Searching for Tomorrow (Tomorrows) (14 page)

He cleared his throat and with an emotionally laced voice, he continued. “The lilac stands for our youthful innocence. So many people have told us that what we have is just puppy love, but I know they’re wrong. Even though we’re young, what we have, our love, it’s real. When we are old and gray, we’ll sit on the front porch in our rocking chairs and laugh about these days. Promise. The last flower for now is the rose and that one is quite simple. I love you, and I always will.”

Tripp’s loving words once again robbed me of the ability to speak. I could only stare into his eyes, and I hoped that he could read the love that was in mine. My heart was overflowing and I wasn’t sure if I could handle any more. I sprang to my feet and flew at him, almost knocking him to the ground before he steadied us. I peppered kisses all over his face, then grabbed his head and pulled his lips to mine. As ours tongues danced together, I tried to pour all the swirling emotions that I was feeling into that one kiss.

When we pulled apart, we were both gasping and had to take a second to get our acts together. Tripp turned and walked a few steps away, running his fingers through his
hair. When he was finally back in control, he came back and grabbed my hand, pulling me back to the waterfall’s entrance.

We remained silent as we walked, each lost in
our own thoughts, until it struck me that there was no way that Tripp could have done all this on his own. When I questioned him about it, Tripp smiled and admitted, “I’ve been planning this for weeks. Liam
may
have helped me out a little. Now, come on, we have one last stop for the evening before we head home.”

“I have to admit that I was wondering how you set all of this up. It makes sense, now that I think about it. Is my whole family in on it?”

Tripp just gave me that grin of his and helped me back into the truck.
He really needs to quit flashing that dimple at me
. I felt the cold seeping slowly into my bones and gave a quick shiver. Tripp reached into the backseat, grabbed a blanket, and wrapped me in it.

I hadn’t realized it was getting so late in the afternoon, but the daylight
was fading and the temperature was beginning to drop. I sat lost in my thoughts, hoping that wherever he was taking me would be warm. Just as I started to ask where we were going, Tripp turned onto Turtle Pond Road.
He’s taking me to Jones Knob
, one of my most favorite places in the world. I had always said, “Sometimes you feel like you’re on top of the world, but on Jones Knob, you really are.” The top of the knoll stood at approximately 4600 feet above sea level, and when you reached it, you could look over into the states of Georgia and South Carolina. The scene changed from season to season, but the peace and tranquility it provided remained the same. My only concern was that I had never made that hike in the dark, and there wasn’t much time left before the sun escaped behind the mountains and the stars came out to blanket the sky. Thankfully, it was pretty much a straight shot with a well-maintained trail, so maybe all my worry was for naught.
I sure hope I don’t twist an ankle. Nah, if I do, Tripp can carry me piggyback.

“I can see those wheels turning in your pretty little head. Whatcha thinking about?”

Tripp’s words drew me from my rambling thoughts, and I realized we were near the end of Dendy Orchard Road. That left only a short drive on Jones Gap Road before we reached our destination, so maybe we would have enough daylight to get to the top. “Well, we’ve never made this hike at night, and I would hate for one of us to tumble over the mountain in the dark. Don’t you dare let go of my hand.”

“Do you seriously think that I would put you in harm’s way? Not on
my life. I’ve taken care of everything, you’ll see.” He wiggled his eyebrows at me, and I couldn’t help but laugh at the cocky look on his face. He was quite proud of his accomplishments today, and really, he had the right to be. He had taken a day that had started as a nightmare for me and turned it into a real, live dream. I couldn’t wait to see what was next.

When we got to the parking area at the mouth of the trail, I noticed my parents’ Explorer, Nana and Papa’s Town Car and
Liam’s Jeep, but the vehicles were all empty. Now, I was really curious as to what was going on.

Tripp hopped out of the truck and helped me to the ground before he reached into the backseat to get the bags out. He handed me the blue sack, slung the duffle bag over his shoulder, and gently draped the garment bags over his arm. Taking my hand in his, he led me to the mouth of the trail.

What I saw next brought me to a complete stop. Thousands and thousands of fairy lights draped throughout the trees, illuminating the path, and making it easy to navigate. How was this even happening? Here we were in the middle of nowhere and a fantasyland opened up before me.
This should not be possible.

I looked at Tripp with my mouth open, and all I could get out was, “How?”

There was that cocky grin again. “Magic, baby, magic. Now, come on. There’s more where this came from.”

“But
, Tripp, it’s
your
birthday. Why am I the one getting all the surprises?”

“Trust me
, Wrynn. I will get what I want for my birthday. Promise.”

I just shook my head, grabbed his hand, and as we walked up the trail, I took it all in. He had done this for
me
.
I am one lucky girl.

We were almost to the top when I caught sight of our families. Mom and Nana walked over to us. Nana took my hand and led me over to where a sheet was hanging. Mom followed us with one of the garment bags in her arms.
Now, I was even more curious. What tricks did Tripp have up his sleeve?

“Come on
, sweetheart. We need to get you changed before it gets much colder.” With those words, she unzipped the garment bag and pulled out a turtleneck cashmere dress with long sleeves in a shade of turquoise that matched the color of my eyes. Nana opened the blue bag, revealing a pair of knee high black boots made of buttery soft leather and a barely there heel. Seeing the questioning look on my face, Mom answered, “Yes, dear. Tripp went shopping. And if you ask me, he did an excellent job.”

I had never been dressed so quickly in my life. Nana tugged and Mom pulled. While Mom zipped the boots, Nana fixed the turtleneck part of the dress. She fluffed up my hair and Mom powdered my nose. My flower necklace found its way safely back to my neck. They
were quite the tag team. “Mom, Nana, what’s happening here?” They looked at each other, smiled, and then ignored me completely. When they were satisfied with my appearance, and had all my other clothes packed up, Mom stepped out from behind the curtain to check and see if everything was ready.

I assumed she got the go ahead because she and Nana took down the makeshift dressing room. The first thing I saw was my Tripp standing with my dad, Papa, and
Liam. He had changed clothes, too. While I had always thought he looked great in jeans, tee shirts, and sweats, Tripp in a black tailored suit and a pair of wingtip shoes was breathtakingly amazing. He wore a stark white dress shirt underneath with a turquoise tie that matched not only my dress, but also my eyes. I looked into the eyes of my future, and knew that tomorrow would only get better from here.

Tripp walked over to me and offered me his elbow. I slipped my hand through his arm, and he covered it with his own. He seemed just a little nervous
, and maybe even a touch shy. That was so out of character for him. He walked me around the last bend in the trees and spread before me was the most beautiful picture I had ever seen.

The sun was setting behind the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, casting a rainbow of color on the sky. As nighttime came calling, the lights from the houses and businesses in the distance twinkled like stars in the night. And there, on top my treasured Jones Knob, a blanket of rose petals and lavender sprigs released their scent as we walked among them. Hundreds of tea lights cast an ethereal glow around us.

I let go of Tripp’s arm and turned in a slow circle, trying to absorb all the beauty that surrounded me. Everywhere I looked, the darkness faded and a warm glow took its place. Astonishment filled me, tears slipped from my eyes, and I wondered if I had somehow fallen into a dream. When I had made a complete circle and once again faced Tripp, he took my hand, led me over to a blanket spread at the highest point, and helped me to sit down on it. An awed whisper escaped, “Tripp.”

Now
, his nerves made a strong appearance. His chest expanded as he took a deep breath, and as he exhaled, he knelt down beside me on the blanket. “Here on Jones Knob, I’ve seen many beautiful things. None as stunning as you are when the love that you feel for this place shines on your face. You’re breathtaking and no one can compare. I’ve also seen my future from this point, and I know that YOU are my future, my tomorrow.”

My heart filled with such happiness that tears of joy flowed from my eyes. Any words that I could say would pale in comparison to his.

Tripp reached forward and brushed his finger lightly over the flowers on my necklace. “There are four more flowers here. The orchid represents strength. Without you by my side, I am weak. With you in my heart, in my arms, I am invincible. My love for you will only grow stronger. The sunflower stands for longevity. That same love for you will keep growing until I take my last breath.”

He stopped at the next flower,
his finger lightly grazing it, and the smile he gave me sent shivers through my body. “The daisy makes me think of you and I can’t help but smile. It represents the purity and innocence of our love. We’ve proven to others, but more importantly, to ourselves, through our mutual respect for each other, that physical love is worth waiting for and anticipating. And yes, I am looking forward to that day.” He wiggled his eyebrows and kissed me, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

Tripp paused for moment and took a deep breath. The air around us was chilly and brisk, but a fine sheen of sweat had popped out on his forehead. He reached behind me and drew out a beautiful bundle of red tulips. He kissed each of my hands and then presented the tulips to me. Decorative raffia wrapped and intertwined with the stems of the flowers, and in the center of the bow
.…

I gasped, a
nd quickly looked up at Tripp’s face. He gave a quick tug on the bow, and then his hands covered mine. I was drowning in the love that poured from his eyes. “Wrynn, my love, the red tulip represents the perfect love. Our love. You are my forever, my once in a lifetime. There will never be another love for me. Would you do me the honor of being my wife?” He lifted my left hand and brought the ring to the tip of my finger. “Will you marry me and live out my tomorrows with me?”

Two things happened in a flurry of movement. I shoved my finger through the ring and threw myself onto Tripp, knocking him back onto the blanket. Between the rapid-fire yeses and the millions of kisses I showered on his face, Tripp got the message that I was sending. Those big, strong arms wrapped around me so tight and then his lips began to chase mine until he caught
them. With the murmurs of, ‘I love you’, and the thoughts of our forever, Tripp and I forgot about our families waiting nearby and the troubles of the world as we lost ourselves in each other. He was right. This
was
the beginning of all our tomorrows, the promise of our forever.

Sunday evening rolls around, and when I get off work, I head over to Momma and Daddy’s to grab a bite of supper, before taking the girls into town for the Memorial Day weekend fireworks show. It’s been a couple of days since Liam ran off from the house. I’m really hoping that my mom and dad have heard from him by now. His behavior hasn’t been this erratic since his college days, but I guess hearing Lara’s voice on the answering machine was a shock to his system. Even though he doesn’t talk much about their relationship, I know that her leaving the way she did left a lot of damage to his heart.

When I pull up to Mom and Dad’s, I see the girls outside swinging on my old tire swing. When I was a kid, it was
my most favorite thing in the whole world. My girls love to hear the story of how their dad and I met over a tire swing. Of course, I have a tendancy to gloss over the part about Liam and me fighting over it. Lord knows, my girls don’t need any further encouragement to fight and bicker amongst themselves.

As I close the
driver’s side door, Dad steps out onto the porch to call the girls in for supper. Seeing me step out of the car, he walks over to give me a hug. “How’s my little song bird? Did you have a good day at work?”

Leaning into my dad’s arms, I close my eyes and breath
e deeply. He always feels like home to me. My mom may have been the one to cook, clean, and taxi us around when we were younger, but Daddy was the one who always made me feel loved, cherished, and protected. He was raised in a time where, no matter what, a woman was made to feel as if she were of noble character and her worth was far more than precious jewels. He has never viewed my mom or me as weak, and he shows us in many, many ways that he treasures us. This is one of the wonderful things that he taught Liam and Tripp as they were growing into men.

After placing a kiss on his weathered cheek, I sigh. “Well
, Dad, two days into season, and I’m not sure that I’m going to make it.” I give a short laugh, and squeeze my arms tightly around him. “Remind me again why I put heels on when I know I’m going to be on my feet for hours.”

Dad leans over looking
down at my shoes, and when he stands back up, he’s shaking his head. “Women. I will never understand why you ladies insist on torturing yourselves.” He draws away from my embrace, and wrapping an arm around my shoulder, he leads me up to the porch. “I will admit though, those things sure do make your momma’s legs look mighty fine.” He wiggles his eyebrows up and down, and the smile on his face just cracks me up.

We walk through the door laughing, and Mom steps out of the kitchen to greet me. “
Hey, sweetheart. Your timing is perfect. Everything’s ready, so help me get it to the table.” She gives me a kiss, and turns to my dad. “William, you’ve got that look in your eyes.” With that said, she just shakes her head, cups his cheek in her hand, and gives him a kiss. Pointing towards the bathroom, she sighs. “Go. Make sure the little ones are washing their hands and not just the bathroom tile this time.”

Uh oh. I step back and take a close look at
Momma. She and Dad are in their mid-sixties, but I’ve never given thought to their aging. I always see them through the eyes of a child. Upon closer inspection, I notice that Mom’s auburn hair is now liberally sprinkled with gray, and she has new lines on her face. For the first time in several years, my mother looks simply exhausted. When I stop to think about it, worrying about me, watching my girls, and wondering where Liam ran off to would be enough to make any person tired.

I grab the bowl of green beans and the platter of sliced vegtables from the kitchen counter
, and as I walk to place them on the dining room table, I decide the only way to get an answer is to ask the question. “Mom, you’re looking a little tired. Anything you want or need to tell me?” Even though she’s volunteered to watch the girls, I can’t help but feel a little guilty that I am adding more work for her.

Mom follows me to the table with the fried chicken and mashed potatoes.
“Sweetie, I am tired. This getting old stuff is hard on a body.” She gives a little laugh, and the sparkle in her eyes eases some of my guilt. “Before you ask, and yes, I can see the questions in your eyes, Liam called. He should be rolling in any minute now. He stayed with some friends, and the only thing I got out of him was that he had some thinking to do. Now, when he gets here, give him a chance to settle before you pounce. Besides, your dad and I have something we want to tell you two.”

“Oh, I hate it when you do that. You know that I
’ll be squirming in my seat and imagining all sorts of things.” I playfully stomp my foot, and then grimace in pain. “Ouch! Dad had me laughing so hard when we came in that I forgot to take these stupid heels off.” I pull a chair away from the table, and as I sit, I slide my feet free from the shoes and give a huge sigh of relief.

As Mom walks back to the kitchen, she
says over her shoulder, “I hate those things, but for some reason, your dad loves—”

The sound of a
slamming car door covers Mom’s words, and a few seconds later, Liam walks in the front door. I jump from the chair, rush over to him, and for once, I give him the comforting hug. He slowly wraps his arms around me and rests his chin on my head. “So glad you’re back, Bubby. I’ve been worried.” Thinking that short and sweet works best, I leave off the rest of the thoughts going through my head.

“Just needed some thinking space,
Wrynn. That voice …. ” He breaks away from me, and the pain in his eyes makes me gasp. “I just never thought I’d hear that voice again. Remember when I used to torture you by sticking duct tape to your arm and then rippin’ it off? That’s kinda how her voice made me feel. It just knocked my feet right out from under me.”

“
Liam,” I whisper. I know the anguish, the despair that he’s feeling. I understand what it’s like to be desperate to hear a person’s voice just one more time. I often conjure Tripp in my head because I have that desperate need for just one more moment with him. Unlike me, Liam can once again hear the voice that so very obviously haunts him. “She’s back.”

“
Liam, son. I see you’ve made it just in time for your momma’s fried chicken.” Dad walks up and gives Liam a hug. “The girls are at the table. Y’all come on and let’s eat before everything gets cold. We can finish this conversation afterwards.”

As we walk to the table, we
are greeted by the girls yelling ‘hello’ to their Unka Liam. Mom scurries around the table and grabs him up in her arms. As she steps back, she takes his face in her hands and just stands there, looking deep into his eyes. She must see something that makes her happy because she gives him a small smile before letting him go. “Sit, sit. The food’s getting cold, and our bellies won’t get full by just watching it.”

After we get the girls settled and we
’re all seated, Dad blesses the food, and then it’s every man for himself. One great thing about eating with family is there are always extra hands to help the little ones fill their plates. As we pass the serving bowls around the table, I notice Mom and Dad having one of their wordless conversations. Those two can talk for a long time using only their eyes and facial expressions, and it never ceases to amaze me how well they read each other. After being together for over forty years, it’s as if they could read each other’s minds. Mom gives Dad a little nod and that seems to be his signal to speak. “Your mom and I’ve been mulling things over and we’ve made a decision that we’d like to share with you.” The serious tone in his voice lets us know that what he’s getting ready to say is not only important, but also that it’s not up for discussion. Whatever it is, I know that they’ve talked long and hard about it, and come to a resolution together. I can’t help but feel a little tense.

A loud groan
from Liam draws all eyes to him. “Seriously? I’m not sure I can handle any more surprises right now.” He stares at the table, his hand slowly smoothing the wrinkles in the tablecloth. When he lifts his head, the twinkle in his eyes catches me by surprise. “If you two are getting a divorce, then just spit it out. Wrynn and I are old enough to handle it.”

I can’t help it. The snort of laughter just
comes out, and with it, my worries over Liam’s disappearing act just melt away. I know that whatever happens, he’s going to be all right. Picking up on his humor, I play along with his silliness. “Oh, come on, Liam. Mom and Dad aren’t quitters. You know they wouldn’t get a divorce. Right?” By now, Mom is shaking her head and Dad’s chuckling. With a feigned gasp, I say, “Oh my goodness. You’re pregnant. Well, don’t you two worry. Liam and I will be here to help you.”

“
Amelia Wrynn Broun Tidwell.”
Uh oh
. When Mom says my full name like that, I always feel like I’m seven and she just caught me writing on the walls with crayons. “William Russell Broun.”
Well, at least I’m not getting into trouble by myself
.

Liam
and I look at each other when we hear the note of exasperation in our mom’s voice. He cracks a grin at me, and we both start laughing. Mom is shaking her head again, but this time she’s smiling. “What am I going to do with you two? Always joking around. You’d think after 29 years with y’all, I’d be used to it.”

Dad joins in our laughter, and taking Mom’s hand in his, he says, “Well
, hon, maybe my delivery was a little formal. They probably thought I was going to give them bad news. Should I start over?” Mom gives him a little nod, and Dad turns back to us. “Your mom is retiring at the end of this school year.”

That’s
the big news? Mom has talked about retiring for years, but she genuinely loves teaching. I know that she’s slowing down with her age, but I guess I never really thought about her not being at the school like she’s been for the last two decades. I like knowing that she’s there if the girls need her. Scolding myself for my selfish thoughts, I realize that twenty-some third graders would be hard on anyone.

When she and Dad married, they wanted to have a house full of kids, but
month after month, they were disappointed because it hadn’t happened. After being told that she would more than likely never have children, Mom filled that emptiness and longing by pouring all her love into her students. Imagine her surprise when, at thirty-five, the doctor told her that the flu bug she couldn’t kick wasn’t an illness at all. Her dreams of being a mother were coming true. When she found out that she was having twins, she was doubly thankful for her blessings.

To say that Dad treated her like spun glass would be an understatement. He convinced her to stay home, rest, and prepare herself
for the upcoming arrivals. He catered to her every want, and often times anticipated her needs before she had time to voice them. Mom jokes that he was always underfoot, overbearing, and at times, downright irritating, but she never once doubted his love and devotion to her and the babies she was carrying.

When
Liam and I were born, she took what she fondly refers to as a ten-year sabbitical from teaching. She spent that time raising us and planning adventures. I got my love of the outdoors from those days we spent together. My mom was fond of the saying that housework will always be there, but children are only young for a time.

Our parents had hoped for another child or two, but when Mom turned forty and
no other siblings followed, she put those thoughts aside. The summer after Liam and I turned ten, she and Dad talked about her returning to work, and she’s never once regretted that decision. It’s hard to believe that was almost twenty years ago.

“Mom, you’ve been talking about retiring for years. What made you decide to do it now?”
Liam voices the exact question that I’m thinking.

“Son, I
am not
getting any younger, and my grandbabies are growing up too fast. I don’t want to miss any more time with them.” She is staring at the girls with a wistful look in her eyes. “I should have quit when Wrynn moved back. She could of used my help when Tripp—” With a startled gasp, Mom’s eyes look into mine.

“It’s okay
, Mom. You can say his name. I know you miss him, too.” I am quite positive that the smile on my face looks broken, but the hitch I feel in my heart is quickly covered with happiness. When I think of Tripp, I remember only the good times.

Mom sees the truth in my eyes, and closes her
s for a moment. With her anxiety calmed, she starts again. “When Tripp died, I felt like I should have retired, but then Papa Tidwell decided to move in with you and the girls. That was the happiest he had been since Nana passed away. I wouldn’t have taken that from him for anything. Y’all needed each other and it was the perfect solution.”

“Young lady.” The stern note in his voice forces my eyes straight to
Daddy’s. “Did you think that your mother and I wouldn’t hear about your little run-in with Mrs. Tidwell? Do you have any idea how upset we are to hear how badly she’s been treating you?
Why
did we hear this from friends and
not
from you?”

There is a harshness to his
tone that I don’t recall ever hearing before. I need to choose my words carefully, otherwise I will only cause more harm. “I … Uhm. I didn’t want to worry you. She’s been acting strange for a while now, and I actually think she may be getting sick or something.” I make a big production of rubbing my nose, making it obvious that I’m not quite sure how to worm myself out of this tight spot. “Annnyhoow, uhm.”