The Pregnant Bride Wore White

“Good. He needs sunshine.”

Dixie took Keri’s hand. “He went through some kind of hell, didn’t he?” Dixie asked quietly.

After a moment, Keri nodded, not knowing the details, but it only took looking at him to see that much.

Jake rounded the corner, his long hair dripping wet, a towel over his shoulders. “You remember how I used to have it cut?” he asked Dixie, ignoring Keri.

“Of course.”

He grabbed a chair and carried it outside, leaving Keri and Dixie to wonder if he’d overheard their conversation, and if so, how much of it. After a few seconds, Dixie shrugged and followed him.

Keri wiped down the countertops, checked to see what she could make for dinner later and then was at a loss. The kitchen was clean. She’d finished her thank-you notes. She didn’t feel like watching television, so she wandered out the door. Jake’s eyes were closed, the sun on his face, as Dixie snipped away, the usually direct and forthright woman as quiet as Jake.

Keri didn’t think she made any noise, but he opened his eyes. She couldn’t read his expression. All she knew for sure was he was exhausted. How much had he slept last night? She’d heard him prowling several times, heard him open the front door and, she assumed, go outdoors a couple of times.

“So, you moved in with Nana Mae,” Jake said to Dixie.

“Really?” Keri said before Dixie answered. “Oh, I’m so relieved. She’s tough, but she really shouldn’t be alone all the time.”

“That’s how I felt. It also means I can quit working for my parents at the hardware store, and fast-track cosmetology school. They’re letting me switch from the part-time program to full-time. I’ll be done four months from now instead of eight.”

“You haven’t graduated?” Jake asked, as if horrified. He ran his fingers through his hair. “Still there. Okay.”

Dixie gave him a little shove. “I’ve been cutting hair since I was fourteen.”

“Isn’t that about the time you and Joe met? Hm. I’m thinking there’s a reason he wears his hair long.”

Keri smiled, happy to see him teasing Dixie.

Dixie seemed satisfied with the haircut, then studied his face. “I can shave that beard, too, if you want. Or at least trim it close enough for you to shave comfortably.”