19

I’d promised Mom I’d come to Thanksgiving dinner. She’d slipped out of the inn early to help get the meal ready. Toppy had probably made Scott promise to come as well.

If it weren’t for the Cummings couple staying at the inn, I would have already left for the diner. I’d better get down there.

Activity buzzed in the festive little restaurant. Maybe all the people visiting would cut down on the awkwardness I knew I would surely feel if Scott showed up. And why wouldn’t he? This place belonged to him.

“Hello, sweetheart, how do you feel?” Mom greeted me with a hug.

“All right, thanks.” The day would not be about my problems. I would count my blessings if it killed me. Now that’s a stinking bad attitude. Where’s your faith?

“Good, I hope you’re hungry. There’s enough food here to feed the whole town.” She pulled me to a place at the table.

How could she look so positively radiant after being up most of the night listening to me? “Anything I can do to help?”

“No, it’s all done. See? It’s set up buffet style. You can help clean up after if you want.”

Pastor Weatherby walked in, his long, thin arms open wide and his grin warm and dimpled. The crowd rushed him like a rock star.

I’d heard his height defined him, but he must have at least an inch and a half over Dr. Harkin, and his black cowboy hat shot him up another three or so. He embraced each friend with joy and purposeful eye contact. He stooped to Ben and Ally’s level patting them on the head. Ally reached up her little arms to him. He picked her up.

“Well, who’s this little dumpling?” He laughed when she put her arms around his neck.

“Ally Cummings, and this is her big brother, Ben,” I said.

Joel and Cindi stood and joined them. Joel stuck out his hand. “Joel Cummings, and this is my wife, Cindi.”

“So these are your little munchkins. Nice ta meet ya.” He set Ally down on the floor and turned to me.

“You must be Bailey Brown. Even in threes, Paul described you to a T. How’d Scott manage to hook you on his line?” He gave me a hug.

Awkward. What made me think he’d already know about the breakup? Maybe he did and had faith it would work out. He didn’t seem to notice my lack of response.

“I’m glad I finally got to meet you. Everyone around here loves you and considers you their pastor,” I said.

“They’re all deep in my heart too. Wish I could be here more often. Man, that food smells good.” He spoke to me, but his eyes wandered over my head.

I turned to see Scott approaching. I walked the other way.

Lively conversation milled among the group gathered to celebrate. I recognized some of the regular patrons and truck drivers.

Toppy tapped a spoon against his glass. “Thank you all for coming. I’d like us to have a couple moments of silent prayers of thanks. Then I’ll ask the blessing.”

I could never list all my many blessings. How could I have been so crass in my thoughts just a few moments ago? Just because things weren’t working out with Scott didn’t mean God had forgotten me. It would be nice to understand why He brought me here, though.

Toppy began his blessing.

I focused on his words of gratitude. His voice in prayer calmed me and eased my mind. As he enumerated the many ways that the Father sustains and cares for His children, I realized anew His love for me. How could I forget that God didn’t fret in heaven wringing His hands wondering what to do about Bailey? I pledged anew to trust Him. I wanted to look at Scott, but I’d not look up. The sight of him might weaken my resolve. I’d turned over the remaining bookings at the inn to Liz and Tracy. If Scott wanted me to leave so badly, he’d get his wish. I planned to leave after dinner.

“And Father,” Toppy continued, “thank you for all the love in our lives.” His voice choked at this point. I looked up at him. He looked at Mom. Mom looked up at Toppy with tears in her eyes. Love birds. At least they would be happy.

Yes, yes, yes. That’s perfect. I closed my eyes so they wouldn’t see me notice their special moment. If they were waiting for their kids to get their act together, they’d wait a long time. They should go ahead and go public with their relationship.

“Now, before we chow down, I have an announcement to make,” he motioned Mom up beside him.

I guessed they’d reveal their secret romance.

He put his arm around her and opened his mouth to speak. He cleared his throat and looked down. “Just wanted you all to know that I married this woman yesterday.” His voice choked off the last word.

Tears flowed freely from Mom’s eyes as she made eye contact with me.

A collective gasp waved across the room.

I was glued to my seat. Married? That made perfect sense. How absolutely wonderful. I flew to my mother’s arms as applause erupted throughout the room.

“Mom, how wonderful!” Tears flowed as joy swelled. I hugged Toppy as well. A stray thought in the back of my head tried to surface. No, I would not think about how uncomfortable it might be for Mom to be married to Scott’s uncle. We’d be connected now, no matter what. Wait. Yesterday?

“Oh, no, Mom. Your wedding night. I robbed you of your wedding night. I’m so sorry.” I embraced her. Over Mom’s shoulder, I could see Scott shaking Toppy’s arm off.

“Don’t give it a second thought, sweetie. How could I have enjoyed it with you in such a state? Can you forgive me for leaving you out of everything? You have been struggling so, and it just overtook us.”

“Mom, I wouldn’t stand in the way of your happiness for anything. You’ve got a fine man there. It may have happened fast, but I know you two. God ordained it from the beginning, or you’d never have taken the plunge. I’m so happy for you.” I squeezed her with all my might.

Our friends nudged us apart as they approached to congratulate the newlyweds.

Scott retreated to the back of the crowd.

I followed him.

“Did you know?” I whispered, risking being told to get out of town, again.

“I knew they were dating, that’s all. Man, he didn’t waste any time.” He shook his head and smiled.

His grin tugged at my heart. What would it take to get his old self back?

“No time to waste, not for them or for any of us.” I looked into his eyes. Please, Scott.

“Exactly. We don’t know what the future holds.” He took a step away from me, and his smile faded.

“Well said. My Gran always added, “‘But we know Who holds the future.’”

He took another step away. He rubbed his jaw. Did he hint for an apology about that slap? “So, what does their marriage make us? Step something or another?”

“Still a step away. Always will be, I guess. By the way, I’m not sorry I slapped you. You deserved it. You should know you will get your wish. As soon as the Cummings’ leave and I’ve cleaned up the inn, I’m moving back to town. Happy Thanksgiving.”