Page 56 of Barry
“Yeah, I know, but since I’m helplessly in love with him, I think I’ll go through with it.” She winked back at him.
“Good. Your mom would have a fit.” They both laughed as they walked down the stairs. When they turned the corner, the violin started. “Show time,” her dad said, his voice filled with pride and a hint of emotion. Together, they stepped onto the gold cloth that led to the beautiful, ancient cottonwood tree that grew behind their ranch house. The tree stood tall and majestic, its thick branches adorned with streamers of wildflowers floating gently in the light breeze. The vibrant blooms formed a beautiful, breathtaking arch where Reverend Campbell stood, waiting with Barry. Her future husband’s eyes were fixed on her.
As she walked, her heart swelled. Almost everyone she knew had gathered and rose as one to look back at her. Her knee-length white dress was one of Kayla’s creations and elegant in its simplicity. The white silk was gathered at one side, draping around her small waist. Small pearls lined the princess neckline and the cuffs at her wrists. The sleeves were slit from shoulder to cuff, held together by diamond-like beads that sparkled in the sunlight. The effect was dramatic and stunning. She wore no veil, allowing her hair to fall in loose curls to her shoulders.
Barry stood at the altar, looking amazing in his blacksuit, white shirt, and black tie. His eyes lit up with the love she knew was echoed in her gaze. She couldn’t love him more than she did at that moment.
When she reached the wildflower arch, her father took her hand, his eyes misting up with emotion. She felt her own eyes begin to water as well. Hand in hand with Barry, she floated through the ceremony. The vows and ring exchange passed in a blur, her attention completely focused on the man who’d asked her to marry him. When he lowered to kiss her, she was left breathless and felt as if the world had stopped spinning. The cheers and whistles brought them back to reality, making Barry laugh, a sound that made her heart sing.
Joyous applause lifted into the air when Reverend Campbell pronounced them man and wife. They darted down the aisle to the barn where the reception and party were held. The inside of the barn was a magical sight, lit with hundreds of Edison lights that cast a warm, inviting glow. They scrubbed the floors and stall walls and painted and sanitized the barn. A long table ran down the length of the barn—enough seating for one hundred guests, fifty on each side. Declan’s grills were fired up, filling the air with a mouthwatering aroma of steaks that had been grilling all day.
At the center of the barn stood Corrie’s creation: a three-tier wedding cake decorated with hand-piped wildflowers flowing down one side in a tumbling cascade ofcolor. It was breathtaking and a testament to the love and effort everyone had put into making the day perfect.
Barry took her in his arms as people filed into the barn. “You are the reason I’m alive. I know it in my heart. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be here. I love you.”
She palmed his cheek with her hand. “We were meant for each other. From the moment I fell into your arms that night, I knew you were my destiny. I love you.”
Seth Hansen droveinto Hollister and did a double-take. The town had grown and changed. He pulled up in front of the old diner that had always been closed when he lived around here. There was a sign on the door.
Closedfor Kathy and Barry’s Wedding. Come on out!
Seth grunted.He remembered Kathy Prentiss. She was a grade or two behind him. He turned and looked up and down the small street. Phil’s garage looked different. A large garage had been constructed behind the old filling station. There were new buildings across the street and farther down. He turned to look at Sanderson’s grocery. Yeah, he knew that was where he’d find him.
He walked across the street and stood in front of the old bench. The wood had been polished by old men sitting and talking to each other. That his father was one of those old men now hit him pretty hard, he wasn’t going to lie. The man in front of him wasn’t the man he remembered.
Chester looked up and cocked his head. “What are you doing here?”
“Came because people are worried about you.”
“Bah, nosey bastards. The military let you have leave?” Chester’s eyes narrowed. “Or did they finally kick your ass out?”
Seth sighed. “I’m retired. Did my twenty years.”
Chester grunted. “Expect you want to stay with me.”
“Unless you’re going to turn me out.” As Ken had said, his father was a bitter old man, but that didn’t surprise him. He’d been a bitter young man, too. Sarah and he had made tracks away from Hollister as soon as possible. Sarah had a family, so he was the one who made the trip back to figure out what to do with their father.
“Never have, won’t start.” Chester stood up. “This town has changed, Seth. You watch yourself. Too many outsiders here now.”
They walked across the street to Seth’s truck. “Don’t you think I’d be classified as a stranger now?”
“You were born here,” his father growled.
“And I’ve been gone for twenty-four years.”
Chester stopped. “Why the hell did you come back?”
Seth stopped. “I told you, Dad. People are worried about you.”
“Bah …” Chester got into his truck, and Seth slid into the driver’s seat. “Where’s your sister?”
“At home with her family,” Seth said as he backed out of the parking slot.
Chester stared at him. “She’s married?”
Seth looked over at his father. Holy hell, what was going on? “Yeah, Dad. You talked to her yesterday. She told you I was coming. Don’t you remember?”
“Of course, I remember. I’m not stupid.” Chester crossed his arms and stared out the side window.
Seth sighed and headed to his dad’s place at the edge of town.So much for a quick visit.It looked like his dad needed the help Ken Zorn had mentioned when they’d talked. Well, he’d handle it. He had no job prospects at the moment, although he had several resumes floating. As an ex-K-9 handler, trainer, and kennel master, he’d find a job. He wasn’t sweating it. His retirement would hold him over until he got his dad settled and could start looking for a job in earnest.
He pulled up in front of the small house and sighed. The disrepair was obvious. All those calls where his dad told him things were fine had been lies, hadn’t they?
“Ready?” he asked his dad.
“Why the hell did you come back, Seth?”
He decided to change his answer. “To see you, Dad.” Seth nodded to the house. “Let’s get me settled.”
“Yeah, let’s do that.” Chester opened the door and slowly got out of the truck. Seth closed his eyes for a moment. It would be harder than he’d imagined. He glanced at the sky. Well, hell. It looked like he was stuck in South Dakota again.
