The Sometime Bride

the earrings, then stood to examine the total effect. The dress was exquisite, the shoes and jewelry the perfect complement. But what shone out among it all was the light in her eyes. The fresh color in her cheeks. The first dewdrops of love everlasting.
    If Mike could do this to her now, Carrie realized, she’d be a real stunner by the time she reached Grandma Russell’s age.

Chapter Thirteen

    Mike took the winding country road that snaked through the open tract of undeveloped land. As per Carrie’s instructions, he started counting mailboxes when he got to the top of the hill. When he hit number four, he made a hard right and steered down the gravel drive that led through a covering of trees. And then his passage through the cluster of woods spilled out into open pasture. A huge purple-blue sky draped with lazy clouds danced high above the nearby mountains. The scenery took his breath away.
    Mike spotted the small white-stucco house nestled back against the edge of the property. And, as he drew closer, he spied its immaculate gardens forming a meticulous border around the cottage’s outside. Boxwoods and azaleas, tastefully interspersed by wild flowers, lavender, and zinnias. And nearer the railing of the small wraparound porch, towering sunflowers strained skyward to catch their last glimpse of the fading day.
    Up on the porch there was a swing, patently built for two. Mike sighed, taking in the idyllic picture, thinking the only thing that would make it complete would be a passel of kids playing in the grassy yard that butted up against the neighboring orchard.
    Mike suddenly looked down at his watch, realizing he’d been sitting there daydreaming. Daydreaming about a home and a houseful of kids. His kids, he realized with vibrant shock. His and Carrie’s.
    Mike scrambled from the car, warning himself to take things slow. Follow through with his premeditated plan. For all of his previous slipups, this was one thing he was going to get right.
    Mike stepped up onto the porch, straightened his tie, then rang the doorbell. When nothing sounded inside, he tried waiting a few moments, then knocking instead.
    A few seconds later, Carrie pulled back the door. “Oh, I’m sorry, did you try knocking? I’ve been meaning—”
    But Mike stopped her with a deep, rumbling, “Wow! Carrie, you look like a million bucks.”
    Another point she’d made plans to discuss with him, Carrie reminded herself, making space for him to scoot by her into the room. “Thanks, you look terrific too.” And, boy, did he ever. Very stylish in his charcoal gray with muted pinstripes.
    Carrie shut the door behind them and looked down at her dress. “You sure this isn’t too much for tonight? I mean, I didn’t really know how formal the dinner-dance was going to be.”
    “You look perfect,” he assured her, a panther-like look in his eyes. “Absolutely perfect. In fact,” he said, pulling her into his arms, “if I hadn’t already promised you dinner…”
    “Mike!” she protested, pushing back on his shoulders, “you’ll muss my hair!”
    “That won’t be all,” he said, kissing her sweetly but then pulling back when she exploded in laughter.
    “Have my skills deteriorated that badly?” he asked, offended.
    “Oh no,” she said, laughing as she reached for a tissue from the entrance table and dabbed his lips. “It’s just that you’re wearing my Magenta Rose.” She chuckled again. “And, I’m not so sure that’s the impression you wanted to give at this reunion.”
    “Ah,” Mike said, smiling and kissing the tissue in understanding. “Better now?”
    “Don’t know.” Carrie brought a hand to her chin. “Maybe we ought to try it again, just to be sure?”
    Mike gave her a teasing wink. “Why, Carrie St. John, if you keep threatening me with kisses…”
    “No, no,” she said, lifting her purse off the table. “You promised your dad we’d be there at six and it’s already half past. If we’re going to have any opportunity for a visit before the dance, we’d best get going.”
    “Only if you promise we can play that little lipstick game later on.”
    “All you want,” she said, beaming up at him as he held back the door.

    Mike pulled open the screen door of the trailer, letting Carrie inside.
    Jack Davis stood from his chair at the kitchen table with a cat-calling whistle.
    “Dad!” Mike admonished, standing beside Carrie just inside the door.
    Carrie’s cheeks lit with color, but she