The Scent of Rain Read online

  *********

  Jaena’s family welcomed Mitch into their circle just as she knew they would. Her grandfather commented several times how like Charles Gallagher his grandson was. When the weekend was over, Jaena again regretfully saw Mitch to his car.

  “Thank you for sharing the New Year celebrations with my family. I hope your family wasn’t too disappointed.”

  “They were okay with it. Remember you promised to come down Saturday to meet them. They’re anxious to meet you, but at least now I have a photo to show them.”

  “I’m sorry I can’t make it for the whole weekend, but perhaps another time.”

  Mitch threw his bag onto the back seat and opened the front door. Elbows on the top of the door he leaned on it and fixed his gaze on Jaena.

  “I have a feeling that there’s going to be a lot of goodbyes in the next few months. You sure you’re okay with my decision to accept this job? I had hoped to stay closer. It won’t be the same as this last year when we saw each other at Uni and on the weekends.”

  She sighed. “I know, but you have to go where you believe God is leading you. I’ll survive.”

  “We could always do as your mother suggested and bring the wedding forward.”

  “Not likely!” she snorted.

  Mitch laughed and stepped into the car. “We’ll see. Your mother and I might wear you down yet.” He pulled the seatbelt over his shoulder. “I’ll ring you when I get home.”

  Jaena nodded and blew him a kiss. “See you Saturday.”

  *********

  Despite her words to Mitch, Jaena spent the days after Mitchell’s departure considering his proposal. She checked her classes online for the coming year and discovered that every single class she could study extramurally. She had enjoyed her year at university, but she had also enjoyed the previous year when she had studied from home. And with a wedding to plan, well, it would be easier to do it with her mother right beside her. And it would be nice to spend a little more time living at home with both her parents before she moved out for good.

  She knew she was probably unusual for wanting to live at home at her age, but she didn’t mind. She’d had so little time living with both parents that the prospect still greatly appealed. There was also the cost to consider. Mitchell was about to graduate and start full-time work, but neither of them had as yet had a chance to put much away – they certainly didn’t have a lot to start married life on – but if she could save a year’s worth of rent, it would help. But she had to be sure …

  Jaena pulled out her Bible, and, like her mother before her, took some time to seek God’s heart on her upcoming marriage. But, unlike her mother, Jaena chose not to tell Him how it should be.

  *********

  Jaena saw Mitch waiting by the corner when she pulled into his street. Pulling over she waited for him to climb into the car. “What’s up?”

  He leaned over and brushed her cheek with his lips. “You ready for this?”

  Jaena nodded. “What’s not to be ready for?”

  “You don’t know my family.”

  “No, and that’s about to change. I’m sure it will go fine.”

  “Mum’s been stressed about this since Christmas. She’s just about driven me crazy. And Dad’s off to India next week so he’s not been much help, which just serves to make Mum even harder to live with. And my brothers – well they’re likely to embarrass as all and make us all look like jerks.”

  Jaena laughed. “They’re just people. Surely they can’t be as bad as you make out?”

  “Wait and see.”

  Jaena wrinkled her forehead and then giggled. “You’re acting like a naughty schoolboy caught in the act. We’ve done nothing wrong. You’re just taking me to meet your parents now that we’re engaged.”

  Mitch sighed and pointed down the street. “Park down there underneath that tree and let’s get this over with.”

  Jaena did as she was told. Taking her arm, Mitch led her around to the back of his parents’ home. “You sure you don’t want to back out?” he whispered as he opened the screen door. His reply was an elbow in the ribs.

  Gathered in the spacious and immaculate living area that adjoined the kitchen were Mitch’s family members. Quickly he made the introductions. “My mother, Kathryn, my brother, Wade, you know Pop of course, and my other brother, Lincoln.” He glanced around. “Where’s Dad?”

  “In his study.” Mitch’s mother’s voice was tight and Jaena realised that Mitch had spoken the truth when he had said she was stressed.

  “I’ll get him." It was one of Mitch’s brothers that spoke up, but Jaena couldn’t remember which one. They looked so alike that they could be almost twins. Both resembled their mother who was stylishly dressed and whose bobbed hair had been skilfully highlighted and lowlighted to camouflage grey. Mitch looked nothing like his mother, but Jaena had already decided that he must resemble his father because of the likeness she had seen between him and his grandfather on her first visit to Mitch’s home.

  “Ah, here’s Dad. Jaena, I’d like you to meet my father.” Mitch completed the necessary introductions and Jaena marvelled that such a short nondescript man had fathered Mitch. Obviously Mitch didn’t greatly resemble his father either.

  “It’s lovely to see you again, Jaena.” It was Pop who spoke and Jaena turned to the older man.

  “It’s lovely to see you again, too. My grandfather sends his regards.”

  Mitch’s Pop’s face lit up at that and Jaena could tell he was greatly pleased.

  “And how is my old friend?”

  “He’s doing well.”

  “And your grandmother? Your mother?”

  “They’re well, too.”

  “It seems like such a long time since I saw any of them. Perhaps I’ll have a chance to see them once again?”

  “Well, they’ll be at the wedding and I imagine that you’re planning on being there too,” Mitch reminded his grandfather. “In fact, you have to be, because Jaena would like for you and her grandfather to officiate at our wedding. What do you say to that?”

  The old man touched his chest. “I’d be honoured.”

  “Jaena.” It was Mitch’s mother who spoke. “Have you set a date yet?”

  Jaena glanced at Mitch and smiled before replying. After another week of being apart Jaena had decided that her mother’s idea had merit. She just hadn’t told Mitch yet, but she knew he wouldn’t object. “Actually, it’s not definite, but I’m thinking Easter.” Her heart beat rapidly as Mitch beamed. “I know it’s not that long away, but my mother is expert at planning weddings at short notice.” She gave a short laugh. “We had planned on the end of the year, but now that Mitch has accepted this job up north, I decided to bring the date forward. I’ll still continue my studies, but I’ll do them from home – as I did in my first year. That way it will be easier to continue with them after we’re married.”

  “As long as it’s not because you’re in the family way. That wouldn’t look good for the son of a preacher.” And the youngest brother looked pointedly at his older brother.

  Mitch looked thunderous, but Jaena simply laughed. “Mitch said you would likely try to embarrass him. I’ve not had siblings and I always thought I’d missed out because of it, but now I’m not so sure.”

  Perhaps it was her words or the fact that she had seen the funny side of what could have been an offensive remark, but the atmosphere in the room became noticeably less tense. Jaena was surprised that Mitch’s father spoke little and that his mother seemed so intent on pleasing that it was almost comical, but as the afternoon wore on, the talk and laughter become less restrained. Even Mitch began to laugh at his siblings’ comments although Jaena could see that he was waiting for a chance to get his own back.

  When it was time to leave, Pop insisted on walking her out to her car. Jaena’s heart swelled with love when she saw how considerate Mitch was with the older man. If she’d not known before what a good man he was, she certainly knew it now.

 
“Please pass on to your grandfather and mother my love. I still feel shame for how I’ve judged them all these years.”

  “Please don’t.” Jaena squeezed the older man’s hand. “No one blames you anymore.”

  “And look how it’s turned out.” Mitch put an arm around Jaena’s shoulders. “Did you ever imagine that you would see your grandson married to the granddaughter of your estranged friend?”

  “My oldest and dearest friend,” Pop corrected. “And no, I didn’t, but that just makes it all the more wonderful.” He gave Jaena a kiss on the cheek and then turned to go.

  Mitch turned Jaena around in his arms. “I suspect my brothers are watching from an upstairs window so if you don’t want me to kiss you, I’ll understand. I’m sorry if they offended you.”

  “Not at all. I liked them. All of them,” she amended, “although I think it was a little more awkward at first than it had been with my family. And I don’t mind if they’re watching.”

  “Yes, it was awkward,” he agreed as he bent down to kiss her, “but Mum was better than I expected and I’m sure they all liked you. In time they’ll love you just as I do.” He lifted his head and looked into her eyes. “Are you sure about the wedding date?”

  She nodded and laid her head on his chest, enjoying the feeling of his arms around her. “I don’t want to go.”

  “I don’t want you to go. But,” and he pulled back, “you have a long drive ahead of you and I don’t want you doing it in the dark.”

  He kissed her again quickly and then opened the door so that she could get in. “I’ll try and get up next weekend to see you. Let me know when you get home tonight.”

  She nodded. “I will.” Suddenly she realised that despite their engagement she had never put into words her feelings. “Mitch, I love you.”

  The smile that lit his face stayed with her all the way home and stole her sleep that night.

  *********

  “Have you thought about who’s going to give you away?”

  Jaena stared at her mother in shock. “You can’t be serious!”

  Madi threaded her needle and failed to notice her daughter’s horror.

  “Uncle Marcus will give me away, of course. Unless he doesn’t want to …”

  Madi looked at her daughter then. “Doesn’t want to? Of course he wants to. Only –”

  “Only what?”

  “He didn’t want to presume. He thought you might prefer someone else … or no one at all.”

  Jaena sat quietly for a few moments. “I thought he knew how I felt: that he’s the father I never had. Well that’s not true. He’s the only father I ever had. I thought he knew that.”

  “Honey.” Madi reached out and laid a hand on her daughter’s hand. “Don’t be upset. You know Marcus: he never thinks of himself and never takes anything for granted. He has loved you as much as any father has ever loved a daughter, but he would never assume that you felt the same way about him. That’s the way he is.”

  “But I told him. That day in the hospital – when he was shot – I told him.”

  “Honey, he was unconscious. He doesn’t remember that.”

  “But haven’t I told him since?” Jaena looked pained. “I thought I had. I thought he knew,” she whispered.

  “Jaeney-honey, I know you love him and I’m sure deep down Marcus knows, too. But he’s never thought himself worthy enough when it comes to love. Why, I don’t know, but it’s true. You know that. That’s why it took him so long to tell me how he felt: he just assumed that no one would love him enough to want to marry him.”

  Jaena smiled. “I remember. But tell me, Mum: if he’d spoken earlier would you have married him sooner?”

  Madi took her time answering. “I don’t know. It wasn’t until he told me how he felt that I realised how much he’d come to mean to me. It seems incredible now – knowing how much I love him – and looking back and seeing that the signs were there – why I was even jealous at one time and didn’t realise the significance of that – but it’s true. Perhaps if he’d spoken earlier I would’ve realised earlier and appreciated his worth much sooner – and I could have saved him much heartache.”

  “Well, I could have told you sooner.”

  Madi laughed. “No doubt. So … Marcus to give you away … bridesmaids: still just the one?”

  “Yep. Shari. She’s jealous as anything that Mitch is marrying me, but she’ll get over it.”

  Madi looked at her with concern on her face. “Do you think you should ask her then? I mean, if she cares for Mitch …” Madi’s voice trailed off and they both knew she was thinking of Marcus who had been forced to stand up beside his cousin and watch the woman he loved marry another man.

  “It’s just because he’s so handsome that she’s jealous. She doesn’t really care for him. Besides, Mitch is asking his friend to be best man and he’s single and good looking – just not as good looking as Mitch, of course. Shari will be okay.”

  “As long as you’re sure.”

  “I am.” Jaena flicked through samples of wedding invitations. “Mum, how did you say ‘no’ to my father when you were dating?”

  Madi dropped her sewing into her lap and looked carefully at her daughter. “Is Mitchell putting pressure on you?”

  Jaena shook her head and laughed. “No, nothing like that. He won’t even touch me if we’re alone. The only time he holds my hand or puts his arm around me or gives me a hug is when we’re with others. I get a kiss only if you and Uncle Marcus leave the room for a minute. No, he’s not putting any pressure on me.”

  Madi breathed a sigh of relief. Mitch was the fine young man she believed him to be. She was glad. “Why the question?”

  Jaena shrugged. “Just wondering, I guess. I mean, I want to throw myself into Mitch’s arms every time I see him and it’s hard not to. If Mitch hadn’t decided on these ground rules, well I’m not sure how strong I’d be – even though I want to be. Do you know what I’m saying? But my father – well, he’d had girls before – so how did you keep him at arm’s length?”

  “With great difficulty, I must admit. He was very persistent and very charming – a lethal combination.”

  “Did it ever bother you?”

  “Yes, it bothered me.” Madi looked at her daughter curiously. “But my friends were having the same struggles with their boyfriends so I thought it was normal. And your father would say that it was because he loved me so much that he found it difficult.” She paused and looked out the window. “I now know that a godly man will wait; that a godly man will have self-control; that a godly man will set boundaries rather than expect the girl to stop him from going too far. He will take responsibility and lead. But back then I was young and didn’t know any different.”

  “Uncle Marcus?”

  “He kissed me the night we became engaged and then not again until our wedding day. No touching, no hugs, nothing. Mind you, we only had a two-month engagement. I’m sure that helped.” She smiled at her daughter. “I was a lot like you: I just wanted to throw myself into his arms every time I saw him.” She dropped her gaze. “Nothing’s changed.”

  “Mum!” Jaena pretended to be disgusted.

  Madi laughed. “You did ask.”

  Jaena was silent for a few minutes, most likely gathering the courage needed to ask her next question. “Was my father cheating on you before you got married?”

  “Jaena!” Madi was shocked and knew her voice showed it.

  “Oh, come on, Mum, I’m not stupid. My father was cheating on you after you were married – why not before?”

  “Who told you?” Madi couldn’t hide her shock.

  “You did. And Uncle Marcus. Not that you said it in so many words. It was more what you didn’t say. Both of you. You’d make my father out to be a paragon – so absolutely full of every conceivable virtue – but we all knew that wasn’t true. All your skirting around made me convinced that fulfilling that particular marriage vow wasn’t one of my father’s strong points.”

&
nbsp; Madi sighed and picked up the veil that she’d been working on. It was the veil she had worn on the day she had married Marcus and she was carefully removing it from the headpiece she had worn and sewing it onto the one that Jaena had chosen.

  “I don’t know for sure, but I suspect so. It’s not something I ever had any proof of – before or after – but little things I remember point to it being so.” Like how he’d rarely visited her when she had been admitted to Hospital while pregnant with Jaena and how, when he did come, he often smelt of perfume and seemed almost jovial. “I suspect Marcus knows the truth, but I’ll never ask him.” She paused. “Do we need to talk about this?”

  “No. I didn’t realise it still hurt.”

  “It doesn’t hurt, but it does leave me feeling sordid.”

  “But you didn’t do anything wrong.”

  “I know. But he was my husband – and your father – and it seems wrong to talk about him like this. Particularly now that he’s gone. Besides, I don’t want to tarnish your memories of your father.”

  “Memory,” Jaena corrected her mother. “I only have one memory and that’s of the day he abducted me.”

  “Oh Jaeney-honey.” Madi’s voice was sad. What had she expected though? Jaena had been a baby when Madi had left Damien and there had been no visits. She knew Jaena spoke the truth and she hurt for her daughter.

  “How was it that he was never prosecuted for that?” Jaena sifted through the beads on the table and held one out to her mother to sew to the veil.

  “One of those irregularities of the law, I guess. The restraining order had expired, or something like that, and I hadn’t signed the divorce papers, so legally we were still married. Once I got you back I just wanted to put it all behind me so I didn’t press charges. And then Damien was a well-known figure in the media at that time.”

  “So he got away with it.” It was a statement, not a question, but Madi had to answer.

  “No, not really. Because he lost you and that was the greatest mistake he ever made.” She put the veil down and stood and stretched. “That sounds like Marcus now. He’s late tonight. Coffee?”