Redemption's Road, page 26
part #3 of Five Points Series
“Together, we will show others grace, freely given through faith. I will love you all the days of my life, without fail.” I slid the wedding band that matched her engagement ring onto her finger and locked us together in the unbreakable bond our union would be.
Pastor Pegi looked at the both of us, then spoke to the crowd. “Ellie, Rhebekka’s sister, has something for the couple.”
My little sparrow stepped over to the members of Regal Crimson and nodded. She’d promised me not to try any power ballads.
“This song is called These Three Remain, and it’s for my two sisters. I love you both.”
I didn’t recognize the arrangement, until Ellie softly started to sing. I remembered a song I’d written long ago, in a roadside hotel somewhere out west. Ellie added the message from Corinthians to my melody and turned it into a song.
“‘...and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.’”
When she ran through a second verse that spoke of love and grace, I felt the tears come. Years of burden and guilt melted away. What washed over me was grace, full of promise. I admired the woman standing by my side, the one who’d always been there in one form or another, and I let every single regret go. They flowed down into the Blackwater River and drifted away on the muddy water. I was free. The shackles and yoke of my childhood, the indiscretion of my youth, and the stubbornness I developed as an adult were no longer the driving forces in my life.
I could finally accept what I’d known all along. God loved me and so did the woman who was taking my last name. We’d share the surname I’d chosen, not the one I’d been born with. As we carried MaMaw’s maiden name, we’d honor the woman who’d taught me to heat up coffee in a small metal pan and whose love I still felt in my heart. I looked around the courtyard, saying a prayer of thanks for every single person there who had helped shape me. I was grateful for the lessons learned, no matter how hard they’d been. From simple mistakes to grave errors, those lessons had formed the person I became.
In the last few months, I’d lost more than just a piece of my flesh. I’d lost the weight of a life that existed on fractured purpose. I’d once been a follower, then a lost and confused sheep. I became a leader, a fisher of men, helping others find what Naomi had revealed to me. The best part was, I no longer had to do it all by myself. Naomi wiped tears from my cheeks and turned fully to me, as Ellie let the last note fade off.
Pastor Pegi began to speak again. “By the powers vested in me, I pronounce you wed. You each may kiss your bride. Ladies and gentlemen, let me be the first to introduce you to Mrs. and Mrs. Rhebekka and Naomi Deklan. Join with me in welcoming them to the joy of holy matrimony. What God has put together, let no one pull apart.”
I drew Naomi into my arms, stumbling slightly on the knee walker, until I felt her arms steady me. I let her kiss permeate my soul and brand my heart. I returned the gift with all the passion I dared in front of an audience.
Siobhan amplified her Irish brogue by cupping her hands around her mouth. “Save some for the honeymoon!”
Everyone laughed and clapped, as my wife and I turned to the crowd, our clasped hands raised heavenward. This was the first time I could actually say those words, and it be real.
My wife.
Every day would be different now. I was tied to someone on a completely different level than ever before. Her needs would always come above mine; her happiness would always be more important to me than my own, and I would work every day to show her how grateful I was to have her as my wife. Only my devotion to a higher power would be stronger. With Naomi’s help, even that would be more secure. She was my refuge and my stronghold; we would build our house on grace and faith. Together, we would make our way through this life.
***
The reception was in full swing at Redemption’s Road. Our friends and family were enjoying an incredible feast provided by Karmen with Zandra’s help. Siobhan’s Trad Brigade and members of Regal Crimson were entertaining the crowd, while Naomi and I made our way around to greet and visit with everyone. Naomi insisted I get off my leg for a bit, because she wanted to dance with me later. I dutifully allowed her to wheel me around, happy to let her lead. She was deep in conversation with Ashley, when Tank handed me a Mason jar of Brimstone Stout.
She motioned toward Naomi. “Think you can keep up with her?”
I pointed to a chair beside me. I wasn’t going to have a conversation looking up at her. Tank obliged and stretched out her legs, crossing them at the ankle.
“I’ll do my best to try. Where’s Amy?” I looked around for her.
“She had to take a call. It’s too noisy in here, so I gave her the key to the office.”
“Is that all she has the key to?” I couldn’t help my smirk.
Tank let out what sounded like a contented sigh. “As a matter of fact, no. She also has one to the apartment.”
I rolled my head toward her. “And?”
“She’s working on the one in the armor around my stubborn side. Rest assured, she’s whittling her own key to my heart.”
I leaned in close. “Don’t think I didn’t hear her call you Tancy. I’d say she’s already installed a new lock on that puppy.”
Tank nodded slowly. “I’ll give you that. Never met anyone like her. Takes no shit from me, period. When you were in the hospital, it started with coffee. If she couldn’t meet me for a cup, I brought it to her. One night, I noticed she kept rubbing a muscle in her neck. I offered to massage her shoulders, while she wasn’t needed by patients. She sat down in front of me in the lounge and fell asleep on me until her pager went off, calling her back to the ER.”
“I’d say that means she’s pretty comfortable with you.”
“She’s got that something you can’t explain, you know? I’m all about the straight lines and edges. Amy’s been helping me navigate the curves.”
“I’ll just bet she is.” I couldn’t help but laugh. I knew what went through my mind wasn’t what Tank meant.
Tank glared and rolled her eyes. “Smartass.”
“It’s the company I keep.” I held up my hand for her to bump my fist, which she did.
The kids from my group were all out dancing, trying to keep time to a style of music they weren’t accustomed to. Traditional Irish music was filling The Confluence with joy. Amanda brought Kiersten, and by a twist of fate, her mother was home from her deployment. Sydney had been injured while on duty. She’d have to return at a later date. For the time being, the entire family was together. She and Lynn sat off to the side, watching Amanda interact with her very first girlfriend. I often wondered what it would have been like to have parents support me the way Amanda’s did. They put no pressure on their daughter to be anything beyond who she was, continually encouraging her in so many ways.
“I’m happy for you, Bek. I really am.” Tank took a drink from her jar.
“That goes both ways, my friend. I say we do all we can to keep it that way. I’m game if you are.”
Tank slowly nodded in agreement. “Game on. Here comes your wife.”
“I’ll never get tired of hearing that.”
“Good thing, she put a ring on that finger to match the one in your nose.”
Amy joined us from behind and flicked Tank’s ear. “Behave.”
I nearly fell out of my wheelchair laughing. Tank blushed and looked so contrite. Naomi bent and kissed me softly.
“How are you, Mrs. Deklan?”
“I’m fine, Mrs. Deklan. I’ve missed you.”
“Then I think it’s time you dance with me.” She reached around the back of the chair and handed me the knee walker. Once I strapped it on, I let her lead me to the floor. Ellie was standing on the stage, Siobhan by her side. I watched my sister’s girlfriend pick up a guitar and join my old band, while Ellie stepped to the mic.
“It’s time for the couple’s first dance. Let’s give both of our Mrs. Deklan a hand.”
My wife gave a slight curtsey as she came into my arms. I kissed her softly and brought our left hands into my chest, right on the spot where her name was branded over my heart, as I wrapped my right arm around her waist. I knew my sister would be singing our song, the one I’d carried with me over the miles when I was with Naomi, and when I wasn’t. The one I’d played more times in the wee hours of the morning than any other. Siobhan, along with my former base player and Ellie’s lead guitarist, began Eric Clapton’s, “Wonderful Tonight.” It was slow enough that I could sway with her and not feel off balance. Her head nestled into my chest, and I held my lips to her hair, breathing in the scent that was so my wife—coffee beans and vanilla.
“I love you so much, Naomi.”
She drew back to smile at me, that million-dollar wattage warming me inside and out. The twinkle in her eyes reminded me of Sister Rosetta.
“And I love you, Rhebekka. Now and forever.”
We swayed to my sister’s soft vocals and enjoyed the moment together. I hoped we’d repeat this dance a thousand more times in my life. She did look wonderful, and I was totally lost in loving her. The song ended, and I held her tightly. We were one, at last, my gratitude overwhelming that it didn’t take a moment longer.
I remembered my dream, or maybe it would be better described as my vision from the accident. Grandpa had told me that he and MaMaw liked Naomi. I could feel them all around me and had no doubt they were there watching over us from above. We invited everyone onto the dance floor, including Ellie and Siobhan. One of her backup singers took over vocals, and we danced the night away.
We stood in the place I’d built to celebrate two things I loved, beer and music. The greatest gift was that I was able to do all that with my best friend, who’d finally found community in a place where she’d once felt like an outsider. It even looked as if she’d found love, as had Karmen and Ellie. The most important people in my life were all there, celebrating new life found on redemption’s road.
Epilogue
I STOOD IN FRONT of my pseudo dominatrix, also known as Attila the Hun, learning how to walk up a set of steps. The prop was built in one corner of the room and led to a platform large enough for me to turn around and come back down the three steps. This was my fifth trip up and down this session. I wanted to be able to walk up the steps into my loft that night. It was all about balance and learning to trust the metal and fiberglass that replaced my foot and ankle.
Naomi stood at the side with Allana. “She’s getting better at it.”
“The fact she had a below the knee amputation is critical.” Allana nodded. “Natural knee movement and fewer balance issues make the acclimation period much easier. Rhebekka’s doing remarkably well.”
“Of course, I’m crushing it like a rock star.” I grinned at both of them.
Naomi rolled her eyes at me and pointed. “Focus, rock star.”
We worked through several obstacles, including different surfaces around a small terrain area set up in a covered walkway. It was a beautiful day outside. Bright sunshine filled a cerulean sky dotted with cotton balls. The next day, there would be a parade through town followed by a fireworks show put on by the local fire department. Mountaineer Days, the area’s Fourth of July celebration, was a big event. We’d planned a gathering on our rooftop, offering a front-row seat for the pyrotechnic display that brought people from far and wide. The streets would be full of people milling about, stopping in all the shops, while they enjoyed the food trucks and booths that lined the river walk.
Our church sanctuary would be open to all, and our small ensemble would play hymns and other music for festival goers. Our regular furniture had been moved to the side. We’d set up folding chairs to accommodate those who wanted to get out of the heat, rest, and enjoy music. There would be no sermon, only music. We had a good group of musicians to rotate in and out through the day, including some of the kids.
In summer, the after-school program transitioned into a twice-weekly gathering with music lessons. Alton was playing drums, while Amanda had continued to show incredible guitar talent for her age. Siobhan was giving Irish fiddle lessons to Holly, who could play her way through several of the simple hymns. It was good to see how much closer their small group had become. Sunday services during the festival were set for later in the day than normal.
There was much to be done, and I wanted to finish my rehab on a positive note. I stepped over repurposed railroad ties, across a section of river stone, and through five feet of sand in a long box.
Allana held the door open, leading back into the facility. “Great job. The sand is harder to navigate because it shifts. You can’t feel it with your prosthesis the way you would your natural foot, requiring a bit more attention. I think you’re doing great. Before long, you’ll notice it less and less. You’ll tire easily for a while, and if you gain or lose weight, your socket may fit differently. Be aware of sore spots or irritation. I’ll see you next week.”
Naomi gave her a hug. “Thank you for all you’ve done for us. Rhebekka’s a work in progress, but I expect the end result to be worth the effort.”
“I’m trying to figure out if that was a backhanded reprimand or a compliment.” I squinted at my wife as she cupped my jaw. “I do agree with her though. Thank you for everything.”
Allana leaned over and whispered in my ear. “Let me help you out before you dig yourself into a hole. Smile and hug your wife.”
I saluted and did exactly as she suggested, pulling the woman I was so proud to call my wife into my arms. We stopped at the front desk and made an appointment for the next week. On our way home, we popped into Karmen’s store. Zandra was working on a laptop over at a small table in the café section. Karmen came out of the back, holding a large box with our order for the gathering. The town was already starting to fill with tourists coming in for the event.
I took the box from her and set it down on a small counter near the register. “I’ll bet you’ve been busy today.”
“Every year. I can’t keep enough cupcakes in the case. Zandra’s updates to our website have made a big difference. People can order online ahead of time, which helps me keep enough stock on hand for the walk-ins.”
“She’s been so good for you.” Naomi squeezed Karmen’s hand.
“I’ll second that. We fit. Having her move here permanently will give us so much more time together than a weekend here and there. That move should be completed by next month.”
Seeing Karmen happy warmed my heart. The bell rang, and Amy walked in. “Hey folks, are you having a secret meeting without me?”
I still marveled at how Amy had breezed in and completely turned Tank’s life upside down. The changes I’d seen in my best friend were remarkable. She was considerably less snarky and certainly less restless.
“Nope, just gathering sustenance for tomorrow’s festivities. Are you going to be able to make it?”
“Unfortunately, no. The holiday weekend always means a lot of alcohol-related accidents. It’s all hands on deck in the ER. I’ll be there for church on Sunday though. Wouldn’t want to miss my weekly dose of the dynamic duo dispensing faith with a side of musical bliss. Hey Karmen, our order ready?”
Karmen beamed at her. I was beyond pleased that Karmen and Amy had become close friends as well. Their relationship was helping to bridge the gap that had grown between Karmen and Tank over the previous months.
“It is. Nice to see you can get that blockhead to eat more than a bag of chips for dinner.” Karmen gathered the order for her.
Naomi hooked her arm in Amy’s, locking their elbows together. “It’s a challenge loving these hardheads. I promise they’re worth the effort.”
Amy’s laughter was the joyous kind. “I agree. I’m working tonight and she’s bartending, as usual. I figure if I get her to eat now, she has enough fuel on board to make it through the night. I saw Siobhan’s group is playing this evening.”
I couldn’t help but shake my head. The turnaround from Tank wanting to drag Siobhan into the street and beat her ass, to being friends was wonderfully strange. “They are. With Ellie’s encouragement, Siobhan’s been taking more of a backseat over at Beanders and concentrating on music. We’ll probably come up to see them.”
Karmen finished packaging our order, and then hit on an open wound. “Have you made any decision about Pittsburgh?”
I sighed. Ellie’s voice had only marginally improved, even with seeing one of the premier doctors who specialized in vocal issues for musicians. The anniversary concert was the following weekend. Ellie and Siobhan were leaving Sunday night to go up and start rehearsals.
“We’re still in the process of the come-to-Jesus discussions about that.” Naomi pointed her thumb. “Hardhead. Remember?” She narrowed her eyes at me.
The bell rang over the door again, as I rubbed a hand over the back of my neck. “No one wants to hear a washed-up former rock ‘n’ roll singer turned reverend. Especially when Ellie’s been the lead singer for years.”
Tank stepped to Amy’s side and pointed a finger at me. “That’s bullshit, and you know it. You’re running out of time to get your head out of your ass and be there for your sister. Just a thought, but you need to get the hell out of your own way and do the right thing. Humm, that sounds like something I’ve heard a few thousand times from a voice that can still carry a tune.”
I was feeling outnumbered and held up my hands. “Guys, please?”
“Whatever.” Tank turned to Amy. “If you’re going to get to work on time, we’d better go eat now. I don’t like you cutting it close and having to rush.”
