The Baxter e--series By Karen Kingsbury

Transcription

1 The Baxter e--series By Karen Kingsbury Chapter Four The Proposal Part 2 Copyright Karen Kingsbury (This free gift is not for reprint or publication. Thank you.) The day was finally here. Cody Coleman drove his rental car into Bryan Park and found a parking place close to the secluded picnic table, the one where he was about to propose. He glanced at his girlfriend, Andi, in the passenger seat. She had no idea. The surprise had come together without a single flaw. And the craziest part was this: Cody wasn t nervous. In fact, he had never been more sure of anything in all his life. You ready? He cut the engine and took her hand. I can t wait. Andi grinned. She pulled her long blonde hair back from her face. My mom s going to be shocked. Best birthday ever! The plan was perfect. They had flown to Indiana for Andi s mom s surprise birthday party. Since they d arrived three days ago, Andi had been in on every phone call and errand and moment of planning believing the whole time that the surprise picnic about to take place was for her mother. Not for her. Cody released her hand, climbed out of the car, and gathered the bouquet of flowers from the back seat the one he bought yesterday when he ran into Ashley and Landon Blake. Seeing them reminded him of the time years ago when he had thought he might propose to Andi. Back then he had even told Jim Flanigan about it mostly looking for wisdom. In the end he had decided he wasn t ready. That he didn t know Andi well enough. But any doubts had long since disappeared. He stared at the sky. The day was perfect. Not quite eighty degrees, breezy with the bluest sky dotted by a handful of pretty white clouds. He would remember everything about this day as long as he lived. He handed the flowers to Andi. You carry them. He hesitated, lost in her eyes for a handful of heartbeats. They look good in your arms. Thank you. Her smile lit up his heart. Another detail he would never forget. They set off down a shaded path toward the picnic area. Cody had already texted Andi s father that they were five minutes away. He took a deep breath and slipped his fingers between hers. I love you. If I haven t told you lately. Her laughter framed the moment. You tell me all the time. I m the luckiest girl in the world.

2 Good. He looked straight ahead. This walk was literally and symbolically the road to his future. The one he d been dreaming about and believing in for so long. In the distance he could hear voices and he glanced at Andi. Sounds like people are already here. She raised her eyebrows. The next half hour will feel like forever. He grinned. If she only knew. For an instant he was tempted to slow down, soak in the way it felt to walk beside her into their future. But instead he kept his pace steady. The path ahead curved and as they rounded the bend a clearing came into view. Some twenty yards away in a meadow near a picnic shelter, nearly a hundred people had gathered friends of Cody and Andi and her family, people they knew from church, and even his high school football teammates. A banner stretched across the picnic area read in large letters, Congratulations! Wait Andi stopped. She looked from the crowd to Cody. It s supposed to say Congratulations! The crowd erupted all at the same time. They stayed put, all eyes on Cody and Andi. But the echo of their joyful shout remained. Cody smiled as they kept walking. Come on. He leaned close and whispered. I have something to ask you. Wait, what s Andi gasped and their steps slowed. They were at the edge of the small crowd now and she released his fingers. Her mother took the flowers from her and then stepped back. Andi didn t seem to notice anyone but him. Cody She brought her hand to her mouth. He dropped to one knee. He pulled the ring from his pocket as he looked up at her. Andi Life has taken me on a series of journeys. Broken roads that never ended in the right way. Tears filled her eyes and she nodded, never breaking eye contact. But every wrong step was right after all. Because it led me to you. He could feel his own eyes stinging. Andi, I can t predict where the road will go from here. I can only trust God through every valley or mountaintop and believe that with Him I will be a better man tomorrow than I am today. Andi was trembling now. Her smile filled her face even as two tears slid down her cheeks. As for the journey ahead, I know only one other thing. I want to walk every step of it next to you. His throat felt tight, his once-calm heart pounding out of his chest. He held the ring up to her and suddenly, despite the friends and family watching, there was only Andi. Make me the happiest man in the world, Andi. Will you marry me? She covered her face for a brief second and then she nodded. Yes. Cody stood and they came together in a hug that made time stand still. She pressed her face against his. A million times yes. He slipped the ring on her finger and kissed her, as if he d been created for this single question and her single answer. Cody had read a book once on preparing for marriage. In the first chapter an important point was made. At the beginning of marriage, at the proposal, two people with more love than they can contain for each other find themselves face to face, lost to everyone and everything but each other.

3 Keep that, the book said. Though life try to turn your eyes from each other. Never, ever look away. Those words were all he could think about now. He took her face gently in his hands and kissed her. The sounds of their family and friends grew dim again as he held onto this, the way it felt to be in her arms, surrounded by her and that single, lifechanging word. Yes. Finally after what felt like an instant and a lifetime, they turned to the crowd. Andi s parents hurried to them first, hugging them both. This was supposed to be your surprise, Mom, Andi was laughing now, wiping at her tears and holding her ring out so everyone could see it. Cody and Andi had looked at rings a few months ago and this was the one she had liked best. A simple solitaire on a white gold band. Now Andi s mother kissed her cheek and then she hugged Cody. Honey, your ring is perfect. Everything s perfect. Andi had never looked happier. Her dad hugged Cody and then shook his hand. Well done, my boy. She had no idea. Definitely not. Cody had his arm around Andi s shoulders. The idea was only beginning to sink in. They were engaged! He and Andi were going to be married! Cody could feel the Lord with them, smiling on the moment. Thank You, God thank You for Andi for today and everything ahead. Conversations were breaking out all around them, but then, as Cody shook the hand of one of his former teachers a familiar face caught his eyes, someone walking up from the back of the crowd. He turned that direction and felt his breath catch in his throat. His mother. She was here and she was walking toward Cody, happy tears in her eyes and on her cheeks. The one person he had wished and prayed might be here to see him propose to Andi had somehow, by some miracle, actually showed up. Andi s father must ve realized what was happening. He patted Cody s back. Your mom was released yesterday. A cousin of ours drove to the prison and picked her up. The two of them have rooms at a hotel near the University. Cody looked into Keith Ellison s eyes. He had no words, no way of thanking his future father-in-law. Cody s mother had spent years in prison for dealing drugs. He even planned to take Andi to Indianapolis tomorrow to see his mom, to tell her their news. Now well, Cody couldn t believe it. Thank you. He hugged Andi s father again, harder this time. I don t know what to say. Keith smiled and nodded toward Cody s mother. Say it to your mom. Cody turned to Andi. Come with me. You go first. Andi leaned up and kissed him again. You haven t seen her in so long. Love that knew no limits washed over him. Cody took Andi s hands in his. I ll be right back. His mom had stopped at a distance, shame and regret heavy in her expression despite her happiness for him. Cody went to her and pulled her into an embrace. How long had it been since they d shared a moment like this outside the confines of a prison?

4 I can t believe you re here. He pulled back and searched her face. God is so good. He s the only reason. Fresh tears filled her eyes. Go be with your fiancé. She smiled. We can catch up later. You ll be okay? At the same time Andi s second cousin Margaret walked up. The woman was in her late sixties, a widow closely connected to Andi s parents. Hello Cody. Your mom and I are new friends, she smiled. Is that right? Yes. His mother s eyes filled with a sense of peace and wonder. Margaret met me at the prison and brought me here. She lives in Indianapolis. I ve been praying for a friend like your mother. Margaret s eyes were deep with the sort of faith that takes time. She looked at Cody s mom. You re going to be just fine, Cami. Cody blinked back tears. The development was more than he could take in. He had been concerned for his mother as long as he could remember. That she would stay away from drugs, that she wouldn t get arrested, and then after she did get caught, that she d survive prison. But most of all he prayed that when she was finally free again, she d start over. That drugs would be out of her life for good. He hadn t even thought to pray for a friend, someone to come alongside her and pour into her, give her a reason to stay sober, to find the new life Cody had always hoped for his mother. As he headed back to Andi, as he watched his fiancé surrounded by her family, her eyes all lit up, blonde hair spilling over her shoulders and her smile that seemed to come from the depths of her heart, as Cody thought about his mom and her freedom, his fiancé and their future. As he took in every wonderful thing ahead, he remembered a Bible verse he d read that morning. He had memorized it long ago, but never had it been more meaningful than at this very moment. The Scripture was Ephesians 3: Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen. ******* The man slid down in the front seat of his car, his baseball cap pulled low over his eyes. For the past hour he d been watching one thing the car Cami Coleman arrived in. He grabbed a can of Coke from the cooler on the passenger seat and popped the top. Didn t matter how long it took. He could wait. He got paid plenty to track people for the boss. His job wouldn t be finished until he had an address. The hit would come sometime after that. Only then would the boss be happy.

5 He adjusted the bill of his hat. Boss had been keeping tabs on Cami Coleman since she went to prison for dealing. Girl knew too much. If the FBI ever pulled together a case against the boss, Cami would be first on a list of witnesses. She might even be out of prison early because of some deal she d made. Feds should ve known she d be safer behind bars. Boss wasn t big on letting witnesses live. Which meant Cami Coleman s days were numbered. It was only a matter of time. ******* Bailey Flanigan Paul led the way into the Baxter farmhouse with Brandon close behind her carrying the heavy glass bowl. Your broccoli salad s still cold. Good thing. She shot him a wary glance. I just hope it taste s okay. I bet it s the hit of the party. He kissed her cheek as they waited at the front door. You re beautiful, by the way. New shirt. She smiled. Thanks. Yes. I like the shirt, too. His eyes connected with hers the way they so easily did. But I was talking about your eyes. The door opened and Ashley Baxter Blake welcomed them inside. This is wonderful, guys! So glad you could join us. Your parents said they were coming, too! My dad s grilling steaks. Bailey followed Ashley into the kitchen. Figured my brothers wouldn t leave enough for everyone else otherwise. Brandon pointed toward the back. I ll go check on Landon. Several others were in the kitchen, everyone putting final touches on some dish or platter for the barbecue. Ashley s sister Kari and their step-mom Elaine were slicing watermelon on the island counter. Everyone shared hellos and Bailey took the tinfoil off her broccoli salad. Elaine peered at it. That looks amazing. What s in it? Broccoli and cabbage a tablespoon of minced onions. And this amazing sauce. Sort of like a broccoli coleslaw. I saw that on Pinterest! Ashley studied the salad. Looks wonderful. I hope so. Sometimes you get those Pinterest fails. Bailey patted the bowl and they all laughed. Summer barbecues at Ashley and Landon s were the best. They d always done them with their family, but last year they began hosting several like this one, where friends were invited, too. The result was a community feel that Bailey loved. There was a knock at the door. Bailey was closest to the front of the house so she looked across the kitchen at Ashley. I ll get it. She wiped her hands on her jean shorts and headed to the entryway. Her parents should be here any minute. They were all planning to play Ultimate Frisbee when the dinner was over. She opened the door and took a step back. Standing there, hand in hand, were Cody Coleman and Andi Ellison. The two of them looked as surprised as she was. Bailey tried to find the words, but not before an uncomfortable silence hung over the moment. Finally she caught herself. Cody! Andi Bailey stepped back. What a surprise. Come in.

6 Cody had a grocery bag in his arms. I ran into Ashley and Landon yesterday. They asked us to stop by. Perfect. Bailey tried to feel the floor beneath her feet. She led the two of them into the kitchen as the others turned their way. Bailey smiled. Cody and Andi are here! The awkward look on Ashley s face lasted only a moment. Well, hey there! I m glad you could make it! She crossed the room and hugged Andi first, then Cody. We brought chips. Cody handed the bag to Ashley. Whatever he had to be feeling about Bailey answering the door, he wasn t letting those emotions show. Instead he grinned at Andi and then at the others. So Andi and I are engaged! I proposed to her yesterday! Immediately Ashley and Elaine and Kari all gushed, circling Cody and Andi, and admiring her ring. Bailey was grateful for the reprieve. She leaned against the kitchen counter, too dizzy to move. She hadn t seen Cody Coleman in years, hadn t heard from him or stalked him on Facebook or Twitter. Last she knew Cody had gotten engaged around the time of the terrible car accident. Kari brought the fact up first. I guess I thought you two were married by now. Right about the time of Erin s Her voice trailed off. Yes. I remember. His tone sobered in light of the reference to the terrible crash. He hesitated. Back then I thought I was ready. Cody smiled at Andi and their connection was as beautiful as it was deep. God still had work to do on me. Andi was worth the wait. The entire time, since Cody had walked through the door, he had never once actually looked in Bailey s eyes. Not the way he had back when the world revolved around the two of them. Bailey wrestled with the ache in her heart. Even now she was only just catching her breath from seeing him again. Not because she still had feelings for him. Not at all. In all her life she would never love anyone the way she loved her husband, Brandon. He had pursued God and her, chasing after both with every breath. She was more in love with him every day. Brandon was created for her, she had no doubt. She had chosen correctly. Absolutely. On top of that, she couldn t be happier for Cody and Andi. But somehow standing here ringside to this happy moment reminded Bailey of feelings she d long since released. Memories she d let die years ago. Andi looked her way first. Their eyes held for a moment, and Bailey knew she couldn t stay rooted in place. Andi deserved more. Bailey glanced at Cody. He was telling the others about the proposal, the picnic at the park, the ruse of a surprise birthday party for Andi s mother. While he kept talking, Bailey walked to Andi and the two of them hugged. They had been roommates and best friends. Bailey had been there through Andi s wild Indiana University days, and when Andi wound up pregnant by a guy she didn t know or love, Bailey had been the friend to walk alongside her. The friend who helped her through it. Even after Andi gave the baby up for adoption to Luke Baxter, Bailey had been there. That s why Bailey never imagined Cody would come to a night like this. But then, the adoption was fairly open. Of course, Luke and Reagan weren t planning to be here tonight. Anyway Bailey and Andi had been friends through it all.

7 Back at the beginning of their friendship Bailey had been in love with Cody Coleman, and Andi had watched from the sidelines. Now the tables were turned in the best possible way. But still Bailey had known that this moment would be difficult. Whenever it came. I m happy for you. Bailey whispered. She drew back and prayed her smile would ease any doubts for both of them. Congratulations. Brandon walked into the kitchen at the same time. Bailey looked his way and immediately she could see the understanding in his eyes. Cody Andi! Brandon gave Andi a side hug and shook Cody s hand. What a surprise. Again Cody told the story about proposing to Andi. The conversation was easy and pleasant and Bailey felt herself relax. Her parents arrived a few minutes later and dinner was every wonderful thing Bailey had hoped it would be. As the night played out she forgot to be aware of the exact location where Cody and Andi were talking or eating or laughing. Proof that the connection she and Cody had shared was gone for good. As it should be. Later after three rounds of Ultimate Frisbee and after Bailey had tossed the disc to Brandon for the winning score in the final game Bailey finally caught her breath. She took Brandon s hand and they returned to their spot at one of the picnic tables near the back patio. Brandon raised his brow at her. You might have a career there, you know. In Frisbee-throwing? She giggled as they took their seats. Is that a pro sport? I mean, come on. He turned so he could see her better. You could be an Olympian, Bailey. Hmmm. She gently caught his face in her hands and kissed him. I think I ll stick to the Art Center. They both laughed and at the same time Landon Blake joined them. Hey, Cody, can I talk to you about the next season of shows. I have an idea. Bailey stood and gathered the plates at the table. You two catch up. I ll take these inside. As she walked toward the back of the Baxter house Bailey realized that somewhere along the course of the night she d lost complete track of Cody and Andi. They might be gone by now for all she knew. Which was fine. The answers she and Cody had prayed about all those years ago were finally clear for both of them. John Baxter was starting a bonfire, and further out into the yard the Baxter kids were playing another game of Frisbee along with Bailey s brothers and a dozen children Bailey didn t recognize. Bailey stepped inside and found the house empty. And of course, because the evening was too beautiful for the guests to be anywhere but outside. But as soon as she stepped foot into the kitchen she saw she wasn t alone. Cody Coleman was there, filling up the Baxter s five-gallon glass water jug. He looked at her and again there was an instant awkwardness between them. Bailey. She set the dirty dishes down next to the sink and then took a step back, still facing him. Hi.

8 Fun night, huh? Whatever he d felt when she walked into the room, he had rebounded. The whole weekend s been unforgettable. Yes. She smiled and tried not to remember a thousand times when they d been alone like this. Congratulations, Cody. I didn t get a chance to tell you earlier. He nodded. The jug was nearly full, so he turned off the water and set the container carefully on the island. Once the lid was in place, he turned to her. They were still alone, still the only ones in the house. Thank you. Of course. She crossed her arms. Would there ever be a time when talking to Cody Coleman would feel normal? Like he was any other friend? I wasn t thanking you for the congratulations. He angled his head, seeing past her walls as easily as he always could. I was thanking you for praying for me. All those years. Bailey s heart softened and she felt her shoulders ease. Yes, she had definitely prayed for him. From the time he came to live with her family when he was in high school till the day she let him go. Even after. She had always prayed for Cody. Tears filled her eyes and she blinked them back. You re welcome. He looked over his shoulder toward the back door of the family room. Andi he turned to Bailey again, She s everything I ve ever wanted. I love her so much. Bailey nodded slowly, her smile as genuine as the laughter coming from the backyard. I m so happy for you. I remember once when you and I talked. I told you I wanted to be your friend forever. His smile made him look like the boy he d once been. No matter who else came into my life, I wanted you to be there. His expression grew deeper. You said it wasn t possible. She shrugged one shoulder, her smile still in place. It isn t. I know. He searched her eyes. You were right. He came to her then and for a single heartbeat Bailey wondered if he might hug her. Instead he simply held her gaze the way he had so often throughout the years. She studied him, the eyes that were still as familiar as her teenage years. After a few seconds, she found her voice. Back then You were everything to me. He kept his distance, clearly not wanting this to be anything other than a time of clarification. You gave me hope for another chance, a new life. Yes. Again she nodded. And you taught me to wait for the right guy. She smiled again. For Brandon. You taught me to love God first, before anyone else. His tone became more passionate. I wouldn t have known how to love Andi if it weren t for you. Bailey took a sideways step toward the backyard. So there we have it. She forced a soft laugh. God always had the best plans for us. We just had to find them. True. He picked up the water jug and followed her outside. If anyone wondered why the two of them were returning from the house together, no one said anything. Brandon was still talking to Landon Blake, and as Bailey sat down she made a point to tell Brandon later about the chance kitchen meeting with Cody. An hour later

9 when the bonfire was dying and people were saying goodbye, Cody and Andi found Bailey and Brandon. It was great seeing you guys, Andi hugged Bailey again and the two of them shared a smile. The four of us should go out next time we re in town. Bailey resisted the urge to look at Cody. Definitely. The date would never happen, but it was the right thing to say. The way to keep things from feeling strained. Bailey took her friend s hand and stared at the beautiful ring again. Just text me when you re back in Indiana. Brandon and Cody shook hands and then after another few minutes of small talk, Cody and Andi took a few steps back. They waved their goodbyes to Kari and Ryan, Katy and Dayne. Before they turned and headed for the door, Cody caught Bailey s eyes one last time and smiled. It was a smile that said more than his words ever could. A smile that thanked Bailey again and bid her goodbye and told her he hoped she understood. Bailey did. Because his smile also told her that Cody could never see her as just a friend, anymore than she could see him that way. It was the reason he hadn t hugged her. Not in the kitchen and not here. They were walking different paths, separate lives. God s plans had led them to an undivided love for other people. Now and always. But his smile told Bailey something else, too. Nothing would ever erase what they had shared all those years ago. Once upon a childhood. NEXT MONTH: John Baxter hears back from the woman who received Erin s heart. He shares his news with the family and together they express their feelings and talk about the possibilities. Meanwhile, the transplant recipient is experiencing brokenness on many levels. At the same time, Andi s mother Cami Coleman realizes her life is in danger, but will the people who can help, reach her in time? Finally, Bailey and Brandon look to their next season of musicals at the Art Center. Along the way they spend time with Bailey s family on a day when great news arrives! #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury is America s favorite inspirational storyteller. The Baxters and Flanigans were the source of a combined 22 novels starting with the Redemption Series and the first book Redemption and ending with the book Coming Home. There are more than 25 million copies of Karen s books in print. This ongoing once-a-month Baxter E-Series will be available exclusively through Karen s newsletter and the Karen Kingsbury Presents Family Fiction Magazine.