Page 29 of The Baxters
“I am.” He turned to Kari. “I wanted to stop by here first. Give my bride a kiss and make sure the weatherdidn’t have her too upset. Apparently it’s a good thing I did.”
Elizabeth winced. Every word Tim said felt like it was dripping in disapproval. She watched him bend down and kiss Kari on the lips. “Maybe stand. So you can hug me.”
Kari scrambled to her feet. “I’m sorry.” She glanced at her mother, as if all of this was beyond embarrassing. Her words were a stifled cry. “You have to believe me. I didn’t know he was coming!”
None of this seemed real. Elizabeth wasn’t sure if she should go back inside or stick it out here on the porch. The whole scene was a nightmare.
“Don’t worry about it, Kari.” Tim initiated the hug and as he drew back he smiled at her. “Everything’s fine. Go get ready.” He kissed her again. “Oh… and stay away from that Ryan Taylor.” Tim shot Elizabeth a look and then turned to Kari again. “Somehow… I don’t think he has your best interest in mind.”
With that, Tim backed up. “See you at the church.” He nodded to Kari and then to Elizabeth as he passed by. “I’ll let myself out.”
When he was gone, Elizabeth and Kari stayed in their places, as if they were too afraid to move. Too shocked to say a single word.
Elizabeth breathed out. She needed to make things right here. If that were even possible. “Kari.” She walked over and took her daughter in her arms. “I should’ve sent him away. I’m sorry.”
They sat down on the swing and Kari stared at her hands. They were trembling. “I heard his voice before he came out here.” She turned and looked at Elizabeth.
“I wasn’t sure what to do.” Elizabeth put her hand on Kari’s slim shoulder. “He wanted to see you so badly.”
“I know. It’s not your fault.” Kari’s cheeks had tearstains on them and her eye makeup was smudged. Clearly she was still stunned by what had just happened. “I can’t believe it. That he would come here.” She hesitated. “Today.”
Elizabeth wasn’t sure if she should ask, but she had to know. Earlier Kari had said she had no doubts about marrying Tim. But after seeing Ryan… had things changed? Was her heart torn? Elizabeth had to find out now. Before she ran out of time. “What did he say?”
Kari took a slow breath just as thunder cracked around them. “Look at this weather.” She shook her head and then stared at her engagement ring. “Don’t worry. He didn’t try to change my mind. That’s not why he came.”
“Okay.” Elizabeth didn’t want to rush her. Whatever had gone on, Kari would tell her. The two of them had always been close.
“He asked me about that day. At the hospital. He wanted to know what happened. Like he still didn’t get it.” Confusion came over her expression. “How could he ask that?”
“Maybe he really doesn’t know. Maybe you—” Elizabeth stopped herself. They’d had this conversation before.No reason to go over it again now. When she was hours from walking down the aisle.
“He knows.” Kari stood and walked to the porch rail. She looked out, her face to the clouds. “Is this a sign, Mom?” She turned and stared at Elizabeth. “This terrible weather?” She slumped back down on the swing. “I mean, tornadoes are in the forecast right about the same time as I’m supposed to say ‘I do.’?”
Elizabeth steadied herself. Enough of the doom and gloom. “The weather isn’t anything to worry about, Kari. If God has been giving you signs all along, then that could be something.” She looked intently at her daughter. “He wouldn’t wait till your wedding day to give you colossal proof that Tim’s the wrong guy.”
Again Kari stared at her diamond solitaire ring. “True.” She lifted her eyes to Elizabeth. “I love Tim. I really do.” She shook her head. “Ryan can’t expect me to act like nothing happened that day at the hospital. He knows about the other girl. Obviously. And by now he must’ve figured out that I know, too.”
“Yes.” Elizabeth nodded. “You’re right.” But she still wondered if there hadn’t been some kind of mistake, a mix-up that could be explained if only Kari would confront him directly about the other girl. “Did you… ask him? About her?”
“Mother!” Kari slid to the far edge of the swing and crossed her arms. “Of course not! What would it matter now? I’m getting married today.”
That was it then. Elizabeth drew a slow breath. “Soyou’re still sure? About marrying Tim?” She paused. “Ryan didn’t change that?”
Kari ran her fingertips over her face. “My makeup’s a mess. I can feel it. My hair, too.”
“I’ll help you fix it.” Elizabeth waited. “Sweetheart… are you going to answer me?”
A loud breath came from Kari. “I love Ryan Taylor, Mom. I always will.” Her voice cracked. “But he’s all wrong for me. There.” She waited a few seconds. “Is that what you wanted to hear?”
“Honey.” She took Kari’s hand again. “I’m not trying to upset you. But it’s a question you have to answer. Now.” She kept her tone gentle. “Before you go slip into that dress.”
“I already told you.” Kari seemed to force herself to be calm. “I love Tim.”
Elizabeth wanted to be clear. “I didn’t ask if you love him.” She angled her head. She cared so much for Kari.Lord, let her hear me. So she doesn’t make a mistake today.She sighed. “I asked if you were still sure about marrying him.”
“Yes.” Kari leaned over and kissed Elizabeth’s cheek. Then she stood and took a deep breath. “Rain or tornadoes, I’m getting married today, Mother. I’m going to have you fix my hair and makeup. Then I’ll take that gorgeous gown to the bridal room and you and the girls can help me get dressed.” She smiled. “I’m marrying Tim Jacobs today. I’m sure.”
With all her being, Elizabeth wished she could believeher daughter’s seemingly forced enthusiasm. Because at this point she had no other choice. “Okay.” Elizabeth stood and hugged Kari again. “I’ll come help you in a minute.”
