Chapter Thirty-Five
T he plane touched down right on time at Memphis International Airport. Vickie always selected a window seat when she flew and by the time she’d booked today’s flight, the only one available was at the back of the plane. She tried to stay patient, waiting on all the passengers ahead of her to collect their luggage and exit. She’d resolved to put Thatcher out of her mind for this trip. She’d spoken to him on the phone earlier in the week, and even though he’d sounded happy to talk to her about what was going on with her during the week and share a little about his week, he still managed to steer the conversation to their project. But she didn’t want to dwell on her growing confusion. This weekend was about Kristy and Ace.
Finally it was her turn to deplane. She slid across the row of three seats and lugged her red bag over her shoulder. She’d checked her suitcase, but liked to have a few incidentals with her just in case. She’d been the victim of lost luggage too many times.
Vickie made her way off the plane and into the busy airport. The thick smell of barbeque filled the air and she inhaled sharply. Only in Memphis would even the airport aroma be that of the local specialty.
Just as she descended the escalator that led to baggage claim she spotted Ainsley standing next to the baggage carousel. It had been far too long since she’d seen her friend. She quickened her step. “Ainsley.”
The tall young woman with long, wavy red hair turned at the sound of her name. Her face lit up in a smile. “Hi.” She leaned down to give Vickie a quick side hug. “I can’t believe we’re finally here.”
Vickie pointed at the baby sleeping in a sling that was draped across Ainsley’s front. “And I can’t believe you have a baby.” She peered closely at the tiny form. “She’s beautiful. I can’t wait to get my hands on her.”
“Thanks.” Ainsley gently caressed her daughter. “She’s been a good little traveler. Just look at her sleeping, even through the noise.” She motioned at the flower-printed sling. “And this thing has been a lifesaver. I can’t believe I almost left it.” She laughed. “If Faith is fussy the day of the wedding, do you think Kristy will get mad if I just wear it down the aisle, baby and all?”
“I think she’ll be so happy to be marrying Mr. Right that she wouldn’t notice if we wore our park service uniforms and did cartwheels at the reception.”
Ainsley made a face. “You know how much she loves being a ranger. Let’s not mention the uniform thing, lest she decide that sounds like a cute idea.”
Vickie burst out laughing. “Oh, I see my luggage. I’ll be right back.” She rushed to the carousel and pulled her large navy suitcase from the moving belt.
“Do I need to carry your luggage?” Vickie asked once she was back with Ainsley.
“No. I think I can manage.” She’d attached the diaper bag to the top of her suitcase and was able to roll them together. “I pack light, remember?”
“I didn’t know how much extra stuff you’d bring for Faith.”
“Not too much. Kristy’s mom has an extra car seat and a few other things that she’s used when her grandkids have stayed with her. She’s supposed to have dropped anything she thought I might use off at Kristy’s house.”
Vickie pulled out her phone. “Speaking of which, have you talked to her?”
“No. I’d just gotten my luggage when you got here.”
“I’ll call to see how far away she is.” She punched a button. It was only an hour and a half drive from Shiloh to Memphis. But knowing Kristy, she was probably running late. Especially considering all the last minute things she was likely doing as a result of moving the wedding location. “Hi.” Vickie said into the phone once Kristy picked up. “Two women, a baby and a bunch of luggage are waiting anxiously for your arrival.”
“Are you at the curb already?” Kristy asked.
“Nope, we’re still at baggage claim.”
“Then I’m one step ahead of you.” Kristy laughed. “I just pulled up out front.” She paused. “I don’t think this security lady is going to let me leave my car though, so I hope you guys can manage.”
“We’ll be fine. Earth Mother has some kind of kangaroo contraption to hold her baby in so her arms are free.”
Ainsley burst out laughing. “You can only hope that when you get to be a mother you’re as hip as me.”
Vickie grinned and tucked her phone into her back pocket. “You’re right.” She paused to let Ainsley go ahead of her. “Besides, by the time I have children, you’ll be an expert so you can tell me what to do.”
“I don’t know about that.” Ainsley pointed to her right. “There she is.”
They slowly made their way over to the SUV. Just as they reached it, Kristy jumped out.
“I’m so excited to see you guys,” she squealed, hugging Vickie first and then Ainsley. “And look at this precious baby. She’s perfect.”
“Thanks,” Ainsley said, grinning. “I kind of like her.”
Kristy opened the back door of the vehicle. “I borrowed Sarah’s car seat for you.”
While Ainsley got the baby situated, Kristy and Vickie loaded the suitcases into the car. Five minutes later, they were pulling away from the airport.
“Thanks you guys, I know changing plans was a hassle,” Kristy said, once they were on I-40. “And I also know coming to Tennessee isn’t the same as a few days at the beach would’ve been.”
Vickie glanced over at her friend. “It works for me. I’m just glad to be together.” She turned to the back. “And to finally meet Little Miss, of course.” She settled back in her seat and the three of them kept up a constant stream of chatter about the upcoming wedding.
∞∞∞
Vickie looked into the full-length mirror in Kristy’s hallway. They were about to leave for the wedding rehearsal at the church, followed by dinner at Hagy’s Catfish Hotel, Kristy’s favorite restaurant.
“You look great,” Kristy said, stepping out of her bedroom.
Vickie had settled on a slim black skirt, red sweater, and black heels. It was dressy, but not too much. “Thanks.” She turned to look at her friend. “And so do you. You’re every bit the beautiful bride.”
Instead of her usual ponytail, Kristy’s medium-length blonde hair fell loose around her shoulders. She wore a dark purple wrap dress that accentuated her trim figure. “Are you sure? This is a little out of the norm for me.”
“It’s perfect.” Vickie grinned. “Are you nervous?”
Kristy was silent for a moment. “You know, I thought I would be. I mean, you know how I am.” She gave a tiny laugh. After being left at the altar, trust hadn’t come easily to Kristy. But she and Ace had worked through those issues and seemed happier than ever.
Vickie nodded. “I know.”
“But it’s weird. I’m not nervous at all. Just excited.” She leaned against the doorframe. “And I’m so glad you and Ainsley are here.” She lowered her voice. “How do you think she’s doing, really?” she asked, nodding toward the living room where Ainsley was feeding Faith.
“It’s hard to tell,” Vickie murmured. “I’m hoping that once we get home tonight, we’ll have time for a good talk.”
Kristy nodded. “Definitely. It’s my last single girl night.” Her mouth turned upward in a huge grin. “And you know you’re not getting off the hook either. We want to know what’s been going on in your world.” She raised an eyebrow at Vickie.
“What? There’s nothing going on in my world.”
“So you say. But you’ve been acting funny lately and I want to know why.”
Vickie looked at her watch. “You’ll have to wait a bit for the inquisition. It’s time to rehearse your wedding.”