cups of punch.

Katy ushered them outside onto the back deck. The evening was warm, and a chorus of frogs provided the perfect background. After Katy flipped a switch near the back door, soft piano music added another layer of atmosphere.

“That’s the most balloons ever.” Erin’s daughter Chloe walked toward the railing. “How many, Aunt Katy? A million?”

Katy surveyed the white helium balloons she and Dayne had tied to their porch railing before the party. She covered up a laugh. “Maybe a little less than a million.”

Cole did a quick survey of the balloons. “It’s thirty-six. Exactly.”

Maddie rolled her eyes. “You’re such a know-it-all.”

“Only because I really
do
know it all.” Cole puffed out his chest. Then just as quickly he relaxed his posture and giggled. “Not really. My dad knows a lot more than me.”

Jessie, who was becoming as much a talker as Maddie, joined in with a story about a boy whose sister got married and everyone at the wedding released a helium balloon and how the bride didn’t want anyone to throw rice or even birdseed because she didn’t want birds “leaving their lunch” all around the wedding party. She was barely taking time to catch her breath, still wrapped up in the details of the story, when Dayne opened the patio slider.

Cole pointed to a tree halfway between the house and the lake. “An eagle’s nest! Seriously, guys, come look!”

The kids scampered after him, and Katy turned her attention to Dayne.

“There you are.” He walked outside, and behind him was Bob Asher, Dayne’s missionary friend who had been there through the crisis moments in Dayne’s journey. In the rush of the wedding she’d almost forgotten that the Ashers were coming into town today too. “Bob . . .” She closed the distance between them and threw her arms around his neck. As she pulled back her voice broke. “It’s been too long.”

“Way too long.” He put his hand on Katy’s shoulder and smiled. “I believed Dayne’s story would end up this way. And that you would be the reason.”

Katy took hold of both his hands and studied him, this man whom God had used to intervene for Dayne so many times. She remembered the flowers Dayne had sent her when he returned from his first visit to see Bob in Mexico. The card had read
“I once was lost but now am found”
—Dayne’s way of telling her he’d given his heart to God, that he no longer wanted to handle life alone. Now Katy looked deep into the faithful soul of Dayne’s friend. “How can I ever thank you?”

Bob shook his head and tried to say something, but instead he hugged Katy again. “God did it,” he whispered. “What can I say? Dayne’s my best friend.”

A shy-looking woman came through the open doorway. She was dark-skinned with kind brown eyes, and there were two young girls standing close behind her. The woman gave a slight nod. “Hello, Katy.” Her Spanish accent was heavy. “I’m Rosa, Bob’s wife.”

The tears Katy had held off earlier stung at her eyes once more. She’d met Bob in Cancún when he officiated her wedding, but this was the first time she’d seen his wife and children.

“The girls are so tall.” Dayne stepped up and introduced Bob and Rosa’s daughters, both of whom seemed as shy as their mother.

For several minutes the four adults talked about the family’s furlough from their missionary work in Mexico and how they hoped to be in town for Katy’s due date.

“You’re staying with us the whole time.” Katy looked at Dayne. “Right? You told them?”

Bob laughed and put his arm around Rosa’s shoulders. “I remember what it was like getting ready for our first baby. We’ll give you your space.” He turned to Dayne. “I got in touch with Pastor Atteberry. You were right. He’s thinking about taking a mission trip to Mexico next summer, so we’ll stay here a few days and then move in with him.” He gave Katy a kind look. “But thanks for your offer. We have only three weeks; then we need to head to our home church in Los Angeles for the last month before going back to Mexico. We just hope we don’t miss the baby.”

Katy put her arm around Dayne’s waist. They still hadn’t decided on a name, but they had time for that. The important thing was that so far the baby was healthy and Katy was too.

She had talked to her parents, and though they were too ill to make the trip, as soon as the baby was a few weeks old, Katy and Dayne were planning a trip to Chicago. So everyone who loved them could see the miracle of life God had brought out of all the years of uncertainty and heartache.

“Look, Uncle Dayne!” Cole was standing against the deck railing pointing to what appeared to be an enormous nest. “He’s getting ready to fly!”

The group turned in the direction of Cole’s voice just as a bald eagle lifted gracefully from the nest, flapped its powerful wings a few times, and took off over the lake. For a moment, the laughter and conversation on the back deck fell completely silent and all eyes watched the stately bird, each adult and child in awe of the beauty before them.

Katy smiled at the majestic picture the eagle made against the blue sky, and she held on a little tighter to Dayne. Because the miracle of God’s presence wasn’t only in the eagle but in every person gathered here this evening.

And in the struggles and victories, in the life stories that had brought all of them this far.

The reception was exactly how John had wanted it, simple and casual and marked by the deep family love that the Baxters expected from one another. Dayne and Katy’s house was filled with close friends and family, the rooms ringing with the sounds of the children’s laughter and the conversations that marked the friendships his grown children shared. Elaine’s adult kids had found their place among the mix, and as John went back for another cup of coffee, he saw them and their spouses talking with Ashley and Landon in the living room.

Ashley spotted him, and she broke away from the group. “Dad, can you get Elaine? I have something for her. A wedding gift.”

John wanted to ask, but he held back. “Okay. We’ll be here waiting.” He found Elaine outside, and together they returned to the living room just as Ashley came through the door. She was carrying an oversize flat box wrapped in gold and silver wedding paper.

“Here.” Ashley handed the gift to Elaine. “It’s for both of you.” She gave Elaine a hug. “But you most of all.”

Elaine’s eyes glistened as she smiled at Ashley. Then she sat down on the arm of the nearest chair and balanced the gift on her lap so she could open it. Inside was one of Ashley’s gorgeous paintings, a picture of two women walking along a curved path through a beautiful parklike setting. One woman was older, the other younger, and their arms were linked.

Ashley looked at Elaine through teary eyes. “It’s you and me. Getting to know each other. Going through life as friends.”

Elaine studied the painting for a long time. “It’s lovely. I’ll treasure it.” She returned the cover of the box and set the gift on the fireplace hearth. This time the hug came from her. “And I’ll treasure you even more.”

John watched the two women caught in an embrace. Ashley’s love and acceptance of Elaine was the greatest gift she could’ve given either of them. Greater even than the precious painting.

He would thank Ashley later. For now, he left them quietly talking, and he went to the kitchen to fill his coffee cup. As he did, he stared out the window at the group of kids on the back deck. They were looking at something, a bird in the sky, maybe. John watched them, how they stared motionless for a few seconds and then returned to batting at the balloons and giggling and talking all at once the way kids did. For an instant, he thought about Elizabeth, how she would’ve loved a party like this, a time when everyone was happy and healthy and together.

Then just as quickly, the thought passed and he glanced over his shoulder to where he could still see Elaine. She and Ashley were laughing, and even from the kitchen he could see the sparkle in her eyes. Her soft blonde hair was streaked with gray, but she looked a decade younger than her sixty years and very beautiful. Funny, he thought. Her appearance had nothing to do with his decision to spend the rest of his life with her. At this point in life, companionship and a shared faith were so much more important.