The Pick Page 18

  As Ally totaled up the number of invitations they would need to order at the appointment tomorrow, Tyson explained to Kylie that he wouldn't be able to go with them to pick out invitations because Kevin was coming into town to receive his endowments. Then he was going to spend the evening with him because Kevin was flying back out Saturday morning before the football game.

  Surprisingly, Kylie, who had turned into a sort of bridezilla, didn’t have any problem with it. Ally didn’t mind Tyson not being there either. He didn’t seem to enjoy wedding planning as much as Ally did. A part of her loved planning weddings. But most of all she wished Justin would commit to a wedding date so she could start planning her own wedding.

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  Tyson felt better than he had in a long time as he walked out of the temple with Kevin. Kevin had insisted that Tyson take him to get the best American food in Utah, so they climbed into Tyson’s truck and headed to Iceberg. Tyson couldn’t wait for Kevin see the size of the shakes. Most of all he was excited to speak Spanish for the entire evening.

  “Is Senorita Ally going to meet us here?” Kevin asked.

  “No. We actually broke up,” Tyson admitted as he put the truck in park.

  “No!” Kevin exclaimed. “What happened? She was such a wonderful girl.”

  “Let’s get our food, then we can talk.” Tyson lead Kevin inside and helped him order a burger, shake, and fries. He hoped that this highly greasy meal wouldn’t kill his elderly friend on the spot. Their shakes were ready almost instantaneously and Tyson laughed as Kevin insisted that they had given him the wrong size shake. There was no way that the cup he held in his hand was a mini shake. Their food arrived at their booth shortly after and Kevin wasn’t afraid to dive right in.

  “I have always felt connected to Ally. Ever since you let me read her testimony that she sent to you, wow, I just knew that the gospel was true. Not that you and Elder Brewer weren’t good teachers, but hearing it from someone who I didn’t know and feeling the Spirit in that way, I just knew that it had to be true.”

  “You know she loves these onion rings,” Tyson said absentmindedly as he put one on Kevin’s tray to try.

  “Tell me, Elder. What happened? I can tell from your eyes that you still care for her.”

  Tyson divulged everything that had happened, from the proposal to Ally being engaged and even the recent wedding planning for Kylie and David.

  “I miss her, Kevin. But I messed up. It’s my own fault I’m miserable. She tried to tell me the truth but I didn’t want to listen. Now that I finally realize that I believe her, it’s too late,” Tyson shook his head.

  “No, it’s not.”

  “Yes, it is. I’ve pushed her away. And not to mention the gigantic ring on her finger.”

  “It’s not too late until she is married.”

  “But she seems happy with Justin. He buys her all these expensive things and takes her to fancy places. I can’t compete with that.”

  “Do you really think that those are the things that make Ally happy? Because I don’t.”

  Tyson shrugged his shoulders. “She seems to enjoy them.”

  “Everyone enjoys nice things. I know,” Kevin smiled. “But something that I have learned during my many years on this earth, is that you can only know if someone is truly happy by looking in their eyes.”

  Tyson looked at him confused. He wasn’t sure what to say to that.

  Kevin continued, “A lot of people can put on a mask, Elder. Think about the many masks you have worn over the last couple months. A mask of anger to hide your emotions. A mask of determination while you immersed yourself in training and preparation. Most recently a mask of contentment while you try to convince everyone around you that you are okay.

  “Ally might simply be wearing a mask of happiness to try to convince herself and everyone else that she is over you and loves this other guy. The only way you can tell is by looking in someone’s eyes. Just like I could see that you still cared about Ally.”

  As Tyson contemplated what Kevin was saying, Kevin added, “Do you think that you know Ally well enough to look into her eyes and tell if she is happy or sad?”

  “I used to be able to,” Tyson said. “I could always tell when she was hiding something, or if there was something that was bothering her.”

  “You will still be able to tell. Promise me that the next time you see Ally, you will find a way to a look into her eyes. I bet under that mask of happiness, you will see sadness, and quite possibly other things as well.”

  “Okay. What if I do see sadness or regret, or who knows what else? What do I do then? She is engaged to someone else. I can’t just declare my love for her.”

  “Yes, you can. Nothing is final until she is married. Tell her what you told me. That you believe her and that you are sorry that it took you so long to realize it. Tell her that you still care for her. Ask her if she will give you another chance.”

  “But what if she says no? What will I do then?”

  Now it was Kevin’s turn to ponder. “If Ally is the woman I picture her to be, she will tell you no. Not because she doesn’t love you anymore, but because she is being faithful to her fiancé.”

  “Then what’s the point?”

  “Then at least she knows. Give her some time, but also show her that you still care for her. If she still loves you, she will come around. I promise.”

  “But how are you so sure?” Tyson asked unconvinced.

  “I may not know everything, Elder. But I’ve seen a lot of things and I’ve done a lot of things in my 65 years of life. True love like yours and Ally’s always prevails, but you can’t give up without a fight. It sounds to me like she has already fought, but you weren’t ready. Now it’s your turn to fight.”

  Tyson nodded his head as he internalized everything Kevin was saying. Monday, he would find a way see if Ally really was happy.

  Chapter Forty

  After another football victory, Ally found herself at another party. She wasn’t a big fan of the atmosphere, but Justin wanted to celebrate with his friends, so Ally went along hoping that after they were married the partying would stop. She could never quite figure out what they were celebrating either. None of the football team ever came and nobody even brought up the football game that they were supposedly celebrating.

  “What’s wrong?” Ally asked as Justin scowled at his phone.

  “All my teams are losing this week,” Justin replied, putting his phone back in his pocket.

  “At least Utah won,” Ally smiled as she kissed Justin.

  “Ya, but I placed a lot of money on Alabama and they didn’t pull through. They were even playing a division II team. Guaranteed win. But they blew it.”

  “I didn’t know you were gambling on football games?”

  “It’s not really gambling. Just making a couple of bets.”

  “Isn’t gambling and betting the same thing?” Ally asked.

  Justin shrugged his shoulders as he stood up and asked, “Do you want a drink?”

  Ally knew that was a sign that he didn’t want to talk about it anymore. She knew she should drop the subject, but it bugged her that Justin seemed to bet on everything. She had questioned him before on the topic. His rebuttal was always that it was his money. Soon it would be her money too. She should have some input on how their money was spent, right? But pushing the issue would only lead to an argument. One thing that Justin had taught her was that their public image was important. Knowing that Justin would prefer that she bring it up when they were alone, she decided to drop the topic for now.

  “Sure. Some water would be great,” Ally called after Justin who hadn’t waited for her response. Ally looked around the room. Even after three years, she still didn’t enjoy going to parties. Once again, she found herself at a party where she really didn’t know anyone. She couldn’t talk to any of the guys because Justin would get jealous and she didn’t want to talk to any of the girls who were only there for the guys anyways. At leas
t, for the most part, Justin was staying by her side this time.

  Right as Justin returned, some of his buddies came over to talk about the new car so and so had gotten. Ally couldn’t keep all of the Hawthorne’s acquaintances straight. She knew she needed to work on learning everyone’s names. But for now, she didn’t care to talk about cars. Or who bought what. She just wanted to be anywhere but there.

  She thought about the invitations that she needed to design for Kylie and David’s engagement party. She needed to get them in the mail as soon as possible. She wished that she had been able to give the guests another week’s notice, but all of Ally’s spare time had been taken up by school, wedding planning, or Justin. She wanted to throw the party the first weekend in October, but Tyson had a bye the weekend before, so it was the only Saturday that worked for both of them to be there. She had hoped to have time to get them done tonight, but it didn’t seem like Justin was ready to leave any time soon.

  Ally absentmindedly grabbed one of the cups that Justin set down on the table next to them. She took a sip of her drink, only to find a bitter taste and burning feeling on her tongue. She spit it back into the cup and exclaimed, “Justin, what is this?”

  Ally continued to gag as Justin excused himself from his friends and escorted Ally outside.

  Justin let out an exasperated sigh, “What have I said about making a scene?”

  “Justin, what is this?” Ally asked holding out the cup toward him.

  He took the cup and responded, “It’s just a beer, Ally. Calm down.”

  “Calm down? Justin, last I checked we don’t drink alcohol.”

  Justin took a deep breath. “Ally, honey, I’m sorry. I didn’t really think anything of it. I got you what I got myself to drink. I’m sorry… But seriously, a beer wouldn’t kill you. You have been worked up lately with all this planning for a wedding that isn’t even ours. You need to relax.”

  “And drinking is relaxing? Are you kidding me?” Ally asked upset with the whole situation.

  “Allison, it’s just a few drinks,” Justin continued to act as if it was no big deal. “We’re not going to get drunk taking a couple sips. I promise.”

  “But what about getting married in the temple? I thought you wanted to get married in the temple, too. Was I completely wrong in assuming that?” Ally asked looking up at Justin. “I don’t know how long you have been doing this, but you need to stop. And the gambling. That needs to stop too.”

  “But Ally, it’s just…”

  “No Justin,” Ally cut him off. “You have asked me to do a lot of things and I’m only asking you to do these two things. I always knew you liked to be adventurous and even a little dangerous at times, but have you always drank and gambled and I just didn’t know about it?”

  When Justin didn’t respond, Ally added, “I thought we were on the same page, but maybe we aren’t.”

  Ally pulled herself away from Justin. But before she could walk away he grabbed her hand. “Wait,” Justin said as he threw the cup onto the grass. “I guess with all my friends drinking, I got tired of turning them down and then it just became a normal thing. I’m sorry. I promise I will stop drinking.”

  “And what about the gambling?” Ally asked.

  Justin sighed. “I’ll stop that too, I guess.”

  “No guessing, Justin. I’m tired of it. You can’t have just one foot in. I need you to be all in. For me and for us,” Ally insisted. “I need you to promise me.”

  “Okay Ally, I promise I will do whatever I need to do in order to marry you. Because that’s what’s most important to me. Making you my wife.”

  Ally relaxed into Justin’s kiss as he pulled her closer. She had put a lot of energy and effort into their relationship, trying to be the person that Justin expected of her. She hoped that he really would keep his promise. This was just something that they needed to work through. And once they were married, maybe Justin would settle down and be the husband she knew he could be.

  When Ally got home that night after one o’clock, she quietly changed into her pajamas. As she climbed on top of her bed, it squeaked and Ally held her breath hoping she didn’t wake Kylie, who was a very light sleeper.

  Just when Ally thought she hadn’t disturbed her sleeping roommate, she heard Kylie say her name. “Ally?”

  “Ya?” Ally whispered.

  “I need to talk to you about something.”

  Thinking that maybe Kylie was having second thoughts about the wedding, Ally quickly got off her bed and sat down in the desk chair next to Kylie’s bed. “What’s wrong?”

  “I’m worried about you. Like, really worried.”

  “Me?” Ally asked. “What about me?”

  “Please know that I care about you and I’m telling you this because you are my best friend and the closest thing I have to a sister. Okay?”

  “Okay?” Ally responded wondering what Kylie was going to tell her.

  “You are making a huge mistake marrying Justin.”

  “Just because he isn’t Tyson?” Ally said instantly annoyed even though Kylie had given her a heads up.

  “No. This has nothing to do with Tyson. I can’t just sit by anymore and let Justin control your life. He dictates where you go, what you wear, what you drive, what you eat. Don’t think I haven’t noticed that you have lost weight. Not that losing weight is bad thing, but skipping meals because Justin wants you to fit in a size 2. Really?”

  “We all know I won’t ever be a size 2,” Ally responded quietly.

  “And you don’t have to be. Ally, what I’m trying to say is… please think long and hard about if you really are making the right choice. There are so many other guys out there who would treat you with the respect that you deserve. Marriage is a two person show. One person can’t direct the whole thing. Have you really prayed about this?”

  “Yes, I have,” Ally replied. She hadn’t necessarily felt one way or the other when she prayed. But she had always heard that sometimes when you don’t get an answer, you should just proceed with the best choice. That was what she was doing. Justin loved her and she loved him. Right now, he was the best choice.

  Kylie continued, “Okay. Well, all I’m asking is that you stop and look into the future. Is Justin really the one that you want to spend your life with? Is he really the kind of man you want to be the father of your children? Most of all is he going to support your dreams and truly make you happy? If you answer no, to any of those questions please don’t marry him. People don’t change no matter how much you want them to. I don’t want you to regret this decision in a couple years.”

  “But…”

  “Ally, you don’t have to defend your choices. If you do indeed marry Justin, I won’t stop you. I promise that I will be by your side. But please look closely at Justin’s actions and make sure that he really is everything you dreamed your husband would be. Because if he isn’t, I promise there will be someone else out there who is everything you dreamed of. I just don’t want you to settle. Promise me that you will continue to pray and think about it?”

  Not feeling like starting another fight, Ally surrendered. She had had enough arguing for one day. “Okay. I promise.”

  Ally heard Kylie roll over and Ally headed back to her bed. As she laid there trying to go to sleep, she told herself that Justin was all those things Kylie had asked her. But her conversation with Justin tonight came to her mind. Was he really going to stop drinking? Or would he go back to the occasional drink once they got married? Would he really stop betting? Maybe he needed her in his life to help guide him and keep him on the straight and narrow. She knew that no one was perfect. She saw the potential that Justin had. She knew he could be a wonderful husband and father. Plus, Justin loved her and that was all that mattered.

  Chapter Forty-One

  Monday afternoon, Ally and Tyson found themselves playing dress up as Kylie tried to decide which dresses and tuxedos she wanted the bridesmaids and groomsmen to wear.

  She couldn't decide if she
wanted the bridesmaids to wear grey or what she called dusty blue nor which shade of grey she wanted for the groomsmen. They were on their fourth outfit combination when Kylie finally settled on a dusty blue bridesmaid dress.

  "Now does it look good with the tux?" Kylie pondered.

  "I like this grey better than the darker one," David suggested.

  "Ya, I like this one better too," Kylie agreed.

  Tyson mouthed the words thank you in David's direction. He did not want to change again.

  "Maybe it's the tie that is throwing it off? Try this one on," Kylie said as she threw a tie at Tyson from where she was sitting. Maybe he had spoken too soon.

  Tyson quickly untied the tie that was already around his neck, tossed it on the table next to him, and hurried to put the new tie on. The sooner this was over the better. He had tried to fulfill his promise to Kevin. But every time he got close enough to Ally, she looked away or Kylie called her over to help with something. Maybe he could suggest that they go get ice cream, so he could sit Ally down across from him. But Tyson had forgotten about the powers of twin telepathy as he turned to face Kylie.

  "Scoot closer together," Kylie insisted with hand gestures. Ally and Tyson both took a step closer to each other.

  "Seriously guys, you need to get closer in order for me to tell if the blues in the tie match the dress." Ally and Tyson took another hesitant side step toward each other. "Come on. Closer, closer, perfect."

  Tyson felt Ally's hand brush his as Kylie placed them standing with their arms touching. Ally must have noticed the brief touch, because she quickly folded her arms.