Broken Things (Faded Photograph Series) (28 page)

“Think about it, Marilee. I’ve told you how much I make a year. It’s probably the same amount your folks are going to spend on our wedding. One day verses a year of my paychecks.”

“It’s not the same. Mom and Dad have planned and saved for this day.”

The intermittent glow of the streetlamps illuminated the gravity etched into Logan’s features. “There’s a good chance we won’t be able to do the same for our kids, should God bless us with children.”

“That might be true, but we’ll still give our daughter the best wedding day possible, won’t we?

“Of course. A ceremony and reception afterwards. What more is there, really?”

“I can’t believe you don’t understand. There’s a lot more.”

Logan didn’t reply and Marilee forced herself not to fume. Men just didn’t understand that a woman’s wedding day was the most important day of her life―next to her salvation day and the birth of her children.

“I just don’t want you to ever be unhappy,” he said at last. “I think that would destroy me inside.”

“Oh, Logan, you’ll never disappoint me. I promise.” Sensing his insecurities resurfacing, Marilee determined to squelch them. “Don’t you know I lost my heart to you the very first time we met? As far as I’m concerned my options are either marry you or stay single the rest of my life. There’s nobody else in this world for me. I’m convinced of it.” She paused, calculating his reaction. “Remember when Pastor Warren first introduced us?” She glimpsed his smile.

“Mm-hm. We walked into your classroom and you were at your desk correcting papers or something. School was out for the day.”

“What did you first think of me, Logan?”

“I’m embarrassed to even say.”

“What?” she persisted.

“It was sinful―or at least I thought it was at the time.”

“What do you mean? Tell me.”

An awkward, little laugh escaped him. “I kept looking at your pink lips and thoughts went through my head that a youth pastor shouldn’t have.”

“You wanted to kiss me?”

“Yeah, I did.”

The idea tickled Marilee.

“Quit laughing at me.”

“Don’t take it so hard. Your reaction is normal, don’t you think?”

“No. Not when I was under the impression that you were married.”

She inhaled sharply. “No way! Really?”

“Really. When we were on our way to your classroom, Pastor made mention of a newly married teacher and because I wasn’t paying attention, I assumed it was you. For days afterward, I didn’t want to even glance in your direction because I felt so ashamed to be attracted to another guy’s wife.”

Marilee dissolved into more giggles. “And here I thought you didn’t like me because you avoided me―and after I went out of my way so you’d notice me!”

“I noticed, all right,” he readily admitted, “and I thought it was kind of odd that we
coincidentally
kept running into each other. Finally, I asked somebody and found out you weren’t married.” Logan chuckled. “Man, was I relieved.”

Again, Marilee laughed. “Why didn’t you tell me this before?”

“Because this is stuff a guy only tells God…and maybe his fiancée if she pushes him hard enough.”

“Oh, I see,” she drawled. But she suddenly felt very flattered and special.

Too soon, they arrived in front of the townhouse Marilee rented and Logan walked her to the door. He didn’t dally though, much to her disappointment. Her roommates were home and Marilee had hoped to invite him in so they could talk awhile longer.

“I’ll see you tomorrow up at church.” He backed down the walkway. “Wear your comfy shoes. I want to spend most of the day recruiting for the bonfire event.”

“Okay.” Turning the lock, Marilee opened the door. “Bye, Logan. I love you.”

He smiled. “Love you, too.” He blew her a kiss and walked to his car.

He said it!
Stepping inside the small entryway, Marilee closed the door and leaned her back against it. Now everything seemed perfect. Logan finally said that he loved her.

Chapter Twenty-one

Sunday dawned hot and muggy. But the heat didn’t deter Logan. The hotter the better. He stood in the hallway, knotting his tie. “So, Dad, you coming to church this morning?” He grinned, expecting a wisecrack―just like every Sunday.

“Yeah, I thought maybe I would.”

Logan froze, wide-eyed. Had he heard correctly? “You’re coming?”

“Yeah.” Jack peered out the doorway of his bedroom. “I just hope the roof doesn’t fall in on me or something.”

“Not a chance.” Logan recovered. “God’s angels are rejoicing right now.”

“I’ll take your word for it.”

Logan could barely believe what was happening. He’d prayed long and hard for this moment ever since his last year of high school.

Returning to his room, Logan finished dressing. Minutes later, he met his dad in the kitchen.

“Nice tie. Can I borrow it sometime?”

“Sure.” Dad sipped his coffee. “You just can’t spill on it.”

“You’ll never let me live that one down, will you?” Logan shook his head at the memory and chuckled. “I was sixteen years old the last time I spilled on one of your ties.”

Jack grinned. Finishing his coffee, he set his cup in the sink. “Doesn’t seem to make sense to take two vehicles to church. So whose car are we taking, yours or mine?”

“Good question.” Logan lifted the coffeepot and poured a fair amount of the steaming brew into a travel mug. “We can take yours if you’ll come to lunch with Uncle Steve, Aunt Nora and Marilee and me. But just to warn you, the Domotors will most likely come along because they’ll want to meet you.”

“Yeah, I suppose it’s high-time I meet your fiancée’s parents, isn’t it?”

“Better late than never,” Logan said.

“You’re the ultimate optimist, aren’t you?”

Logan shrugged.

After a bit of discussion the men decided to drive their own vehicles since Logan wasn’t sure of his afternoon plans. Dad did, however, agree to lunch.

On the way to church, Logan called Marilee from his cell phone. “You’ll never believe it. My dad’s coming to church. He’s following me right now in his
Explorer
.”

“Oh, Logan, that’s awesome!” Marilee cheered. “God’s answered our prayers.”

“Most definitely.” He chuckled envisioning the reactions to come. “Aunt Nora’s going to pass out when she sees him―that is, if Ronnie doesn’t go down first.”

Marilee joined in the laughter. “Do you think we could talk your dad into going out for lunch after service? I want my parents to meet him.”

“He’s already agreed to it. He wants to meet your parents too.”

“Oh, my goodness! This is quite the day.”

Logan chuckled at her loss for words, except he knew exactly how she felt. “Why is it that we expect great things from God, but when He does them, we’re shocked?

“Maybe because we lack faith. I’m humbled, Logan.”

Her soft voice and honest reply warmed his heart. “Me too. But I think I have a new challenge for the teens this week. I just love it when the Lord allows me to experience first hand the things I’m supposed to preach on.”

Marilee laughed. “You go, Logan!”

* * *

Jack walked into the large church building and forced his best smile as Logan introduced him to just about everyone they passed. It wasn’t easy to be personable with his stomach in a knot, but Jack made the effort. It had been so long since he’d stepped foot into a church with the intent to worship the Lord that he felt nervous. He kept envisioning his former pastor rounding the corner and banishing him again. But he reminded himself that Pastor Barlow was dead, gone some eight years already. Jack hadn’t even gone to the man’s funeral.

Logan showed him to a seat, then excused himself, stating he needed to fulfill some pre-service duties. Jack sat down and made himself comfortable. In the past, he’d walked into countless situations and hadn’t ever been afraid to face the unknown, but somehow he felt anxious and a tad self-conscious and he waited for things to begin. Even so, he sensed the Lord wanted him here today and Jack wasn’t about to ignore the prompting. In the past few days, Jesus had made Himself real again to him, and Jack mourned the decades he had gone without hearing the Savior’s voice.

Jack decided to take his mind off his discomfort. He took in his surroundings. No pews lined the aisles, but instead the congregation sat in padded seats, similar to those found in theaters. Down in front, tubs of flowers graced the space surrounding the pulpit. Behind the colorful floral arrangements, the choir quickly filled up their designated area and Jack spotted Marilee among the members. Narrowing his gaze, he watched her for several moments. She was a pretty gal with a sweet disposition and a desire to honor Christ. Jack had no doubt that she would make Logan happy.

And they’ll make me a grandpa.
Jack winced. He hadn’t thought about that. He didn’t feel old enough to be a grandfather!

“Jack! I don’t believe it. Logan said you were here, but I thought he was kidding.”

Steve stood in the aisle to his left. Jack grinned at his younger brother. He figured his return to church would mean that he’d have to swallow that proverbial “humble pie” around his family members. But he also figured they’d find it in their hearts to forgive him and welcome him back into the fold.

Nora had tears in her eyes. “I don’t believe it.” She shook her head. “Jack, it’s so wonderful to see you here. Steve and I pray for you every night.”

“Looks like it paid off.” Jack stood and indicated to the seats beside his. “Plenty of room. Want to join me?”

Nora nodded. “Of course we do!”

Jack moved out of the way and she went in first, followed by Veronica who gave her uncle a tight grin. Ricky scooted in next, then Rachel and finally Steve.

“So…”

Jack glanced at his brother.

Steve let out a puff of air. “Man, I’m so flabbergasted, I don’t even know what to say!”

“I know. I’m a little flabbergasted myself.” Jack stared straight ahead.

“Jack…what happened? I mean…” Steve blinked. “You’re probably going to say it’s none of my business, and you’d be right, except I can’t help it. I’ve got a ton of questions.”

“Maybe I can answer those questions later…after church.”

“I feel like I’ve finally got my brother back.” Steve’s eyes grew misty.

Jack turned away, tamping down his own emotions. “Knock it off, will ya?

Nora sat forward. “Jack, will you join us for lunch? I put a roast in the oven before we left.” Her hazel eyes held a caring light.

He marveled at all the offers she made over the years. Christmas dinners, Easter, Thanksgiving…Jack had always declined and, instead, volunteered to work. It just seemed easier to patrol the streets of Oakland Park than allow himself some measure of happiness with his family. In hindsight, Jack realized he’d been serving a self-imposed sentence, instead of accepting God’s grace and forgiveness. But as far as family was concerned, it was a wonder Nora even spoke to him, let alone continued to invite him over.

“Sure, I’ll come for lunch,” he replied at last. “Thanks for asking.”

“I always ask.”

“I know.” He swallowed a chuckle. “But I have to warn you, Logan wants Marilee and her parents to join us.”

“The more the merrier. Is Allie here?”

“Haven’t seen her.” Jack sat back and gazed at the pulpit. Moments later realized he was clenching his jaw. He forced himself to relax. He glanced back at Nora and decided to come clean. “As of Friday night, Allie and I are…just friends. Nothing more.”

“Doesn’t sound like it was a mutual decision,” Steve said.

“It wasn’t.” Jack crossed his leg as music began to play. “But we’ll discuss that later, too, okay?”

“Okay,” Nora replied.

Murmurs from the congregation subsided till all was quiet. The music director raised his hands and the choir began to sing…

* * *

After attending service with Lisa Canton, her coworker, Allie insisted upon treating her and her family to lunch. The Cantons were a sweet family who made Allie feel like she fit right in. Leah, the youngest, talked her ear off about the books she’d read and Tim impressed her by listing his accomplishments in both academics and music. Lisa and her husband Mike were doing a fine job raising their children.

After lunch, Allie said her goodbyes and made her way back to the hotel. But as she drove by the turn off for Arbor Springs, she decided to stop and visit Cynthia Matlock. Spending the remainder of the afternoon encouraging a dying woman appealed to Allie more than idling the hours away alone in the solitude of her suite.

Besides, she hadn’t seen the poor dear since Thursday evening.
Oh, Lord, she didn’t die over the weekend, did she? I hope I’m not too late.

She parked and, entering the facility, Allie found the security guard lounging in the lobby watching a football game. He was so engrossed with the TV that he didn’t notice when she walked by. Troubled, Allie considered several hypothetical situations. Anyone crazy person could walk in and jeopardize patients’ and employees’ safety. Something had to be done.

As she pushed the elevator button, Allie thought of Jack. Would he consider putting together some sort of training seminar for Arbor Springs’ security personnel? He knew the laws and safety techniques, but would he be interested? And would she want to work with Jack in that capacity? His presence at Arbor Springs would mean their paths would cross often―and, at the moment, Allie wasn’t even sure if they were on speaking terms.

She prayed for the Lord’s guidance as the elevator doors opened to the fourth floor. She stepped off, engrossed in her thoughts. In some respects, Jack reminded Allie too much of Erich. Or had it been Erich who reminded her of Jack in the first place? Odd, but up until this very moment, she’d never seen the resemblance in the two men.

Allie shook off her musings as she entered Room 8. Cynthia lay in her bed, her eyes closed, but breathing. Relief flooded Allie. Standing at her bedside, she touched Cynthia’s frail hand. Several moments passed before the other woman’s eyes fluttered open.

“Angel…”

“Hello.” Allie acted cheerful. “How are you feeling today?”