CHAPTER NINE #2
The wind is almost knocked out of me by Christy’s hug. “Really? Thank you! I just don’t want to disappoint family, especially family who means so much to both of us.” I hug her back. I love how deeply she feels.
“I’ve got this. Now, why don’t you go take a nice long bath, and I’ll order us some dinner.
I’m thinking tonight’s the perfect night for dinner and a movie on the couch, what do you say?
” She rewards me with a kiss and a nod. She gets up and heads toward the hallway, tripping over the area rug but catching herself before she falls.
As soon as I hear the water running in the bathroom, I send a text to everyone she mentioned, plus one more person.
Me: Can y’all meet me for lunch tomorrow at Lefty’s? Let’s say noon? My treat.
Almost instantly, I start getting replies.
Pa: I’ll be there. Everything okay?
Rory: Will be there. What’s goin’ on?
Juan: I’m in. What those two asked.
Jon: I’m in. Am I gonna need bail money?
Jackson: I’m in, but I’m confused.
Wyatt: I’ll be there. That’s Jackson’s normal state, so nothing new there.
Asher: Not sure why I’m included in this motley crew, but I’ll be there. What’s going on? Your girl okay?
Seeing as they’re all coming without a second thought tells me that my idea is the right one.
Me: Everything is fine. I just have a favor to ask all of you for Christy. Something she’s…she’s worried about, but I know you are the right ones to handle it.
Juan: If that’s not the most vague text back you could do, I don’t know what is.
Pa: Color me intrigued. See you then, Son.
Things are gonna work out just like they should, and I’m gonna get to marry the girl of my dreams.
**********
I’m still thankful that all the guys were more than happy to go along with my idea and keep it a secret. Even Ma and Anna don’t know. I think it will make it even more meaningful.
There’s a knock on the door, and it opens a moment later. Pa, Ma, and Jon walk inside. Ma comes up to me and gives me a hug. She turns to look at me with a smile that only a mom can give. She reaches up and cups my face.
“My baby boy is getting married today. You know I’m proud of all you’ve accomplished, finishing college and establishing a successful practice, but the thing I’m most proud of?
” I shake my head and wait, knowing this isn’t a time for me to say anything.
She gives my face a little squeeze. “That you’ve grown into a good man.
You know what’s important in life, and you love with all your heart.
I know without a doubt that she’s the right one for you.
I’m so glad that the gods saw fit to let me be your mom.
It’s been one of the highlights of my life. ”
Well shit. I’m not trying to cry today, but Ma’s making it a challenge. I take a deep breath. “I thank the gods every day that they let me stay with you and Pa. Having you as parents has been the single best thing to happen to me.”
Ma smiles. “Till today. Today you’re going to start your life with a woman whose eyes light up anytime you enter a room. She reacts just like I do with your Pa.” She wipes my face and gives that telling nod of hers that lets me know it’s time we both get our emotions in check.
“Now I’m going to go and check on your bride and make sure everything is on schedule. Love you.” I give her one more hug. “Love you too, Ma.” She quickly leaves the room and closes the door behind her.
Jon goes to his filing cabinet, pulls out a bottle, and three glasses. “Thought we could do a toast before we go out to the masses out there.” I nod and watch as he opens and pours three glasses of his really good Elijah Craig whiskey.
Jon hands a glass to Pa and me. He holds his up and looks at me. “You know I’ve done several weddings now, including both Kierstie and Madison’s. I’ve been honored to do them all. I’m honored to do yours today, but I have to admit this one just might mean the most to me.”
That surprises me because he’s always been close to our sisters, especially Kierstie. He shakes his head and smiles at me. “I can tell that surprises you. Of course it would. I don’t think you understand the mark you’ve made on all of us.” I’m not sure where he’s going with this, so I wait.
He smiles again. “I remember the day I came to Ma and Pa’s.
I was defensive, angry, and had a chip on my shoulder so big that I’m surprised it didn’t knock me over.
I was brought by my caseworker right after the rest of the kids had left for school, and you were the only one home since Madison was in kindergarten, I think.
I was sitting on the couch, with my backpack in my lap.
I was mad at the world that my birth mom had chosen drugs again, and I was back in foster care.
I didn’t know if this was a good one or not yet.
You come out of your room with your little hands full.
You sat in front of me and set down a truck and a car.
You started playing with them, not saying anything for a little bit.
I remember looking you over and not seeing any bruises, which gave me hope.
Finally, you looked back up and spoke for the first time.
You asked me if I wanted to play. I didn’t answer, so you said something that stuck with me.
You told me that you were four years old, but you knew things.
You stood up and crossed your arms. I swear, looking back, it was just like Pa has always done.
You then said, ‘I know you think someone might hit you or hurt you here. Ma and Pa don’t do that.
They don’t even make you eat your vegetables ifs you don’ts like them.
There’s a snack spot, so if you’re ever hungry, you can just get something.
I’ve been here foreber, but lots of kids come for just a little bit.
I think you should stay. I only gots two brothers. I needs more.”
That gets a chuckle out of both me and Pa.
Jon smiles. “Less than a month later, Juan came along, and you had more than enough big brothers. But, in all seriousness, looking back at that day, you were trying to fix things even back then. It’s part of who you are.
Looking back, I don’t think I saw that soon enough.
You became my little brother, the one who was always there.
Your impact on our family didn’t hit me till the day…
the day we didn’t know if we lost you. That’s when I realized just how much you did-do for our family, most of it quietly and behind the scenes.
Ma and Pa may be the foundation, but, brother, you're the fucking anchor keeping us all together.”
I wasn’t expecting that at all. I’m at a loss for words.
“Well, shit.” I look over at Pa, who’s almost glaring at Jon. “Between you and your mom, I ain’t been left with much to say.” He holds up the glass and looks back at me.
“I’m proud of you, Son. May your marriage be long, happy, and give me and your ma plenty of grandbabies.” That makes us all laugh. We clink glasses and drink down the smoothest of whiskeys.
Pa takes hold of my shoulder. “Let’s get this show on the road, what do you say?” I nod. “I’m ready. I’ve been ready. It’s finally time to get married.”
Christy
Mary just left the room to see if we’re about to start the ceremony. I look in the mirror, and I know I’m ready. I’m ready to marry Max. My eyes go to the locket around my neck.
Last night, after Max left, Ma came to me with a small box. She handed it to me with a card and gave me a hug. “I’m so happy to have you as a daughter. Welcome to the family.” She left the room to let me open the envelope and see what’s inside.
I opened the envelope and took out a letter.
Christy,
There are not many people on this planet who know anything about what it was like for you growing up there on the mountain. Luckily, a few of us know some, not a lot, but some.
We know that nothing sentimental is allowed, and looking to the past isn’t allowed. We also know that all of that is pure bullshit. Memories are important to everyone, and you’ve been robbed of a lot of memories of your mom by your…sperm donor is the only appropriate description to use.
While we can’t bring your mama back, nor can we get so many of those memories back, we decided to try and get one thing for you. We wanted to welcome you into the family, but also give you a piece of yours that’s been missing for more than a decade.
We wanted this to be a surprise, so Max doesn’t even know about it. You can share it with him or keep it just for you.
Colton, myself, Anna, Mary, Erik, and even Sheriff Jeremy worked to find this. Your father didn’t make it easy, but luckily, he couldn’t erase everything about your dear mama.
In the box you’ll find a locket. It’s your something old because it belonged to my and Erik’s mama.
Inside that locket? It’s something we searched high and low for, and Mary insisted we had, in fact, found it.
Inside that locket is a picture of your mama.
We hope this brings you strength, warm memories, and something you’ve been missing for too many years.
We want you to know you aren’t just welcome here, you are loved.
Love,
Ma, Anna, Erik, and Mary (with the help of Colton)
The moment I opened the locket, I knew they had found her.
Those eyes and that small smile. That was my mama.
She was so beautiful inside and out. I know she wanted more out of life, and I would like to think she’s happy that I not only made it down the mountain but that I’ve got this little life that makes me happier than I thought I could ever be.
I touch the locket again and am eternally grateful for it and for Ma's foresight in giving it to me last night so I wouldn’t totally lose it right before I walk down the aisle. I do feel steadier knowing I have a little piece of her with me today.