State of Grace: The SequelChapter 7
Grace had watched the truck
pull up, letting the spunky red haired girl out. She had been focused on the
exchange between the girl and her nephew and his friends. She was surprised
when she heard her name being called and even more surprised when Luke stepped
out in front of her and blocked her behind him. She peeked her head around and
found herself staring at John Moore.
He looked older but handsome all the same. He wore nice
causal clothes and had filled out his frame since high school. He was holding
his wife behind him the same way Grace was tucked behind Luke.
“Grace Parker! Or Grace Taylor now…I saw the newspaper
clippings when you two got married! Never would have guessed it! Luke Taylor
and Grace Parker! This is quite a place you have here,” he said, his accent thicker
than Grace remembered. Luke grinded his teeth and gave John a stiff nod.
“Oh this is ridiculous, Luke, let me out. I’m not a
child,” she whispered. Reluctantly, Luke lowered his arm to let her out. “John
Moore? Well welcome back! I heard you moved back from Georgia, what the heck
are you doing back?’
“Business is booming and I missed my old town. Meet my
wife, or re-meet her….” Said John, as his wife stepped out from behind him.
Grace gasped; she couldn’t help it.
“Ashley?” cried Luke, incredulous. He strode forward and
pulled her into a hug.
Ashley Smithson, the beautiful red-haired ex-girlfriend
from Luke’s past. They had dated for most of junior year in high school and
into the summer. After they broke up, Grace only knew she moved away after
graduation. Grace couldn’t believe it. John and Ashley—married? If they were
married, then was the spunky red head their daughter? Grace didn’t have to wait
to find out; the girl was dragging Teddy right up to the crowd of adults.
“Hi! Austin Moore, pleased to meet you,” she said. She
smiled brightly at them all. She was gorgeous. No wonder Teddy looked thrilled
that she hadn’t let go of his hand.
“Wow you look like your mother,” murmured Luke. Grace
rolled her eyes. He was down memory lane with Ashley Smithson.
“Thank you, Mr. Taylor. Is that your kid?” she asked,
pointing to Nick as he ran by the group.
“Yes, he’s mine,” Luke said, proudly. He scooped Nick up
as he ran by again. “Say ‘Hi’ to some friends of mine, okay, bud?”
Nick smiled shyly, a first thought Grace, and said his
hellos. As soon as Luke put him down, he was off running again.
“I was just telling Teddy I knew all about him,” said
Austin. She smiled brightly at him.
“And I was wondering how…” Teddy finally spoke up. Annie
got to her feet and joined the group.
“Austin’s momma and Uncle Luke dated in high school,
Teddy. They were classmates with Aunt Grace and Mr. Moore.”
“In fact, Aunt Grace and Mr. Moore had a bit
of fling too,” said Ryan, smirking. Luke’s smile vanished.
“And
here we are, Grace, back at a bonfire!” joked John. He smiled slightly, looking
slightly scared by Luke’s face.
“When did you two get together?” asked Ryan, as Austin
and Teddy went to join the throng of teenagers that passed by.
“To be honest, I was pregnant with Austin way before
graduation. We moved to Georgia and got John a job at my daddy’s car
dealership,” said Ashley. The rest of the group took this information in. Teddy
was born the summer before senior year, so Austin must be a year behind him.
“We sent Austin early; she’s a freshmen actually. She’s
bright for her age,” said John. He looked uncomfortable.
Then Annie, always the saving grace in Grace’s life,
spoke up, “Want something to eat or drink? Come on, we’ve got plenty.” The
Moore’s were whisked away to the refreshments, leaving Luke and Grace alone.
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