Bayou Paradox (21 page)

W
hat a day to celebrate life and love!

Tara stood at the window, staring down at the side yard next to the bayou. She and Grandmere had ordered the work shed taken down. The grass had already begun to grow where the shed had once stood. White chairs lined the area around the veranda. Soon, she'd head out there and start a new life with the love of her life.

The long blazing-hot summer had finally given way to fall. Over the past several months, the love she shared with Bubba had burst into full bloom. And now, she would be joined with him. Forever.

“You ready?” CoCo asked as she and Alyssa swept into her bedroom.

Tara couldn't help but smile at her sisters. Especially Alyssa, who looked downright precious in her black maternity dress. Of course, she probably wouldn't appreciate the compliment. Tara refrained from giving it.

“I'm so glad you decided to have an autumn wedding. I would've died in the humidity.” Alyssa sank onto the bed and let out a big sigh. “I feel like a beached whale. Look like one, too.”

“You look beautiful,” CoCo said. She winked at Tara. “And you…you're positively stunning. Bubba is one lucky man.”

Heat fanned Tara's cheeks. She turned to the mirror and checked her appearance once more. The dress their mother had worn on her wedding day had been worn by CoCo, and now by her. Her gaze met CoCo's in the mirror. “I wish they were here.”

“I know,
Boo
. They are. In our hearts.”

Tara smiled. “How's Grandmere?”

Alyssa laughed and pointed out the window to where their grandmother sat beside Tanty on the first row. “Being the belle of the ball, of course. Now all three of her granddaughters are about to be married to—” she wrinkled her pert nose “—handsome, strong men, just like my Marcel.”

The sisters chuckled at Alyssa's perfect imitation of their grandmother.

“Spence and Felicia are here.” CoCo lifted the veil she herself had worn not even a year ago. “Are you ready?”

Tara nodded. CoCo arranged the veil on the crown of Tara's head, securing it with pins. She stepped back and Tara turned.

Alyssa dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief. “It's the hormones, I tell ya. I never get all worked up at weddings.” She gripped the chair in front of her and struggled to stand, her tummy throwing her off balance. “But, Tara, you are a vision. Absolutely gorgeous. CoCo's right—the sheriff's one lucky man.”

Tara smiled. “You know, eyebrows are gonna be raised when you two walk me down the aisle.”

Alyssa shrugged. “When have we ever cared what anybody thought?”

CoCo and Tara burst into laughter. Alyssa turned red. “Well, okay, so I did. But hey, I got over it.”

“It's about what you want,” CoCo whispered as she hugged Tara.

“Besides, we're more than ready to give you away,” Alyssa teased.

Again, the three sisters laughed together. Tara's heart filled to the brim with happiness. She glanced out the window and saw Pastor Spencer Bertrand standing in the gazebo. Jackson and Luc stood to the right side, looking downright dashing in their black tuxedos with tails. But it was the man standing beside them, in all white, who took her breath away.

The man who would soon promise to love her forever, share his dreams with her and comfort her in their old age.

Tears welled in her eyes.

“Oh, you're gonna mess up your makeup. Stop that.” CoCo handed her a tissue and patted her back.

“We'd better get a move on. I think I hear your musical cue.” Alyssa cracked open the door.

The opening bars of “I've Been Redeemed” rang out. CoCo turned to Tara and laughed aloud again. “You're kidding me.”

“Nope. I think it's fitting, don't you?” Tara smiled. The song
was
fitting. She had been redeemed through Christ, but also in the love of the man of her dreams. “Better than ‘I Shot the Sheriff.'”

Alyssa snorted. “It's perfect.” She swung the door open all the way. “Now, let's go give you away.”

Tara linked arms with her sisters, CoCo on her right and Alyssa on her left. Peace filled her as they made their way to the kitchen door, where she'd begin her walk to become Mrs. René Theriot.

Mrs. René Theriot. It had such a nice ring to it. And they'd be husband and wife.

As concrete as it could get.

Tara smiled. Their marriage might be concrete, but she still planned a few surprises to keep the sheriff on his toes.

Oh, my, yes—she'd find lots of ways to keep him off balance so he'd have to cling to her. And together, they'd cling to God's promises.

Dear Reader,

Thank you for journeying with me through the Louisiana bayou again. South Louisiana is deep within my heart, and I hope, through this series, it's snaked its way into yours, as well.

The characters in this series have become like family to me. It's been fun watching them work through their inner struggles and overcome.

Tara's personality is much like that of my eldest daughter's. Some of the life lessons Tara deals with in this book belong to my Emily. I thank her for giving me permission to share some of her outlooks and insights into this crazy thing called life. She's a wonderful inspiration to me daily, and I hope Tara's story gives you a sense of hope. And love.

I love hearing from readers. Please visit me at: www.robincaroll.com and drop me a line, or write to me at PO Box 242091, Little Rock, AR, 72223. Join my newsletter group…sign my guestbook. I look forward to hearing from you.

Blessings,

Robin Carroll

1. Tara felt like she'd been abandoned by her grandmother. Have you ever felt like someone you loved and respected abandoned you? If so, how did you come to terms with the emotions?
   
2. Sheriff Bubba Theriot was conflicted between his feelings and his professional responsibilities. Have you ever felt conflicted in such a way? What did/didn't you do?
   
3. Tara's salvation happened quietly, in a hospital chapel. What is your salvation story?
   
4. Bubba's personality sometimes clashed with Tara's. Have you ever loved someone, yet had a personality clash? How did you handle those instances?
   
5. We all want to believe in hope. Vincent believed there was a plant in the bayou that could help cure cancer. He chased this hope in a way that hurt others. Have your hopes ever caused you to harm others?
   
6. Tara's sister, CoCo, witnessed to her in a nonoffensive way. How do you see
   your
   testimony?
   
7. Bubba found himself the focus of the mayor's anger and frustration a couple of times, yet he kept his cool. Have you ever been in a situation where someone took their emotions out on you? How did you react?
   
8. Pharmaceutical companies work to bring new medications to the sick. Do you believe there should be limitations on their research, based on Scripture? Why/why not?
   
9. Bubba felt like he'd failed in witnessing to his aunt. Although the outcome isn't written in this book, what do you believe happened later between him and his aunt on the salvation topic?
   
10. Bubba and Tara had to learn to trust one another in order to find love. How important is trust to you in your personal relationships?
    
11. Tara finally realized that voodoo was wrong. Have you ever learned that something you were doing was very wrong? How did you handle the issue?
    
12. Tara was disappointed not to be named godmother by Alyssa. Have you ever suffered from a disappointment? How did you manage?
    
13. Jayden had a crush on Tara, which she didn't return. Have you ever faced a similar situation? How did you handle it?
    
14. Suzie Richard almost allowed a misunderstanding to irrevocably damage her family. Have you ever let a misunderstanding overtake your good judgment? How did you get resolution?
    
15. Tara's family loved her and prayed for her salvation. How might you help someone you know is unsaved?