Page 48 of The Baxters
Ashley watched Cole finish his bottle, and everything faded. The music and laughter, the thoughts of Landon. Suddenly she could picture herself, traipsing around Paris with a married man, no care for his wife or for the consequences—whatever they might be. She may not have believed in God the way she had when she was growing up. But the way she lived in Paris was wrong. No arguing the point.
For a long moment she tried to imagine again what would happen if she talked to Landon about Paris. Later tonight, even. She could pull him aside out in the parking lot and really talk to him, so that everything was once and for all out in the open. Landon would watch her, no doubt, and listen, and then when Ashley reached the part about the artist being married, he would squint a little.
“You… were with amarriedman?” he would ask. And his tone wouldn’t be rude or condescending. Just shocked. Completely shocked.
Gradually it would dawn on him that Ashley really had changed. That the girl he had fallen in love with no longer existed. He would make polite conversation for a few minutes more and he’d tell her he was sorry, but he had to go. And that would be that.
If only Landon knew the truth.
And so Ashley let her resolve grow and build until she knew exactly what she was going to do. Sometime tonight, before the celebration was over, she was going to find a quiet spot with Landon and she was going to tell him everything. The whole ugly truth. Then she wouldn’t have to worry about him falling in love with her again. And this time Cinderella wouldn’t have to worry about fleeing the ballroom at midnight.
Landon would be gone long before that.
ELIZABETH WAS DANCINGwith John, moving easily in his arms as he twirled and spun her across the floor. The day had been marked by dark clouds and thunder, fears and deep concerns for Kari’s future. But ever since Elizabeth watched her say her vows, a peace had come over the entire event.
Everything was going to be okay.
Tim and Kari had been on the dance floor since the music started two hours ago. Every time Elizabethlooked at them, they were within an arm’s length of each other. Like they couldn’t be closer together if they tried.
Another good sign.
“You look happy.” John slowed the pace, and took her hand in his. “The wedding was beautiful.”
“Yes. It was.” Elizabeth exhaled. “I worried about nothing.” She loved this, moving to the music in John’s arms. “Out here… dancing with you. It always takes my heart back.”
“To that college mixer at University of Michigan.” He smiled, his eyes sparkling. “You look just as beautiful now as you did then.”
“And you. My handsome John.” She moved closer to him. “Kari’s happy. I can see it in her face.”
“Mmm.” John shot a quick look in the direction of Kari and Tim. “I’d say she looks giddy.”
“I like that. Giddy.” Elizabeth smiled. They were barely dancing now, their focus on only each other. “God even held back the big storm.”
“He’s always good.”
Elizabeth leaned her head on his chest as the song wound down. Yes, God was always good. All the time. There hadn’t been any need for worry or doubt or hesitancy. Okay, so Kari’s life hadn’t worked out the way Elizabeth had expected. But that didn’t mean it hadn’t worked out.
The song ended and Pastor Mark took the mic. He asked the guests to come to the double doors at the back of the room. Time for the bride and groom to say theirgoodbyes. Just then, Kari and Tim hurried up to Elizabeth and John.
“Mom… Dad…” Kari still looked radiant even after spending hours dancing. She hugged them both. “Today was perfect. The wedding of my dreams. Thank you.”
Tim shook John’s hand. “I’ll take the best care of your daughter, Dr. Baxter.” He grinned. “Happiest day of my life.”
People were lining up on either side of the doors. Kari glanced that way and then back at Elizabeth. “I love you, Mom. Thanks for everything. For talking to me.” She didn’t say more than that, but Elizabeth understood.
Kari was clearly thankful she had gone through with the wedding, glad she hadn’t allowed irrational fears or the terrible storm to stop her from marrying Tim. Elizabeth hugged her daughter once more. “Have a wonderful time, honey.”
“We will.” She took Tim’s hand and the two of them waved. Then they were off through the pathway of wedding guests. Tim was taking her on an Alaskan cruise. The two of them would have a beautiful week together and then a lifetime of love.
Today was only the beginning.
15
None of the other guests was leaving the wedding, so Landon made his way back to the table on the far side of the room. The band was playing a line dance, and most of the bridal party was on the floor.
Even Ashley.
Her parents had Cole at their table, and Ashley was doing the Electric Slide beside her sisters—Erin and Brooke—and a few of their friends. Landon watched her, the way she moved in her pink dress. Laughing like she hadn’t just shared the deepest few minutes with him.
