Page 27 of Christy

My girl. She’s not worried about herself, but about disappointing people. People who have come to mean so much to her. I realize at this moment that thisissomething I can solve and take off her hands. I squeeze her to me, and she looks at me, teary-eyed and all. I reach up and wipe her cheeks.

“How about this? How about you let me handle this part? I will get the right person and make sure no one feels left out or anything?” Christy gives me a questioning look.

“How are you gonna do that? I don’t—” I shake my head, stopping her from talking. “You just leave it to me. You’re doing almost everything for our wedding. Let me take care of this for you.”

The wind is almost knocked out of me by Christy’s hug. “Really? Thank you! I just don’t want to disappoint family, especially family who means so much to both of us.” I hug her back. I love how deeply she feels.

“I’ve got this. Now, why don’t you go take a nice long bath, and I’ll order us some dinner. I’m thinking tonight’s the perfect night for dinner and a movie on the couch, what do you say?” She rewards me with a kiss and a nod. She gets up and heads toward the hallway, tripping over the area rug but catching herself before she falls. As soon as I hear the water running inthe bathroom, I send a text to everyone she mentioned, plus one more person.

Me: Can y’all meet me for lunch tomorrow at Lefty’s? Let’s say noon? My treat.

Almost instantly, I start getting replies.

Pa: I’ll be there. Everything okay?

Rory: Will be there. What’s goin’ on?

Juan: I’m in. What those two asked.

Jon: I’m in. Am I gonna need bail money?

Jackson: I’m in, but I’m confused.

Wyatt: I’ll be there. That’s Jackson’s normal state, so nothing new there.

Asher: Not sure why I’m included in this motley crew, but I’ll be there. What’s going on? Your girl okay?

Seeing as they’re all coming without a second thought tells me that my idea is the right one.

Me: Everything is fine. I just have a favor to ask all of you for Christy. Something she’s…she’s worried about, but I know you are the right ones to handle it.

Juan: If that’s not the most vague text back you could do, I don’t know what is.

Pa: Color me intrigued. See you then, Son.

Things are gonna work out just like they should, and I’m gonna get to marry the girl of my dreams.

**********

I’m still thankful that all the guys were more than happy to go along with my idea and keep it a secret. Even Ma and Anna don’t know. I think it will make it even more meaningful.

There’s a knock on the door, and it opens a moment later. Pa, Ma, and Jon walk inside. Ma comes up to me and gives me a hug. She turns to look at me with a smile that only a mom can give. She reaches up and cups my face.

“My baby boy is getting married today. You know I’m proud of all you’ve accomplished, finishing college and establishing a successful practice, but the thing I’m most proud of?” I shake my head and wait, knowing this isn’t a time for me to say anything. She gives my face a little squeeze. “That you’ve grown into agoodman. You know what’s important in life, and you love with all your heart. I know without a doubt that she’s the right one for you. I’m so glad that the gods saw fit to let me be your mom. It’s been one of the highlights of my life.”

Well shit. I’m not trying to cry today, but Ma’s making it a challenge. I take a deep breath. “I thank the gods every day that they let me stay with you and Pa. Having you as parents has been the single best thing to happen to me.”

Ma smiles. “Till today. Today you’re going to start your life with a woman whose eyes light up anytime you enter a room. She reacts just like I do with your Pa.” She wipes my face and givesthat telling nod of hers that lets me know it’s time we both get our emotions in check.

“Now I’m going to go and check on your bride and make sure everything is on schedule. Love you.” I give her one more hug. “Love you too, Ma.” She quickly leaves the room and closes the door behind her.

Jon goes to his filing cabinet, pulls out a bottle, and three glasses. “Thought we could do a toast before we go out to the masses out there.” I nod and watch as he opens and pours three glasses of his really good Elijah Craig whiskey.

Jon hands a glass to Pa and me. He holds his up and looks at me. “You know I’ve done several weddings now, including both Kierstie and Madison’s. I’ve been honored to do them all. I’m honored to do yours today, but I have to admit this one just might mean the most to me.”

That surprises me because he’s always been close to our sisters, especially Kierstie. He shakes his head and smiles at me. “I can tell that surprises you. Of course it would. I don’t think you understand the mark you’ve made on all of us.” I’m not sure where he’s going with this, so I wait.

He smiles again. “I remember the day I came to Ma and Pa’s. I was defensive, angry, and had a chip on my shoulder so big that I’m surprised it didn’t knock me over. I was brought by mycaseworker right after the rest of the kids had left for school, and you were the only one home since Madison was in kindergarten, I think. I was sitting on the couch, with my backpack in my lap. I was mad at the world that my birth mom had chosen drugs again, and I was back in foster care. I didn’t know if this was a good one or not yet. You come out of your room with your little hands full. You sat in front of me and set down a truck and a car. You started playing with them, not saying anything for a little bit. I remember looking you over and not seeing any bruises, which gave me hope. Finally, you looked back up and spoke for the first time. You asked me if I wanted to play. I didn’t answer, so you said something that stuck with me. You told me that you were four years old, but you knew things. You stood up and crossed your arms. I swear, looking back, it was just like Pa has always done. You then said, ‘I know you think someone might hit you or hurt you here. Ma and Pa don’t do that. They don’t even make you eat your vegetables ifs you don’ts like them. There’s a snack spot, so if you’re ever hungry, you can just get something. I’ve been here foreber, but lots of kids come for just a little bit. I think you should stay. I only gots two brothers. I needs more.”