Every Yesterday (Boot Creek) (20 page)

“When you think about it, this whole wedding procession thing seems backwards. I mean the girls are the ones dying to get those fancy gowns that cost a month’s salary on and be seen like runway models walking down the aisle, and yet they stick us out there for an awkwardly long time before those girls are ever seen.” Noah ran a finger between his collar and neck. He had a feeling wherever they had all the pretty girls stashed was a lot nicer than this dark stuffy room they were crammed into.

“Does seem backwards, doesn’t it?” Ford agreed.

“Yeah.” Derek said, “But you guys won’t understand until you’ve gone through it. Man, seeing your girl that day . . . In all white. Just for you. Indescribable.”

“I’ll take your word for that,” Noah said.

“Maybe I’ll be able to describe it. Ask me at the reception,” Jackson said with a poke to Noah’
s ribs.

A knock came at the door. Noah opened it and poked his head out.

“That’s our signal. Time for us to take our positions.” As best man, he made sure they all lined up in the right order like they’d practiced the night before. And Derek, who’d been hanging with them, took Billy with him. He’d send Billy down the aisle and then hang back to walk his best friend, Angie, down the aisle to give her away.

“Last chance.” Noah’s brows rose. “What’s it going to be?”

Jackson smiled and said, “We’re doing this, man.”

“Then let’s roll.” Noah prodded Jackson and he walked out to the altar.

Jackson looked happy, but it felt more like lining up in front of a firing squad to Noah.

The church was packed. At least the air was moving out here, but he was already hot from being cooped up in that room. Jackson looked suddenly pale. And sweating.

“You gonna be okay, man?” Heck, if all those satiny looking bows and flowers on each pew weren’t enough to make a man sweat, the fact that there were more people in this church than in a sports bar on Super Bowl was.

Jackson nodded, smiling like he was afraid someone might have heard them. “Yeah. I’m just a little bit nervous. This looks like a lot more than seventy people.”

“I can get you out of here.”

Jackson laughed. “Not that damn nervous. I love her. I’m excited. I can’t wait to make her mine forever.”

“Don’t call me in five years and tell me I was right.”

They fist bumped, and there was a low chuckle from the front row.

“She’s a great gal. Don’t worry,” Noah said. And there it was. Another one of his friends getting married. And being completely sure of it. Not one doubt.

As usual, he stood there with this weird sense of curiosity. He’d never come close to feeling that romantic love that seemed to make his friends get married. Even his engagements had been more of those women wearing him down than something he’d really felt. He felt a little like a naturalist observing some odd phenomenon, detached but totally engulfed in the whole thing as it unfolded in front of him.

 Soaring wooden ceilings warm with the patina of time made the big church still feel intimate. Noah felt the pull of the colors and distinct artistry of a large, triangular, stained-glass window depicting Christ as our good shepherd above the baptistery. Another large stained-glass window depicting Mary meeting the risen Christ in the garden dominated the front of the building.

The building was reminiscent of a capsized ship with large wooden beams representing the bare hull. An image that reminded Noah of the words of his grandfather about how important our faith is in the midst of a stormy journey.

And for a moment, Noah felt closer to his grandfather. He wasn’t sure if that had something to do with Megan’s DeSoto or with being here in this church with that memory. He hadn’t thought of that conversation with him in such a long time.

The prelude music flooding the space from the Moller pipe organ suddenly shifted, and the doors opened at the back of the church.

Noah watched with a curious eye as Flynn and then Katy walked down the aisle. Noah felt smug, like the one with all the marbles as his friends, old and new, seemed to look drugged with romance, yet he remained unaffected.

Then Megan stepped into the doorway and began her procession down the aisle.

His mouth went dry. He knew it was her. But she didn’t look like the young thing he was cruising down the highway with a couple hours ago.

Her hair was up in a fancy twisty updo just like the other girls, but on her it looked different. Soft. Innocent. Curling pieces had fallen forward to her cheek, that soft cheek.

He felt the incredible urge to rush forward and brush them back. Her eyes were smoky and her lips the softest pink, like a soft rose begging to bloom.

She took cautious steps up to the altar. Her bright pink toenails peeking out from the strappy shoes with each step. The way the soft blue dress moved around her legs, no stockings, her tan legs begged for his attention.

Megan took her spot, directly in line with him, and smiled.

She looked more beautiful than he could have imagined. She was gorgeous all sweaty with paint splotched on her. But this? This he wasn’t prepared for.

She wrinkled her nose, her perfect smile turning to a playful grin. Even though her lips were pressed together, he could tell they were quivering slightly.

Excitement. Nerves. He didn’t know, but whatever it was . . . it suited her.

The rising sound of a collective
awwww
broke his attention. Beside him, Jackson was giving Billy a thumbs up as the little boy marched proudly down the aisle in his tiny tuxedo with that white satin pillow in his hands. He clutched that thing like it was his favorite toy and someone was going to try to take it from him. He climbed the steps and shook Jackson’s hand.

Everyone in the room was smiling.

Billy turned and looked at the rest of the guys with a knowing smile. That little guy knew exactly what was going on and he seemed as excited as Jackson.

I’d have my ring bearer ride down in one of those little cars. Beep beep.

What the hell am I thinking? I’m not having one of these.

Noah bent his knees and then straightened them again, those last thoughts making him wonder if he was about to pass out or something. Crazy. He was losing it, but he wouldn’t deny that there was a tug on his heart at the sight of stepfather and son. The happiness in that pint-sized little boy’s face was immeasurable.

The organist hit those all-too-familiar first four notes and everyone in the church turned their attention to the back of the room.

Jackson got about an inch taller with an audible inhale as Angie stepped out into their view and took Derek’
s arm.

“She looks like an angel,” Billy said quietly, but loud enough that the first few rows were nudging each other.

Derek walked her up the aisle and the music stopped.

Noah could hear Jackson breathing, and Angie looked like she would burst from happiness. He could feel their energy.

“You may be seated,” the minister said.

The guests dropped back to their seats, the sound moving the air in a welcome rush.

Noah watched as Derek gave Angie away, and then Jackson took the hands of the woman he loved into his, with Billy standing at his side. Man to man. A family.

And Noah didn’t hear one word as that whole ceremony went on in front of him, because he couldn’t take his eyes off of Megan. She was focused on her best friend. Genuinely happy for her, even if the bouquets, her own and the bride’s, shook in her hands.

He wanted so badly to walk over and step behind her. To wrap his arms around her and whisper, “It’s going to be okay.”

“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Jackson kissed Angie soft on the mouth, and then twisted her into a dip that had Billy in a fit of giggles so strong that his face was red.

“May I present the Washburn family.”

Jackson stepped aside and put Billy between himself and Angie, and they walked down the aisle.

Noah sucked in a breath as he walked toward Megan. He could feel the grin stretching across his face. He probably looked like a dope, but he couldn’t help himself.

She wrapped her arm through his, leaning in to hug his arm. Her smile was absolutely contagious.

He could stand to have this girl on his arm again.

For more than three dates.

He reached over and patted her hand with his free hand. “You were the prettiest one here. You even outshined the bride.”

She looked doubtful, but said thank you with a laugh. “You clean up pretty nice yourself.”

They walked outside and everyone gathered for the official exit of the bride and groom. The DeSoto sat in front of the church, right where he’d parked it, ready for Mr. and Mrs. Washburn. It felt damn weird to know Jackson was married.

A woman walked through, handing out tiny bottles of bubbles for them to blow as the couple left.

“What happened to the days of rice?” Noah said.

Megan’s eyes flew wide. “That stuff blows up in birds’ stomachs.”

“It does not. They eat gravel as grit, for crying out loud. Seriously?”

“Anyway it was birdseed for a while, but our church didn’t like dealing with the mess or the weeds that popped up from it. We’ve done bubbles for years.”

“When in the South, do as the Southerners do.” He pulled the stick out of the bottle and did a test blow.

“
Nice technique,
” Megan said. “Don’t waste them.”

“I think we have plenty.” He blew a flurry of bubbles her way. One bursting right above her head.

She gave him a warning look.

Jackson helped Billy into the middle of the front seat of the DeSoto Adventurer, and then Angie into the car of Noah’s dreams.

A jealous pang went through Noah as he watched Jackson slide into the leather-and-waffle-weave, inset seat of the DeSoto.

Megan swept away a tear. Anyone else that saw it would think that was just the maid of honor insanely happy for her best friend—after all, Katy and Flynn were crying too. However, Megan’s smile was about as genuine as the Miss America runner-up. He’d seen her real smile the other night. This was different.

She squeezed his hand, and leaned in, barely moving her lips as she spoke. “Don’t let me chase them down and make them get out.”

“I’ve gotcha.” He laughed and tightened his grip on her hand. “Smile and wave.”

She waved, looking like a beauty queen. “I’m fine. It’s okay. It’s just a car. Look how happy they are.”

Just a car? Good. I hope she just keeps thinking that, because in about an hour, I’m going to make her the offer of a lifetime on that car.

He squeezed her hand.

“Everything is working out perfectly,” she said.

“My thoughts exactly.” Only he had a feeling they weren’t talking about the same things.

Chapter Fifteen

Megan joined the girls to ride over to Lonesome Pines for the reception with Derek. She watched from the backseat of Derek’s SUV as the groomsmen piled into Ford’
s rental car.

“You all looked so beautiful today,” Derek said. “All of y’all’s tote bags and stuff from the dressing room are in the back.”

“Thanks, sweetie.” Katy leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. “You look way too young to have a daughter Angie’
s age.
” Teasing him for taking on the father-of-the-bride duties. It seemed perfectly natural to Megan. And the truth was, she knew Angie’d asked him to be the maid of honor first. They’d always been best friends, as long as Megan could remember.

“Thank goodness,” he said, rubbing his hand through his hair. “My gray hair isn’t sparkling is it?”

Katy reached over and ran her fingers through his dark hair. “Just barely.”

Flynn giggled.

Megan enjoyed Katy and Derek’s interplay. She leaned back, thinking about how Noah had been there for her today. Ultimately, things had worked out the way they should have, but boy if she’d been left to her own devices, that may not have been the case. She’d been a wreck this morning. She didn’t remember ever feeling that out of control in her whole life.

It had been an emotionally draining day, and she’d like nothing better than to decompress, but as maid of honor she still had duties to take care of.

Derek turned on Blackwater Draw Road. Megan twisted around in her seat to see the long line of cars following them. “Looks like a parade.”

Flynn started practicing her parade wave. Down the road, through the elbow turn and finally right down the lane to the inn.

The chunky gravel kicked up under the big tires of Derek’s truck.

A rush of anxiety nagged her.
Hope you went slowly down this lane, Jackson.
She prayed those rocks hadn’t pinged the otherwise flawless paint job.

The DeSoto was parked at the far edge of the parking area in front of the inn.

She wanted to open the door and do one of those action-star rolls out of it while it was still moving, so that she could run over and check for damage. Seeing the DeSoto parked there was like the feeling you got as a kid seeing Santa. Thrilling. Unexpected. And hard to believe that it was now hers.

They got out of the car and Megan followed along with the others inside.

Derek and Katy had planned everything out like pros. A staff of people were greeting the guests and handing out flutes of champagne as they entered. Music was already playing—a surprise for Jackson and Angie—the
Night Crawlers
. The same band that was playing on their very first date at the car show in the next town over.

Noah jogged up beside Megan. “Hey, gal.”

“Hi, yourself.”

“Can I get you some champagne?” He gestured toward one of the waitresses carrying a tray of crystal flutes.

“No. I might be wearing a dress, but this girl still prefers a cold beer. I hear the bar is out on the patio.”

“I’ll join you.”

She stopped and then started walking again.

“What’s wrong? Did I say something wrong?” Noah looked confused.

“No, it’s fine. I was kind of hoping you might be my designated driver tonight.”

“Drive the car home? To your home?”

She shrugged. “It’s silly. Have a good time. I can do it.”

“No. I’m in.” He clapped his hands together. “For a chance to drive the Adventurer again? I’d drink root beer, and I hate root beer, by the way.”

“Great.”

“And if you’re riding shotgun. I’m a happy man.”

“Good, because I need a drink.”

“I’ll get you that beer. You stay right here.”

“Thanks.” Megan saw one of her customers, Vivian, walk in. She went over to greet her and chat. While they were talking, Noah handed her an ice-cold bottle of beer in a blue huggie with
Jackson loves Angie
and the wedding date on it. “M’lady.”

She raised the beer in the air and took a swallow. “Now, that’s good and cold. Thanks, Noah.”

“You’re welcome.” He flashed his perfect smile.

“Viv, this is Noah Black. He’s in car restoration out in California. He and Jackson grew up together.”

“So nice to meet you, Noah.”

“And you. Did you grow up here in Boot Creek too?” he asked, but he could tell from the accent that the likely answer was going to be yes.

“I did. Never have lived anywhere else,” she gushed.

“Boot Creek is a very nice town to be in. I’ve enjoyed my stay,” Noah said, but Megan could feel the undercurrent. He was ready to get back to California. He didn’t seem the type to sit still for long. She’d miss him.

Derek stepped in. “Can I grab you two for another picture?”

“Excuse us, Viv. It was very nice to meet you.” Noah took Megan by the hand, and then followed Derek outside.

They bunched in with the rest of the wedding party, and Noah stood behind her. He settled his hand on the small of her waist.

She hitched a breath at his touch.

As soon as the pictures were taken, he leaned down and whispered into her ear. “Does anyone ever leave Boot Creek?”

“I come and go all the time,” she said, knowing that’s not what he meant. “And yes, people leave. But some visitors get here and never leave, like Jackson.”

“Never is a long time.”

“Takes all kinds.”

“What kind are you?”

“I’m taking my life wherever it leads me.”

“Really?” He walked her over to the love seat next to the fireplace that now held a bucket of iced-down beer instead of firewood. “Because it seems to me you’ve left some of those paths untaken.”

“How so?”

“The art.” He fixed his gaze on her.

“There’s a lot to that story.”

“More than a starving artist? Because from what I’ve seen, you would not starve for long. You’ve got real talent.”

“It’s complicated.”

“I’m listening. I want to understand.”

This man had a way of opening her secret compartments. The things she held precious for herself. The things even her closest friends didn’t talk about. She’d tell him. She knew she would. So, she leaned back and relaxed into the love seat. She hadn’t told this story since the year it all happened. “It’s not a pretty story.”

He tipped his finger under her chin, raising it to his level, then brushed his thumb across her lips. “You are beautiful. Inside and out. I can see that. I already know that. Tell me. I want to know.”

She looked around the room. Her mother raised her glass and flashed a smile and an I-so-approve look her way. Flynn stood across the room with a goofy smile. “Not here. Let’s go outside. To the dock. It’s quiet.”

“Let’s go.”

She took his hand and wove through the crowd. Heaving a sigh as they stepped onto the porch.

“Seems like they multiplied in there,” Noah said.

“I was thinking the same thing.” She pointed to the old boathouse next to the small dock. “This way.” She slipped off her heels and placed them at the edge of the porch. “Won’t be needing these.” She hiked her dress to keep it from dragging and walked down to the water.

Noah paused at the water’s edge. “This is nice.”

“Yeah. This is Boot Creek. The actual creek. Isn’t it great? The water is so clear you can always see to the bottom. And you can traverse those rocks right out to the middle. I swear it’s like you become one with the water out there. It’s freeing.”

Noah kicked out of his shoes.

“What are you doing?”

“Experiencing Boot Creek.” He tugged off his socks and dropped them to the ground. “With you.” He grinned and reached for her hand.

Her own giggle sounded young and silly, but she couldn’t contain it. She gathered the bottom half of her gown, twisting and knotting it below her hips.

“Ahh, a fashion diva too. That dress is way prettier as a miniskirt,” he said with approval. “I like it.”

“I’m no diva.” She stretched her tanned leg out and pointed her toe. “But my talents are rather endless.” She leapt from the bank to the first rock, and then the second. Only pausing to look over her shoulder to see if he was following her.

Noah was right behind her. He had good balance, standing there tall and strong not so unlike the trees along the water’s edge on the opposite side of the wide creek.

“Careful,” she called over her shoulder. “The rocks toward the center are smoother. They can be a little slippery.”

“Right behind you.”

She’d run these rocks so many times in her lifetime that she couldn’t count, but he was keeping up with her like a local. As she got closer to the middle, the rocks were larger. Boulders really. Like little islands on a miniature ocean.

“This is great.” Noah stepped from the large rock behind Megan to join her on the largest, right in the center of the creek.

She dipped her foot into the water, lifting a splash in his direction.

“Slow learner. Remember what happened last time you tried to pick a fight with me?” His grin was sexy and taunting.

“You think I’m afraid? You’re on my stompin’ grounds, California boy.” She kicked water out toward the center of the creek, provoking him.

“Hey, don’t start what you can’t finish.”

“Oh, I’ll finish.”

He stepped closer, hooking her leg back down to the rock with his foot. “If we didn’t have to go back inside, I’d pull you into this water right here and now.”

She pressed her lips together, wishing neither one of them had duties back up at the inn. But as maid of honor and best man, they’d surely be missed. She sucked in a staggered breath, rose to her toes and wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Was that a threat? Because it doesn’t sound like much of a punishment to me.”

He squeezed her waist between his hands, making her feel tiny and safe in his arms as he leaned forward and took her mouth into his. “Do you have any idea what you are doing to me?”

She nipped at his lip. “I have a pretty good idea. I’m feeling it too.” She turned, her back to his front, and he wrapped his arms around her, resting his chin on top of her head.

“See the turtles?” She pointed to a downed tree on the other side. A family of stair-step-sized turtles lined one of the branches, taking in the sunshine.

He nodded. “And fish.” Pointing to a school of minnows below, he pretended to get ready to toss her in, but caught her just as she squealed. “Kidding.”

“Not funny.” She twisted free of his hold and made the nine leaps from rock to rock back to the safety of the shore. She stood there with her hands on her hips laughing. And waiting.

Jackson swept two fingers from his eyes to hers over there on the shore. “Got my eye on you, girl.” He made the trip back to shore easily, but she’d already made her way to the dock.

By the time he caught up, she was sitting on the dock, her feet dangling in the cold water.

He sat down and took her hand. “Got a story to tell me?”

She closed her eyes, letting the warm sun stream down over her. A deep breath in, and the words came so easy. “I’d been painting like crazy. I didn’t have a studio back then. Just a dream and the dining room table in front of the sliding glass windows where I had everything sprawled out. I thought my life was absolutely perfect.”

He didn’t say a word. Instead he listened intently.

“I was living with my fiancé. A little house over on the other side of town. I think it had been his aunt’s. Someone from his family willing to rent to us cheap. Anyway, we were going to be married.”

“Serious stuff.”

“Yes. It was. We weren’t planning a fancy wedding like Angie’s. I wasn’t spending big bucks on a gown or anything like that. We were in love and just making it official. We’d gotten the marriage license and everything, but we were going to have a very simple ceremony as soon as we’d saved enough money for our honeymoon.”

“Sounds like a good plan.”

“I’ve always been a goal setter,” she said.

“Me too,” he said. “Like you make yourself earn everything?”

“Exactly.”

“Sorry, didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“Anyway, I was making good money on my paintings. Kevin was selling them like nobody’s business. He was an awesome salesman. He would gush over my work, and I guess his enthusiasm spilled over because people seemed to be clamoring for them. It was a really exciting time.”

“I bet. I can understand his enthusiasm. Your work is great.”

She shrugged. “Kevin was my biggest cheerleader. He was so proud to introduce me as his fiancé and as an artist.”

She laughed. “Like it was some big deal, even though we were eating ramen noodles and Beanie Weenies half the time. It always made me laugh, because he introduced me like everyone should know who I was, and people seemed to believe him. It was crazy. But nice. Even if I never felt that special.”

She swung her foot, her toes just brushing the cool water. It was freeing to actually talk about this with Noah. Different. Safe.

“You married?”

She shook her head. “Oh, no. Never married.”

He didn’t say a word; instead he pushed his leg against hers.

It felt like minutes had passed. But he didn’t rush her, and she was thankful for that. “He died.”

Noah straightened.

“An overdose.” She felt the tears glisten, but they didn’t fall. She forced herself to continue. “Accidental overdose is what they said. He’d been on crystal meth. I didn’t even know. How did I not know?” She looked into Noah’s eyes. There was no judgment there. “I knew he partied. I didn’t, so I didn’t really hang around in those situations. I kept painting. Doing what I loved, and it seemed to make him so happy.”

Noah stroked her hand, pulling it into his lap.

“He’d always seemed so happy.” She lowered her head. “And then he was gone.”

She squeezed her eyes, and then his hand.

“You don’t have to tell me,” he said.

She shrugged. “I barely got through the days. The sorrow I felt cut so deep that I couldn’t even see my own life separate from him. My mom threatened to move me home. Angie finally made me get out of bed. I didn’t even want to live, much less paint. The days were so long. I slept all the time, praying and hoping the next day would bring something brighter. I couldn’t wrap my head around Kevin keeping a secret like that from me. He had a problem. I would have helped him. I could have.”