A Good Measure, page 26
“Our burdens will become our blessings,” Libby murmured now. “I can’t believe I forgot that story, and never even told Ellie, my bird lover!”
She smiled, and then a flash of feathers caught her eye. She followed the little bird’s flight to a branch above her head, and then caught her breath in astonishment—it had a snow-white breast sprinkled with cinnamon speckles, and then it fearlessly sang its cheery song, punctuated with chirring, and she knew exactly what it was. The little wood thrush cocked its head, studied her, sang once more, and flew off, deep into the woods.
Libby stood still, stunned by the serendipitous encounter, and wondered if her dad was nearby, watching over her. It was so odd that she would remember a story he’d told her so long ago on a day that meant so much, and she felt a comforting peace wash over her—it was almost as if the burden of her loss was becoming her wings. She looked up through the whispering trees and smiled.
51
“DID YOU KNOW BLACK SWANS CAN LIVE TO BE FORTY YEARS OLD?” ELLIE ASKED as she scooped a spoonful of cereal. She was sitting at the kitchen table across from Harper—who, she’d just discovered, also loved Lucky Charms.
“I believe it,” Harper said, brushing her copper bangs out of her eyes and scooping a spoonful, too.
Ellie took a sip of orange juice. “A male swan is called a cob, a female is a pen, and babies are cygnets.”
Just then, Chase came into the kitchen to get a cup of coffee and saw them sitting there. “Uh-oh,” he said, “double trouble!”
They looked up and laughed. “You are double trouble all by yourself,” Harper teased back.
“How can I be double trouble all by myself?” Chase asked, mussing her hair and sitting next to her.
“You just are,” Harper said, grinning at Ellie—who nodded in agreement.
“So are you two solving all the world’s problems this morning?” he asked.
“We’re working on it,” Ellie said, grinning at Harper.
The day before, when Harper had first climbed out of her parents’ car, the two girls had eyed each other like cats in an alley. They’d both heard so much—Harper from her uncle Gage and aunt Maeve as well as from her parents, Ben and Macey Samuelson, Maeve’s older sister and maid of honor, and Ellie from her dad and grandmother—about how well they were going to get along that they’d both grown increasingly skeptical, but after a half hour in each other’s company, swinging on the old tire swing in the backyard, they’d happily discovered that the adults’ prediction had been 100 percent correct. And ever since they’d been chatting nonstop, covering every topic they could think of—from sea turtles to ostriches, and now they were on swans.
“We were just talking about black swans,” Ellie reported matter-of-factly. “Did you know they can live to be forty years old?”
Chase raised his eyebrows. “Forty years?!”
“Mm-hmm,” Ellie said, nodding. “Another fun fact is they mate for life . . . and sometimes, two males will even pair up for life.”
Chase laughed. “Wow! I guess black swans are pretty hip.”
Ellie nodded. “They are. You know how the two males have babies?”
“I do not,” he said, sipping his coffee.
“They either take over another pair’s nest, or they have a threesome with a female, and after she lays eggs, they kick her out.”
“A threesome?!” Chase said, practically snorting coffee out his nose and causing the two girls to almost fall off their chairs with giggles.
Just then Maeve came in, in search of coffee. “Uh-oh,” she said. “What’s goin’ on in here?” she asked, eyeing them suspiciously as she filled a mug.
“Your nieces just told me that black swans have threesomes.” And Maeve, who’d just taken a sip, almost choked on it.
“How do you know what a threesome is?” she asked, looking alarmed.
“Everyone knows what a threesome is, Aunt Maeve,” Harper said, still giggling.
“Not when they’re ten years old!” Maeve said.
“I’m eleven,” Harper corrected.
“Ten, eleven, doesn’t matter!”
The two girls looked at each other, grinning, and started scooping their cereal.
Chase raised his eyebrows and looked at Maeve and she shook her head in dismay.
“What is that funny sound?” she asked, looking around the kitchen, and when Chase pointed, she realized the sound was coming from Marmalade—who was curled up on the dog bed next to the woodstove, snoring. “I guess she finally relaxed a little.”
“Yeah, she needed to,” Chase said. “I think she must be exhausted. Between riding all the way over here and meeting so many new people, it’s been more than a little overwhelming. I’m also sure having a full belly has helped.”
Maeve nodded. “She’s such a good dog—I wish we could take her, but we have our hands full with Gus.” The mention of her dog reminded her of the potential escapades going on back home, where one of her brother-in-law Ben’s employees was taking care of Gus as well as Harper’s three-legged golden retriever, Keeper, and their cat, Big Mac, at her sister’s house. She looked at Harper. “I hope Gus and Keeper are behaving for John this weekend.”
Harper nodded. “I know Keep is behavin’, but you never know about Gus!”
Maeve laughed and refilled her cup, knowing all too well how true that statement was. “Well, I’m going up to shower while no one else is in there.”
Ellie stood up to clear their cereal bowls. “I’ll show you where Mercy is buried,” Ellie said solemnly, eyeing her uncle. “Grandma said he died peacefully—he was all curled up.” She shook her head. “But poor Goodness was so sad she wouldn’t stop meowing.”
Chase nodded. “Those two cats followed me everywhere when I was little.” He sipped his coffee. “She’ll be okay.”
As he said this, the little orange tiger sauntered in, eyed Marmalade suspiciously, and hopped up on Chase’s lap. “Hey, there, little girl,” he said softly, scratching her chin and she curled up on his lap and started to purr like a motorboat.
“Boy, Uncle Chase, she really does love you!”
52
CHASE STOOD IN FRONT OF THE MIRROR IN HIS CHILDHOOD BEDROOM—THE mirror into which he’d gazed when he was a boy trying to understand life—and deftly tied his new dark blue paisley tie.
“How’d you do that so quick?” Liam asked, looking over his shoulder.
“I’m an expert at tie tying,” he replied.
Liam looked back down at the folded piece of paper he’d printed with directions on it and tried to tie his tie again. He held out the narrow red paisley fabric that matched Chase’s and kept consulting the paper as he folded first one way and then the other and pulled it through.
Chase looked in the mirror at the end result. “Hmm,” he murmured, which resulted in Liam pulling it off in frustration.
“Easy there,” Chase teased, and then he reached up, held the tie at the perfect length, folded it over, one way and then another, pulled it through, tightened and straightened it, and turned him to look in the mirror. “The handsomest groom out there,” he said, squeezing his shoulders.
“Except for you,” Liam said, smiling and laying his hands over Chase’s.
“All right, you two—you’re not married yet . . . and I need help with this damn tie.” Gage’s hair was still damp from showering after helping his brothers milk the cows. “I have to check on Cash and make sure he has everything he needs.”
“Cash is here?” Chase asked, his face brightening.
“Mom said he’s unloading his equipment from the back of his dad’s old Bronco.”
“Wait! Mrs. Childs let him get his license . . . and he’s driving his dad’s old Bronco?! That thing is a classic!”
“That’s what I heard, but I can’t say for sure because I’m up here waiting for help with my tie!”
“Well, why didn’t you say so.” Chase reached up to tie his brother’s tie. He cinched it tight, straightened it, and adjusted his collar. “There you go. Another handsome groom!”
“Thanks,” Gage said, and then he eyed his brother’s and Liam’s slim perfectly creased dress slacks and pressed fitted white shirts. “How come you two always look sharper than the rest of us?”
“Why do you think?” Chase teased.
Gage laughed and then frowned. “Dang! I almost forgot! I’ll be right back.” He disappeared down the hall to his old bedroom and returned with three boutonnieres, an unopened pint of Jack Daniels, and three shot glasses. “A pre-wedding toast!” he said, smiling.
Chase laughed. “I’m surprised I didn’t think of this. You’re a man after my own heart!”
Gage filled three glasses and handed one to each of them. “I know we’ll be doing official toasts later, but this is just for the three of us because, by some miracle, we all found someone to love, and I hope you guys have a lifetime of happiness,” he said, holding his glass up solemnly.
“Same to you!” Chase said, clinking their glasses.
“Welcome to the fam, Liam!”
“Thanks!” Liam said as they all swung them back.
“Shall we have another?” Gage asked as they pinned on their boutonnieres. “I don’t want to be a bad influence on my little brothers.”
“Heck, yeah!” Chase said. They had another round and then Gage set the bottle on the bureau. “I’ll leave it here, but you should probably tuck it away so Mom doesn’t find it.” He grinned. “She might think we were drinking before the wedding.”
“Thanks for the boutonnieres,” they said.
“You’re welcome,” Gage said. “Maeve actually thought of them. She got boutonnieres for her dad and Mason, too, and really pretty corsages for Mom, and her mom.”
“Nice!” Chase said, nodding approvingly.
Gage shook their hands and then headed down the stairs, and Chase tucked the bottle in the top drawer of his bureau and turned to Liam. “Ready?”
“I am.”
Chase leaned forward and softly kissed him. “Let’s do this then,” he said, taking Liam’s hand.
They went downstairs, and except for Marmalade—who was still asleep on the bed, the kitchen was empty. “Hey, sleepyhead,” Chase said softly, kneeling next to her. “You comin’ out?” She sat up, yawned, licked his hand, and started wiggling around him. “Well, c’mon then. Just don’t get too close to Liam—we don’t need him sneezing through the ceremony!”
As they stepped out into the beautiful June evening, they saw rows of white chairs set up under two oak trees in the backyard and they saw family and friends—including Mrs. Finley and Mrs. Childs, standing with Quinn and a slender outdoorsy-looking fellow—milling about, drinking, and chatting. Marmalade stayed close to Chase as they headed toward the barn. A small white catering tent had been set up on the far side of the barn and Bonni Manning’s catering crew was bustling back and forth to the barn, getting ready for the reception. As they drew near, one of Bonni’s girls, dressed in black slacks and a white blouse approached them with a tray of festive-looking drinks. “Peach Bellini?” she asked.
“Sure! Thank you,” Chase said as they both took one.
They stepped into the barn and surveyed the scene—it looked amazing with white lights sparkling everywhere. Two girls were lighting the candles Libby and Ellie had made, and the sunflower centerpieces looked gorgeous. The catering crew was setting up a festive-looking buffet in one corner, and Cash was busy organizing a stack of CDs on another long table. “Hey, brutha!” Chase said, and Cash looked up.
“Oh, man, hey, bro!” Cash said, a shy smile crossing his face.
“How are you?” Chase asked, reaching out to bump fists.
“I’m fine. How are you?” Cash said, beaming at his old friend.
“I’m well, thanks!” He gestured to Liam. “Cash, you remember Liam?”
Cash nodded and extended his hand. Then he turned back to Chase. “Quinn’s here, too!”
“I saw her,” Chase said. “Have you talked to her?”
“Only to say hi. I’ve been busy.”
“I heard you’ve been busy. I hope you’re not stressing about all this.”
“I’m not. My mom told me what you said so I’m not worried.” Cash looked down and, for the first time, noticed the little white dog sitting on Chase’s foot. “Oh!” he said softly, and then he came around the table. “Is this your dog?” he asked, holding out his hand. Marmalade immediately gave his hand a lick and then left Chase’s side and started to wiggle all around Cash. “What a cutie,” Cash said as she put one paw on his knee and stretched up to lick his cheek. “What’s her name?” he asked, laughing at her enthusiastic greeting.
“Her name is Marmalade, and she’s not mine. She belonged to a friend, but he passed away, so I’m looking for a home for her.”
“You are?” Cash asked. “She doesn’t have a home?”
“No, we would keep her, but we just found out Liam is allergic to dogs. Plus, we travel a lot.”
Cash nodded. “She’s such a sweetie.”
“She is. My friend used to call her Marmy-girl.”
“Is that your name?” Cash asked softly. “Marmy-girl.” And hearing her old nickname, she tried to climb onto his lap.
Chase laughed. “I think she likes you.”
Cash looked up. “Maybe I could give her a home. After all, I’m starting my own pet-sitting service.”
“You are?” Chase said. “That’s awesome!” He smiled. “I don’t know how you can own a pet-sitting service, and not own your own pet. That’s like owning a coffee shop and not drinking coffee.”
Cash laughed. “I work at a coffee shop, but I don’t drink coffee.”
“Well, that’s okay,” Chase said.
Cash nodded thoughtfully, and Chase could tell his mind was spinning. “I know you’re gonna be busy during the reception, but maybe you could keep an eye on her during the ceremony.”
“I can do that!” Cash said, smiling.
“Perfect!” Chase said, and then he glanced up and saw Dave Peters standing with Gage, and when Dave saw him, he motioned for them to come over. “All right, bro, I guess Liam and I better go get ready.” He bumped fists with him again. “Thank you so much for all you’re doing.”
“You’re welcome,” Cash said shyly. “I’d do anything for you, bro.”
Chase pulled him into a hug. “I know you would, and I’d do the same for you.” He smiled and handed him his untouched Bellini. “Finish this for me, would ya?” And then he smiled at Liam. “I already had a drink upstairs and I want to be completely present for the big day.”
Cash’s face lit up. “Sure!” he said and then, as they walked away, he knelt down to give Marmalade another hug, and the little dog seemed perfectly content to stay with him.
“You boys ready?” Dave asked.
“We are,” they confirmed. And then Chase eyed his brother. “Where’s Maeve?”
“She’s still getting ready,” Gage said, shaking his head, “but I hear she’ll be right out.”
“Okay,” Chase replied, sweeping his hand through his short blond hair. They all turned to walk out and Ellie and Harper, who were running across the yard, just about mowed them over.
“Whoa! Who the heck are you two?” Gage teased, eyeing their dresses. “And what did you do with our nieces?”
They both giggled. “We are your nieces!”
“No, you’re not. Our nieces wear jeans and T-shirts and know all kinds of trivial facts about wildlife.”
“That’s us!” Ellie said.
“And we have two messages to deliver,” Harper added.
“What are they?”
“We have to tell you that Maeve is ready and to head over,” Ellie said.
“And we have to tell Bonni ‘a half hour,’” Harper added.
Chase smiled and looked at Liam and Gage. “Guess that means we’re done in thirty!”
“Okay,” Reverend Peters said, “I’m going to ask everyone to find their seats.” He eyed them. “Don’t linger too long.”
They all nodded, and Chase called over to Cash, “You comin’ for the ceremony?”
Cash looked up. “Yep, be right there!”
The girls headed off on their mission to warn Bonni, each happily taking a fat shrimp off the tray she offered, dipping it in cocktail sauce, and racing back across the yard.
Libby—who looked elegant in her new coral dress with the beautiful rose corsage pinned to it—was standing on the porch, waiting for Matt to escort her to her seat, but when her sons stopped to give her hugs, her eyes teared up. She gently touched their cheeks and told them she loved them, and then Liam and Chase, who had decided to not steal Maeve’s big moment, stepped aside and waited with everyone else for her to appear.
A moment later, a young trumpeter began to play, and while the cows peered curiously over the fence, and everyone stood, Maeve, looking stunning in a simple white gown, and escorted by her dad on one arm and her handsome nineteen-year-old son, Mason, on the other, followed her sister, Macey, across the sun-dappled lawn.
Ever composed and not showing any sign of being nervous, she smiled as she reached Gage, kissed her dad and son, and turned to stand next to him. Finally, Chase and Liam smiled at each other, clasped hands, and solemnly crossed the lawn to join them.
Reverend Peters welcomed everyone, gave a short homily—because he “knew the Tennyson boys were eager to get the party started,” and stood in front of each couple to guide them through their vows and bless them. Chase felt his heart race as he and Liam faced each other and slid on the handsome wedding bands they’d chosen. “You may kiss the groom,” Reverend Peters said, smiling. “And so may you!” he said, winking at Maeve.
“Done in thirty!” Chase whispered, grinning. “I love you so much!”
“I love you, too,” Liam said, kissing him.
“Hot damn!” Chase said, turning and smiling. “Let’s get this party started!”
53
“DO WE HAVE TO TAKE PICTURES?!” CHASE ASKED, FEIGNING DISMAY.
