Making Things Right

By Mildred Colvin

Lori and Ron can’t seem to agree on the important things in life, such as Ron’s hobby. At least that’s what Lori calls his fledgling photography-business-on-the-side. So Ron takes his camera, walks out, and gets a divorce. Two years later Lori attends a wedding as the matron of honor only to find Ron is the hired photographer. He now has his own successful studio.

She would say good for him and leave it at that, but his sister is dying of cancer and asks her to move into her mansion and be her nurse for her remaining days. Lori can’t say no, not even when the job includes a large inheritance—and a small one. Ron’s three-year-old niece will need a new mother, and his sister picks Lori for the job. But not if he can help it!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mildred Colvin
• Release date: Dec 3, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301315413

Mildred Colvin

Mildred Colvin is a wife, mother of three, and grandmother to three beautiful girls. She started writing when her children were young as they asked for stories. Not from a book. No! They were only satisfied when she made up stories. As the stories grew, she wrote some down and sent them off to magazines. Eight were published before her imagination turned toward love stories, which is what she enjoys reading.She has been writing Christian or clean and wholesome romance since 2001. Over the years several readers from pre-teens to older kids in their eighties and nineties have written expressing their interest in her books. She always loves to hear about one of her stories touching someone's heart. Her purpose in writing is to encourage, entertain, and bless someone else.She lives in the United States and sets her characters in the middle states from Texas to Nebraska and Iowa and reaching across Illinois to Colorado. She also has an Oregon Trail series, but the Great Plains states are her favorite setting.She is active in a very special critique group and has written and published over 60 books in both historical and contemporary themes, and plans to continue writing as long as God allows. He has been good in giving her many ideas for stories. Maybe more than she will be able to finish, but she enjoys each one.Please take a moment to visit her website at www.mildredcolvin.weebly.com, and sign up for her Romantic Reflections Newsletter to learn when new books are released. Also learn of promotions and free books through her newsletter.And take a look at her books. You might find something you don't want to put down.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Lori Henderson ran down the stairs at Mount Zion Bible Church and barreled into her past at the sound of a child’s giggle. The little girl squealed, shot through the open doorway, and crashed into Lori’s legs.

Whoa. She bent to catch the little one before she fell, gently holding the girl’s shoulders. Hi, there. Who are you?

With hair as fiery as Lori had once dreamed her child’s would be, the girl of about three years of age, looked up through wide green eyes. Her face crumpled and her mouth opened to release a wail, as she wrenched away and ran back the way she’d come.

At the opening to the hall, a man’s hands scooped the little girl up. Hey, you’re okay.

Bad lady, Unca. Bad lady catcheded me.

Oh, no. I was afraid she would fall. I didn’t mean to scare her. Lori stepped toward them. She didn’t have time for this delay. She swept the large room with her gaze. Where was Beth? She’d said to come to the Bride’s Parlor in the basement. Where was it? The row of closed doors down one wall gave her no clue.

A footstep to the side drew her attention back to the little girl. She opened her mouth to convince the uncle she’d meant no harm, but gasped instead.

Ron Henderson stood holding the child, his cool green eyes fastened on Lori. She’d always heard events from a person’s life flashed before their eyes when they faced death. She didn’t know the same thing happened during an unpleasant surprise. Only the events she saw were limited to the past four years. The two years she’d been married to Ron and the years she’d spent missing him.

Ron cuddled his niece close, silencing her tears. His gaze held Lori captive, while his familiar low voice cut a slice from her heart. I know, baby, but I warned you not to run away from your mother. You never know when you might find a bad lady.

Mommy. The little girl reached over Ron’s shoulder toward the way they’d come.

Ron Henderson, don’t be scaring my daughter with such talk. Another voice from the past drifted around the corner before Janie Kramer stepped past Ron. She slapped her brother on the shoulder and stopped beside him, her eyes brightening as they zeroed in on Lori. A smile spread across her face. Hi. I was hoping we’d get to see you today. Don’t listen to these two.

Before Lori could open her mouth, Janie turned to her brother. You have no reason to talk about Lori that way. Jessica, don’t listen to him. This is a nice lady. She’s our good friend, isn’t that right, Uncle Ron?

Ron’s gaze never wavered from Lori’s. She couldn’t tear her attention from him. Her heart pounded against her ribcage as she waited for his response. He spoke after a long hesitation with very little conviction.

Yeah, sure. She’s a real nice lady.

Pain coursed through Lori’s heart. After so long, Ron could still hurt her with no more than a slight inflection in his tone of voice. One so slight she might be the only one to recognize it. She blinked to chase away any evidence of the injury left by his words.

Lori, it’s been too long. Twice a year letters and cards, and a few phone calls, just aren’t enough. Janie’s arms opened wide as she stepped forward. Lori turned toward her friend and former confidant to share a warm hug.

As they pulled apart, Lori glanced again toward the closed doors. Janie, it’s so good to see you. I wish we could talk, but I’m running late.

You look beautiful. Doesn’t she, Ron? Janie took her daughter from Ron and set her on the floor.

Yeah, sure. She’ll outshine the bride. An emotion flashed through his eyes. Did he mean what he said but was afraid to let her know?

No doubt about that. Janie held her little girl firmly by the hand, turned her back on her brother, and steered Lori farther into the fellowship hall. Ron has to set up his equipment, and I’ll bet you’re one of the bride’s attendants, aren’t you?

Equipment? What would Ron be setting up? Tempted as she was to glance over her shoulder, Lori resisted the urge and tried to concentrate on Janie’s voice. Yes, I’m the matron of honor. The bride, Beth, and I are best friends. I probably mentioned her to you at some time. We met in Bolivar a couple of years ago and did everything together until she gave up small town life for the city and Jonathan. I should have been here ten minutes ago. I’m afraid she’ll get upset if I’m late. Well, I guess I’m already a little late for that, aren’t I? Lori laughed. Sorry, my mouth is running faster than I am. It’s just being late, then running into Ron. I don’t even want to think about that.

She stopped and sighed. When she was nervous, she talked too much without saying anything. Really, Janie, I’m not making any sense. You’re here, so I assume you know Beth?

Janie smiled. I’m here because of the groom. I don’t know Beth, but Jonathan is Cecelia’s brother, and she’s my lawyer. I’ve heard how Beth and Jon met. That’s a fascinating story. You probably know all about it. Why don’t we get together for a really good gabfest before you go back home? I have some things I’d like to discuss with you. In fact, I’d planned to find you today. We really need to spend a little time together. She touched Lori’s arm. Besides, I’ve missed being with you face to face.

An emotion deep in Janie’s eyes drew a nod from Lori. Her tone of voice made the invitation seem urgent, as if she had something important that needed to be said. Lori would have accepted Janie’s invitation because she’d always loved Ron’s sister as her own, but more than anything, she wanted to know about Ron. She hadn’t heard from him since her marriage legally ended and he took the last of his belongings from the house. Janie had called several times, and they’d kept in touch with online chat and email. But their in-person visits were as scarce as the Christmas and birthday cards and letters they exchanged.

By some unspoken agreement, Ron was never mentioned between them. For two years, Lori had tried to forget him, but failed. Now Janie, with her friendly overtures, had handed her a chance to learn how Ron had coped without her. She and Janie always shared confidences in the past. Maybe this unfortunate encounter with her ex had finally broken the silence. What else would Janie need to talk about except Ron?

I’ve missed you, too, Janie. I’d love to stop by and catch up on the past. We used to have some great times, didn’t we? Lori smiled at her former sister-in-law.

We sure did. Janie’s eyes sparkled. When Ron brought you home to meet the family I didn’t know what to expect. I decided he had better taste than I gave him credit for.

Thanks, although I don’t deserve the compliment. Ron must not have thought so. He certainly didn’t waste time getting away from me after the new wore off.

Oh, Janie waved her hand in a gesture of dismissal. What Ron thinks doesn’t matter. Besides, I imagine he’s wished many times he hadn’t walked out your door.

Lori could only wish that were true.

Janie patted Lori’s arm. Let’s not even think about Ron right now. Your friends are waiting for you so they can get some pictures taken before the wedding. Last I heard Beth was a nervous wreck, so she’s probably anxious for her best friend and matron of honor to show.

Lori tried to block the image now firmly planted in her brain of her tall, appealing ex-husband and the surprise on his face when he saw her moments ago. While few women would consider Ron overly handsome, one smile from him had always stolen her breath. She loved the slight crook in his nose from an old injury, just as she loved the scattered freckles covering it that he wished away. She loved everything about him except his stubborn pride.

If only she could shake the image of his emerald eyes boring into hers. She looked about the large fellowship hall. Pink and white streamers crisscrossed the ceiling above tables and chairs arranged for a large group. A long table covered with a white cloth held center stage while an empty punch bowl and two stacks of pink and white paper cups waited on another cloth-covered table. Today Beth and Jon would join their lives. What part did Ron play in this wedding? As happy as Lori was to reconnect with Janie, seeing Ron had released a shadow to cover her day.

Janie paused in front of a door on the side of the long room. Lori took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She would put the frustrated emotions she still felt toward Ron from her mind long enough to enjoy Beth’s wedding. She didn’t want to put a damper on her friend’s happiness.

~*~

Ron stood alone, watching his ex-wife walk across the fellowship hall. From the moment he realized Jessica’s bad lady was Lori, his heart hadn’t stopped hammering. Two years out of his sight and she was more beautiful than ever. He wanted to banish the sadness he recognized in her brown eyes when she looked at him. He wanted to push past the barriers they’d erected from their stubbornness—both of them—and love her again. Wishes. Ha! That’s all he had where Lori was concerned.

As she and Janie paused before the door to the Bride’s Parlor, Ron released a long held breath. Would he do things differently if he could? Yeah, probably. Maybe, if he had a second chance, he wouldn’t be so quick to leave just because Lori didn’t understand his drive, his ambitions. She wanted him to stay cooped up in the grocery store as assistant manager, but he needed the freedom of expression his photography allowed. If he’d known how lonely life would become without her by his side, he might have listened. He might have stayed with the store while he played with his picture-taking hobby as she called it.

Maybe. But he hadn’t, and now he had work to do. He watched until Lori disappeared from his sight, then he spun on his heel and retraced his earlier steps to retrieve his equipment. Beth wanted pictures taken outside and in the sanctuary. He needed to finish getting ready. He’d wasted enough time because of Jessica’s mischief.

~*~

Oh, Lori, there you are. Beth hurried across the room and gave Lori a warm hug. I was afraid something had happened.

I’m sorry I’m late. Nothing bad. I’m just not a city driver. She shrugged. I got lost and then I ran into Janie.

Lori turned to include Janie and realized she’d already gone. She gave a nervous laugh. At least she was here a moment ago.

I saw someone with you. Was that Ron’s sister? A frown touched Beth face. You didn’t happen to see Ron, too, did you? I guess it doesn’t matter because you’ll be seeing him soon enough. Before Lori could respond, Beth clutched her arm. Oh, Lori, I’m so sorry. We hired Boundless Expressions to photograph the wedding. We checked their work out on the internet and liked it so well Cecelia went in and booked them. I found out a few minutes ago who the actual photographer is.

No, it’s my fault. Cecelia, Beth’s soon-to-be sister-in-law, stepped forward. I hired the photographer and talked to him. If I’d known, I’d have hired someone else, but I didn’t know Ron was your ex. I don’t know why the last name didn’t tip me off. He came highly recommended, and I didn’t think. He has a nice little studio on one side of his sister’s bookstore and his work is excellent.

Ron is a photographer? He has his own studio? His sister’s bookstore? Lori’s brain didn’t want to work. So Ron had moved ahead without her. No doubt, he’d succeeded because she no longer stood in his way. Her heart sank. She hadn’t known, although Janie had always loved books. Why hadn’t she mentioned it the last time she called? Of course, she never mentioned Ron when they talked, but she could have bragged about getting the bookstore she’d always wanted. Dissatisfaction with her own life rushed in. Other than a move from nursing to the lab position she now held, she’d made no major changes in her life after Ron left. But look at him. Once he walked out her door, he hadn’t stopped until he got what he wanted. And so had Janie. She’d never felt so alone in her life.

Yes, Cecelia nodded. Janie Kramer lives in a beautiful old house in a nice neighborhood. She has a guesthouse in the back that faces the street on that side. Their shops are in a nice little area of specialty businesses.

I know the house and that section of businesses, but I didn’t know about the bookstore. Lori sank to a chair by the door. That was always her dream.

Cecelia nodded and sat beside Lori. The work Ron showed me is excellent. You would love his photos, and the price is reasonable. Nevertheless, that’s no excuse for hurting you. I hope we haven’t made things unbearably awkward. Please, know how sorry we are.

Lori looked from one to the other of her friends. Three more women, including mothers of the bride and groom, stood across the room silently listening. Everyone seemed to be waiting for her to break under the pressure. She straightened her spine. This was nothing compared to the last time she’d seen Ron. She could handle anything he threw at her.

She waved her hand to the side. Don’t worry about it. You did nothing wrong. I did run into Ron and we . . .

Did what? Passed insults? No, she hadn’t spoken a word to him. He was the one who’d insulted her, and he hadn’t spoken directly to her.

Ron seemed very surprised to see me. I imagine this will be just as uncomfortable for him as for me. She forced a smile. Knowing he has to make me look good for your pictures will be worth it.

She stood and hugged Beth and Cecelia, then moved farther into the room and greeted the others. So what do I need to do?

Your corsage is right here, dear. Beth’s mother held up a beautiful pink rose in full-bloom nestled in forget-me-nots. Lori drew close so the older woman could pin it to the left shoulder of her gown.

As the women finished last-minute touches to their hair and clothing, Lori tried to set thoughts of Ron aside, and failed. She remembered the guesthouse behind Janie’s home. How wonderful that she’d opened a bookstore there. Her heart soared for her friend. She couldn’t wait to see all her books.

But a photography studio for Ron? She hadn’t expected that. She’d always thought of his interest in photography as nothing more than a hobby. And he came highly recommended? From what she knew about Cecelia, only the best would do for her refined taste, so Ron must be better than she realized. She would soon find out.

Her hand shook as she touched up her lipstick. She slipped the cover back on and put the tube away. She stared at her reflection in the mirror. She would not allow Ron to fluster her this way. In fact, he no longer affected her at all. This was Beth’s day and she would not worry about Ron one bit. Today, no matter what, she’d celebrate her best friend’s happiness. She would need to ignore Ron for a couple of hours. That’s all. Then after she left the city and Ron far behind, she could go back to the memories and dreams of what could have been if she wanted to.

Lori turned away from the mirror as another thought filled her mind. If Ron shared the guesthouse with Janie, did he also live in her home? Would he be there tomorrow when she visited his sister? A small groan escaped.

Chapter 2

Lori’s smile felt frozen on her face.

Ron clicked the shutter of his camera. You’re doing great. Just one more picture. I’d like for you all to step to the center of the bridge and face me.

Beth caught up with Lori and gave her hand a squeeze. Are you all right?

Lori shrugged. I’m fine. I don’t think Ron even knows I’m here.

Truthfully, she did wonder. He’d avoided eye contact from the moment he started taking pictures. His attention centered on Beth. He was doing his job. She didn’t need Ron’s attention, anyway. He hadn’t given it to her when they were married, and look where that got her. Right into a