A Wedding In the Family (15 page)

“How wonderful!” Micah responded excitedly to Angela’s news of her upcoming marriage. “I’m so happy for you!” She lowered herself slowly, carefully onto the kitchen chair. “Sorry I can’t run across the
room to hug you, but I need to sit down.” She sighed, mostly from weariness. “So when will the wedding be?”

“I don’t know. Thanksgiving, maybe?” Angela replied. “You and Rob will be up here for the holiday, anyway. It would be convenient—and soon.” Angela glanced through the window at Adam, where he stood talking with her mother, and her heart flooded with joy. “Just the sight of him…” Her statement trailed off; it was difficult to find words for the contentment Adam had brought into her life.

“Wow, that sounds like love,” Micah said, a hint of teasing in her tone.

Angela grinned when she was able to say, completely without jealousy, “You should know. You’ve been there.”

“I’m still there,” Micah replied quickly. “And you’d better take a good look at me—all of me—because this is exactly where you could end up.”

“Could be,” Angela agreed. Having Adam’s child. It certainly wasn’t the first time she’d thought of the possibility.

“And you’ll be happier than I am because at least you’ll know what you’re doing. Two babies—Angela, what on earth am I going to do with two of them?” Micah moaned. “I don’t even know how to handle one.”

Angela looked across the table at her sister-in-law and friend whose expression was suddenly one of utter hopelessness. What words of comfort could she find that would be meaningful? “We’ll help you. I’m
sure Mother will want to be there when you come home from the hospital with the babies. And Rob will be with you. It’s not like you’re going into this all alone. The Lord knows what you’re going through. He’ll help you then just as He’s done in the past.”

“The best thing the Lord could do for me is to miraculously fill my heart and soul with a huge dose of maternal instinct. Apparently, I wasn’t in line when He was handing that out.” Micah’s words were sharper than Angela had ever heard her speak, and she knew her anguish ran deep.

Angela rose from her chair and walked to Micah’s side, putting a gentle hand on her friend’s shoulder. Micah reached up, touching Angela’s reassuring hand. “I’m so scared,” she admitted. “I don’t think I can handle this. I mean, the pregnancy, childbirth…that all seems easy compared to what must lie ahead. I wouldn’t be as terrified if I were only dealing with one—but two? How am I going to live up to this?”

Angela crouched and looked up into Micah’s sorrowful face, seeing the despair in her expression. “Take this one day at a time. Pregnancy, first. Raising babies, second. It will be okay—you’ll see. It seems overwhelming now, but once you have them…”

“They don’t come with instructions,” she said with a sad laugh. “And I didn’t learn those things growing up. I didn’t even play with dolls much when I was a child. I preferred coloring, painting, even toy animals more! The only diapers I’ve ever changed
have been Hope’s girls’, and I’ve never burped a baby. There are basic things I need to know!”

“You can do them,” Angela responded emphatically. “When you get through most of these things the first time, you’ll know how to do it. I realize I don’t live close enough to help you very much, physically, unless I come on the weekends, but if you need to talk, call me. Anytime. Day or night. I’ll help you in any way I can.”

“No, I’m not going to bother you,” Micah answered as a tear trickled down her cheek. “You and Adam will be newlyweds. I’m not going to intrude on your life that way.”

“I want you to,” Angela assured her. “I love you, Micah, and if I can help you in some way, I want to do that. And you’ve got to remember you’ll have Rob. He’s always been good with my kids and Eric’s. He can change diapers and do a million other things that will help you. But you must accept the help that’s offered—whether it’s from me, Rob, Mom, Hope or whomever. Don’t let yourself think that you’re in this alone. That thought by itself can cause panic.”

“That
I already know,” Micah said wryly. She wiped away the tears that had slowly found their way down her face. “Pray for me, okay?”

“Absolutely,” Angela said. “But I want you to listen to what I’m saying and take my advice. Find someone—either at your church or in your neighborhood—who has a child close to the age of your babies, and become friends with her. The sooner you do that—have someone to share with, commiserate with,
whatever—the better for both of you. When Nathan was born, I was still in school and Mom helped me a lot, so it went pretty smoothly. When David came along, however, we had recently moved into an apartment on the north side and I didn’t know anyone in the area. That kind of isolation isn’t emotionally healthy for you or the babies. You need someone to connect with, someone to spend time with. Go out to lunch, take the kids to the playground, go shopping together, trade baby-sitting, whatever. And I don’t mean you need to spend a lot of money doing things together. It would be enough just to go back and forth to each other’s homes during the week to drink coffee, watch the kids together and
talk.
Believe me, everyone will be happier that way. Especially you.”

Micah nodded her head. “There are two other pregnant women in our church right now. One of them I know pretty well.”

“Good. Try to develop a friendship that can benefit both of you. And don’t forget Rob. Take time for him. Hire a baby-sitter and give yourself an evening alone together every now and then. Even a good marriage can sometimes get lost in the shuffle of parenthood.”

“Did yours?” Micah asked softly, sadly.

“No,” Angela answered truthfully. “It was lost before it ever began. Dan told me he started drinking when he was a teenager and, since then, he couldn’t stop. I think all hope for our marriage was sacrificed somewhere back there in his bad choices.”

Micah nodded. “But the Lord is giving you this second chance. I know you and Adam will be happy
together.” She glanced out the window framed by white curtains bordered with bright strawberry print. “He seems to get along fine with Grace and Heather. They’re all standing out there talking among the leaves. The sky is so gray and cloudy. Looks like it might rain.” She turned back to Angela. “You know, Grace is a wonderful mother-in-law. She’s there when you need her—”

“…and not, when you don’t,” Angela finished. “Mother is very good at that.”

“Yes, and with the babies coming, it’s good to know she’ll be around. Not having a mother of my own here, I think I’d be lost without yours to rely on.”

That spurred a thought Angela hadn’t had in a long time. “What about your adoptive mother? Rita? Was that her name? Doesn’t she keep in contact anymore?”

“Occasionally we hear something from her, but seldom. We weren’t close in my growing up years, and I guess our relationship never will be what it could have been,” Micah answered. “I did hear from Dad the other day. He’s excited about the babies. He’s hoping to be free to come and see them within the next year or so. Things are looking up for him.”

“I’m glad,” Angela said. “It will be good for him to get to enjoy his grandkids.” She looked through the window. “Here they come. I’ll introduce you to Adam.”

“I can’t believe you’re marrying someone I’ve never even met. How did we ever get so far apart?”

“Your husband agreed to pastor that church in southern Ohio, as you will recall. Tell him next time to try to find something closer to home.” Angela walked to the back door. “We wouldn’t even have you here with us today if he hadn’t dropped you off on his way to that conference.”

“He was worried about leaving me alone overnight.”

“He
should
be at this stage of your pregnancy,” Angela said as she pulled open the door. “Hi,” she said, and smiled broadly as Heather, Grace and Adam entered the kitchen. “You decided to join us inside for a while?”

“Mom, did you tell Aunt Micah about the wedding?” Heather asked in an out-of-breath voice. “Did you?”

“Yes, she told me,” Micah answered and placed an arm around the little girl who had come to her for a hug.

“Where’s Grandpa?” Heather asked next.

“He’s out back unloading some firewood we had delivered this morning,” Grace replied. She reached into the cabinet for cups. “He’ll be here soon, I’m sure. He’s trying to beat the rain. Coffee, anyone?”

“Yes!” Heather responded.

“No thanks, Mom,” Angela said, casting a slight frown in her daughter’s direction. “We can’t stay. Oh, Micah—this is Adam,” Angela said as Adam’s arm went easily around her shoulders, pulling her closer. “And Adam—this is Micah, my sister-in-law.”

“Rob’s wife,” he said warmly and stepped forward to shake the hand that Micah extended. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“You, too, Adam,” Micah responded. “And it’s wonderful to see Angela so happy. Thanks for your part in that”

He smiled but looked over in time to catch the straight glance Grace had sent his way. Angela’s happiness was hanging by a thread, and they both knew it. He had to tell her. Soon. But then he’d known that for too long, hadn’t he? This acute sense of regret burning in him now would only be relieved by the truth, but what would that cost him?

“He attends the same church you went to before Rob took you away from everyone,” Angela explained.

“Oh, then you might know Carole. She’s a friend of mine who attends there now with her husband. Brian Andrews. He is the youth pastor.”

“Yes, I’ve met them. They’re a good couple for that ministry. They put a lot of time into it.”

“So I hear. They really enjoy the kids,” Micah answered.

“Okay, c’mon.” Angela spoke to Heather. “Let’s go find Grandpa and the boys. Then we’ve got to go. See you later, Mom. Micah, take care of yourself.” She leaned forward to kiss her sister-in-law on the temple. “Why don’t you come over tomorrow after Rob gets back from the conference? It would give him a chance to meet Adam.”

“That’s a great idea. We’ll probably do that,” Micah answered. “See you then.”

Adam felt Grace’s silence, but Angela seemed too caught up in the emotion of the day to notice her mother’s lack of conversation. Angela gave her mom a brief hug good-bye, and the three of them left the house in search of Ed and the boys. Before long, they were on their way home.

“Will we be moving into your house, Adam? If we do, can we get a dog?” Nathan asked.

Adam glanced in Angela’s direction. He had no problem with that idea, but he wasn’t certain of her response. And he had to be careful about getting Nathan’s hopes up too high—about anything—until he’d talked to Angela privately. “My home isn’t very large, but it’s bigger than your apartment It could do for a while.”
God, help us to work through this,
he prayed silently.
We’re too far into this to let it fall apart now.

“But what about a dog?” Nathan persisted.

Angela looked at Adam’s profile as he stared straight ahead, paying attention to the road. He seemed a little too quiet, and the lines etched at the corners of his eyes seemed more prominent, as though he was worried or angry or…something. “A dog would be okay with me, if it’s okay with you.” She directed her statement to Adam.

A cheer went up from the kids in the back seat, but Adam barely noticed. He was worried and angry, mostly at himself. And alcohol. And secrets. His. He
cleared his throat. “Sure, whatever you think,” he responded.
Dear God, what will she think when I tell her?

“Adam,” she asked quietly, “is everything okay?”

“Of course,” he lied. What else could he say at this moment, in front of the children? “You guys hungry?” He shifted his focus to the three youngsters in the back of the van. When they indicated that they were, he suggested their favorite hamburger restaurant

Angela had no personal preference as to where they ate—or if they ate. She wanted to know what was bothering Adam. But she realized she’d have to wait to talk to him privately.

After a quick dinner, Adam dropped Angela and the kids at their home. He gave her a light kiss on the forehead and headed back to the center for a couple of hours. He had work that needed to be done, and he wanted time away from Angela so he could decide how to tell her the truth. Tomorrow. He had to get this over with
tomorrow.
After he met Rob.

“Come in,” Angela said as she opened her front door to her brother and sister-in-law. “I’m so glad you could come!”

“Are you kidding?” Micah responded. “Rob wouldn’t miss a chance to meet this new man in your life. After all he’s heard about him?” She glanced over at Rob to encourage a comment.

“Yes,” he halfheartedly agreed. “Micah is right. I’m here to meet Adam. Just as you requested.”

Angela took their coats and hung them in the hallway. “He’s in the boys’ bedroom with them. They are showing him a three-dimensional puzzle of the White House they’ve been working on all week. Come in. Have a seat. I’m making coffee but it’s not ready yet. How did the conference go?”

“Okay, but kind of boring,” Rob responded. “I spent most of my time worrying about my wife.” He smiled at Micah and leaned close enough to kiss her soft auburn curls.

“Hi, Aunt Micah, Uncle Rob,” Heather greeted them after coming around the corner from the hallway. “How are the babies?” She gave her aunt a hug that mostly consisted of embracing Micah’s round abdomen.

Micah said, “Hi, sweetie.”

“How’s my girl?” Rob asked and reached for Heather, scooping her up in his arms. “You’ve been good?”

“Always,” Heather replied, bringing a groan and a sideways glance from her mother. “Mostly,” she corrected.

“‘Mostly’ is fine, if you ask me,” Rob replied before he let her go. “And the boys?”

“They’re fine,” Angela assured them and then whispered, “Even Nathan. He’s finally admitted he likes Adam.” Angela’s news brought a smile to Micah’s face.

“I’m so glad,” Micah remarked. “I thought he would if you gave him enough time.”

“Have a seat, you two. There’s no need to stand around in this entryway talking. Micah, could I get you a drink or something? I have a couple of pies in the kitchen if anyone wants a piece.”

“No, thank you,” Micah said. “I’ve consumed enough calories for one day. I would take a glass of water, though.”