Loving (27 page)

Never mind if this wasn’t the dreamy way either of them pictured Bailey finding her dress. They were together, and because of that this day would always be special. The way every day with Bailey had been special in its own way since she was a little girl.

In no sort of hurry, Jenny helped her out of the dress, listening while Bailey gushed about the gown and about how she would feel on her wedding day when Brandon would see it.

Jenny listened, but deep inside she was seeing Bailey at two years old walking around in Jim’s cowboy boots singing “Onward Christian Soldiers.” And at six when she was being dropped off at her first day of kindergarten, looking nervously back at the classroom door because she didn’t want Jenny to leave, and when she was eight years old coming home from school saying that she wanted Jesus as her Savior. Only Jesus. Always Jesus. And at thirteen with braces, crying because the boy she liked had liked someone else and a few blinks later when she was smiling for her high school senior portraits.

Where the time went, Jenny had no idea. Because here they were buying a wedding gown. Her sweet Bailey, her precious one-in-a-million girl, was getting married. The wonderful truth seemed much more real now that she’d found the dress. In no time Bailey would be married and she would start her life with Brandon. But despite all the times gone by, Bailey’s wedding could never be an ending to what she shared with her only daughter. Rather it would be a beginning.

The most beautiful beginning of all.

B
RANDON WAS ABOUT TO PUT HIS PLAN INTO MOTION, AND HE
could hardly wait. He pulled up in front of Bailey’s house and climbed out of his new Acura. He had moved to Indiana fulltime now, especially in light of the deal he had worked out last week. The same week Bailey found her wedding dress.

He smiled to himself as he jogged up the steps to her front door. She wouldn’t tell him any details — which was fine with him — only that he would love it. The idea of Bailey walking down the aisle toward him in her dream wedding dress was almost more than he could take. He was filled with passion and desire and at the same time an ocean of love he couldn’t begin to fully grasp.

For now he lived with Ashley and Landon in their spare bedroom. But in a few weeks he would move into a house. Their new home. Which was the surprise he had for her today. He’d been back and forth to Los Angeles wrapping up loose ends until just this week. Still, the amazing thought of not having to say goodbye for a very long time didn’t seem real.

She appeared at the front door and for a long time they only looked at each other, their eyes lost to everything except each other. “Every time you pick me up it’s something crazy, some wild surprise or dramatic moment.” Her voice was soft. “But not today.”

“Not today?” He stifled a laugh. If she only knew.

“No.” Without looking away, she came closer and eased her hands around his waist. “Starting today we get to do life together.”
She leaned up and kissed him. “Because you live here. You really live here.”

He looked into her eyes, at the trust she had for him. “I don’t care if I ever see Los Angeles again.” Laughter came from him but he was more amazed than humored. “Paparazzi even chased me to the airport.” He hesitated, because their closeness didn’t need constant conversation. “And guess what?”

“What?” They swayed slightly, neither of them wanting to let go.

“My realtor says he has someone interested.”

Bailey stepped back, her brow raised. “Really? Brandon, that’s wonderful!”

“They might want it quickly. A month-long escrow.”

“That’s great!”

Brandon had expected the sale to take a year or longer. Either way he didn’t care. He would have a few of his things moved here, the ones he’d designated for his new life in Bloomington. Otherwise he would enjoy shopping with Bailey, walking through antique stores and furniture showrooms looking for the pieces that would bring their touch to the place he’d just bought. Whether the offer came through now or not, Brandon was willing to wait. He saw no reason to hold onto the Malibu house. He wasn’t Dayne Matthews. No matter what offer came up, he and Bailey would not move to LA. Not unless God sent them a direct message telling them to go.

Otherwise they were here, and they were home.

“Let’s go.” He ran a little ahead of her, loving the way he could tease her and play with her. They had more fun together than any couple he knew. At least it seemed that way. “The surprise might not be there if we don’t hurry.”

She laughed and easily caught up to him. Once they were in his vehicle she turned smiling eyes to him, eyes that became more serious. “I don’t need another surprise. Having you here, that’s
all I need. Not having to Skype and steal moments on top of the Empire State Building.” She took his hand. “I couldn’t want more than this.”

“Still …” He couldn’t stop smiling around her. “The surprise is waiting.” He lifted his shoulders and let them fall again. “Whether you want it or not.”

“Then let’s hurry.” She buckled her seat belt.

He played the list of songs he’d put together for their engagement. The one with “Angel” by Casting Crowns, and several other songs they’d come to love. Songs like “I Will Be Here” by Steven Curtis Chapman, and Newsong’s “When God Made You.” As that song came on Brandon thought how true the words were. When God made Bailey Flanigan, He must’ve been thinking about him — Brandon Paul.

Another song came on — Lady Antebellum’s “Just a Kiss.” A song that spoke of purity and passion and the importance of waiting for more of a physical relationship until marriage.

They sang along and Brandon caught glimpses of Bailey, the way she moved with the music, and her eyes when she looked at him. “We sound good together,” he smiled. “Singing this song.”

Bailey laughed, but he had a point. Their voices sounded beautiful together — Bailey singing along with the lead female singer and Brandon singing the guy’s part. “Maybe you should quit acting and we’ll hit the road. Brandon and Bailey.”

“People would line up.” Brandon was laughing, too, but more because it felt so wonderful to be together than because there was a thread of anything serious in the discussion.

He watched her again, drawn to her. Yes, the songs and scriptures were right. If they could survive from here to the wedding, sharing this beautiful passion without the physical love that would come after they were married, then they would be blessed for waiting. If they could hold to just a kiss goodnight, like the lyrics said, then God would bless them. With everything inside
them they believed that and were determined to keep their commitment to stay pure with each other. Brandon talked to Dayne about it often, asking his older friend to pray for them and to hold him accountable. Bailey talked to her mom about ways they could avoid falling in any way, and Brandon was grateful. Because the chemistry between them was so intense Brandon knew they could only wait until the wedding with the help of God and the people who loved them.

“I get it. We’re going to the lake.” Bailey smiled and settled back in her seat. “That’s a great surprise. Let’s go back to where we got engaged. I love that place.”

He smiled and let her talk. She had absolutely no idea. When they drove past the entrance to Lake Monroe, Bailey turned to him, clearly puzzled. “Where are we going?”

“You’ll see.” He could hardly wait to watch her reaction. The sun was setting quickly, so he kept his eyes on the road, his speed a few miles over the limit. “Any guesses?”

Bailey peered at the winding road ahead. “A hike?” She twisted her face, confused. “No. That wouldn’t make sense. It’s getting too dark.”

“And it’s cold.” He shivered. “This LA boy has a long way to go to get used to Indiana falls. Hopefully the winter won’t kill me.” He grinned. “I picture wearing four or five layers at least.”

They both laughed at the picture, and then almost without warning the house was upon them. Brandon slowed down and pulled into a long driveway. At the end of it was a beautiful lakefront house, one with a wraparound porch and more windows than Brandon had counted yet — even though he had lived here with Katy and Dayne during the shooting of
Unlocked
.

“Brandon.” She looked at him, unsure, like maybe he’d taken a wrong turn. “This is Katy and Dayne’s house.” Leaning over her knees she peered out the window at it, staring at the pretty roof
as they pulled up near the porch and parked. “I love this place. I always see you when I drive by it. How long did you live here?”

“Most of the shoot. A couple months.”

Bailey smiled at the house. “And I helped build it. It’s the perfect place to talk.”

He smiled. She had no idea. “Definitely perfect.”

“So they’re home? That’s the surprise?” The idea clearly warmed her heart. “I haven’t seen them since before we got engaged. I’d love to see their baby!” She started to step out, but before she could he put his hand on her knee.

“Hey.” His tone was soft, and it was one more moment he knew he’d remember. “Katy and Dayne aren’t here. That’s not the surprise.”

She sat back in the seat and studied him. “What do you mean? Like, we’re walking down to the lake?”

“Well, yes. We’ll definitely do that.”

“Tonight?” She glanced at the sky.

“Maybe not tonight.” He chuckled. “That’s what I meant when I said it would go away. Because if we got here much later you wouldn’t have been able to see it.”

She looked dizzy, like he was talking in circles for all the sense she could make of the conversation. “See what?”

He couldn’t string her along another second. “Reach in there.” He pointed to the console between their seats. “See what you find.”

“Brandon,” she laughed, but it sounded more nervous than funny. “What are you doing?”

“You’ll see.” He watched her, realizing that this was the first of countless times they would park in this spot and hold a conversation. “Look.”

Tentatively, like something living might jump out at her, she opened the console and looked inside. Again a puzzled look filled her face as she pulled out a set of keys. “We’re going inside?” A light dawned on her face. “Oh … you made me dinner? Here at
Katy and Dayne’s house? Where you used to live? I love that!” She started to come to him, as if she might hug him and thank him, but he tenderly caught the side of her face. As their eyes met he shook his head. “No.”

“No?”

“Not Katy and Dayne’s house.” He hesitated. “It’s ours, baby. Our house.” He looked from her to the house and back to her again. “This is where we’ll begin our life together.”

“What?” She blinked a few times, the reality not even close to sinking in. “How … how is that possible?”

“They wanted to sell it. People do that.” He chuckled, and quickly climbed out and went around to her door. “Come on. Come see your new house.”

“Brandon …” She started laughing, but it was more the sound of disbelief. Slowly she stepped out of the Acura and for a long time she stared at the house and then back at him. “Are you serious?”

“Yes.” He allowed a slightly nervous laugh. “You like it … I like it.” He gave her a lopsided grin. “I figured it was an easy yes, right?”

“You’re really serious?”

“Yes.”

Suddenly she flung her arms around his neck and held on so tight he had to lightly take hold of her hands to see her. She caught her breath, her mouth still open from the shock of it. “Baby, thank you. I love it.” She took hold of his face with both hands and he couldn’t tell what was more beautiful: the gratitude shining in her eyes or the look of forever in her expression.

“I’m glad you’re happy.” He led the way up the porch steps and after a few seconds she put her hand on one of the sections of porch rail. “I painted this. All of us … we worked together to make this house ready for Katy and Dayne, after his car accident.”

“I remember you saying that during the movie.” He stopped,
pensive. “Wish I could’ve seen it. Sounds like a home makeover episode.”

“It was!” She blinked away the tears that were gathering in her eyes. “And now it’s ours?”

“Yes.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck again. After a long time she kissed him, searching his heart, seeing straight through him. “I can’t believe it. I can’t believe any of it’s real.”

“Well …” He rocked her in his arms, his tone leading her back to laughter. “The dirt inside’s bound to make it feel real. Dreams don’t usually come with dirty sinks.”

“Oooh.” Bailey winced, her eyes sparkling. “They haven’t lived here for a year.”

“A lot longer than that.”

“Yikes.”

“Yep.” Brandon walked her up the porch steps. “We better get a broom and some bleach.”

Laughter rang through the air as they walked into the house and he flipped on the lights. Brandon could see by Bailey’s expression that she didn’t mind the dirt. He had already hired a cleaning crew, but getting the garden out back planted come spring, or painting a couple walls, might be more fun to do on their own, together.

They walked through the house, and Bailey grew more excited with each room. Especially when they stopped in the master bedroom.

Katy and Dayne still had furniture in the house, things they planned to donate to an auction to raise money for World Vision. Dayne and Katy had become spokespersons for the group, and Brandon hoped he and Bailey could join them after the wedding. But for now, the bed was still here.

They sat together on the edge, and looked at each other. Without warning the air around them seemed to change. The
windows had been closed, but other than a stale smell, the room was pretty clean. Brandon put his arm around her and kissed her, more slowly than before. “Baby … I wish it were March sixteenth.”

“Mmm.” She returned his kiss. “Me too.”

He wanted to stay here, wanted to lay her gently down on the bed and kiss her. Just that. Because they’d never been in a bed together and right now the idea felt irresistible. Laying there on top of the covers, just being together. Nothing that would cross any lines, right? He closed his eyes briefly, struggling with the feelings warring within him. When he opened them he knew the answer. “We have to go.” The words weren’t his own, neither was the strength to say them. He stood and helped her to her feet. Her eyes told him she wanted to stay as badly as he did. But no matter what lie they told themselves about not letting things get crazy or out of hand, it was just that.

A lie.

Flee this, My son … seek My best
.

“Brandon …” She put her arms around his neck and whispered in his ear. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” They were so alone, together here in the room where one day soon they would share the very great depths of their love. He drew her close and once more he felt the pull, felt it stronger than he had since he’d known her. He wanted her so badly. Laying down wouldn’t hurt anything, would it? The temptation was persistent. But it was nothing next to the voice of God resonating in his soul. This was new for him, hearing God’s voice or remembering a Bible verse in key moments like this. Right when he needed it. Scripture was right about this too. The only way to keep their promise to God and each other was to leave. Take the escape route God always provided for those who faced sin struggles.

I get it, Lord … I do. Thank You for Your truth. Help me find the way out
.

From where they stood Brandon could see out the patio door onto the deck overlooking the lake. That’s where they needed to be. Now, before he gave himself permission to compromise even a little. He kissed her again, their bodies close. The temptation had a way of gaining ground in seconds. He inched back, shaking a little, and he set his hands on her shoulders. “I have an idea.” His desire was so great he almost didn’t recognize his own voice. “Let’s check out the view.”