Redemption Read Free Page A

that?”
    “Well, I suppose if he ever calls back, we’ll find out,” Nick answered, urgency finding its way into his voice. “I think he can. Carr, he needs to come back; I don’t know why or how I know that, but I do.”
    She shrugged. “Bryan’s a runner. I’ve known him for years, and it’s how he copes. I’m not sure you’re right on this one, but I’m calling that guy Roy we talked to at church if we don’t hear from Bryan in few more days. He has until the end of the week, Nick. That’s the best I can do. I know we’re keeping this small and quiet, but I’m really scared we won’t get anyone now. We can’t keep waiting for Bryan; the wedding is in two and a half weeks.”
    “All right,” he conceded. “Listen, Roy isn’t going anywhere; photography is his hobby, so it’s not like people are rushing to book him. He’s kind of on standby, anyway, after your conversation with him. When does your cousin fly in?”
    “Cassidy will be here on Thursday.”
    “And how long is she staying with you?” Nick asked.
    “There’s really no time frame, Nick,” Carrie snapped. “I’m about all she’s got in the way of family, and she needs a fresh start.” She scowled at her fiance’s seeming lack of empathy.
    “That’s not what I meant. I’m just trying to put this together in my head.”
    Carrie squinted at him.
    “Okay. Give Bryan until this Sunday. If he still hasn’t called back, we’ll go with Roy. Can you agree to that?”
    Carrie looked far from pleased. After many nights of endless debating, Nick had gotten her to agree to the small wedding with the idea that they’d use the remainder of the funds for her dream honeymoon. So, she’d been on board with the reception in a local banquet hall, the friend-of-a-guy-on-the-department caterer. All she’d asked for were two things: good music and amazing pictures. She hadn’t budged on the DJ, and she thought she’d be able to be just as convincing when it came to the photographer. But Nick had this persistent idea that Bryan had to be the one. He kept saying how Bryan was supposed to be in New Jersey, not way out in California, hiding. She was starting to panic, and in typical Carrie fashion had devised a back-up plan featuring Roy, amateur photographer, friendly church guy, not, she knew, anywhere close to being on the same level as Bryan. But he’d do a fine enough job...
    In all reality, she kept trying to convince herself, what mattered most was starting her new life with Nick. What mattered was standing up before all the people who they loved and who loved them in return and making a vow before them and God to love each other forever.
    Still, was it too much to ask that she get some decent photos out of the deal?
    “Sunday,” she said firmly.
    “Sunday,” Nick repeated, sounding happier. “You’ll see; he’s going to call.”
    Carrie frowned, “Uh-huh.” She went back to her book and popcorn.
    The conversation was over. Bryan had five days to return Nick’s call. That meant that Nick had five days to make sure he left messages that were convincing enough to make him want to call back. He couldn’t explain what he felt when it came to making sure he returned to Jersey. He could understand Bryan’s reluctance to see Miranda again and his desire to avoid that awkward reunion, but something kept telling Nick that there was danger in California. Separation from the group put Bryan at great risk. It really didn’t make any logical sense, but he didn’t care about logic. He’d heard a very clear and strong message to get Bryan from Point A (California) to Point B (New Jersey), and fast.
    If he didn’t, Bryan wouldn’t make it. Something was draining him of life, of his will. Nick wasn’t sure what this...thing...was, but he was sure that he was right about one thing. Bryan needed the safety of the group, even if it meant being around Miranda.
    Carrie thought he was losing his mind.
    If he was honest with himself, there were