23

Had I had another heart attack and gone to heaven? Where was that music coming from? And that heavenly soprano, almost like my mom’s voice. Nope, not dead. My groggy brain had clean forgotten that church services would begin again today downstairs in the diner that morning. But who was that singing?

Descending the stairs a few moments later, I saw.

Toppy strummed a familiar chorus on guitar.

That incredibly crystalline voice belonged to my own sweet Bailey. Wow. She’d mentioned several times that she had been involved in choir in high school and church. I should have paid more attention. My loved ones only rehearsed, but something about that voice made me want to worship.

I saw a car passing in front of the diner heading up toward the inn. Looked like Mandy and Macy. A long piece of some kind of fabric sailed out the back seat window, flapping in the breeze. What could that be about? Probably picking up Greg and Todd, whose house was another mile past the inn.

‘Bout time you got down here.” Tracy mocked a mad face at me as she passed with a tray of donuts. “How about you make the coffee before everyone gets here.”

“Sure.” I put the coffee on and took a seat.

Bailey sang an updated version of “Trust and Obey.”

Trust. Everyone threw that word around a lot lately when trying to encourage me. I was still trying to put all my trust in God. I felt better, closer to the Father, but I had a ways to go.

“For there’s no other way...”

No other way. I closed my eyes and let the music fill my heart and mind. The spirit of the voice pierced my mood. My healing heart thrilled to the music.

Bailey’s mom came in bringing the cold wind inside with her.

Bailey smiled. She thrived on this weather, this time of year. No wonder she’d picked a Christmas wedding. I’d ruined that, but I planned to remedy that today. Maybe it wouldn’t take too long to get the plans up and running again.

The door whooshed open again, this time with Dr. Harkin and Melissa blowing in. The blush on both their faces revealed that it wasn’t just from the cold air outside. The doctor held her hand as they pulled into the hugging, laughing group. It looked as if he’d taken my advice.

Pastor Weatherby strode in with a few truck drivers alongside. So good to see him.

I sat watching this love fest with tears in my eyes.

Bailey glanced over and then made her way to me. She put her arm around me. “Missing the folks?” She reached for my hand.

“Yes, but not quite like I expected today. I can feel them smiling down on this. On me. I’m a little overwhelmed with how much love and blessing there is in my life.” My voice choked. I looked into her eyes.

“I’m glad. Scott, I feel so much better about things. I wish we’d come to this point sooner. We’d be getting married today.”

“I’m sorry, Bailey, my stubbornness is to blame. Let’s set a date for the moment we can get everyone together. At least you’ve got all your plans together.”

She kissed my cheek again. “Not exactly, because I lost my wedding planner. Actually I’ve been rethinking those plans. I’m not upset about it, but it would have been a perfect day. I always wanted a winter wedding. It’s as cold and clear as I’d always imagined. Of course, I always dreamed of snow, but there’s not much hope of that around here.”

“Welcome, everyone! So happy to be back at West House Diner for Bible study. Let’s open with prayer.” Pastor Weatherby bowed his head and began praying.

After the ‘Amen,’ everyone gathered at tables.

Toppy brought Pastor Jack a stool.

“As I’ve been visiting with everyone, and meeting new folks it sure sounds like there’s just as much love around here as there always was.” He sat down on the stool and laid his open Bible on the end of the table. “It was good to be with you folks at Thanksgiving. My work kept me up north for months. I hated missing Paul West’s funeral. My heart rejoices, though, to see love still reigns here and has grown. I talk to people everywhere I go. You know me, if it has at least one ear, I’m gonna talk at it.” He sniffed and grinned at his own joke.

Laughter rippled through the group.

“Nearly everybody sayin’ they’re afraid of somethin’. Breaks your heart. It’s like a wild horse jumpin’ into the corral instead of fightin’ to git out. That fear’s like a rope around your neck. Take a look over there in 1 John 4:18.” He waited for those with Bibles to locate the verse. I’d grown used to the way his voice changed when he preached. He could get really worked up.

“There ain’t but one thing that gets rid of fear, an’ that’s love, perfect love. Now Jesus’ love is the only perfect one, and if you have that, then fear should be scootin’ down a snake hole. But looks to me like people are huggin’ up to it instead of gettin’ rid of it.” He shut his Bible. “Now don’t make me have to go chasin’ rabbits about what kind of love is right or wrong. I have a feelin’ you good folks know the difference. But if you’re holdin’ out on givin’ or receivin’ love because you are afraid of somethin’, well then...” he stopped and closed his eyes, as though looking for a word. “Well, then, stop it!”

Pin drop silence followed this impassioned plea.

“I didn’t mean to sound like that. It’s just that I’m tired of God’s people holdin’ hands with fear. Heard tell of a widow up north that wouldn’t git married again. Said she didn’t want the hurt of losin’ another. That old coot of a suitor was crazy about her and had the change in his boots to take care of her. But she died alone. I can almost hear the old devil laughin’.

“Stuff happens. We know from the good book that we’ll have trials and suffering. But why take on more than your lot? That’s all I got to say today. Read your Bibles and pray about your fears. Let Jesus’ perfect love cast it out for you.” He bowed his head and nearly everyone followed suit.

Had Pastor Jack chosen that sermon for my sake? Either way, everyone needed to hear it. I prayed. Something solidified in my mind.

Toppy stood with his guitar, and Bailey joined him.

She lifted her voice and everyone joined in. Emotion seemed to choke everyone by the time she got to the second verse.

“Not a burden we bear,

not a sorrow we share,

but our toil he doth richly repay;

not a grief or a loss,

not a frown or a cross,

but is blest if we trust and obey.”

I stood and joined her for the last chorus.

“Trust and obey, for there’s no other way

to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”

My heart swelled with the healing taking place. I stood after she sang the last note. Could I get it out without breaking down? “I just wanted to say a few words.” I looked at Pastor Jack, who nodded affirmative. “Thank you good folks so much for hanging in there with me. I want to apologize for the ornery way I’ve behaved. I’ve learned so much about myself these past few months. But all of you loved me through it. If I hadn’t been such an idiot, I’d be getting married today.

“My fears acted just as Pastor Jack said. I was in a prison that I built myself. I’ve been thinking about my parents’ marriage. Mom and Dad handled everything together. I realize that I can’t control everything. But marriage is a team effort. Bailey and I want to make it official just as soon as we can get it together. I just want you to know how much I love and appreciate you all.” I sat down. Whew, at least I didn’t cry.

“All right, now, amen and amen.” Pastor Jack clapped his hands once and then rubbed them together. He looked at Bailey’s mom as if she were next on the program.

Mom stood and addressed the crowd. “Please, everyone stay put for just a minute.” She walked over to Bailey and me. “Could I see you two in the kitchen?”

Her mysterious smile intrigued me. More secrets?

Once the kitchen door swung closed, she grabbed each of our hands. “So, would you like to get married today?” Tears welled up in her eyes.

“We were just talking about that. Wish we could, but we’ll set a date for real soon.” I put my arm around Bailey and sighed deeply. This could have been our wedding day. I promised myself that I wouldn’t let anything get in the way of our plans from now on.

“No, I asked if you’d like to get married today.”

“Well, of course we would, but you know we postponed and although it’s all planned, nothing has been done.” Bailey looked at her mother with squinted eyes.

“What if I told you that it had all been done?” She clapped her hands and giggled like a school girl. “What if I told you that we have a decorated prayer garden, prepared reception, and the preacher? I have the licenses that you already acquired, and well, it’s all ready!”

Tears flowed freely from Bailey’s eyes. “Are you serious? But...how?”

“There’s been a heck of a lot of praying going on among your friends. Tracy felt strongly that you would both be ready today. She insisted on continuing the plans. In fact, she wouldn’t hear of anything else. So, why wait? Toppy and I agreed, and we’ve all pitched in and put the whole thing together, just like you planned it.” Gwen grabbed our hands again.

Toppy peered through the kitchen door window.

Everyone was behind him trying to get a look see.

Tracy pushed her way into the kitchen through a pile of folks hovering around the door. “Of course, it was a mad dash when we learned you wanted to get married at the gazebo in the prayer garden. We just canceled the church and redirected everything else here.” She hugged Bailey and reached for my hand. “We managed everything you said you wanted, but the snow. No harm done or hurt feelings if you don’t want to do it today. We just felt that God would have us go ahead and live with whatever you decide.” She actually held her breath.

I looked at my fiancée. “Today?”

“Yes, yes, yes!” Bailey threw her arms around me, her mother, and Tracy.

A cheer rose in the dining room.

“You stole my wedding planner, didn’t you?” Bailey pulled on Tracy’s pony tail. “And I thought you were hugging your purse for comfort the day I told you the wedding was off.”

“Yes, but fat lot of good it did me since you changed your mind.” Tracy threw her arms around Bailey.

“After you left for rehearsal this morning, I laid out your wedding dress. Let’s go put it on and get your hair ready.”

“Wedding dress? But I never bought one,” Bailey exclaimed.

“Another surprise, Dear. After Pinewood Manor burned, I learned that your Gran had a storage building. She stored away many things she’d planned to give you, including her wedding dress. I think it will fit.”

“Gran’s dress? Are you kidding? Oh, Mom...” Bailey wept into her mother’s arms.

“Scott, your tux is upstairs, pressed and ready to go. Toppy will help you. The boys will dress at home and be back. We’ll have the ceremony as soon as everyone is ready.”

We left the kitchen to find that everyone had scattered.

“They’ve all got a job to do. We’ll get dressed and then when you’re ready, we’ll go to the prayer garden. Come on, sweetie, I’ll drive you.” Gwen reached for Bailey’s hand.

They stepped outside the diner. A light dusting of snow laced down upon them.

“I don’t believe it.” Gwen turned her face to the sky.

“Me either,” Bailey whispered, as though the sound of her voice might make it stop.

“I’d believe anything today,” I wrapped my arm around her neck and pulled her to me.

“Mom, you go ahead. I want to walk. This rarely happens.” Bailey waved her mother on.

Her mom beamed at us and nodded. She got in her car and drove toward the inn.

A gush of wind blew a tiny pine cone to our feet.

Bailey bent to pick it up.

Just as I also bent down our foreheads bumped. I checked Bailey’s forehead and then broke into a laugh.

Bailey’s jingle bell giggles gave me shivers and warmth.

“Seems we’ve come full circle,” she whispered.

I pulled her face to mine and kissed her.

Cotton flakes moistened our noses.

“You sure about this?” I asked.

“As sure as the Queen o’ Sheba.” She pulled away from me, hugged her hands under her chin, flashed a brilliant smile and then broke into a jog toward the inn. She floated away through the falling snow; it seemed her feet weren’t even touching the ground.

I turned toward the sky in thanks. An idea zinged in my heart. I’d better get upstairs and get dressed, but first I had to make a call.

~*~

My heart did flip flops as I walked toward the inn with the snow swirling around me like a bridal wreath. If only I could find my necklace. At least I’d get to wear Gran’s dress, but I’d feel incomplete. I ran my thumb over my engagement ring. A few moments more, and I’d be wearing the full set. Ring! I’d never purchased a wedding ring for Scott. How had I neglected that important detail, given he’d cared enough to give me his mother’s engagement ring? I’d just have to find a ring to use for the ceremony, explain to Scott, and then get one later. I rushed back into the diner to find a married man and borrow his ring. Could, or should, one do such a thing?

Greg, Todd, and Toppy were heading upstairs to Scott’s room.

“Toppy, can I ask you a favor?” Surely he and Mom would understand.

He turned and took the stairs down, two at a time.

“I’m ashamed to admit it, but I haven’t bought Scott a ring. Is there any way I could borrow yours until after the ceremony?” I reached for his hand to see the ring my mom had given him.

“Sure, but I can do you one better. I wondered if you might need this.” He pulled something from his jeans pocket and then placed a simple gold band in the palm of my hand.

I turned it over. It looked like it might fit, but then I saw the inscription, and tears sprang from my eyes like Old Faithful. “Paul. It’s Peeps’s ring!” I threw my arms around my new stepdad.

“Better get on young lady, time’s a-wasting.” He chuckled with a tear in his eye.

I fairly floated out the diner door heading back to the inn again.

“Bailey!”

I turned to find Phoebe running toward me. Had she been in the diner earlier? I hadn’t seen her.

“Slow down, Phoebe, you’ll slip and fall.” I jogged to meet her.

“Serves me right if I did.” She breathed hard, and tears made tracks in her makeup. She reached inside her purse and pulled out a folded square of tissue. Instead of wiping her tears with it, she unfolded the paper to reveal my necklace.

I gasped as I took it from her hand and held it to my chest. “Where’d you find it?” Oh, thank God.

“I didn’t find it. I...” she stopped and clasped her hand over her mouth, her tears dripping across her fingers. “I stole it,” she said, muffled behind her hand.

“What?”

“That day I fell at the diner and you took me to the inn. I saw it on the coffee table and just picked it up while you went to the kitchen for supplies.”

“But why? It’s just a simple little cross. Precious to me, of course, because my grandmother gave it to me. But you have plenty of nice jewelry. I don’t understand.” Confusion and a little anger flashed through my heart.

“You always touch it, grasp it. I thought it was the secret to your happiness. I want what you have, Bailey, and I never seem to get there.” She broke down sobbing.

A former Miss Texas wanted what I have? Well, she’d certainly tried to take it, but I knew she didn’t mean boyfriends or property.

“People like you, love you. Scott loves you. You have...skills. I don’t have anything but incredible beauty.”

It would not be a good idea to roll my eyes in the face of this honest confession. Her little speech touched my heart and anger dissipated. Her comment rang true, but that she’d said it out loud tickled me and made me sad at the same time. I prayed silently how to answer her.

“Phoebe, it’s not the cross itself. It’s what it stands for. Jesus died on a cross to pay for our sins. He made it possible for all things to be new. He loves you, Phoebe, and has a plan for your life.”

“I could use a plan, and love.” She used the tissue to wipe her face. “Go on, Bailey, get a move on. You’re about to be married.”

“Listen, come to the wedding. Talk to Pastor Jack. He can tell you what this cross means.”

“Really, you’d have me at your wedding after this? It’s that cross, isn’t it? It makes you sweet.”

“In a way. Come on, Phoebe, you can help me dress.”

“Now that I’m good at,” she said. She held my hand and skipped along with me toward the inn.

Awkward? Yes, awkward and wonderful.