The Right Call (34 page)

“Can’t imagine why.”

“Hang around with me long enough, and you will.”

Stedman smiled. “Actually, I wouldn’t mind if you rubbed off on me.”

Ethan ventured out into the hospital corridor, using a walker to steady himself.

“How’s it feel?” his uncle Ralph asked.

“It’s stiff and sore”—Ethan tried not to wince—“but the pain doesn’t come close to what I experienced when the bullet was in there. I’m getting better at this. This is the third time I’ve walked today.”

Everyone at the nurse’s station clapped when Ethan hobbled past, and he felt the heat scald his face.

Ralph laughed. “Looks like you’ve got quite a fan club.”

“Everyone’s trying to make me out to be a hero or something. I’m not. I just wanted to do the right thing. I mean, if right is right, it’s right all the time, not just when it’s convenient. I couldn’t let the police think Stedman killed all those people. He’d have gotten life in prison—or the death penalty.”

Ralph was suddenly steely quiet.

Ethan glanced over at him, surprised to see his eyes glistening and his nose red. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong. I just know where you heard the
right is right
thing. You don’t remember, do you?”

Ethan shook his head.

“You came to stay with Gwen and me for a couple weeks in the summer. I think you were about ten. I took you with me on a big job, and you got a kick out of riding in the cement truck and watching us pour the foundation for a strip shopping mall. When it was all done, I discovered my guys had taken some shortcuts that were totally unacceptable. I sweat blood over it. Doing the job over would cost me a whole summer’s profit.”

“Oh, yeah. Now I remember,” Ethan said. “I thought you were mad at me, and you sat me down and told me why you were upset and that you were going to do the job over.”

Ralph nodded. “I remember telling you that if right is right, it’s right all the time and not just when it’s convenient. I can’t believe it stuck with you.”

“Well, you must have made an impression.” Ethan arrived back at his room and went inside and sat on the side of the bed. “Whew! That wore me out.”

“You’ll get your strength back quickly,” Ralph said. “But you’re not coming back to work for a month.”

Ethan’s heart sank. “I have to. Or I won’t be able to pay my expenses—”

“Hey”—Ralph held out his palm—“I said you weren’t coming back. I’ve put you on paid sick leave.”

“
Paid
sick leave? Since when does the summer help get benefits?”

“Since now.” Ralph laughed. “I’m the boss. I can do whatever I want. And I want you back on July one—strong and ready to go.”

“What about Stedman?”

“If the judge lets him off with probation—which I think he will—he’s going right into a program. If he gets himself straightened out, he can come back to work for me in the fall.”

“He’s got to feel good about that—
and
the fact that his parents came and got him. He needs their love and support, especially now when he’s so down on himself.”

Ethan’s phone rang and he reached over and grabbed it. “Hello.”

“It’s Uncle Richard. How’re you feeling today?”

“A little beat up. But I’ve been out in the hall walking three times.”

“That’s great. Listen, Becca’s got a doctor’s appointment across the street from the hospital, so I came over to see a friend of mine who had surgery this morning. As long as I’m just down the hall, you want some company? If you’re not up to it, I’ll totally understand. I should’ve called first.”

“I’m up to it. Come on down.”

Ethan hung up the phone. What now? Was he out of his mind?

“Somebody here to see you?”

“Yes, Uncle Richard.”

Ralph’s eyes grew wide. “I need to get back to the site anyway. Gwen and I will come by later. We’re going to have dinner at Nick’s, and then she’s got choir practice.”

“You don’t have to rush off.”

Ralph’s eyebrows formed a bushy line. “You know, after you got on my case about my attitude, I’ve been thinking a lot about the situation between Richard and me.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, thanks to you, I can’t say the Lord’s Prayer without feeling guilty, and I—”

There was a knock on the door.

Uncle Richard breezed into the room and froze midway to the bed. “You didn’t tell me you … had company.”

“You didn’t ask.”

“I shouldn’t have invited myself,” Richard said. “I’ll come back another time.”

Richard, face crimson, made an about-face and headed for the door.

“Wait!” Ralph said. “Please don’t go.”

Richard stopped and slowly turned around. Before Ethan realized what was happening, his twin uncles were locked in a bear hug, both of them overcome with emotion.

“I’m so sorry about Drew.” Ralph began to sob. “I wanted to be there, Rich. I just didn’t know how to get past
this
—how to say I’ve been a real jerk. I should’ve accepted your apology. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay. It’s okay.” Richard patted Ralph’s back. “You’re here now … that’s what matters … maybe it’s time we started living in the
present.”

Ethan blinked the stinging from his eyes and hobbled over to the window, his back a curtain of privacy, his heart a fountain of pure joy.

Thank You, Lord. If only Drew could see this.

He looked out at the dark, ominous storm clouds that shrouded the afternoon sky and watched with curiosity as a perfectly round blue hole, almost like a portal, opened in the midst of them.

He started to laugh and cry at the same time.

Knowing You, Lord, it wouldn’t surprise me if You arranged it so Drew could see exactly what’s going on.

Chapter 41

On
the weekend before Ethan was to drive back to the University of Memphis, his aunts had planned a huge party in honor of his uncle Ralph and uncle Richard’s fiftieth birthday. Over a hundred guests had been invited, including Vanessa’s family.

Ethan helped his aunt Gwen and uncle Ralph get the backyard ready for the big event, then went and picked up Vanessa and drove her to the party.

“Your dad must’ve found the last parking place,” Ethan said. “I’ve never had to park around the block in my life.”

“There!” Vanessa said. “That SUV is pulling out. See his taillights?”

Ethan put on his blinker and waited until the SUV pulled out, then slipped in the parking space and turned off the motor.

He got out and went around to Vanessa’s door and pulled her to her feet.

“Are you going to be able to walk that far in heels?”

“Heavens, yes. I could walk a mile. These are extremely comfortable.”

“You’re absolutely stunning in that blue sundress. It matches your eyes.” He linked her arm in his. “You ready?”

“I
am
. I can hardly wait to see your uncles together. This has to be so exciting for your family.”

He strolled with Vanessa along the sidewalk, trees shading them from the relentless August sun. Between the old character houses with big front porches, he caught glimpses of the green foothills draped in afternoon haze. He felt a twinge of sadness that, by this time next weekend, he and Vanessa would be at opposite ends of the state until Thanksgiving break. Three whole months! A quarter of a year! How would he stay focused on his studies with his heart longing to be with her?

As he got closer to Uncle Ralph and Aunt Gwen’s, music and laughter were the predominant sounds. Childhood memories came flooding back to him.

“I wonder how many times Drew and I sat on those old pickle barrels at my grandparents’ house and listened to my Grandpa Langley’s band play music just like that.”

“What kind of music is it?” Vanessa said.

“Cajun. Hear the accordion? The mandolin? The banjo?”

Vanessa shot him a curious smile. “Langley is
Cajun?”

“No, it’s English. My dad’s ancestors came over from Britain and settled in the bayou country of Louisiana. My grandfather’s great-grandfather had a sugar plantation. It’s still a working plantation, but the house is empty. It’s called Langley Manor. Talk about a beautiful place.”

“So you’ve been there?”

Ethan nodded. “A few times when I was little. What I remember most is Drew and me getting in trouble for playing hide-and-seek in the cane fields. I guess our parents were afraid we’d get lost in there. Actually, my dad and uncles were all born in Lafayette, Louisiana. The family lived in the area until Grandpa Langley moved to Tennessee and went to work for the railroad. My great-grandparents lived in the manor house back then. It’s been empty since they died.”

Ethan took Vanessa’s hand and went up the front steps, through the house, and out to the back deck. A Cajun band was set up on the deck, playing live music.

In the center of the yard, a white canvas pavilion had been erected and furnished with wood tables and chairs. Brightly colored tablecloths added to the festive look. Over to one side, two men wearing white uniforms and chef’s hats stood behind a long buffet table, carving what appeared to be turkey, ham, and beef and serving the guests after they had filled their plates with other selections.

“Let’s go see the cake,” he said. “Aunt Gwen made it herself.”

Ethan led her over to a three-tiered birthday cake, iced in chocolate and pieces of shaved chocolate. White candles covered the top layer, yet to be lit. The cake sat on a giant white ceramic platter, and around the edge of the platter, the words
Laissez les bons temps rouler, Ralph and Richard
were written in chocolate.

“What is that written on the plate?” Vanessa asked.

“It’s Cajun French for ‘let the good times roll.’”

“Hey, you two.”

Uncle Ralph came up to them, looking sharp in a pair of navy trousers and a white Polo shirt. “Did you just get here?”

“We did,” Ethan said. “What a great party. I knew you were having a live band, but you didn’t tell me it was Cajun.”

“Don’t you remember when your granddad used to play with the Bayou Boys?”

“Yes, I was telling Vanessa about it just a few minutes ago.”

“Those were
good
times. Rich and I wanted today to be a celebration of the good times past—and yet to come. You two just kick back and relax. Have something to eat. Enjoy yourselves. Vanessa, your family’s at that table in the corner. It was nice finally meeting your brother.”

“Let’s go say hello,” Ethan said.

Brill waved to get his attention, and Emily was already headed in their direction.

“Did you get lost?” Emily said. “We beat you by a half hour.”

“We had to park clear around the block,” Vanessa said, “and we stayed a few minutes and talked with Tessa and Antonio, just to be sure Carter wasn’t going to be fussy.”

“Well, you’d better have some gumbo.” Emily rubbed her tummy. “It’s dee-lish.”

Ethan went to the table where the Jessups were eating. He pulled out a chair and seated Vanessa, then sat next to her.

“What a great birthday party,” Kurt said. “It must feel so good having your uncles at peace again.”

“You have no idea. I think the last time I saw them together like this was when I was about six.”

Ethan thought he heard someone calling his name and turned, pleased to see his dad making his way toward them.

Ethan stood and embraced his father. “Dad, have you met Vanessa’s brother?”

Tom Langley flashed a warm smile. “Yes, Ryan was telling me he just got back from Costa Rica and is starting law school in a couple weeks. I’m so glad you’re all here. This is a huge day for the Langleys.”

Ethan nodded toward the buffet line. “And it looks like you’re serving more than just the fatted calf.”

“Help yourselves. This is a momentous occasion.” Tom’s eyes suddenly glistened. “I don’t remember the last time I saw my brothers have fun together.”

“We’re so pleased to have been invited,” Brill said. “We rejoice with you.”

Ethan listened to the music, watching the people and eating his fill of delicious food, all the while feeling that same twinge of sadness that reminded him that he and Vanessa would soon be apart.

“I’ll be back in a few minutes.” He kissed Vanessa on the cheek.

He excused himself from the table and went around to the front yard. He walked slowly down the sidewalk, letting the knot in his throat relax. How was he going to come to grips with the fact that he would be leaving soon?

He sensed someone come up behind him.

“Mind if I walk with you?” his father said.

“Not at all.”

“Your mother went down to the Pates’ house to watch their little boy so they can come say hello. None of Ralph’s neighbors have ever met Richard, and it’s kind of a big deal.”

Ethan smiled. “Yeah, it is. It’s so exciting to see my uncles together. They’re like two overgrown kids. It’s fun watching them rediscover one another.”

“You seem a little blue. Is anything wrong?”

“No, everything’s incredibly right.”

“Which makes you dread all the more saying good-bye to Vanessa and Carter and heading back to school?”

Ethan nodded. “I guess I’d better get over that real quick, huh?”

“I don’t know that it’s something you need to get
over,
Ethan. But you do have to get through it. One more year, and you’ll have your BA. That has to feel good.”

“It does.” Ethan sighed. “But add two years of grad school on to that. It’ll seem like forever if it means being away from Vanessa.”

“You really love her, don’t you?”

“I do. More than I thought possible. I just hope …” Ethan paused. Did he really want to get into this conversation with his dad?

“That she’ll wait for you?”

Ethan felt the blood rush to his face. “How’d you know?”

“Oh, Vanessa’s a real beauty. I’m sure you’re not the only young man who’s noticed. But she’s crazy about
you.”

“I know, Dad. But is three years too long to expect her to wait for me? I can’t even give her an engagement ring as long as I’m paying tuition.”

“Have you asked her to marry you?”

“Not down on one knee.” Ethan smiled. “But we both know that’s where we’re headed. We’ve talked about it.”

A long moment of silence passed, then his dad said, “When your mom and I fell in love, I was in the army, stationed at Fort Bragg. It was torture being apart, and I didn’t have money for a ring.”

“Did that bother you?”

“Sure it did. I wanted to give her a symbol of my love and my intentions for the future—
and
I wanted the other guys to see she was taken. That’s when my grandmother Langley gave me this.” He stopped walking, reached in his pocket, and laid a gold ring set with red stones in Ethan’s open palm.

“That’s Mom’s,” Ethan said.

“Yes, but it was my grandmother’s engagement ring. She wanted me to give it to your mother—until we could afford to buy her a ring.”

“That’s cool.”

“Thing is, your mom loved it and never wanted another engagement ring. She wore it until I bought her that diamond band for our twenty-fifth anniversary. She wanted it to stay in the family.” His dad lifted his hand higher. “Take it. It’s yours. Don’t feel like you have to give it to Vanessa if you don’t think it’ll appeal to her. She might not be that kind of sentimental. But you might have a daughter someday who would be.”

“Are you kidding? Vanessa would love this.” Ethan took the ring and brought it closer to his eyes. “I love the way the stones are cut. When I was little, I used to sit in Mom’s lap and twist this round and round on her finger and look at each one. I never knew it belonged to your grandmother. This is so generous of you.”

“It’d tickle your mother and me to death if you gave it to Vanessa. But it’s not going to hurt our feelings if it just isn’t your thing.”

“Believe me, Dad—it
is
my thing. It’s perfect. I just hadn’t thought of popping the question so soon—and with so much school ahead.”

Tom draped his arm over Ethan’s shoulder. “Son, true love will wait for the right time to get married. But if you love her and know she’s the one, it’s never too soon to tell her so.”

On Sunday evening, Ethan and Vanessa sat together in the glider on the Jessups’ screened-in porch, listening to the crickets.

“You’re quiet tonight,” Vanessa said.

“I’m just glad for some time alone with you. I can’t believe how fast the weekend flew by.”

“Or that next weekend you won’t be here.” Vanessa squeezed his hand. “Sorry. I don’t mean to sound so forlorn. I’ll be starting a new semester of online classes and will have plenty to do. But it’s hard to think of you not being here. I’m so spoiled with us being together.”

“I know what you mean. But we’re still together for a few more days, so let’s enjoy every minute. This has been an
amazing
weekend. My uncles’ birthday party was a blast. And I’m glad you got to meet some of my out-of-town relatives.”

“I just love your parents,” she said. “They’re easy to be with. Well, actually your whole family is. The Cajun element was a real surprise, though. And I had no idea your grandfather’s great-grandfather settled in Louisiana.”

“I never thought to say anything. My family has lived in Tennessee a very long time. But our Cajun ties are strong, as you could tell when my dad and my uncles started playing the accordion, the banjo, and the mandolin. I’d forgotten how much fun it was having music in the house.”

Vanessa smiled. “They were the life of their own party. It’s astounding what a dramatic difference communication has made in those two—which just proves once again that communication is key in any open, honest relationship.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” he said.
Okay, Lord. Here goes.

Ethan got up and knelt on the porch on one knee, taking her hand.

“What are you doing?”

“Getting ready to openly and honestly communicate the most important thing on my heart.” Ethan held her hand to his cheek. “Vanessa, it’s no secret that I love you. Or that you and Carter are the most important people in my life. You’re in my thoughts, on my heart, and in my prayers every hour of every day. I can’t imagine living my life without you. Our paths were meant to intersect—and I believe you and I were meant to become one.”

Ethan reached in his pocket, took out the ruby ring, and held it between his thumb and forefinger.

“This was my great-grandmother Langley’s engagement ring. My dad gave it to my mother when they got engaged, and she wore it until their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. Someday, I want to buy you a diamond ring that we pick out together. But for now, while my money is going to pay for tuition and to keep the old Camry running, would you wear this and let it signify that one day, when the time is right, you’ll be my wife?”

A tear trickled down Vanessa’s cheek, and she seemed dumbfounded. “Yes! I can hardly wait for that day,” she finally said. “The ring is beautiful. And it’s so special that both your great-grandmother and your mother wore it.”