“When I was found due to being hit by a car, I still tried to push my sister away because I thought I was keeping her from having a life where I wasn’t a burden to her. I was wrong. I had made some very poor assumptions. Very soon after I was back home but still fighting being there, I learned that I had really made a bad error in judgment. But being from an amazing, but stubborn, family, I found my way back to the truth and finally believed in myself. And in finding that I found that I could be something more. And Robin and I found out that we needed others.” Rachel felt Tom come stand beside Robin and the rest of her family come stand beside Ethan. “The thing I found out is that I believe God is calling me to be a pastor’s wife. So it is my greatest honor to introduce you to the combined new Hale family with the addition of Tom Green and Ethan Hayes. Yes, it is coincidental in the timing, but Robin accepted Tom’s proposal and I accepted Ethan’s proposal one week ago today.” The crowd jumped to their feet and clapped in celebration with Rachel and her family. As the clapping died away, Rachel’s family went back to their seats and Ethan led Rachel back to their seat and Tom and Robin went back to the choir.
Tom got up to start the next song and the remainder of the service finished as normal. At the end of the service, Tom, Robin, Rachel and Ethan stood in the foyer and accepted the congratulations.
“You were spectacular, sweetheart” Ethan said as he and Rachel were alone in his office. He hugged her tight and she hugged right back.
“It was really okay?” she asked uncertain
“It was more than okay. You had the crowd spellbound and then crying with happiness. I couldn’t look at anyone today, they all gave me a “oh that’s so sweet” look.”
“So what did you do? Preach to the top of their heads?”
“Pretty much or I consulted my notes a lot more than usual.”
Rachel laughed at the picture in her head. “So my wonderful, handsome fiancée, can I take you to lunch? Do you have time?”
“Yes, my gorgeous, amazing fiancée, I do have time.” Ethan answered just before kissing her quickly.
Ethan picked Rachel up for their weekly meeting with Malcolm, his father and his mother. Then they were headed to his house to get ready for the barbeque with her family.
“Hi all” he said as he met Malcolm’s family at the restaurant.
“Hi” they returned and then followed Ethan into the restaurant. Malcolm’s father, Mark, had called Ethan the day after he had hired Malcolm. Mark had had lots of questions for Ethan and vice versa. After learning his background, Ethan asked Mark if he would be the on-site supervisor of the construction. He had hired Mark already to begin some preliminary work.
As soon as they had ordered, Ethan began the meeting. “Malcolm, how do things stand?”
Malcolm began his report “I have the team members for the flyers and we can meet with you this week depending on your schedule. We are out of school Thursday and Friday. And only one other person’s parent has to agree and I’ve picked the design team. My mom and dad talked to the parents so they wouldn’t think I was joking with their kid.”
“Good plan.” Ethan pulled out his schedule and they agreed to meet on Thursday. “And Mary, how are things with you?”
“I’m good. I have some preliminary sketches done.” She said handing over some ideas to Ethan. He looked them over and handed them back. “Beautiful. Can you meet with us on Thursday?”
“Yes, when the kids are out of school I’m also out of school.”
“Perfect” Ethan returned “Mark, what about you? How are you?”
“Malcolm and I have been walking the neighborhood and getting some names of the construction vehicles that are around. I also wrote down some of the ones I wouldn’t use again from past experience. I got the books you told me to get so I can study for the project manager job.”
“Very good.” Ethan commented “Malcolm, do you have your timesheets for this week?”
Malcolm handed over the timesheets from all three of them and Ethan looked them over. “Excellent job Malcolm.” Ethan stated. Ethan took the checks out of his briefcase and handed them to Malcolm. “Here you go boss. The boss always hands out the paychecks and tells them “thank you” for doing a good job.”
Malcolm very proudly handed over the paychecks to his parents and told them thank you.
Rachel heard Mary sniff as her son handed her a check. “Thanks boss” she replied.
“How’s school Malcolm?” Rachel asked
“Very good. Word is out about this job and people come up to me and ask me if they can help. I did what Ethan told me to do, I ask them their skills, talents and then I write it down and tell them I’ll let them know.”
“Any good prospects for future projects?” Rachel asked again
“Yeah maybe. I have to organize some of that still. Mom and I are working on a chart of skills and stuff.”
“That is excellent.” Ethan agreed. Then talk switched to expenses and if Malcolm had been keeping good track of things. Ethan learned that Malcolm liked the accounting parts and decided to have his accountant work with Malcolm on a budget when school was out. Their meal was served about the time the business discussion was over.
“How are the wedding plans, Rachel?” Mary asked as they ate
“Hectic, trying to plan a wedding around the United States Senate is quite a job.”
“And what does the Senate have to do with your wedding?” Mary asked
“My father is United States Senator Marcus Hayes.” Ethan answered
“You’re kidding?” Mark asked
“No, he is not.” Rachel answered this time. “We finally have a date now though but it took two weeks of phone calls and emails.”
“And your twin is getting married too?” Mary asked as Rachel finished
“Yes, her wedding will be after ours. Right now, my sister and I are roommates. I need to be married first and moved in with Ethan before Robin gets married and her husband moves into our house.”
“Is your mother pulling her hair out at having to plan two weddings?”
“No, two is easier than one actually.” Rachel answered “Especially now that we both have dates and can put down some deposits on things.”
“I’m glad I had a boy.” Mary said happily
Chapter 14
Ethan and Rachel spent the afternoon in preparation for the dinner with her family. She wasn’t a lot of help unless he helped her move around in the unfamiliar setting. He didn’t seem to mind but she knew he could do more without stopping to help her out. “I like seeing you in this house.” Ethan said about early-afternoon when they were taking a break.
Rachel smiled sweetly at him “I like anywhere that you are.”
“Ahhh, comments like that just may get you kissed sweetheart.”
“And I would object to that for what reason?”
Ethan didn’t answer he just kissed her instead. Rachel reached up to cup his face in her hands and even when the kiss ended she didn’t let go. “Is something wrong?” he asked
“Not hardly.” She answered happily “I, uhhh….”
“Yeah, me too.” Ethan agreed. He was ready to be married to this woman and spend the rest of his life with her. Rachel let go of his face and he moved away.
“So, what wedding plans do we need to go over?” Ethan asked as he worked around the kitchen.
“We need to decide on who is going to marry us.”
“I have an idea, tell me your opinion. I have a seminary professor that I still keep in touch with and he has given me advice and opinions in the past. I’d like to ask him.”
“That is perfect. Why didn’t you mention this the other day?”
“Well” he started a little embarrassed “I sort of crammed my last two weeks full of things to do and I actually forgot about him until I checked my email this morning.”
“Ask him. I think it is a wonderful idea.”
&nb
sp; “I will, thank you. What other details?”
“Groomsmen and bridesmaids.”
“I already asked my brother to be the best man. Are we going to have any other attendants than a maid of honor and a best man?”
“I’m asking you. What about your sisters, would they be bridesmaids with Robin as the maid of honor?”
“Honestly, they would but actually, I want a short simple ceremony and the more people who need to parade down the aisle delays my marrying you.”
“Ahhh, comments like that will get you kissed sweetheart.”
“Yeah, well, I’m not coming over there to get one. It isn’t the smartest idea right now.”
“I understand that completely.” She agreed
“So, do you want two bridesmaids and Robin?”
“Not if you don’t. Will they be expecting me to ask them?”
“No, I don’t think so. They only had one attendant each.”
“So what is your opinion on food at the reception?”
“As long as the reception is over in five minutes, they can eat whatever they want.” He joked
“Five minutes?” she laughed
“Okay, maybe I can hang around for ten. There may be a football game on that day or something that I need to watch.”
“Cross off reception as something to get Ethan’s opinion on.” She chuckled
“Rach” he started as he worked on food preparations “you are going to hate this comment but I may not even remember the reception. Yes, we need to have a reception. No, I don’t want one. I want to marry you. I want to have the ceremony, have the preacher announce us as husband and wife then walk out the door of the church and not see another soul for a week. I want your undivided attention. So, will I remember the reception? Maybe. Will I enjoy the reception? Yes, I will. Will I be anxious for the reception to be over? I think you know the answer to that question.” Ethan looked up from his speech and saw the look on her face. “What is that look for?”
“Ethan Hayes, you are crazy. You are such a people person, you need to have a reception at your wedding. Have you seen the first draft of the guest list from your parents? Robin read it to me. Six US Senators at least, one former president, shall I continue? You do remember that we are not even getting married at the church don’t you?”
“Yes, and I hate it. Tom and Robin aren’t either. I hate that too. It is a great church.”
“Come here.” She said motioning him with her hand.
“What?” he said sitting down at the table with her and holding her hand.
“Ethan, what makes it a great church?”
“The great people, how much love they have for us.”
“Sweetheart that is the people, not the building. We are still inviting the people to the wedding.”
“Yes, but I want to get married in the church. I want a small wedding, you, me, two witnesses and a preacher. And if I could be both the groom and the pastor, I’d do it.”
“Then you should have been born into a different family.” She chuckled
“Why are you so happy about this? Do want this big wedding?”
“No and Yes. No, I’ll be a nervous wreck over the number of people who will be there. Yes because I want everyone to look at my face and know that that moment when we become man and wife is the happiest moment of my life. I’ll have tears of joy and there will not be any doubts on anyone’s mind that I am thrilled to be your wife. It isn’t about showing people that I showed them up and snagged me a great husband, it is about them knowing I love you with all my heart. I’d have our wedding televised worldwide if I could show the world that loving you is the best thing that ever happened to me and that you were given to me by God. He has given me the greatest treasure imaginable.”
“Well, you have that backwards, He has given me the greatest treasure imaginable.”
“Oh you.” She said laughing “Did you get my point?”
“Yes, I did.” He said gently “But can’t one witness tell a few people and then spread the news from there.”
“Oh Ethan, I love you. The ceremony will be short but there still has to be a reception and believe me, I’m not leaving your side for a minute. Actually I don’t have much choice about that, but I would choose that option anyway.”
“You are a goof.” He said kissing her hand that he held. “I have one thing to say then this discussion can move on…I’d marry you tomorrow with no witnesses and spend the rest of my life with you. I will however wait six months, wait at the end of a long aisle and watch you walk towards me in a beautiful dress and pledge before God and hundreds of witnesses to love you the rest of my life. I will keep you very close as we enjoy the reception but the first opportunity I have, we are out of there. Deal?”
“Oh yes, we have a deal.”
“Good, now can I have a kiss?” he asked moving closer to her
“Absolutely.” She answered and then the doorbell rang. “Later” she said instead as he moved to answer the door instead of kiss her.
“Hi Martha” Ethan laughed
“I know you told me three times you didn’t need any help tonight but I thought you might be shy about asking so I showed up early just in case.” Martha explained as she walked in the door and straight to the kitchen as if she owned the house. “Hi, Rachel, sweetie.” She said stopping briefly to hug her. “Now, what do you need my help with?”
“Hi Martha” Rachel greeted as she laughed with Ethan. “You might as well put her to work Ethan, she isn’t a good sitter. She wouldn’t last thirty seconds watching you work.”
Martha and Ethan laughed then Ethan drafted Martha to help him. “So what other details do we need to work on?” Ethan asked going back to the wedding discussion.
“Logistical stuff…your family has their hotel reservations?”
“Yes, it happens to be a family hotel, we have first pick.”
“Oh yeah, forgot about that.”
“Tsk Tsk Tsk” he teased “Trevor has the manager blocking most of the hotel so just have your family mention the wedding so they know which block of rooms to assign them.”
“How many people are coming to this wedding?” Martha asked
“You haven’t seen the guest list?” Rachel asked
“No, should I have?”
“I guess not. Ethan’s mother’s list is a first draft of three hundred people. Mom’s list is two hundred and the church members are about two hundred more. Not to mention security for the visiting dignitaries.”
“What security?”
“Does the name Jameson Hayes ring a bell?”
“Yes” Martha answered
“Ethan, do you want to tell her why Jameson Hayes is coming to your wedding?”
“We don’t know that he is coming.”
“You’re stalling, tell her.”
“He is my father’s uncle.”
“The former president of the United States is your great uncle?”
“Yes” Ethan groaned
“And?” Rachel encouraged him to tell the rest
“You are such a brat.” Ethan teased.
“And?” she encouraged again.
“Oh alright, he wants to sing if he is able to come.”
“You’re kidding?” Martha asked astonished
“No, he’s not. Jameson Hayes called me himself the other day and asked if he could sing at my wedding. First of all, Robin had to pick me up off the floor from the dead faint, not really but almost. Secondly, he tells me his is Ethan’s great uncle and I wouldn’t have believed that except that United States Senator Marcus Hayes was on the conference call also.”
“Oh my word” gasped Martha
“Oh wait, there’s more…” Rachel began and Ethan interrupted “You are so going to pay for this drama queen.”
“As I was saying, Jameson, which is what I’m supposed to call the former president of the United States now since we are relatives, tells me that he will bring his
own accompaniment. That would be his grandson’s little band known as the JD Miller Band, do you know who they are?”
“Yes” Martha answered astonished
“So, I said okay, nothing else came to mind. So then Ethan’s father said that the security company would call me and he was right the next call I received was about security.”
“Rachel…” Ethan groaned
“Wait, Wait I haven’t even gotten to the good part yet. Since Uncle Jameson is only a former president the United States Secret Service would only send his detail of ten men to guard him if that was the only dignitary who would attend but since there will be other senators and celebrities there, the director of the Secret Service informs me that he is sending sixty.”
“Sixty?”
“Oh and I have to have the guest list to him within thirty days.”
“Why?”
“So the service can do background checks on all of us.”
“Good grief Ethan.” Martha exclaimed
“But there is some really good news too.” Rachel went on
“What’s that?”
“At the end of this three ring circus, I’ll be Mrs. Ethan Hayes.”
“Ahhh” Martha cooed and Ethan came to kiss her “You just redeemed yourself drama queen.”
“And you couldn’t have just told me there was a possibility that all these phone calls were coming my way?” she asked teasing him now. On the day of the phone calls she was too flabbergasted to ask him.
“I sincerely apologize. I had no idea that Jameson would want to sing at the wedding.”
“How about a heads up that he even might attend? Although talking to the Director of the US Secret Service has always been on my to-do list for this wedding.”
“Okay, you are back in trouble drama queen.” Ethan said grabbing her to give her a nuggie then kissing the top of her head. Martha was laughing at them as she worked on her food assignment.
“Ethan, if your father’s side of the family is in politics what is your mother’s side like?”
Ethan groaned and Rachel burst out laughing. “Don’t start again, you drama queen.” He said warning her playfully.
“What now?” Martha asked. Rachel was too busy laughing to answer so Ethan sheepishly did “Have you heard of “Masie Dasie” food products?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Mother’s side of the family.” He stated shyly