Cabin by the Lake (21 page)

Vivian and Lydia stood holding hands in the landscaped yard at the cabin, looking around in awe at everything that had been accomplished in the past year. A driveway had been poured from the curving road above them, ending in a new garage attached to the side of the cabin, but the wooded path was still the quickest way to get to the house. A beautiful gazebo with bench seating graced the end of a new pier that jutted out into the water, the old aluminum canoe tied up at the end.

They stepped into the cabin through new glass sliders, and Lydia was unable to hide her excitement as she was finally able to reveal the finished renovation to Vivian. She had banned her aunt from the cabin for the last two weeks while she put the finishing touches on the interior.

“Oh, it’s beautiful!” Vivian exclaimed, her hand over her heart. “I never thought it could look like this.”

Patterned drapes that Vivian had sewn hung at the windows, graceful and elegant. Red and blue pillows—Lake Blue, Lydia thought when she saw the color—dotted Dugger’s over-stuffed leather couch and the new chairs in front of the fireplace. The big, square ottoman from Vivian’s living room, the one that Uncle Todd had propped his feet on for so many years, had been re-upholstered and sat in the middle of a large, plush wool rug that anchored the room.

The log walls had been cleaned and polished, and the result was a warm, inviting room that felt brighter and bigger than it had before.

Her chest swelled with pride as her aunt noticed one beautiful detail after another, pointing out the refinished hardwood floors. “I thought they were going to be too dark, but they’re perfect. You were right; those rugs make all the difference. It came together beautifully. You have a real gift.”

“I’m so happy you love it. Wait till you see the upstairs,” she said, picking up the front of her dress to keep from tripping on the stairs. The entire second floor had been Sheetrocked, covering the rough log walls and brightening the space. A walk-in closet was added to the master bedroom which was decorated in a masculine nautical theme. Vivian had made the navy blue and white striped draperies and matching duvet cover, and she was so pleased to see everything put together.

The three sets of bunk beds were gone from the north-facing bedroom, and the space was now divided to accommodate a cozy den, a small office area, and a bedroom with an en suite.

“This bathroom is to die for,” said Vivian. “I didn’t realize there was so much wasted space up here. A double vanity, a shower and a soaker tub; I had no idea this would turn out to be so elegant. It was so rough and rugged before.”

“It did turn out well,” she agreed. “And I love the skylight!”

“Yes, I never would have thought of that, but it adds so much natural lighting. Oh, and the little chandelier over the tub! You have such a talent for this sort of thing!”

“Thank you,” Lydia said, excitedly. “I got two more clients this week.”

“Really? Congratulations! But how will you find the time for more? You really need to slow down some.”

“These are both small jobs, but I finished Deuce and Emily’s house two weeks ago, so I should be able to work them in. With the wedding and everything, I have been so busy.”

“I’ll say,” Vivian agreed. She cupped Lydia’s face in her hands. “I’m so happy for you.”

She gave her aunt a long hug. “I never thought I could be this happy; I want to pinch myself.”

“Me, too. Thank you so much for doing all this. I’m overwhelmed.”

“I’m just glad you like it. It was a labor of love.”

“And just in time, too, right?”

“Right, she agreed, laughing.

Vivian glanced at her watch. “We’d better get back. It’s almost time.”

They walked back arm-in-arm along the newly cobblestoned path, each of them stronger than they had ever been. They both exuded a sense of strength and peace that they wore like a mantle of pride, although they were both unaware of the inner beauty that shone from them. As they walked away, Lydia felt a strong connection to the cabin, as if its renovation had moved along in step with her own.

She felt healed and whole for the first time in her life. She knew she had been blessed, and the woman walking next to her had been the anchor that made it possible for her to find her way back from the dark abyss that her life had become.

She realized that some people are born with everything in place needed to provide the tools for a successful life. Supportive parents, encouragement. Even in a perfect world, sometimes things go off the tracks. But for her, Aunt Vi had always been there when no one else was, woven into the tapestry of her life, and she would be eternally grateful for having finally fallen into the loving arms of someone who cherished her. Vivian had been there all along, but she realized that sometimes things just have to play out the way they’re written.

She was happy, finally, and was ready to move forward with the new life that she had embraced.

Emerging from the path, she and Vivian parted ways. Lydia was immediately besieged by friends and family offering congratulations and well wishes. Katie approached her daughter warily. They had not talked much since the unfortunate scene in Vivian’s kitchen the day she had sought help from Lydia for Brittany’s drug problem.

As a peace offering, Lydia had invited her mother at the last minute; she no longer wanted any negative energy in her life. The fact that Katie showed up told her that perhaps they had crossed a threshold into a new relationship. Her mother was reserved and respectful, and that was enough for her.

Brittany also came with Robert and their two children. She had gone to rehab and come out with a new appreciation for what she almost lost. She had started calling Lydia occasionally; trying to rekindle the relationship they had enjoyed as children, and she now seemed more mature and humble. Lydia welcomed her sister back into her life.

She wove her way through the guests, spotting Mr. Lincoln and Betsy. “We’re so happy for you,” said Betsy, giving her a warm hug.

“Thank you. How’s retirement?”

“Wonderful! We’re leaving next week to go on a cruise in the Caribbean, and I can hardly wait.”

“It’s their first vacation in five years,” said Deuce, joining them.

“Thank you again for the beautiful job you did redecorating our home,” put in Emily. “We’ve already had so many compliments.”

“I’m pleased you like it.” She glowed from Emily’s words.

“I just tell them to call you, and you’ll put them on the waiting list. You’re a hot commodity around these parts now.”

She hugged her and said, “Well, I can’t thank you enough for trusting me with your home. It was you who gave me the confidence I needed to start my own business.”

Ace stepped forward at that moment, a pretty young woman clinging to his arm. “Lydia, I’d like you to meet my fiancée, Ginger. We met at an AA meeting—thanks to you,” he added sheepishly.

They all laughed, dispelling any awkwardness. Ace had come and talked to Lydia a few months ago as part of his Twelve-Step program, and he apologized for his behavior. She was glad he’d gotten his life on track, because he really was quite charming when he dropped the offensive playboy swagger.

“It’s so great to meet you,” Lydia said warmly to Ginger, just before being swept away by Vivian’s friends from the women’s shelter.

“I hope you don’t mind,” said the director of the shelter, “but we had to bring a few extra people. A woman came by the shelter—terrible situation—just as we were closing. She had her five kids with her and they had no place else to go. Long story short, we knew Vivian would kill us if we were a no-show, so we just brought them along. We’ll get them settled in the safe house later, if that’s okay with you.”

“Of course,” she said. “The more, the merrier.”

Vivian’s back yard had been transformed into a fairyland of beauty. White Japanese lanterns hung from tree limbs, stretching across the heads of a hundred people as they seated themselves in rows of white folding chairs facing the lake. White and silver satin ribbons fluttered from tree trunks. A flowered archway was positioned at the end of the pier, a white aisle runner stretching the length of it, and a robed minister stood beneath the arch awaiting the bride and groom.

Lydia’s eyes met Mike’s across the yard and she gave him a nod. He excused himself from the group of people surrounding him, and began to make his way to her, urging the guests to take a seat. He was as handsome as ever in his tux, she noted, and his shaggy hair was tamed at the moment, combed back neatly from his forehead. He leaned on his cane as he walked, and she was proud of the progress he’d made since his horrific car crash.

She had flown to Chapel Hill when she learned about the wreck and was at his side through his grueling rehabilitation process. He’d come back to Vivian’s when he was released, after resigning his position at the company, and his recuperation had been remarkable. Soon he was back at the cabin, at first directing the crew that he hired, and then, little by little, taking on the work himself. Lydia thanked God for the miracle that was theirs every day.

When he reached her, she tilted her head back for a kiss. They walked together down the white aisle runner as the music began to play, and took their places on either side of the minister. They turned in unison to watch Vivian and Dugger walk forward together.

Vivian was beautiful in the long, silvery gown that she had designed and created herself, her hair swept up and held in place with sprigs of baby’s breath, and Lydia thought she looked as regal as a queen. Dugger was resplendent in his black tuxedo, proudly escorting Vivian down the aisle. They joined Mike and Lydia and the four of them turned to face the minister.

The ceremony was short and simple, the bride and groom reciting the vows they wrote. They held hands as they spoke, looking into each other’s eyes, and many of the guests were seen dabbing at their eyes with tissues. The rings were exchanged and they turned to face their guests.

The minister held up his hands. “Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to introduce to you…  Mr. and Mrs. Dugger Vines!” The guests rose to their feet, clapping and cheering as they threw rice at the laughing couple making their way back through the crowd.

Mike and Lydia paused, sharing a hug beneath the arch as the photographer snapped a picture. “You did a good job, Mrs. Rodgers,” he said, one hand gently caressing her rounded belly.

“Thank you, Mr. Rodgers.” She put her hand on top of his. “I’m ready to get off my feet before this little fella decides to make an early appearance.”

He nodded. “You deserve some rest.” He put his arm around her waist, and they stood together watching Vivian and Dugger laugh with Pete and Ally. “One question, though,” he said. “Are you ever sorry we didn’t have a big wedding like this?”

She looked up at him, surprised by the question. “Of course not. We had a lovely wedding. The necessary things were in place. Aunt Vi gave me away, and Dugger was your best man, so the important people were there. The nurses surprised us with the music and flowers—that made me cry, remember? It was the happiest day of my life, and I wouldn’t change anything about it.”

“I’m glad,” he said. “I promise you’ll never be sorry for marrying me. You’ve made me the happiest man on earth.”

She kissed him, her fingers lovingly tracing the jagged scar on his cheek. “And you’ve made me very pregnant,” she said. “I need to sit down.”

He laughed as they joined the party. The caterers had sprung into action as if by magic, directed by Gordy who had insisted on planning the wedding, and the tables set up in the side yard were filled with food and drinks. Friends shouted out toasts as Vivian and Dugger worked their way from group to group.

Lydia and Mike slipped away as soon as they could and now sat in the rocking chairs on the back porch, surveying the celebration.

“This is where it all began,” she said.

“Yep,” he agreed, matching the rocking of his chair to hers. “This is where you gave sanctuary to a weary traveler.”

She snorted a laugh. “Not me. If it weren’t for Aunt Vi’s hospitality, I’d have sent you on your way.”

“And we would never have fallen in love and gotten married three short months later,” he said, kissing her hand.

“I’m still working on my judgment calls,” she admitted, laughing. “This Fourth of July, why don’t we throw a big anniversary party? We were married on the fifth, but who’s counting? The baby will be here by then, and we’ll want to show him off.”

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our first anniversary than here at the lake.”

They rocked for a while in silence, the sounds of merriment drifting over the lawn like background music. “I think Aunt Vi and Dugger are going to be really happy in the cabin. Lucky for us they decided to down-size.”

He nodded in agreement. “And now that this house is ours, I’m sure you’re going to insist on a few changes here.”

“Well, I
was
thinking that maybe we should replace this old back door with French doors, now that you mention it. You know, just a few little things like that. Do you think we could get it done by July?”

“A few little things, huh?” He laughed, rolled his eyes, and lifted one hand toward the heavens. “In the words of my old pal Whitey Boggs, ‘Ain’t it time for lunch?’”