Let Him Go, page 16
On Tuesday morning, Allison, Andy, Jenny, and their significant others worked alongside Blake and me to decorate Blake’s house. We kept the Christmas trees and decorations in place but replaced the poinsettias with bouquets of red and white roses throughout the foyer and great room.
Andy stood nearby when I needed help moving a buffet table. “We need to move this to the right,” I said, “would you help me?” He turned and walked away as if he hadn’t heard me.
An hour later, Andy and Jim were laughing together just inside the kitchen. I walked up to them and said, “Good to see you two enjoying your time together.”
Andy lost his smile and scooted away.
Jim turned and watched Andy stride down the hall. When Jim peered back at me, he said, “What was that about?”
I shrugged. “Guess I’m not his favorite person right now.”
Odd. He welcomed me into his home in Albuquerque and seemed happy with me when he and Zoey first arrived in Nashville. What changed?
After we grabbed a light snack at noon, I pulled Jenny, Allison, and Zoey aside. “Because of everyone’s help, there’s not much more to do except to freshen up and change into our fancier clothes. Thank you all for helping.”
I took Zoey’s hand. “I’m especially excited to share this celebration with you and Andy. Today, we are celebrating your engagement as well as mine and Blake’s with a double wedding soon to follow.”
Zoey’s eyes glistened. “I should thank all of you. You’ve made me feel welcomed and loved. You care about me.” She sniffled. “I mean, Andy cares too. And he loves me. This is different with all of you, though. I can’t explain it very well.” She shook her head and looked down. “I guess what I’m trying to say is that in such a short time, you’ve become the family I never had.”
I squeezed her hand. “And we’re happy you’re a part of our family.”
Tears again. Such a tender heart. She raised her head. “It’s hard knowing I’ll leave tomorrow and won’t see any of you for a long time.” She stopped and wiped her hand over her eyes. “And I’m having this baby, all by myself, with no family in New Mexico. I’m scared.” Her body trembled.
“Andy will be with you.” I placed my arm across her shoulder.
Allison stepped closer. “I can fly out to Albuquerque if you’d like, and Dad will want to be there too.”
“I’m not family yet, but if you want me there, I’ll be happy to come out.” I stroked Zoey’s hair. “If you need me, I’m a phone call away.”
Allison took a step back and wrinkled her nose. “But what’s keeping you there?”
Zoey touched the base of her neck. “What?”
“What’s keeping you in New Mexico?” Allison tilted her head. “This could easily be your home. Tell bumblehead you want to move to Nashville to be close to family. You want your baby to have grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, too, don’t you?”
Zoey’s face glowed. “You’re right. There’s no reason for us to stay there. During the party, I’ll tell Andy it’s time to move here to be near family.”
~
Blake and I stood in the foyer and greeted guests. We received hugs and handshakes. Blake introduced me to his friends whom I hadn’t met, and we welcomed several others from the office. These included Chad and his wife, along with Beth and her husband.
I glanced around me. Many friends made the effort to join in our celebration on short notice. This is a special day, and I’m thrilled everyone here is a part of it. Wes arrived alone. He shook Blake’s hand and gave me a quick hug. Blake told me that he invited Wes when he’d met with him to apologize, but I never expected him to attend.
I scanned the foyer and great room and turned back to Wes. “Have you talked to Tauni?”
“She sent a text. She’ll be here soon.”
We all knew when Walt arrived. His loud voice echoed throughout the foyer. He grabbed Blake’s hand, but when I reached out mine, he ignored it. Instead, he gathered me in an embrace that lasted a little too long in my opinion. I still wasn’t sure about him.
Manuel and Susie, along with several others from my church, arrived. There were also a few from the executive team and Jocelyn, which was fine, especially if I decided to take the position in HR. There hadn’t been any time to ponder that these past few days.
Blake and I, hand in hand, walked into the great room. Several round tables covered with white linen tablecloths had been set up for guests. The tables were decorated with red and white rose centerpieces. People gathered near the buffet tables and filled their plates with delicacies prepared by Blake’s chef—meatballs, barbeque, crab legs, shrimp, chicken, and a taco bar. The healthier tables included various cheeses, fruits, a full salad bar, veggies, and dip. He also prepared a wide variety of desserts.
Guests enjoyed smiles, laughter, and soft piano music while they ate. A true celebration.
Tauni arrived at 2:20 and rushed over to where Blake and I stood near the buffet. “Sorry I’m late. Mitch was a booger.”
“Excuse me.” Blake stepped away.
Tauni huffed. “He wouldn’t let me attend. He said I should be with him and not run all over town. He told me earlier that he’d planned to go watch a football game at his friend’s house. But when he found out I wanted to be here with you, he stayed at my place.”
“How did you get him to leave?”
She glanced around her. “I broke up with him.”
“Good for you.”
“I should have done that weeks ago.” She rolled her eyes. “He’s not God’s best for me.”
Blake returned to my side.
Tauni stepped back and appraised me from my head to my shoes. “You are gorgeous. I love your dress. It’s the one from the date picture, right?”
I nodded. “No time to shop for another.”
Tauni motioned toward Blake. “He looks okay, too, I guess.” She grinned.
Blake grimaced. “If you plan to interview for Keedryn’s job, you’ll need to treat me with a little more respect.” He pulled back his shoulders, strode to the piano, and talked with the pianist.
“I hope you have a good time. Beth, Chad, and their spouses have a seat available at their table near the piano, and Wes is seated at the table by the fireplace.” I pointed in the direction of their tables.
“Great. I’ll go hang out with Beth or Wes.” She paused. “Blake did know I was joking, didn’t he?”
“You’re good. Grab a plate and later have fun on the dance floor.” I nudged her arm and pointed to the buffet.
Jenny, Carl, Allison, and Jim rearranged the furniture in the great room earlier to offer guests a place to dance.
When I scanned the great room to find Blake, I saw he’d set up a microphone for Scotty, whom I didn’t see. The pianist took his break, and Blake moved to the mic. “I hoped to have a guest artist with us today, but he won’t be able to join us. In his place, I’ve been asked by my son-in-law to play a song on the banjo. I hope you’ll enjoy it.”
During the banjo tune, Tauni waved with her pinky when she scooted by me with a plate of food. She chose a seat next to Wes. Nicki danced, laughed, and clapped. She ran to Blake when he finished and hugged him.
The pianist returned and couples gathered on the dance floor.
Blake took my hand. “Would you like to dance?”
“Do you plan to sing to me too?”
“No, but I may whisper sweet nothings in your ear.” His eyes twinkled.
We moved to the center of the room.
I took Blake’s hand in mine and placed my other hand on his shoulder. “You impressed me with your banjo playing.”
“Nobody else noticed.” He chuckled. “Nicki stole the show.”
I glanced around the dance floor and saw Tauni and Wes dancing together too. They looked cute, but they weren’t couple material. At least I didn’t think so.
The song ended, and we talked with a few guests. While Blake spoke to Walt about a football game, I scanned the gathering of people. Andy and Zoey danced to a romantic song. Easy to tell they were sweet on each other. His gaze and her smile. They’ll make it.
After Walt sat, I grabbed Blake’s arm. “Do you see that?” I jerked my head in the direction of where Tauni and Wes sat.
“What?”
“Wes and Tauni. They’re holding hands.”
“Maybe another romance in bloom, but what happened to Mitch?”
I shrugged and told him about their breakup. “But Wes is too old for her.”
“Let them be. She’s a grown woman. He’s a good man. I think they’d make a great couple. Age shouldn’t have anything to do with it.”
“Would you say that if she were Allison?”
“Probably not. But she’s not Allison—let her be.” He wrapped his arm across my shoulder. “Why are you meddling in other people’s affairs when you should be focused on me?”
“Don’t you worry. I’ve thought about you plenty.” I winked.
“Would you like anything from the dessert table?” Blake craned his neck to get a view of all the treats.
“Nothing for me.”
He meandered around guests and tables on his way to the desserts. A few minutes later he returned with a small piece of turtle cheesecake.
“I should have known that’s what you’d find over there.” I grabbed the fork from his hand and took a bite. “Yum.”
He laughed. “I’ll know better next time and bring you your own piece.”
I turned again toward Tauni and Wes. A younger man, one I didn’t know strode up to their table. He spoke to Tauni and pointed to the dance area. She beamed. When she stood, she glanced over at me and gave me a thumbs up. Wes rubbed the back of his neck and shook his head.
“Who’s the young man dancing with Tauni?”
Blake turned in their direction. “That’s Quade. A friend of mine.”
“Why didn’t I meet him?”
“He arrived a few minutes after Tauni, while the two of you were talking near the buffet. I greeted him in the foyer without you.” Blake looked back at the couple. “We also chatted at the dessert table. He asked who she was, and I told him that she’s available. You know, because Wes is too old for her.”
I swatted his arm in a playful gesture. “Are you playing matchmaker?”
He waggled his eyebrows.
“Someone recently told me not to meddle in other people’s affairs. So, you don’t listen to what you say?”
He offered me his hand. “Another dance?” He set his empty plate on a nearby table and escorted me to the dance floor.
I wrapped both arms around Blake’s neck and melted into his embrace. “Well?” I gazed into his eyes and spoke in a light tone. “Should I not pay attention to what you say? Because you don’t seem to take your own advice.”
He dipped his head and spoke into my ear. “I didn’t think you’d mind me talking with Quade about Tauni. With the changes I’ve seen in her, Quade’s a better match than Mitch.” He leaned back and guided me past Allison and Jim to avoid a collision. “Without my help, I doubt that they’d meet again before our wedding. I wanted to give them a head start.” He narrowed his eyes. “Are you upset with me for interfering?”
“Not at all.” I caressed his cheek. “A side of you that surprises me, and I think it’s sweet.” I bit my lower lip, closed my eyes, and took a calming breath. “Has Andy said anything to you? He didn’t act like himself earlier today. Was he nervous regarding the party, or is he upset about us?”
Blake rested his forehead on the top of my head. “He said something this morning. He needs a little time.” He lifted my chin and kissed me. “All will be fine.” The song ended. “Andy’s motioning to me. I’ll be right back.”
“You’re leaving me already?”
“I won’t be gone long. He’s standing over there.” Blake pointed near the dessert table and kissed the top of my head.
A good time for me to check on our guests. I made my way to a table where three of our executives sat. We chatted a few minutes about Blake’s excellent chef before I moved on to the next table. There, I thanked my friends from church for celebrating with us. Before I could stop at Chad and Beth’s table, I heard a loud giggle through the microphone. “Mommy. I need to ask you something. Where are you?”
Cuteness. I hurried to Nicki and took her by the hand. “Come with Nana. I’ll help you find Mommy.”
We took two steps. “But I want to ask her if I can tell everyone—.”
“Hush, sweetie.” I clamped my hand over her mouth.
Not sure if the mic picked up what she said or not, but Carl did. He came to her rescue to help her find Jenny too.
“What does she want to tell everyone?” He cocked his head and squinted at me.
“Why don’t you go find Jenny. I’ll keep an eye on Nicki.” Carl darted toward the kitchen.
I crouched next to Nicki. “I don’t know if your mommy told your daddy yet about your baby brother. I think we need to ask her in private.”
“I wasn’t gonna say anything ’bout him. I wanted to tell everyone that I love my new papa.”
When I stood, Nicki grabbed my hand, and we moved away from the noisy conversation and laughter. When we stepped into the foyer, Jenny and Carl came down the hallway that led to the kitchen.
Nicki pulled away from me and ran to her mommy. Carl and Jenny were close enough that I could hear them talking. Nicki asked Jenny her question.
Jenny laughed. “Sure. That’s fine.”
Blake glided toward me.
“Can we talk for a minute? I have great news.” He beamed. “My son’s coming home.”
I reached up and cupped his cheek in my palm. “Will be nice to have them nearby.”
After Jenny, Carl, and Nicki strolled toward the great room, Blake said, “What do you think about Andy and Zoey moving into my in-law quarters?”
“Sounds perfect. After we’re married, maybe they could live in my condo. More privacy for them.”
“Are you wanting them to have privacy or us?” He grinned, and the corner of his eyes crinkled. “I think this will be fun—married to you.” He took my hand in his and kissed my fingers.
My heart melted. I led him back to the great room. “Nicki wants to make an announcement to our guests.”
Blake peered at Nicki standing at the microphone.
Her face lit when she caught his eye. After she told everyone she loved her new papa, she returned the mic to the lowered stand and ran into Blake’s arms.
He held her close and kissed her cheek. After Blake stood, Nicki scampered back to Jenny.
Blake took my hand again. “Your granddaughter is precious.”
“Don’t you mean, our granddaughter?” I stared into his eyes. “I anticipate sharing her and the rest of my family with you for many years to come.”
“And mine with you.” He led me toward the kitchen. “I have something for you.” We strolled to his refrigerator where he pulled out a salmon colored rose. “I’m excited to no longer need Jim’s help to share this expression of my love with you. My dear K, you are my one-and-only.”
Movement on the stairway that led from the kitchen to the second floor caught my attention. Andy. He darted back up the steps when he saw me glance his way.
Blake handed me the rose. “And I look forward to our future together.” He pulled me closer. “My promise to you. I will love you unconditionally with the love of God. He’s first. Our marriage will be built upon Him. If you don’t feel I’m living as the husband you need, leading you as the Lord desires, I want you to set me straight.” He kissed me and held me close. “I love you.”
I pulled back and placed my hand on his chest. “We better get out there and enjoy our party.” I placed the flower inside the refrigerator. “I’ll take the rose home with me tonight.”
Back in the great room, the pianist played a familiar tune. “Did you ask him to play ‘Amazing Grace?’”
Blake placed his arm across my shoulder and led me to the piano, where guests and family gathered.
“A beautiful reminder of my new life and a new year, with my soon-to-be wife.” He pulled me closer for another tender kiss.
But my thoughts were on Andy. He needs a little time—for what? To accept me? I thought he had. An uneasy feeling settled around my heart. He won’t try to come between Blake and me, will he?
Chapter 22
A
t the end of the next song, Nicki ran over to where Blake and I sat in a row of chairs along the back of the great room. She asked Blake to sit with her at a table. There was one seat left, and she wanted to sit in his lap. I told him that I’d be fine, and she’d be thrilled to have him close by. He kissed the top of my head, and they strolled hand in hand. I remembered the picture she’d drawn the week before. My sweet grandchild.
Such a blessing to see the two of them together. My granddaughter and her papa to be. They were both beaming at one another while they walked. When Blake sat at the table, Nicki crawled into his lap and laid her head on his chest. Such a special bond the two of them shared—like she and Sam.
I sat back, closed my eyes, and thanked God. A beautiful day and celebration of not only my love and commitment to Blake and his to me but our shared love for the Lord. Thank you, for blessing me with Blake. Your plans were much better than mine.
Jenny startled me when she grabbed my arm. “Mom.” She spoke close to my ear. “Someone’s here to see you.” She straightened, her face ashen, and concern edged her voice. “Carl has her in the sitting room. He’ll stand guard outside the French doors.” She grasped my hand and pulled me up off the chair.
I didn’t understand what or who she was referring to. My chest tightened. Why would Carl need to stand guard? I peered toward the table where Blake sat with Nicki. They were gone. Where did he go?
Jenny pulled me toward the front door. “We’ll get her out of here as quickly and secretly as possible.”
I stopped, touched the base of my neck, and gaped at Jenny. “Who’s here?”
Her chin quivered. “Eliza Walker.”
A Note from LuAnn
