A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Your Wedding Page 5

  A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Your Wedding

  Chapter Five

  Dear Pastor Randy:

  I’m sure you’re surprised to get this email from me of all people. Well, after your sudden exodus yesterday, I decided to clear things up. I got your email address from Alice. She said you would love to hear from me; I hope that’s still true. I just want you to know I wasn’t just humoring you. I did enjoy our time together. In fact, I haven’t opened up to someone like that in a long time. You must have a gift from God to allow people to be so free with their thoughts. Anyway, just know I do hope we see each other again sometime.

  Sincerely,

  Kari

  Sending an email seemed much easier than picking up the phone and talking to Randy even though Alice had suggested it. As Kari pushed the send button, her chest cavity filled with apprehension. She truly meant everything she had put into the email. She wanted to clear the air and make sure the next time they met wouldn’t be uncomfortable. She knew she had been right to refuse to walk home with him. Even though there was something that compelled her toward him, she just wasn’t ready to start anything new.

  She was still hurting from the memory of Geoffrey. It wasn’t that she still loved him. It was that she didn’t have the heart or the patience or the trust to begin a new relationship with anyone else. She had always been a happy, positive person but with all she’d been through over the past year, life just didn’t seem so bright and cheerful anymore. Being alone felt right.

  Rising from the computer, she walked to her sitting room couch and sat down surrounded by the essays from her freshman US history class. She tried to forget about Randy by plunging in on the ‘Causes of the Civil War.’

  ****

  Randy returned to his little house after services Sunday afternoon feeling very low. Church had gone well today and he’d had fun with the high school group. They played their usual faire of ridiculous but fun games and enacted some Biblical skits. After the lesson, two new girls came forward to accept Christ as their Savior. It was a great day, he reminded himself. This is God’s day.

  Still, he couldn’t shake the feeling of regret and loneliness encompassing him. What’s wrong with me? Usually, before he got to feeling this low, he would make a joke to himself, turn on the basketball game or call Alice. Even when John and Emily Richards invited him to lunch, he refused. Today he wanted to wallow in his unhappiness. He didn’t even try to pray; though, he felt the urge over and over. He stubbornly refused and slunk over to the kitchen to make himself a pitiful sandwich.

  After lunch, he sat on his couch and turned on the TV. Flipping through the channels, he felt bored. He didn’t know what he wanted to do, but he was itching to do something. He finally realized what it was. He wanted to face down Kari and ask her what was wrong with him. He wanted to know why she had no interest in even being friends.

  Turning off the TV, he moved over to his laptop on the side of his large desk in the study. He opened it and pushed the button that brought the compact computer to life. Last week, he had sent some e-mail messages to some college friends who were working overseas. Now was as good a time as any to check and see if anyone had responded yet.

  Checking his e-mail, he looked down the list in the “From” column looking for a familiar name. There only seemed to be unsolicited spam mail. He pushed the “Select All” button and then “Delete”. On a whim, he checked his junk mail folder. There were twenty messages, but he perused through them too just in case a personal message had accidentally been sucked in there.

  Then he saw it. FROM: KARI MONTGOMERY . He stopped, stunned for a moment. There was an odd quiver in the pit of his stomach as he gained control of his hand and moved the mouse over her name and clicked on the message.

  Reading Kari’s words, he smiled with a snicker. So, Miss Montgomery, you want to make nice, do you? He clicked the reply button and began composing a message of his own.

  ****

  Kari lay down on the couch, rubbing her tired eyes but was glad she had finally finished all her grading. She folded her arms behind her head and just laid there for a moment thinking about what she had decided not to think about—Randy.

  She rolled off the couch and sat down in front of her computer with the passing thought that he might have written back already. I hope he’s not so angry he won’t reply. She opened her e-mail program and clicked the “Check Mail” button. As it processed her command, she idly strummed her fingers on the desk trying to pass the time until the computer informed her—“you have 1 message.” She selected the “1” and it opened her inbox. There in the FROM column was a message from RANDOLPH P. STEELE .

  Dear Kari:

  I must say I was incredibly surprised to hear from you but incredibly glad at the same time. Let me apologize for my behavior yesterday. I had a good time with you, too. I haven’t had such fun with someone in a long time. I’ll be back in town next week for the art festival. Alice invited me so maybe I’ll see you then. Take care.

  Randy

  Kari was relieved knowing that was settled with Randy, but she had had enough of her room and her computer. She slipped on a pair of flip-flops and started down the stairs for a walk.

  “Kari, where are you headed off to in such a hurry?”

  Kari looked down to see Alice Steele at the bottom of the stairs. “I was just going for a walk and maybe some coffee from the Kiosk.”

  “I was just thinking about coffee myself. Care if I join you?”

  “Sure. I’d like the company.”

  “Your solo was great in church this morning,” said Alice as they walked though the bustling quad.

  “Thanks. I’m glad I can use my talents at church.”

  “I’ve been thinking about teaching a Sunday school class myself.”

  “That sounds like a great idea. I often wonder if I couldn’t do more. I just get so busy between my work here at the college and writing my book.”

  “I’m sure God will let you know if you should be doing more.”

  Kari smiled at the younger woman who looked so much like the young pastor. Alice’s comment even sounded like something Randy would say.

  “So, did you e-mail my big brother?” asked Alice with impatience inherent in her voice.

  “I did,” said Kari calmly, purposefully keeping even the hint of humor out of her voice.

  “And…did he write back?”

  “Yes.”

  “You aren’t going to tell me what you wrote him, are you?”

  Kari glanced at her with a small smile and a shrug. “Tell you…tell you what? I just had something to clear up with him. He told me he was going to be here for the art festival next weekend.”

  “That’s right and I would love it if you would keep him company because I have a…a date.”

  “What?”

  “Come on, Kari, please. He really is nice…and funny. You won’t be bored, trust me.”

  “I don’t know.” The warning lights flashed inside Kari’s head reminding her that she should avoid this situation at all costs. “I really don’t think so, Alice. I’m so busy these days. I was planning on skipping the festival this year altogether.”

  “Oh, Kari. You need to have some fun and that’s exactly what you’ll have with Randy.”

  A small voice deep inside of Kari told her this was not a good idea .

  “It doesn’t have to be the whole day. Just an hour or two,” continued Alice.

  “So, you have a date?”

  “It’s a double date with my friend Chloe and her boyfriend.”

  “Aah, to be young and twenty-one again. All right. I guess I can baby-sit your big brother. But won’t he be disappointed since he’s coming to see you.”

  “I have a feeling he won’t be disappointed.”

  A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Your Wedding

  A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Your Wedding

  Chapter Six

  That Saturday, Kari waited impatiently for
Randy at the entrance to the art festival in Sullivan Park. The last fifteen minutes of her life had been spent pacing back and forth as she nervously peered through the crowd for him and glanced at her watch. The atmosphere all around her was alive with energy. Swarms of people were filing into the park, buzzing with excitement. Loud music played in the background, and the diverse smells of appetizing cuisine assailed her from all directions.

  Kari had to admit she was looking forward to the evening. Even though she felt somewhat set up by Alice Steele, it had been comfortable and fun with Randy the other day before he left in such a huff. Tonight should be fun.

  She really hadn’t done a whole lot in the way of a social life recently. Between her work schedule, Emily’s wedding, and her depleted desire to do anything, Kari had been a relative recluse in town. Her outing to the Philharmonic had been the first time in a long time she’d ventured out on an evening.

  She saw a tall, dark head out in the crowd ahead of her, tripping her heartbeat. But when he turned to face her, she saw it wasn’t Randy after all. Feeling a tap on her shoulder, she turned around to see the subject of her search standing there behind her.

  “I see my babysitter has arrived,” said Randy.

  “I was waiting for you. When did you get here?”

  “About half an hour ago. I wanted to check everything out. For the three years Alice has been going to school here, I’ve never made it for the art festival.”

  “Well, it’s a lot of fun. There are art gallery and craft presentations, music venues of all sorts, and then there is the food.”

  “Yes, I’ve noticed the food. I think I have some ideas for dinner.”

  They walked down the promenade surveying the varying stands of ethnic foods and other consumer products available as differing forms of music jumbled all together in the distance. Randy’s eyes darted around the festival, attempting to take it all in. Suddenly his face turned serious. He cocked his head to the right as if he was trying to listen to one sound over all the other thunderous noises assaulting them. He turned to Kari with a smile. “I see they’re doing karaoke tonight.”

  “Yes,” she narrowed her eyes as an uneasy sensation flip-flopped in her stomach. ”What are you suggesting?”

  “Just that it would be great to hear you sing again.”

  Kari felt her cheeks warm, remembering the night he had come unexpectedly to Palmer House just as she was singing for the college kids. “Well, I don’t normally sing impromptu songs. It’s usually just at church when I’ve had plenty of time to practice.”

  “I’ll even sing with you.” He placed his hands in his pockets, looking very self-assured.

  “You’re a big singer, are you?”

  “I’ve been told so.”

  She stared at him, pressing her lips together as she evaluated him and his suggestion.

  “No really. Come on. I’ll show you.” He grabbed her hand and led her over toward the mass of people surrounding the microphone. Kari stayed behind the crowd as Randy walked to the front to talk to the men running the karaoke station. By the time he started to return, Kari was ready to turn around and go back home. She had no intention of embarrassing herself in front of all these people.

  As Randy approached her smiling, she felt even more worried. “I don’t think this is a good idea. How about we walk through the children’s art gazebo instead?”

  “Sounds like fun—but after this. We’re up in a couple minutes.”

  “No, I really can’t do it.”

  “Yes, you can. Trust me. You’re going to be just fine.”

  Even though his eyes were wide and persuasive, she knew she was not going to be “just fine.” Why should I trust him? The last man I attempted to trust broke my heart. Even if Randy was a pastor and seemed to have good intentions, she wasn’t ready to suffer this kind of humiliation.

  A man waved to Randy and he returned the signal. Turning to Kari, he raised his eyebrows humorously. “We’re up next.”

  Her misgivings were increasing by the second. She felt like running away just like a little girl. She was very close to doing just that. “Randy, I think I’m going to sit this one out.” Her blood began to beat against her temples as her entire face burned with heat.

  “No way. If I’m going up, you are too. Come on.”

  Before Kari could do anything about it, Randy grabbed her hand and pulled her over to the small make-shift stage. She tugged on his arm before he yanked her up the stairs. “Okay, I’ll go but on my own. By the way, what is it we’re going to sing?”

  “Well, they aren’t doing any Christian music so I found something else I think you know.”

  Without another word, Randy started up the three steps to the stage. Kari followed reluctantly behind, butterflies of anxiety flying around in her stomach. She couldn’t figure out how on earth she had gotten herself into this.

  On stage, they stood in front of a mic stand. The title of the song “People Will Say We’re in Love” came up on the monitor. Randy looked at her contritely and raised his shoulders. “I figured if you knew Carousel you knew Oklahoma .”

  “I know it.” She did her best to scowl at him. “You’re going to pay for this later.”

  “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” He gave her a wonderful smile, sending even more butterflies rippling through her stomach. And yet she could have just killed him at that exact moment.

  The words came up on the screen in front of them as the song began. It was Kari’s part first. She stumbled over her words for the first few bars before she let the song take her away and began to enjoy herself. At the line “people will say we’re in love,” she made the mistake of glancing at Randy and everything started spiraling out of control again. She refrained from looking at him while she finished her verse, peering out at the audience instead.

  When it was Randy’s turn, he had no trouble with his words. His voice was amazing, and he seemed to know all the words by memory because as he sang his gaze focused squarely on her. His voice softened as he sang, “people will say we’re in love.” When he reached the line, “your hand feels so grand in mine,” he took Kari’s hand and held it. She couldn’t take it. She felt flushed and had to look out at the audience again.

  As they started out on this ridiculous escapade, Kari hadn’t cared if they were good or not. She just didn’t want to make a complete fool of herself. But as they ended the song, she realized the crowd around the karaoke stand had grown and everyone was clapping for them.

  When they were finished, they began to walk off the stage, and everyone started yelling “Encore, Encore!” Randy ran back over to the microphone. “We’ll be back for another set later on this evening.”

  Kari didn’t wait for Randy. She took off down the stairs and ran over to the river near the edge of the festival. She wasn’t mad or upset. In fact, she was smiling and her heart was still pumping hard in her chest from the euphoria produced by the musical number.

  “Hey, Kari, I wondered where you went.”

  She turned to face him. “That was amazing.”

  “You aren’t mad then?”

  “Mad? No. That was exactly what I needed. It was amazing, wasn’t it?”

  “Yeah, absolutely amazing.” His voice was soft and soothing as he spoke.

  “Well, come on. Let’s go have some more fun.”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  ****

  “Well,” said Randy, as they sat together at an outside table eating their mix matched ethnic delicacies, “your book sounds interesting.”

  “Don’t humor me.” She narrowed her eyes on him. “Whenever I start to talk about it to anyone I know, they tune me out—all except my friends from graduate school who are usually busy with their own books and articles.”

  “No really, I enjoyed hearing you talk about it.”

  Kari felt a warmth flow over her. Even Emily hadn’t shown all that much interest in her book. She just said to send her a copy when it was finished.

 
“You had fun tonight, didn’t you?” asked Randy.

  Kari held her fork up as she toyed with her answer. “I must admit I did.”

  “Did you think you would?”

  “Honestly, I hoped so. I think Alice was hoping so too.”

  “My sister…I tell ya.” He rolled his eyes.

  Kari leaned in toward him over the table. “She’s great. I’ve enjoyed having her at the dorm and at church.”

  “Well, I can tell she thinks a lot of you.”

  “She told me she’s thinking about teaching a Sunday school class.”

  “Great. I’ve been trying to get her to do something like that for a while. Did you encourage her?”

  “I told her I thought it was a good idea.” She paused for a minute. They both took another sip of their drinks. “I often wonder if I should be doing more at church myself.”

  “What do you do now?”

  “I sing in the choir and fill in for the sick Sunday school teachers.”

  “So, what more do you want to do?”

  “I don’t know.” She shook her head and shoulders. “I just feel like I should be doing more.”

  “I’m sure God will let you know.” He used that soft, smooth voice again. It still had that warming affect on her entire body.

  Kari smiled at him and chuckled a bit. Randy shrugged and shook his head as if to say ‘what?’

  “Alice said the exact same thing to me the other day.”

  “What can I say,” he sat up straight, “great minds think alike.”

  Kari bit down on her bottom lip to stop another smile but it was no use. As she bent to take another bite of food a couple college girls from her freshman class walked up to their table.

  “Dr. Montgomery,” said the girl with long blonde hair, “you sang so great tonight.”

  Kari looked down for a second and then told the girl thanks.

  Her dark haired companion displayed a flirty smile Randy’s way. “You were great too.”

  “Is this your fiancé, Dr. Montgomery?” the blonde girl asked.

  Kari’s mouth fell open in surprise. She tried to speak but nothing came out.