“I hope you’re good with giving a good portion of that loot away, Dr. Carmichael, because I for one do not want spoiled, overindulged children.”
“I actually have some good ideas about that,” he countered. “Nice to know we’re on the same page, but that’s a discussion for another day. Let’s head back and I’ll finish the saga … unfortunately there’s more.”
Just the way he said that made a nervous shudder work its way down Anna’s spine.
“As for my parents, the only reason I’m inviting them to our engagement party is because I’ve talked to Pastor Harry, and he not only taught me as a Christian that I need to forgive them, but he encouraged I find a way to honor them. This is my first attempt.”
“But why can’t you just invite them to our wedding? Why do we need an engagement party?”
“The engagement party is not about my parents, although I do want you to meet them before the wedding. I don’t want to give them the opportunity to ruin our special day. Trust me when I say my mom has a spiteful tongue, and she’ll slice you open given the opportunity. You’ll have a fighting chance to manage her on our wedding day if you know what to expect. Most people find her obnoxious and rude, and with my dad continually egging her on … well it’s not pleasant. Their friends call them the Bickersons.”
“It can’t be that bad?” Anna questioned.
“You’ll see.”
Shaking his head, he said. “Enough about my parents. The engagement party is not about them but more about my friends. I care about them, and over time, I want to introduce them to the Lord. I want you by my side from the beginning. We need to establish relationships as a couple, so you’ll feel comfortable having them over.
“They’ll be a challenge as most are atheists, agnostics, or intellectual snobs.” He laughed. “I know because I was one of them.”
Anna sped up keeping a step or two ahead. She didn’t want him to see evidence of the fear that gripped her. A quiver turned into a quake, and panic took hold.
“I want you to stand beside me and love them as God loves them. We’ll be the only Christian example most of them see, and I don’t want to abandon them.”
“And you shouldn’t, Matt.” She tried to force assurance and confidence into her voice.
“Well, that’s great to hear.” He quickened his pace to come alongside her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
“And the only thing left to discuss is … my past. The stories you may hear from my friends are better heard from me.” He paused. “You may have second thoughts.”
“What, so it’s okay that you forgive the fact I lived a lie and would’ve kept your daughter from you given the chance, but I can’t forgive your past that has been forgiven by God? Are you kidding me?” She stopped and placed her hands on her hips.
“Do you really think I’m naïve enough to think that you don’t have a history, Matt? We all have a story. Some things we’re proud of, and some we’re not. Now I won’t hear another word about it.”
Anna could see the vehicle in the distance. “Race you to the car.”
“But … but I haven’t told you about Tamara.”
Anna shot away. His last set of buts … lost to the wind.
Anna’s gut twisted. In two short days, the engagement party would be hosted at Matt’s home with arrangements made easy by a caterer and party planner, but the thought of a room full of strangers was what had her on edge. Matt had embraced her circle of friends as if they had known each other for years, but she could barely muster up a smile at the thought of this party.
“What is it?” Matt questioned. “Every time I bring up the party, you clam up.”
“I don’t know. I’m just not much of a social butterfly. And as for formal social gatherings … well, my experience is limited. As in … none.”
“Ahhh, come on, Anna, you sell yourself short. You’ve nothing to worry about. I’ve watched you at church and your work, you don’t come across as backwards or shy.”
“Yeah, that’s because it’s familiar … and I ease into things. Group settings are just not my thing.”
His eyes twinkled, and he laughed. “Anna, you’re bright, you’re beautiful, and you’re mine.” He grabbed her in hug and whirled her around the kitchen floor.
“I just want to show off my beautiful bride-to-be. Is that too much to ask?” He did not wait for an answer but lowered his lips to hers.
“That’s not fair,” she giggled pulling back. “When you kiss me, I turn into a marshmallow and find myself agreeing to everything you want.”
He laughed. “Oh, sweetheart, you never should’ve admitted that.” His lips found hers in a searing kiss. “I’ll just have to plant a lot of kisses on your beautiful lips during the party, and all will be well.”
She playfully smacked him and tucked her fears in the back pocket of her heart for another day.
That day came all too quickly.
Anna grabbed her cell and answered Matt’s call.
“Hi, honey, I’m on the way to the airport to pick up my parents. I hate to admit it, but there’s nothing about their visit I’m looking forward to.”
“Seriously, Matt. Take a deep breath. I’ve never heard you like this.”
“Well, quite frankly, I regret inviting them. I swear, Anna, if my mom talks down to you—”
“Matt, relax. Honestly, your parents are the one part of this party that doesn’t scare me. For whatever reason, I’ve prayed for them and feel peaceful.”
Matt muttered. “I hope you can keep that peace when you meet her.”
“It’ll be fine.”
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you if things go sideways. And not that I expect my mom’s maternal instincts to kick in or that she’d actually want to hold a
