Page 30 of The Baxters
“You have to get ready, too.” Kari seemed to work up a bigger smile. “The limo will be here in a few hours.”
Kari walked inside and Elizabeth sat down again and breathed. Just breathed. She didn’t want to push her daughter, didn’t want to probe and pick, looking for a different answer. The problem was obvious. Kari’s eyes had looked entirely different when she talked to Ryan than they had when Tim showed up.
Wasn’t it worth a longer conversation between Kari and Ryan? Elizabeth had been hoping for that—praying for it—since the incident at the hospital. But Kari was too hurt to ask questions.What was the point?Her daughter always said Ryan’s actions had done all the speaking.
And now… well, if Kari was convinced she was supposed to marry Tim, then that was that.I just wish I believed her, Lord. Elizabeth stood and exhaled. Then without waiting another minute she headed back into the house.
Kari was right. Elizabeth needed to get ready.
She was about to be mother of the bride.
JOHN HAD BEENat the university wedding chapel since before lunch. After his conversation with Elizabeth, hehad taken a quick shower and he and Luke had grabbed their tuxes and set out.
“Don’t worry,” he had called out to Elizabeth before he left. “Everything’s going to be okay. The storm will pass.”
The wind picked up outside and rattled the window of the small room where John and Luke were finally getting ready. He glanced at the sky. Famous last words. Then he turned to the wide mirror on the opposite wall. He and Luke were dressed except for their jackets and bow ties.
John stood next to his son as they both worked to get their looks just right. “It’s whipping out there.” He shook his head. “At least there aren’t any tornado sirens.”
“Not yet, anyway.” Luke rolled his eyes. “I imagine those will come during the vows.”
The air in the room was tense, something rare for the two of them. John let Luke’s attitude slide. Instead he ran through his personal checklist for the day. What else had to be done? So far he had directed the rental company where to set up tables and chairs and he’d talked to the caterers about the best spots for the various food and drink stations. Salad and side dishes. Prime rib and chicken.
And of course the cake table.
John thought hard about the things Elizabeth had asked him to handle. He had it all written down in the pocket of his rain jacket. Better to go by the list. He found the piece of paper and looked it over. Yes, he’dpaid the florists and pianist and band. He still needed to connect with Pastor Mark about final logistics for the ceremony.
“How’s this?” Luke turned to him. His tall blond son looked striking in the dark gray tux. “Is the bow tie right?”
“Bow ties were never my expertise.” John set the list down and went to Luke. “I’d say it looks perfect.” His was still hanging around his neck. “Maybe you can help me with mine.”
Luke smiled. “You’re just trying to make me feel good.” He checked his own tie in the mirror. “I think mine’s a little crooked.”
They worked together until they were both happy with their outfits. John glanced at his watch. “Tim should be here any minute.”
“Yeah.” Luke took one of the chairs. “He’s half an hour late from what he said yesterday at the rehearsal.”
“Wedding days can be like that.”
“True.” Luke nodded. “Tim’s a good guy. He’ll be here.”
At least Luke was in favor of Kari marrying Tim. The guy needed a few allies in the family.
“I will say.” Luke raised one eyebrow. “I think Kari’s getting married too soon. I’d never get married so young.”
Here we go. John forced himself to smile. “She’s out of college, Son. Not like she’s nineteen.”
“Still… you won’t find me marrying this young.”Luke looked at the mirror again. “I have dreams to chase, places to see.” He held up his hands. “No one’s going to tie me down for a long time.”
That was it, the end of the conversation. Another monologue proving Luke’s obsession with himself. John didn’t want to defend young weddings. Tim would walk through the door any minute. No point talking about this now.
John took the nearest chair and remembered something else. “Hey, so Cole’s first birthday is next weekend. After Kari and Tim get back from their honeymoon. Sunday afternoon.” He paused. “Just wanted to make sure you have it on your calendar.”
At first Luke only sighed and didn’t say a word. The look in his eyes told John this new topic was even more frustrating than the last.
“You are going, right?” John folded his hands and leaned over his knees. “We’ll all be there.”
This time there wasn’t a trace of humor in Luke’s laugh. “Really, Dad? Cole won’t know we’re throwing him a party. He’s just a baby.”
