His Darling Bride (Echoes of the Heart #3) (29 page)

Outwardly, she remained one of the loveliest women he’d known.

He thought of Bethany’s natural beauty. How her generous, brave heart had been in her eyes as she’d told him to stay and take care of his family. And that she’d always be there, if he found his way back to her.

She was where she belonged now. Her own family and friends were no doubt circling the wagons and helping her through the pain he knew he’d caused her. The Dixons would be in the midst of the final crush of prepping for Dru’s wedding, which was the day after tomorrow. But they’d make sure Bethany wasn’t alone.

Livy joined him, sitting silently beside him on the bed. A wave of expensive perfume arrived with her. The scent took him back to the times as a young child when he and Jeremy had watched their glamorous parents leave for dinner or some other evening event. He and his brother would beg to be able to go, too, or for their parents to stay home and play with them. Only to inevitably spend the evening just the two of them, with their toys and games and their nanny.

“Thank you for coming to the hospital again today,” his mother said, while Mike gazed at the image on his phone that Bethany had forwarded, of their combined rendering of the meadow and pond where they’d first made love.

He nodded. “I like several of the homeopathic options your oncologist recommended, if you’re determined not to pursue traditional treatments.”

More invasive treatments risked greater side effects while offering very little chance of significant results. And that would keep Livy from behaving as if nothing was wrong for as long as she wanted to. At least through the holiday gala, she’d insisted.

His mother looked around at Jeremy’s things, perfectly preserved as if he’d only just stepped out of the room.

“I couldn’t understand your brother’s decision,” she said, “or your determination to get your father and me to accept it. To go on living life as long as possible as if he weren’t disabled. And then when he couldn’t continue the ruse, to keep his focus on the world going on beyond these walls, instead of—”

“Devoting the time he had left to recording his death for the foundation’s marketing team?”

Livy sighed at Mike’s calling a spade a spade. Then she nodded.

“I was hoping,” she said, “I could expect the same understanding you gave Jeremy. For my decision to keep making the most of my life, my way, for as long as I can.”

“By working?”

He looked up from the unspoiled beauty he and Bethany had found together, into the exquisite features of a woman who’d built her entire life around impressing and influencing people, by trading on her looks and lifestyle.

“By working with
you
,” she said, igniting the argument that got worse each time they resumed it. She never came at him the same way. “You and your father and I working together to make the gala a success, transitioning you onto the foundation board. Being a family finally at JHTF for as long as possible, instead of fighting the way we have the last two weeks.”

“For the last decade, you mean?” Mike shook his head at the time they’d wasted over anger and accusations and blame and guilt.

His mother nodded stiffly, her attention snagging on Jeremy’s Stetson where it lay on the bed next to Mike. Mike had placed it there and hadn’t worn it, hadn’t been back in this room, since he’d come home.

“You need to let this go, Mom.”

“Or what? You’ll leave again? More payback for the way you said your father and I abandoned Jeremy when we wanted something from the two of you that you refused to agree to?”

The fact that she could even think that of Mike finally pissed him off, when he’d been biting back wave after wave of frustration and anger since his first night home

“Damn it, Mom!”

He gently squeezed her hand to keep her from walking out, the way she had every other time things had gotten tense. They were going to have this out once and for all.

“I’m not going to leave you to go through this alone,” he said. “If you’d ever stopped demanding that I love you exactly the way you wanted me to, you’d have known ten years ago that you didn’t have to manipulate me to get me here. I love you. I’ve always loved you. I would have gotten on a plane as soon as you told me you really needed me. Done whatever I could for you. Don’t you know me at all?”

It hurt to say the words, to feel them scraping, cutting, burning their way out of his chest.

It clearly hurt his mother to hear them. She stood, crossing to the window to stare at the dark night beyond. Hugging herself, she gazed at a brilliant half-moon.

“What about the rest?” she wanted to know. “The things your father and I have asked you to finally do for us?”

“You’ve demanded them,” he reminded her. “Not asked. And if I say no, can you and Dad let it go while I’m here without making it a daily ordeal? Or leaking my identity to the press or to the JHTF board or whatever schemes you’ll come up with next? Because if I won’t do things your way, I don’t really love you?”

“Yes,” his father said from the doorway, securing both Mike’s and his mother’s attention. “She can.”

But despite his father’s assurances, it was already swirling inside Mike—the differences between his family and Bethany’s in Chandlerville. In Bethany’s world, he’d found the unconditional love and acceptance he’d been searching for. Only to toss it away when he’d asked Bethany to leave New York. Because a part of him had been afraid of having this moment with her one day, when she realized that who and what he was would never be enough for her, either.

Except he
had
been enough, as the stranger she’d met in a bar. As a cowboy drifting through town. As an artist whose photographs had inspired her long before she’d known it was his work. And as a lover, whose heart had touched hers as much as hers had begun to fill the loneliness in his. How could he have thought he could turn his back on that, knowing how empty his life would become without her?

“We’ll respect whatever decision you make about living your life,” his father said, “however we might continue to disagree. The foundation remains important to your mother and me. A man with your talent and professional networks and interest in helping people could do great good working within JHTF. But you have a right to make your own choices. And this separation between you and your mother and me has gone on long enough. And we . . . Our family can’t waste any more time.”

“But we—” Livy started to argue.

She stopped at Harrison’s raised hand.

“All we ask is that you become an active part of this family for good.” Despite his clipped, controlled delivery, the pain consuming Mike’s father’s expression as he looked around Jeremy’s room spoke of deeply buried emotion. “However that has to happen.”

Mike stood and faced his father, leery of believing that they could really put a stop to the tension that had been escalating since he came home. There was so much disappointment and resentment. There was his mother’s need to forever be the victim. His parents’ determination that Mike should shoulder the blame for their family’s estrangement. And, yes, there was Mike’s desperation to be done with all of it.

But his father was right. The pain they’d caused one another since long before losing Jeremy needed to stop. Mike staying for Livy’s sake shouldn’t be a toxic thing. It should be about what helping Jeremy had been about: support and caring and family. And
Mike
could change that, whatever his mother insisted on saying or doing. For
his own sake
, he needed to focus on making the most of the last of her life. Not on their lifetime of differences.

That’s what he’d been mulling over for the week since Bethany had left, each time he’d looked at the photograph of their combined work. Together, they’d captured the timeless beauty of her meadow—and how a moment can be a lifetime, if you let it mean everything to you.

And Bethany meant everything to him.

Enough to finally do the work he should have long ago, to make things right with his parents.

He thought again about the remarkable chaos of the Dixon home. Of Joe and Marsha weaving their family from a tribe of children others had cast away. They’d created a tapestry of love and acceptance that was the envy of their entire community. And their welcome had begun a healing in Mike, far surpassing the help he’d given Joe. The Dixons were the kind of family Mike and Jeremy had dreamed of having. And it was Mike’s to make his home in. Bethany had flown all the way to New York to make sure he knew that.

If
Mike could come out the other side of this time with his own parents understanding how to belong—instead of knowing only how to run.

Being afraid is no way to live my art, Mike,
Bethany had said.
Or your life.
Don’t keep hurting yourself, thinking you have to keep going through this alone.

“I’ll be here for you and Mom.” He held out his hand to his father, shaking as if they were sealing a business deal. “We’ll work together as a family to figure out the rest—assuming you really do finally want a cease-fire. I have only one condition, and it’s nonnegotiable . . .”

Chapter Twenty

That Saturday afternoon, Rick Harper, Mike’s former boss at McC’s, steered Mike through the vendor area for Dru and Brad’s wedding reception.

“I’m glad you decided not to let anyone tell her you were coming,” Rick said. “Your surprise, whatever it is, will be more fun for folks now that the reception is in full swing. Since you didn’t fly back with Bethany from New York, you’ve had tongues waggin’ all over town that you weren’t comin’ at all—no matter what the Dixons have been saying ’bout why you’ve been gone. I’m really sorry to hear about your mama.”

Mike nodded his thanks.

Livy had endured some final tests over the last week, none of them telling them anything they didn’t already know. He’d been with his parents this morning to hear the last of the results. Hence his having to catch a later flight than he’d wanted, and the rearranging of the plans that he’d asked Dru and Brad’s help with making, along with a select few of Bethany’s other family and Chandlerville friends.

“Anyone in particular rooting against me?” Mike gazed around him.

The bulk of William B. Chandler Park, not far from the heart of town, had been turned over for the day to the Hampton-Douglas nuptials. Cars were parked at the curb and in every available lot. They were teeming from the driveways of nearby homes whose owners had agreed to accommodate the spillover. Mike had noticed the white bows on the mailboxes as he’d driven up, indicating to friends and family which driveways were available.

“I figure Benjie Carrington mighta put some money down on you crashing and burning,” Rick said. “But you and the Dixons got nothing but friends and family around today. You do your thing.”

“Thanks.” Mike had been back in Chandlerville for less than an hour. It had taken less than a minute to fall back in love with the place. “Have you seen Bethany? How does she look?”

“The bridal party’s prettier than a rainbow. The entire family’s over the moon. I hear she’s missing you. Worried about you. But you know she’s going to make sure her sister and parents have the best wedding possible. She’s rolling with it.”

Rick was helping Mike skirt the perimeter of the park, keeping close to the grove of trees on the other side of the soccer fields from where guests had gathered after the ceremony for the reception. The sun was setting on a perfect day, stars and a full moon replacing blue skies and puffy white clouds. A DJ was working his way through Dru’s playlist, and Rick had said the bride and groom had already had their first dance.

The sound of happy people beckoned, making Mike want to find Bethany immediately and make sure she was joining in the fun. But he didn’t want to ruin Selena and Clair and Nic’s plans to keep his arrival off Bethany’s radar until the timing was right. Through the trees, he caught glimpses of the bandstand and dance floor and twinkling white lights strung all around. Linen-covered tables and chairs were sprinkled about so people could rest, eat, drink, and mingle.

“Nice threads,” Rick said with a critical eye for Mike’s suit.

“Dru said it would work with Bethany’s dress.” Mike straightened his lavender-patterned silk tie and smoothed a hand down his gray suit jacket.

Rick smirked. “No more Cowboy Bob?”

“Not tonight.”

“Except for that mangy hat of yours.”

“The hat’s more important than you know.”

Mike lifted a finger to Jeremy’s Stetson in a mock salute. He hoped to have only happy memories when he looked back at pictures of tonight—knowing that Jeremy had somehow been a part of it. But along with thoughts of his brother came a twinge of longing.

It had been important to make this happen for Bethany while her community was there to share the moment with her. But Mike couldn’t help but wish he had the same kind of family in his corner—a support system waiting to cheer if he could pull tonight off the way he’d hoped. Then again, perhaps he did, since he’d had plenty of help planning and executing his surprise.

He caught sight of Bethany near the dance floor and the laptop and projector she was using to display their image collages onto a white screen beside the DJ’s table. While reception guests danced and the smiling bride and groom and wedding party either mingled with the crowd or ate at the head table, Bethany’s slide show flashed poignant images of the Dixon family and the town they loved.

She’d crouched in the midst of the ongoing celebration, her lavender dress and its full tulle skirt flowing as she hugged an excited Camille. Both of them wore glittering headbands and matching ear-to-ear smiles. Bethany’s pixie-cut auburn hair and gray eyes were shining. Her head was bent close to her niece’s dark curls as the two of them blew bubbles from heart-shaped wands.

Mike stopped and stared, his heart pounding against his ribs.

“Keep moving.” Rick steered Mike around the food tents that had been set up. “You don’t want to catch anyone’s eye too soon.”

They ducked behind the temporary bar Rick had set up for his McC’s staff. It was situated beside Dan and Leigh’s tent, where guests were icing their own specialty cupcakes and indulging in other favorites from the bakery. Mouthwatering aromas wafted from the other vendor tents, an eclectic mix of local restaurants serving up their best. There was everything from pizza to gyros to a selection of dim sum from Hong Kong Gardens. Savory finger sandwiches were being served next to quiche and cappuccino, compliments of Grapes & Beans. There was even a milkshake bar, manned by the Dream Whip staff that was also turning out baskets of sliders and fries.

“Don’t press your luck,” Rick said. “Stay out of the way until one of Bethany’s besties comes to get you when it’s time. I’ve got to get to it. People are thirsty, and Law’s going to have my ass for leaving him doing all the work. You and that girl of yours have a good time once you pop out of the cake or whatever you’re doing next.”

Mike nodded, only half listening, playing and replaying his plans in his head. He was determined to get this right, after the remarkable things Bethany had promised him in New York, and the life-changing decisions he’d made for himself since working out a truce with his parents.

“You look nervous, boy.” Rick slapped him on the shoulder. “Relax. What the hell? Whatever you’ve got in the works, what could possibly go wrong with her family and half the town watching you do it?”

“Go enjoy yourself,” Marsha told Bethany over the noise of the wedding reception rocking on well past sunset. “Your surprise is wonderful. Your father and I are so proud of what you’ve done with your paintings. Dru couldn’t be more thrilled with our combined wedding and anniversary gifts. Your slide show has everyone mesmerized. Now get out there and enjoy your moment.”

Bethany had hung close to her laptop during the reception, watching over the PowerPoint presentation George had helped her design. Bethany had wanted everything to be perfect—while she’d missed Mike more every minute, wishing he could be there to see everyone enjoying how he’d inspired her.

She’d kissed him goodbye at the hospital. On her car service ride back to La Guardia, she’d emailed him the copy of their meadow collage—to which he’d texted that it was beautiful, just like her. And that he was sorry. And that he’d be in touch. Bethany had been the one this time to say that she understood that he needed space. To take his time.

She’d be waiting, she’d reminded him, wishing there was something more she could do to somehow make what he was going through easier. And then she’d come home to her family and the last flurry of wedding plans.

She hadn’t reached out to Mike since, and missing him had been driving her crazy.

Her family and friends had been patient, not asking too many questions. They’d accepted that Bethany didn’t have the answers about what was going to happen with her and Mike. And that she was done talking about it, at least until after Dru’s wedding. And above all else, they’d trusted her not to come completely unglued or disappear on them, even if Mike never came back to her.

She was stronger than that now.

Love could hurt. It could hurt badly sometimes. But her heart was finally wide open to her family—and every other good thing she could grab hold of in her life.

The wedding ceremony had been every beautiful thing Dru and Brad had wanted it to be. The reception was an ongoing, nonstop celebration of two friends and lovers beginning their lives together. And it had filled Bethany’s heart that her and Mike’s collages were contributing to the magic.

“I am enjoying myself.” Bethany hugged her mom, gazing around them, her smile widening because she had one more presentation up her sleeve that her mom and dad didn’t know about. “It’s a magical night.”

“And you’ve made it so much more special,” Marsha said. They watched the slide show for a while, until the image of Camille that Mike had worked on filled the projection screen. “Is this what you’ve been doing in Mike’s studio?”

“Partly.” Bethany basked in her mother’s radiant smile. “He helped me rediscover how free creating can be. Because of him, I’ll never give up on my dreams again.”

“Hearing that is an even better anniversary gift than your beautiful pictures.” Marsha kissed her cheek.

“Actually . . .” Bethany hugged her mom closer. “The slide show was for Dru and Brad. You and Dad haven’t seen your anniversary surprise yet.”

“Is that right?” Marsha’s eyes lit with excitement.

There was also the suspicious twinkle Bethany had seen in her mother’s expression once or twice throughout the day. And on more than one of her siblings’ and friends’ faces since the reception started.

“I guess it’s a night for surprises then,” Marsha said.

“Mom?” Bethany asked. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing, dear. Joe and I just want to see you having a good time. So whatever you have up your sleeve, come over and join the party instead of watching everyone dance without you. Joe’s getting ready to have his turn with Dru. He’s going to be looking for you after that. The man’s on a mission to show off all the rehab work he’s done. Don’t make him hunt you down all the way over here.”

“Go,” Clair said, appearing from behind them and startling Bethany. “I’ll keep an eye on the slide presentation.”

“Where did you come from?” Bethany’s friend had dropped out of sight nearly an hour ago.

“Around.” Clair, when she faked innocence, was like a child with crumbs all over her face, acting as if she hadn’t just devoured every cookie in the cookie jar.

“What’s going on?” Bethany demanded.

Her nerves might be on edge because of the strained silence between her and the man she loved. But that didn’t mean she was being completely neurotic. Something suspicious was definitely swirling in the gentle night breeze.

“I’ve been helping Nic take care of some last-minute reception things. Now go be with your family. I’ve got you covered here.”

Clair all but shoved Bethany into trailing after her mother. While Bethany followed Marsha, she waved her hand toward Law and Rick, who were working in the tent McC’s had set up to provide drinks for the guests. Law nodded at their agreed-upon signal and began pouring fresh glasses of champagne. He headed their way.

“Have a seat with Dad.” Bethany steered her mom to the head table and smiled once her parents were sitting together.

The DJ’s music stopped. Law arrived with her parents’ bubbly. Which hopefully meant Nic was somewhere nearby orchestrating things, even though Bethany couldn’t find her as her gaze skimmed over the crowd.

“I’d like to make a toast,” Bethany said, taking and lifting her glass of champagne.

She couldn’t catch her breath suddenly. It was like the very first time in high school, when she’d shown her parents her very first landscape and trusted them with her dreams.

Voices quieted as Marsha and Joe took their glasses from Law. Guests on the dance floor and around the reception turned to watch Bethany and her parents. Dru and Brad and Selena and Oliver and Travis and Shandra grouped around Bethany, holding their own glasses to toast with. They’d corralled their younger foster siblings and Camille to stand quietly with them, creating a family circle that silently spoke of love and time and each of their commitments to never forget the priceless gift of belonging that their foster parents had given them.