Garments Of Praise by Becky Melby & Cathy Wienke

Author:Becky Melby & Cathy Wienke
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2013-01-17T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

Digging both hands deep into the pockets of his worn jeans, he fingered the few coins that rested on the bottom. As he looked out from the enclosed porch at the barn and the driveway, occupied now by a black and chrome Harley-Davidson, he wondered how long he should wait. Restless, he paced the length of the front porch before choosing a wicker chair in the corner, half-hidden in the shadows. Leaning his head back, he closed his eyes, replaying in his head the last several months.

He could not remember a time he had felt this tired, physically and mentally exhausted. He breathed in the fresh spring air; bending over, he rested his elbows on his knees, running both hands through sand-colored hair long overdue for a haircut. The hair fell over his eyes as soon as he pulled his hand away, a soft golden wave against his tanned skin.

The vehicle pulled almost silently into the driveway. He watched, half-wanting to leave. He felt like a cornered animal, trapped between her and his own doubts. He willed her to use the front door. If she did, he would leave. He’d come back tomorrow when her sister was home. Maybe.

He stood and watched her, saw her clench her fist as she walked toward the bike, then stop and turn back to her car. He breathed a sigh and sunk back into the shadows.

Suddenly, the back door flew open. He stood to face her as words assaulted him like sand thrown in the wind.

“What are you doing here? You can’t just barge in here and mess up our lives anytime you feel like it! This is Karlee’s wedding day, and you’re not going to spoil it! Why are you here? Answer me!” On the verge of hysteria, Hailey shook her head, then covered her face with her hands as tears streamed down behind them.

Knowing full well the possible consequences, Randy stepped slowly toward her and gently put his arms around her. Surprising them both, Hailey rested her head on his chest until she had relinquished the anger and pain she had carried for so long.

Softly into her hair, he whispered, “I’m sorry, Hailey, so very sorry. I came here to tell you that. Can we sit down? Will you hear me out, please?”

Hailey stood back, crossing her arms across her chest, and watched him sit, his outstretched hand offering the chair next to him. She sat down across from him, and Randy began repeating out loud the words that had played in his head for weeks.

Shadows danced around them as the afternoon sun slipped below gray clouds. Throughout the beginning of his explanation, Hailey remained silent. Then, lifting her hand to stop him, she heard her own voice say, “Let’s go inside; there’s coffee made.”

At the kitchen table, he watched her fill two cups from the coffeepot and reheat them in the microwave. He elected to leave his worn leather jacket on. When she sat down, Randy asked if he could continue.

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