Page 39 of The Baxters
Elizabeth exhaled. “I prayed. That God would show you… that you wouldn’t have doubts. Especially after…”
“After Ryan had the nerve to stop by?” A laugh came from Kari, but it wasn’t funny. “He was wrong to do that. But maybe it was a good thing.”
It was hard to imagine how Ryan coming here today was a good thing. Elizabeth waited.
“That probably sounds ridiculous.” Kari’s expression relaxed again. “The thing is, Ryan did me a favor, Mom. He forced me to remember him all over again. Every season and year and special moment.”
“Oh, dear.” Elizabeth brought her fingers to her lips. “My poor girl.”
“No.” Kari shook her head. Her poise was undeniable. “I remembered it all, and then I saw this photo.” She smiled at the picture for a long moment. “And God let me think again about all the good times with Tim.” She set the frame back on the table. “More than that, He reminded me of Tim’s loyalty.”
“Yes.” Elizabeth still wondered about the whole story with Ryan, the situation at the hospital the day of his injury. But clearly Kari had moved beyond that. No point bringing it up now, not when Kari had worked through her conflicted feelings.
The time for Ryan had gone. He would forevermore be always and only in Kari’s past.
“Mom.” Her daughter’s smile took up her whole face. “I’m ready. I want to marry Tim and spend the rest of my life with him.” Another laugh came from her, this one filled with joy and light. “In fact… I can’t wait.”
John popped into the room just then, and stopped at the sight of Kari. Again Elizabeth took a minute before she could speak. “Hi, John.” Their eyes met and then they both turned to Kari.
“My beautiful Kari.” John walked up to her. “There are no words to describe how beautiful you are today.”
“Thanks, Daddy.” Kari’s eyes shone, the tears from earlier long gone.
Elizabeth grinned. She felt better now, happier knowing how sure Kari was about the wedding. This was their daughter’s shining moment. Elizabeth came up alongside John and hooked her arm through his. “Is everyone ready?”
“They are. Luke and the girls are gathered on the porch. Peter’s at the church with Maddie.” John turned once more to Kari. Tears filled his eyes and he shook his head. As if his words couldn’t get past his emotions. “Kari, sweetheart. My breathtaking little girl.” He took both her hands in his. “Are you ready?”
That’s all he said, all he had to say. John had been close to each of their children, but he and Kari had shared a special bond. She had stayed the course, stuck with their family’s faith and values.
Kari was easy to love. Always.
Elizabeth watched as Kari leaned forward and kissedJohn on the cheek. “I am, Daddy.” She must’ve been overflowing with happiness because she was truly glowing. “I’m ready.”
“Okay, then… let’s do this.” John released her hands and held out his elbows. “I’d like to escort my two beauties to the porch.” He winked at Elizabeth. “For another round of photos.”
They all laughed. John wasn’t a fan of long photo sessions, but Elizabeth wasn’t concerned. Her husband wouldn’t dare complain today. These were the pictures that would mark the years and milestones somewhere down the road.
On the porch, Ashley handed baby Cole to Elizabeth, who hung back with John while Daisy, the photographer, helped the five siblings through a series of snapshots. The tension from earlier seemed gone, as if everyone had together agreed that regardless of personal issues or thunderstorms, today was going to be good, after all.
While Daisy snapped photos of the kids, Elizabeth rocked the baby and lifted her eyes to John. He was still every bit the love of her life, and as her gaze held his, Elizabeth could almost see herself blush. This was the way he had made her feel since the first day they met. He stood tall and handsome at her side. “My love… that tux looks dashing on you.” She took his hand. “You are easily the best-looking father of the bride of all time.”
He leaned close and kissed her lips. “And you…Elizabeth, you’re not supposed to outshine the bride. But look at you.”
“John and Elizabeth?” Daisy was smiling. “Time for the whole family. Or at least the ones here.”
“Yeah, Mom… Dad… come on.” Luke rolled his eyes in their direction. But this time he was only kidding. The look on his face told them that much. Their kids had commented often on how they appreciated their parents’ love. How it felt right and secure knowing that they were still crazy about each other.
Even after all these years.
Ashley took Cole again, and the photographer set them up a dozen different ways looking for the perfect family picture. Halfway through the shoot, Elizabeth locked eyes with John again. And suddenly she knew without a doubt what he was thinking.
One was missing.
Their firstborn, the one they had talked about earlier on this same porch. Elizabeth kept smiling, kept enjoying the moment. Still she couldn’t help but wonder about him. Was he out of school by now, working in some big city? Had he taken up medicine like his father or did he live in another country?
Lord, I don’t know where our oldest son is. But You know.She lifted her eyes to the stormy sky.So please, Father, wherever he is today, would You guard and protect him, please? And would You let him know that he is loved.
Even if we don’t ever meet him this side of heaven.
