Love Finds You in Camelot, Tennessee (37 page)

Amy joined the other ladies in the dressing room. She laughed as Annabelle stared at her reflection in the mirror. “I’m going to need power tools to get all of this makeup off. Lucy was pretty heavy-handed.” Giggles followed.

“What else is new?” Caroline said. “The woman has skill. What can I say?”

“We’ve all got skill,” Blossom added. “I’m floored by the talent in our little town. Completely floored.”

“So am I,” Amy said, giving her a hug. “You were all great.”

“Could you believe those guys in the jousting scene?” Annabelle’s eyes widened. “They blew me away. Those horses were spectacular. Who did you say they belong to again?”

“Mickey. The reporter. The horses are his dad’s.”

“They
made
the show,” Caroline said. “I loved them.”

Amy listened in as the ladies carried on, sharing their favorite memories of the night. Off in the distance, Gwen sat staring at her reflection in the mirror, slowing removing her makeup.

The crowd eventually cleared, leaving Amy alone with Gwen. Her heart twisted as she felt the Lord’s nudge to say something to her. “Are you coming to the after-party?” Amy asked, taking the seat next to Gwen.

“What would be the point?” Gwen looked her way for a second then turned her gaze back to her reflection. Amy couldn’t help but notice the sadness in her eyes.

“What do you mean?”

“Name one person who would care if I didn’t show up.” Gwen dabbed at her eyes, removing the heavy eyeliner.

“Me.”

“What?” Gwen turned and stared at her, eyes misting over. “Since when?”

“Since always, Gwen.” Amy spoke the words from her heart, meaning them with every fiber of her being.

“I seriously doubt you or anyone else in this town really cares about me.”

Amy gave her a curious look. “Of course we do. Everyone thinks you hung the moon. And you were pretty amazing the other day with Sarge. If you hadn’t been there, there’s no telling what might have happened.” She smiled. “I know Jackson appreciated it.”

“Jackson.” Gwen blew out a breath. “I have to wonder if he even realizes I’m alive. Just like Steve never knew I was alive when you were around. You’re so…” She quickly turned, as if embarrassed to be caught wearing her emotions on her sleeve.

“Gwen, what happened to us?” Amy reached out to touch her arm. “You were my best friend. We did everything together. And now it seems like we’re on opposite teams or something. It’s weird. I don’t like it.”

“Me either.” Gwen’s words were whispered but genuine.

Amy pulled her chair a little closer, looking at Gwen intently. “It’s been great working with you on the show. I love that whole Knights of the Round Table thing. I’ve enjoyed watching everyone work together…no one being more than—or less than—anyone else.”

“That’s just it.” Gwen faced her, eyes filled with tears. “I could never compare myself to you because you always won out.”

“W–what?”

“Yes. You were every teacher’s pet. You were so friendly, and everyone loved you. Then when Steve came along…” She shook her head. “Anyway, it’s not always easy being friends with someone who’s so perfect. That’s why I ended up stepping away, if you want the truth. I couldn’t stand the comparison.”

Amy shook her head, completely dumbfounded. Gwen’s words stunned her. “You’ve been comparing yourself to me? Don’t you realize what a screwup I am? I’m the last person you want to compare yourself to.”

“You’re the one who always gets the guy at the end of the story,” Gwen said. “And from the time Steve became your best friend, there wasn’t room for me anymore.”

“But…” Amy couldn’t find the words. Nothing made sense. She finally worked up the courage to speak. “I’m sorry if I pushed you away, Gwen. I never meant to do it. Maybe I just wasn’t paying attention.”

“Who knows.” Gwen faced her reflection once again. “Maybe I was just too caught up in the fairy tale. Thought I’d capture the guy and ride off into the sunset. But that’s not going to happen now, so I need to just get over it.”

Amy shook her head. “Don’t be so sure. I know that God has someone special for you, Gwen, because you’re so special.”

An awkward silence rose up between them, followed by a little sniffle from Gwen. “I’m clueless about all of that.” Her words sounded strained. “Sometimes I think it’s easier just to go on pretending. The real world isn’t much fun.”

“Well, I hear ya on that one,” Amy said. “Trust me when I say that I’d just as soon put on rose-colored glasses and pretend everything’s perfect when it’s not. But that’s not an honest way to live. Facing reality is really the only way to accomplish anything. It’s a hard lesson, but it’s one I’ve definitely learned in the past few weeks, thanks to
Camelot.”

“Camelot was a fictional place.” Gwen returned to her makeup removal, working the cotton ball until every last bit of eyeliner had disappeared.

“I used to think that,” Amy said. “I’m not so sure anymore.”

“What do you mean?”

Amy paused to collect her thoughts. She wanted her response to be just right. “The more I think about it, the more I realize that Camelot symbolizes something far greater than any earthly kingdom.”

“What’s that?” Gwen tossed the cotton ball into the trash can and looked at Amy.

“We need to live in the real world, for sure,” Amy said. “But we’ve also got to have faith that God is leading us toward an ideal home—a true Camelot, as it were. A place where the weather really is perfect year-round and a King—
the
King—rules in wisdom and power.”

Gwen shrugged.

“We can trust Him, Gwen.” Amy rose and stood beside her friend’s chair, gazing at their reflections in the mirror. “He loves us. You know?”

Gwen’s eyes filled with tears, and she reached for another cotton ball. “Look what you’ve done, Amy. Ruined a perfectly good makeup removal.” Her words were followed by a hint of a smile.

Not exactly outstretched arms, but a step in the right direction. Not that Amy expected the relationship to be mended in a day. After all, good things came to those who were willing to wait. If this production hadn’t proven that, nothing would.

Steve took a few steps toward the Civic Center, looking through the sea of people for the woman who’d stolen his heart. Unfortunately, he couldn’t seem to find her.

“Looking for someone?” Pete asked, coming up beside him.

“Yes. Haven’t seen Amy for a few minutes.” His gaze darted to the right and then the left. Where was she?

“You know how women are. She’s probably gabbing with the other ladies or fixing herself up to look beautiful for you.”

“She definitely doesn’t need to fix herself up to look beautiful,” Steve said. “She’s never been the kind to wear a lot of makeup, and I’m fine with that.”

Pete laughed. “My daddy used to say, ‘Powder and paint make a girl what she ain’t.’ “ His paused, a reflective look on his face. “Not sure what that says about Lucy Cramden, but I have learned to admire her artwork.”

Steve laughed. “You are a man who appreciates fine art, to be sure.”

“And willing to work hard to get it,” Pete added. “Which reminds me…I have something to tell you.”

“Oh?” Steve looked Pete’s way. “What’s that? Did you decide to pop the question?”

“No. I bought a ferret.”

“You what?” Steve stared at him, confused. “On purpose?”

“Yes.” He nodded. “I’ve named him Fabian.”

Steve shook his head, not quite believing this. “And you did this because…?”

“I decided Fiona must be lonely. That’s why she’s always in trouble. And I thought it might be a surefire way to win Lucy’s heart. If she knows how much I care about her pet, she’ll realize how much I care about her. Right?”

Steve chewed on that idea. “Makes sense. So when are you going to tell her?”

Pete glanced across the stage and drew in a deep breath. “Right now. Pray for me.”

“Will do.”

Steve watched as Pete sprinted into the Civic Center, his head held high.

“Lord,” Steve whispered, “I’m not sure why You’ve planted me in this crazy town, but I do find it all pretty entertaining.”

“Entertaining?” Eula Mae’s voice rang out. “You find us entertaining?”

“Very.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her soft white curls.

“Ah. Well, then, you’ll like this,” she said, wriggling out of his arms. “I’ve just been told there’s going to be a funeral. That ought to be good for a laugh.”

“A funeral?” Steve looked up, fear gripping his heart. “Who died?”

Eula Mae rolled her eyes. “Bugsy.”

“Well, yes, but…a funeral?”

“Yep.” She nodded. “According to Jackson, Sarge feels awful about what he’s done. He didn’t mean to shoot Bugsy. The whole thing happened accidentally while he was out taking a few practice shots. Apparently Sarge called Pastor Crane this afternoon and asked him if he’d perform the service. He wants to go all out for poor Bugsy.”

“Isn’t Pastor Crane a little busy right now?”

“Yes.” Eula Mae chuckled. “Just got a call from him, by the way. Natalie’s due to deliver anytime now, so the funeral will have to wait a few days. Just wanted you to know, since you’re the mayor and all.”

“Thanks.” He paused to rake his fingers through his hair. “I think.”

Eula Mae narrowed her gaze. “You might want to shave between now and then. Wouldn’t be right to go to a funeral looking like that. This is going to be a pretty big shindig. They’re going to bury Bugsy proper-like. Sarge is buying a coffin and everything. Not an expensive one, mind you. One from the back room of the mortuary. The kind they use for county burials.” She paused. “By the way, I signed you up to bring a casserole.”

“A casserole?”

“Well, sure. Folks always bring casseroles to funerals, don’t they? For the family and friends to eat afterward. We’ll have a big party in the fellowship hall after we drop Busgy into the ground. I think I’ll drive through the Cluck ’n Stuff out on the parkway and pick up some chicken. They’ve got a special on dark meat.”

Steve closed his eyes, completely sure he must be imagining all this. When he opened them, Woody was standing beside Eula Mae, giving him the strangest look.

“You okay, Steve?” Woody asked.

“Just another day in Camelot.” Laughter rose up, and he didn’t even try to force it down.

Off in the distance, Amy called out his name. He waved in response. Her smile broadened and she waved back.

As he watched the woman he loved sprint down the center aisle toward him, Steve was struck by the most amazing thought. Maybe…just maybe…it wouldn’t be the last time he would see her coming down the aisle. Maybe next time he’d meet her at the altar, ready to carry her off on a white steed toward their real happily-ever-after.

I love acting, but it’s much more fun taking the kids to the zoo.

N
ICOLE
K
IDMAN

Amy cleared the table, carrying the last of the dishes back into the kitchen. She didn’t care much for loading the dishwasher but would never think of complaining. Not with all the other joyous things going on in her life right now. She kicked off her shoes and stretched her aching feet.
Ah. Much better.

“What did you think?” Steve asked, slipping up behind her. “Did you have fun tonight?”

“I always love it when Gwen and Jackson come over,” she said. “And you know I love a good game of Yahtzee.”

Her husband pulled her close and gazed into her eyes. “No, I mean, what did you think of the conversation we had?”

“About you running for Senate?” Her heart swelled with pride. She placed the last plate into the bottom rack and dried her hands then turned to face him. “Is that what you mean?”

“Yes. So…?”

Amy smiled, her heart overflowing. “I think it’s a fabulous idea. You’re such an amazing leader, Steve, and people really respect you. And I know your heart better than anyone else.”

“You do.” He kissed her on the brow and offered a smile.

“You want to make a difference in the world.”

Steve nodded, his eyes glistening.

“I can’t wait to see what the Lord does,” she whispered. “It’s going to be exciting.”

“Mom!” Seven-year-old Timmy’s voice rang out, interrupting their private moment. “Why did Uncle Jackson have to leave? We were going to play army.”