Chapter Eleven
The Circle J ranch house had a large, open feel. The living and dining area were one big giant space. The area had been cleared so chairs could be set up for the wedding. Lucinda had the decorators cover the chairs in white cloth and tie lavender bows around them. There were lilacs everywhere, dark purple, lavender and white. A little canopy was erected in front of the rows of chairs where the bride and groom would stand with the minister. The wedding party would form a semi-circle around it.
The girls in the bedroom could hear the beginning bars of the Wedding March. Kate grabbed her mother’s hand as the door flew open. Her dad came in and took his place next to her. Anna left the room first, followed by Lucinda and then her mom, leaving just father and daughter alone in the room.
He turned to Kate. “Andrew’s a good man. When you marry him for real, I’ll be as happy as I am today. Thank you for doing this, Kate. My mother is beside herself with joy and I get to share this with all my friends. I want to scream from the rooftops that you’re my daughter, but this is enough for me.” He patted her hand and placed it in the crook of his arm.
They walked out into the hall, down the long corridor and entered the room where everyone sat, waiting to see the bride. Kate spotted Lindsey way in the back with Carl. She was so glad they were there. As she looked down the aisle, she spotted Daniel and Thomas standing next to Drew, all looking so handsome. Her bridesmaids made it to the front and now it was her turn. Stepping slowly, afraid to trip on her dress, Kate had no idea how she made it down the aisle. Her father placed her hand in Drew’s and took his spot next to Thomas as best man.
Kate thought she could hear her heart beating through the whole ceremony, but somehow remembered saying, “I do.” Suddenly Drew kissed her and the minister introduced them as Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Martin. They walked back down the aisle. It was over in an instant and Kate could hardly recall what just happened.
The guests stood and began filing toward the back of the room, some stopping to chat with each other or members of the wedding party. Drew took Kate’s hand and guided her through the well-wishers.
“Kate, my wife, I want you to meet my parents.” Drew stood in front of a very handsome couple. The woman had auburn hair with the greenest eyes Kate had ever seen since Drew’s. Of course, that made sense, she was his mother. His father was strikingly handsome with wavy dark hair and brown, almost black, piercing eyes.
“So nice to finally meet you, Kate.” Drew’s mom took her hands. She had a slight Irish accent which Kate found to be delightful. She had no idea his mother was first generation.
“Nice to meet you, too, um, Mrs. Martin.” Kate didn’t know what to call her 1927 mother-in-law.
“You can call me Ilene if you are comfortable with that. I’m not too fond of Mother Martin.” Ilene had a very sincere smile. “Nicolas, say hello, to your daughter-in-law.”
“Humph, hello.” He cleared his throat and barely looked at her.
Kate was in shock. Drew’s father did not like her. He didn’t even know her and he didn’t like her. Drew never mentioned anything. She glanced at him and saw he wasn’t happy.
“Father, Kate’s my wife and I expect you to treat her with a little more respect.”
“Yes, yes, of course, welcome to the family, Kate. Or is it Kathryn?” Nicolas took her hand, but didn’t seem any more sincere.
“Whatever you prefer.” She shook his hand and felt the tension.
More people came up to the couple and Kate was lost in a sea of people. She wanted to enjoy every moment, but her thoughts kept going back to Nicolas. He wasn’t going to ruin the day. She needed to get it out of her mind.
Kate was finally able to slip away and find Lindsey. She stood with Maya and Carl Sr. close to the kitchen. When Lindsey saw Kate, she motioned they should go outside. They slipped through the back kitchen door together.
“Kate, I think Carl went off with Rachel. He was with me until the end of the ceremony. Then a beautiful, young girl came up and started a conversation with him. Next thing I know, he’s gone!”
“Oh my gosh, I hope they come back soon. Carl was supposed to stay here and leave after the reception. Did Maya notice?”
“I’m not sure. A lot of people were talking to her and asking who I was so that’s kept her busy. It’s going on an hour since he left.”
“When he comes back, stick to him like glue and tell him I gave the order.” Kate was concerned because Carl heard the Cook history and knew he shouldn’t interfere with any of the events. “I have to get back, but needed to see you. I hope you’re having fun.”
“Absolutely! I love seeing the old house. It’s just one big rambling place, isn’t it?”
Kate walked back into the kitchen and slipped through the sea of guests. The chairs were being cleared away, so tables could be set up for dinner. After that, those would come down and the room would be ready for dancing. She felt the love and kindness from all her friends as she slipped back into the reception.
She searched the large room, unable to locate Drew. Kate thought it was a good time to touch up her make-up so she headed down the hallway to the bedroom. As she grew closer, she heard voices coming from the other side of the door.
“We never met this girl or her family. Who are they?”
“They’re fine people, Father. I told you that.”
“What about Gia, Andrew? What do we tell her? Do we say you met some young girl we know nothing about and on a whim, married her? You were supposed to marry Gia, not this girl.”
“I never loved Gia. That was your fantasy. You wanted me to marry her so the two families would have quite the empire, wouldn’t they?”
“She loves you. Ask your mother. She’s always coming over to the house, asking about you. She was willing to wait until your silly infatuation with the canyon ended, but then you found another one. This girl! I can have the marriage annulled. Just say the word.”
“That will never happen.” Drew’s voice sounded so stern.
“You’ll come to your senses.” Nicolas hissed. “I can wait.”
Kate opened the door and looked at Nicolas. “Then I hope he never comes to his senses, sir. You see, we love each other. We’d love to have you in our lives and we’ll be waiting for you to come to your senses.”
His father stormed out of the room, brushing past Kate. Drew ran to her and pulled her close. “I’m sorry you had to hear that.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I didn’t want to ruin the day. Ignore him. We won’t see much of him, anyway.” Drew huffed. “Boy, won’t he be sorry after he finds out I die.”
“Drew!” Kate lightly slapped his arm. “That’s not funny.”
“Come on, Mrs. Martin, we’re going to enjoy our wedding.” Drew kissed her passionately and swept her into his arms.
“Drew, set me down!” Kate really didn’t mind he carried her all the way back to the reception. She never realized how strong he was, must be all that climbing in the canyon.
When everyone saw the couple, they clapped and cheered. Champagne flutes were held in the air and toasts were made. Her dad went first and thanked everyone for coming. He almost sounded like the father-of-the-bride, he was bursting with pride. Kate’s mom came and joined him, giving him a little shove that only Kate noticed. It was enough to get him back on track.
Everyone headed to their tables so dinner could be served. Kate could hardly eat. She hoped Anna would have memories of the wedding when she called her in the present. If she did, it would make it all the more real.
The band set up before dinner and played softly as everyone ate. Kate saw Lindsey at the very back table with Carl, Maya and Carl Sr. She wanted so badly to join them but knew she had to bide her time. That time came when dinner was over and they started clearing the tables. Kate wound through the tables and sat down across from her friends.
“So is everyone having fun?” Kate purposely looked at Carl Jr. with eyes that could burn a hole right through him.
“Yes, absolutely, Kate. Thanks for making sure we came.” Carl smiled at her as if nothing was wrong. “Elmer, I mean Lindsey, is sticking right by me.”
Kate appreciated the glue reference because it meant Lindsey was doing her job.
“I love being at my grandparents’ house.” Lindsey whispered across the table so Carl Sr. didn’t hear. “It’s been fantastic except for being the babysitter for you-know-who.” She cocked her head toward Carl Jr.
Carl didn’t seem bothered by anything. He seemed way too happy for having to leave in just a few hours, sporting a hug grin on his face.
“Do I get to keep the dress?” Lindsey asked.
“Of course, just make sure you wear it to bed.” Kate giggled. “I’m so glad you like it. I’d love to stay and keep you company, but I have to mingle with the guests. Have a safe trip home.” She ran around the table and gave them a group hug. “Love you both,” she whispered.
Kate went from table to table visiting, just like a good bride should do and noticed Drew doing the same thing. They finally met up and swore they’d stay together for the rest of the night. She was finally able to tell him that Carl and Rachel disappeared for over an hour after the wedding. The look on his face said it all. “Forget about it. It’s our wedding. We know Rachel and Thomas will eventually marry,” she whispered.
“Unless someone does something to stop it.” Drew’s face grew red with anger. Then his expression changed. “You know what? You’re right. This evening is about us. No one is going to spoil it. May I have this first dance?”
They danced the night away with Anna and Daniel always nearby. Kate noticed Lucinda brooding at a corner table and hoped she was having fun. It looked like Henry was doting on her, bringing her food and drink. Lucinda was in a serious discussion with Maya at the table and Kate was concerned. Before she could think about it any further, she was whisked away to throw her bridal bouquet. Kate made sure Anna caught it.
Lucinda got her attention after the tossing of the bouquet. “Kathryn, Henry and I will be going now. A car is waiting to take you over to the Circle H whenever you’re ready. It’s been a beautiful evening. Best wishes.”
“Oh, Lucinda, you can’t be leaving already?”
“Yes, I’m feeling a little under the weather.”
“It’s because of the baby.” Kate realized her goof after she said it.
“You know? I just figured it out after talking with Maya tonight.” Lucinda wore a look of surprise.
“My cousin just had a baby, Lucinda, and I remember her feeling sick all the time. I just guessed.” Kate quickly made up a story. “I couldn’t believe you were sick because you’re absolutely glowing.”
“Oh, Kathryn, I’m so glad you know. I need a friend during all of this. I’m planning on telling Henry when we get home. He’ll be over the moon.” Lucinda clutched Kate’s hands. She felt a twinge of guilt because she knew she wouldn’t be there to help her aunt through a pregnancy or anything else.
“Do you want a boy or a girl?” Kate thought it was a safe way to change the subject.
“I really don’t care. I have the names picked out already. Henry if it’s a boy and Henrietta if it’s a girl.’
Kate tried to look enthused about the names, especially the girl’s name.
“Kathryn, don’t look at me like that. I like the name Henrietta. It’s a combination of Henry and my sister, Loretta. We’ll call her Retta for short.” That made sense to Kate because she always wondered about her cousin’s name.
The two friends clasped hands and Lucinda disappeared into the crowd. Tears welled up in Kate’s eyes. It would be the final time she’d see her great-great aunt this year. Kate knew she could see her anytime during her summer visits but it would be like déjà vu. This was a new part of their story, one Kate created with Drew.
“Drew!” Kate had to find him. They promised to stay together but kept getting separated. “I guess that’s how weddings are for the bride and groom.”
He found her instead. “There you are. Are you ready to leave after we say our goodbyes?”
“Yes, I saw Lucinda and she said a car’s waiting to take us to the ranch whenever we’re ready. I requested our bedroom, the one I always stay in. That’s the perfect place for our honeymoon.”
“It certainly is. Come on, love.” Drew took his bride’s hand and they circled the room quickly. Kate hugged her mother tightly and whispered to make sure Lindsey and Carl got home safely tonight.
Her dad drew her into his arms. “You make a beautiful bride, pumpkin.” Then waved them off, shooing them toward the door. “Now go before I announce my daughter just got married and I’m the proudest papa in the world.”
They stepped out into a beautiful evening. The sky was full of stars.
“I ordered this sky for you tonight.” Drew swept his hand across the skyline. “My wedding present to you. I wanted to give you the stars and here they are.”
“Nothing could be lovelier.” Kate put her head on Drew’s shoulder. “Thank you.”
The couple sat in the back of the car enjoying the ride to the ranch. When they arrived, Frieda, Carl Sr.’s sister, answered the door. She smiled widely when she saw who it was. “Welcome,” Frieda said in careful English. She was making progress since Kate last saw her.
“You’re doing well in your English lessons?”
“Yes, thank you.” Frieda smiled shyly. “Let me show you to your room.”
The couple followed her up the winding staircase to their room. Frieda opened the door and gestured for them to go in. “Let me know if you need anything,” she called over her shoulder as she walked away.
“Oh, Drew, look!” Kate couldn’t believe her eyes. Lucinda was good at making things special. Candles were everywhere, giving off a soft glow. A bottle was chilling in a bucket. Two crystal flutes sat in front with lavender ribbon tied around the stems. Lilacs sat in beautiful vases placed discreetly around the room. A group of white blossoms was placed on each pillow. Drew walked over to the table and pulled the sparkling juice from the bucket.
“Might as well not let this go to waste.” He popped the cork and they both laughed.
Kate took the glass from him. “This is all so beautiful.” She waved the glass around. “You probably wish this was wine or champagne.”
“I’ve been drinking wine since I was nine. It was part of our meal. I never drank to get drunk although I was only allowed one glass until recently,” Drew chuckled. He tilted his glass toward Kate. “To us, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Martin.”
Kate set her glass down. “I like the sound of that. Now, Mr. Martin, help me out of this dress.”
Drew pulled the dress up and over her head placing it carefully on a chair. Kate helped him removed his suit jacket and undid his tie. Slowly she pulled the tie from around his neck. Then her hands went around his waist and her mouth found his. She slid her hands back around to the top button of Drew’s shirt. It was already undone and she went for the next one, slowing unbuttoning each one. Drew quickly pulled off the shirt and the two sat down on the bed staring into each other’s eyes. Kate’s head was spinning but she wanted to remember every moment. They slipped under the soft, white sheet together and melted into one.
Please, let this all be real, Kate thought, as she drifted off to sleep in Drew’s arms.
* * * *
Kate woke to the smell of coffee. Drew sat at the little table in their room, sipping from a cup and reading the paper.
“How come you always wake up before me?”
“I need less sleep than you, I guess.” Drew jumped on the bed. “Come on, get dressed, I have a surprise for you.”
“Oh, can’t we stay here for awhile? I like it here.” She pouted.
“We can stay for a while, but then we have to get going. We’re invited to breakfast at Henry and Lucinda’s part of the house. I thought you might like that.”
“Yes, I love it.”
“Then we’ll be leaving here.”
“Leaving? I want to stay.”
“Part of the surprise. Trust me?”
“Fine,” Kate padded across the soft carpet to the bathroom on the other side of the hall. She looked in the mirror and studied herself. Staring at her image, Kate hoped to see a more mature, worldly girl. She carefully examined herself, but didn’t seem any different. Nothing changed. I don’t look like a married woman. Trying to find something out of the ordinary about herself, Kate finally gave up. She quickly cleaned up and got ready for the day.
“Drew, I’m ready!” Kate bounced back into their room and came to a sudden stop at the sight of him. His head was in his hands and he appeared upset. “Are you alright?”
“It’s nothing.”
“Oh, it’s something and you’re going to tell me.”
“I don’t want to put a damper on our wedding weekend.”
“You won’t, I promise.”
“I had the dream last night.”
“On our wedding night?” Kate knew she promised but was shocked he could dream of dying on such a night.
“That’s why I didn’t want to tell you.”
“I’m glad you did. It’s just a dream. You haven’t had it in a while, right? I’m sure it will be less and less as time goes on.”
“Yes, I guess you’re right. Let’s get going.” He wasn’t too convincing and Kate decided to discuss it with him later. After all, it was their honeymoon.
They headed over to Lucinda and Henry’s home, part of an addition to the original home. Kate was anxious to see it.
“Kathryn, look at you, now who is glowing?” Lucinda grabbed her and they twirled around. “You look like...”
“...a married woman.” Henry finished for her as he shook Drew’s hand. “Congratulations.”
Kate looked at Lucinda as if to ask if Henry knew about the baby. Lucinda nodded yes.
“Well, congratulations to you, too.” She hugged Henry.
He seemed startled and pointed to the couple. “They know?”
Lucinda giggled. “You know I can’t keep anything from my best friend.”
Guilt filled Kate’s heart as she heard those words coming from her aunt. Lucinda would feel betrayed yet again by a friend, like she did with Anna. Kate knew she would disappear and never return in just a few short weeks. She only hoped Lucinda would understand and believe Drew’s “death” was the reason Kate couldn’t stay in Arizona.
Lucinda turned to her. “Maybe you will be next.”
“Next for what?” Kate wasn’t listening to the conversation.
“A baby, silly!” Lucinda giggled.
“Oh, that couldn’t happen, I’m on the p...” Kate caught herself. She almost said pill. How would she ever explain that?
“Too much information!” Drew saved the day. “I’m starving!”
“I imagine you are.” Henry said with a wink. He patted Drew on the back. “This way, my man.”
The morning went by too quickly. As they said their good-byes, Kate hoped to get a message across to Lucinda as discreetly as she could.
“Cindy.” Kate used the pet name Lucinda’s father gave her and now Henry used. “I’m your friend forever. No matter where we end up or what happens in our lives, know that I love you. You’re my best friend forever.”
Lucinda covered her mouth with one hand. “Kathryn, you’re scaring me. Please tell me you two are not leaving Arizona forever.”
“No, no we’re not, but you never know what can happen in life.”
“We’re all young. We’re not going anywhere. I plan on having the largest Christmas party this side of the Rockies. You add it to your calendar now.”
Kate took Lucinda’s hand with tears in her eyes. “I’ll be the first one here and the last to leave, if that’s what you want.” She didn’t want to go, but saw Drew’s pleading eyes.
“See you soon.” She whispered in Lucinda’s ear as they said their good-byes, knowing this would be the last time Lucinda would remember seeing her.
The couple found their way back to the room, packed their things and headed out to the waiting car. Drew spoke with the chauffeur and soon they were driving back toward the canyon.
“You’re not taking me home to Ohio.” Kate crossed her arms. “I refuse to go.”
Drew let out a hearty laugh. “You can be really stubborn when you want to be, but don’t waste it on this. We’re not going home.”
The car continued on and finally came to a stop behind El Tovar. Drew got out and offered Kate his hand. She looked quizzically at him.
“We’re here?”
“Yes, we are.”
“Are we eating in the dining room?”
“I thought you would figure it out by now, Kate.” He headed toward the path leading to his cabin.
“We’re not staying at the Circle H tonight, are we? We’re going to your cabin.”
“I want you all to myself.” Drew placed his arm across her shoulders and pulled her close.
As they approached the cabin, Kate thought it looked different from the last time she saw it. It appeared bigger but that didn’t make sense.
Drew felt around on the top of the doorframe for the key, unlocked the door and put the key back. He came over to Kate and picked her up, kicked the door open with his foot and carried her inside.
“This is perfect.” Kate exclaimed as Drew spun her around the great room. She remembered the room well. It was the only room she ever was in. It all came back to her as she glanced around. She had sat in a chair, talking to Thomas, and gave up hope of finding Drew. It was a dark time in her life. Now everything looked like it was bathed in golden sunlight not the dreary gray she recalled.
The room was still the same, a sitting area in front of a huge fireplace with the dining room and kitchen behind it. Kate assumed the hallway led to the two bedrooms. Drew walked down that hall, still carrying her.
“I added a bathroom for you plus another bedroom. I’ll show you my wine cellar later.”
“When did you have time to do this?” Kate waved her hand around.
“I found time. You don’t always know what I’m up to.” He kissed her lightly on the lips. “I wanted to make this more of a home for us. I’m glad you like it.”
“Is this why you wouldn’t let me come here all summer?” Kate took Drew’s face between her hands and kissed him back. He gently set her down so she could have a better look around. “I don’t want to go home. Let’s stay here a few more days.” She spun around, hugging herself. “Show me everything you did to the cabin.”
Drew grabbed her hand, guiding her through the rooms. He was proud to show the many improvements he made. Beside the room additions, he’d installed steam heat throughout the home. “This is becoming a house instead of a cabin. Don’t change it because of me. I love it the way it was.” Kate pulled Drew down toward her and kissed his cheek.
“It needed some upgrades. I enjoyed doing it.” Drew headed for some stairs. “This leads to the wine cellar.”
Although Kate knew it was inevitable, she didn’t want to go back to the present. Things were too perfect in 1927. I’ll enjoy every last moment. I told Anna I would make a great memory for all of us. Anna! It was Kate’s catalyst to get back. Her friend was still there, over eighty years later.
“A penny for your thoughts.” Drew joined her on the sofa when he returned. “Or it should be more like a dollar in your world.” He held up a bottle of wine like it was his prize possession.
“I was thinking about Anna. We have her in this world and in the present, too. What a gift she is. I promised to make this weekend special, something she would remember. I hope we did that for her, Drew.”
“Anna’s a special woman. We’re lucky to have her as a friend.” He gave Kate a quick squeeze. “Dinner’s ready, Mrs. Martin.”
“As usual, I don’t know how you did that.” Kate stared him down.
“I have my ways.” He gave her a goofy grin.
After dinner, Kate and Drew got ready for the trip home. They walked to the barn and saddled up Canyon. Drew would leave the horse at the boardinghouse and Thomas would come for him.
Everyone at the canyon assumed the couple was going back to school for the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. That holiday would be the last time Kate would return to the canyon with Drew. It made her a little sad. Drew insisted they could come for the whole weekend and stay without being seen. Kate knew better and didn’t want to take any chances. She didn’t want the Thanksgiving holiday series of events to ever play out again. She planned on having Drew return to the present Thanksgiving night. She didn’t want him anywhere near the canyon on the day he died.
Drew helped Kate settle in her room at the boardinghouse and then went upstairs to one of the guest rooms. She wrapped her arms around the magical book, as she had come to call it. The first time her mother gave her the book to read, she told Kate it was historical romantic fiction. It was more than that now, it was Kate’s life.