Loving

  Another dry smile from Randall. “I was saying it’s your call about the party. We’d like to see red carpet at Grauman’s Chinese Theater.” He nodded at Stephen Chase. “You wanna tell him the news?”

  “Definitely.” Chase made a show of taking a folder from his briefcase and laying it out on the table in front of him. “You’ve been given your own star, Brandon. On Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.”

  A year ago the news might’ve made his day, but here in this setting it meant very little. It was the studio’s doing, no doubt. A way to increase the publicity around the announcement of Brandon’s deal. Even still, he knew the right response and the great honor the star held. He managed a surprised look and then glanced from Randall back to Chase and Sid Chandler. Whoever was behind the act, he needed to be grateful. “That’s amazing. Seriously.”

  “Yes,” Chandler raised his brow and looked down at his notes. Clearly he was still irritated with Brandon, as if he thought Brandon should maybe have jumped from his chair in gratitude. “Anyway, now that your attorney has approved the contract, we’ll have the announcement August first — that’s less than two weeks from now.”

  “A Saturday,” Chandler pointed out — in case anyone wasn’t sure.

  This part wasn’t a surprise. Brandon listened but he felt like he was watching the meeting happen from some distant room. Like his role there was merely a token. All the work, all the decisions, everything about the announcement — all of it was already planned by his team and the brass at West Mark. He was about to make headlines everywhere. Greatest contract ever offered.

  Brandon Paul — locked up with West Mark for the next five years.

  Brandon tried to take a full breath, but the air in the room felt too thin.

  “We’ll start with the star ceremony. You’ll put your hands in a fresh block of cement, and you’ll be immortalized on the Walk of Fame forever.” Randall looked proud of himself. He nodded at the others in the room. “The perfect way to start the night.”

  He went on to say that the party would then move into the theater, where by invitation and red-carpet arrival several hundred VIP guests and celebrities would help acknowledge the contract. “We’d like you to make a special announcement to your fans live on the Web that night. Your team will put it on your website, get it on Facebook and Twitter. We’ll build it up with a countdown. Have millions of fans ready for your big news.”

  “Perfect.” Chase nodded as he wrote something down on the pad of paper in front of him. He grinned. “This’ll be big.”

  Brandon thought about that Saturday. First day of August. It was a day when, if he were any other guy in the world, he would be taking Bailey on a date, celebrating summer, and enjoying private time with her. The voices of the people in the room blurred together until the sound was only a buzzing in his head, a clanging in his heart.

  “That’s perfect. Right, Brandon? The big party? Otherwise West Mark is okay to make it smaller, more intimate.” Chase’s look held a clear warning. This was that moment when Brandon was supposed to get excited.

  “Yeah. Whatever.”

  Alarm flashed in the eyes of Chase and Chandler. They stared at him, waiting for him to say more, act more enthusiastic.

  Brandon dug deep and found the smile he was famous for. He flashed it at Randall, and then at the West Mark team. “I mean, it sounds amazing. I’m the most blessed guy in the business. No question.” The words were true. Brandon really did appreciate the effort everyone was making. None of this was their fault — not what he was feeling about the paparazzi or the suffocating room or the way he missed Bailey. He felt sorry for not being more excited. “I’m beyond grateful guys. Seriously.”

  A feeling of peace came over the room, and everyone from Randall and his assistants to Chandler and Chase seemed to visibly relax. Small talk broke out and in a few minutes they wrapped up the meeting with promises to meet again a few days before the announcement. In the meantime Randall would work with Brandon’s team to make sure every detail was addressed.

  Brandon thanked everyone again and gave Chase and Chandler quick handshakes. Then he left in a hurry. On the walk down the hall to the elevator his next plan took shape. He didn’t have another obligation in LA until Wednesday. Which meant he could fly out in the morning and make it to Bloomington by late tomorrow afternoon. He still had no idea how God was going to help him make this work, but he had to talk to Bailey’s dad. It was more important than anything from the last hour. The conversation with Jim Flanigan would be one of the most crucial in his life, and the thought of it pounded at his heart and burst through his soul. Whatever it took, Brandon had to go there, had to talk with the man.

  Before another day went by.

  Nineteen

  THE NEXT DAY BRANDON STEPPED OFF A PRIVATE JET AT THE Indianapolis Airport just before two in the afternoon. By then he’d already called Bailey’s dad and set up a meeting at his office with the Colts. Brandon had a private driver take him to the NFL team’s headquarters and he walked into Jim Flanigan’s office a full five minutes early.

  For all the ways he felt disconnected and unable to breathe at the West Mark meeting yesterday, Brandon felt more alive than ever as he walked into this office. Like what was about to happen here was the most right thing he could do. He smiled big as he spotted Bailey’s dad. “Hello, sir. Thanks for meeting with me.”

  “We didn’t get to talk much on the Fourth. It’s good to see you.” Jim Flanigan’s eyes were soft, his expression kind. He hugged Brandon and the two of them took seats on either side of Jim’s desk. “This must be important.” Jim leaned back in his chair. “I keep up with you. Things have been very busy.”

  “They have.” The truth felt like weights on Brandon’s ankles. “Very busy.”

  “And the big announcement. Bailey says that’s coming August first, right?”

  “It is.” He sighed quietly. The last day had been so consumed with making plans for this talk, Brandon still hadn’t called Luke to confirm his approval of the contract. “The studio’s letting me have creative control.” He nodded, anxious to get beyond this. “It’s a great contract. God’s worked out all the details for sure.”

  “I’m glad, Brandon. Really.” Jim smiled, and the caring in his face was undeniable. “So what’s on your mind?”

  “Bailey, sir. She’s on my mind all the time.” Brandon swallowed, searching for the right words. He’d practiced this moment the whole flight here, but now every memorized line flew from view. Instead there was only his heart and the heart of Jim Flanigan. Brandon looked straight at the man, grateful for the friendship they already shared. Now that he’d started, his words came quickly and in a rush. “Whether I’m filming or at a meeting or discussing my upcoming contract, she’s always on my mind. Not just since the Fourth of July, but since I met her. She’s, well, she’s the most amazing girl I’ve ever met, sir, and I can’t stand being away from her even though right now my work keeps me in Los Angeles and —”

  “Brandon.” Jim leaned forward and a gentle bit of laughter came from him. “Breathe, son. Don’t forget to breathe.”

  Yes. Breathing. That was a good idea. Brandon sank back just a little in his seat and exhaled. “Sorry.” He raked his fingers through his hair and chuckled, dizzy with the enormity of the moment. “I’ve been thinking about what to say for a few weeks now. Definitely the whole way here this morning.”

  “I know. It’s okay.” Jim rested his forearms on the desk. “Go ahead. But remember to breathe.”

  “All right.” He took in some air and felt a warm peace come over him. “Anyway, I guess what I’m trying to say is I’d like to ask for Bailey’s hand in marriage.” He felt his smile start at his eyes and work its way through his face. Just saying it made him happier than he’d ever been. “I love her. I want to marry her and make a life with her.” He had never meant any words more. “I’d like your permission, sir.”

  The man didn’t seem shocked. He nodded slowly and drew a long breath
. “I sort of thought that might be why you wanted to talk.” His kind eyes were still intent on Brandon’s. “Bailey means everything to me, Brandon. She’s our only daughter, and very different from so many girls her age.”

  “I know.” Brandon listened, hanging on every word Jim Flanigan spoke. “She’s unbelievable.”

  “She’s not perfect, of course. You can never expect that of her any more than she could expect it of you.”

  “Definitely not.” Brandon’s mouth was dry. “I would never expect more of her than she could ask of me.”

  “And something else. We raised Bailey to believe that one day when she got married, she’d need to see her husband as a godly leader, someone she could trust not only with her heart, but with her soul.” He paused, his voice soft, compassion shining in his eyes. “Have you thought about that?”

  “I have.” Brandon had come this far to talk, so he wouldn’t leave out the explanation. In a conversation this important they had time for specifics. “A few months ago I prayed that God would test me.” He shared about that night on the beach, and how he believed God spoke to him, telling him that testing would surely come. “And it did. Every day I was in Montana was a test.” His heart fell a few notches. “Bailey tried to break up with me while I was there.”

  “That’s what she said.” Jim’s response proved that Bailey wasn’t only close to her mother. She shared her life with both her parents.

  The way Brandon wished he had been able to do through the years with his.

  He kept his eyes steady, his intentions absolute. “I feel ready to lead her, sir. I never thought I could love anyone like I love her. But my love for God is even greater. It’s the most important thing I can bring her.”

  Jim smiled. “I believe you.”

  “Thanks.” Again Brandon felt himself relax. He went on about how he’d kept a journal of letters to Bailey and how every time he prayed he felt God telling him to fight for her, not to give up but to find a way to make things work.

  “Have you figured that out?”

  Brandon hesitated, wishing he had a perfect response, some formula that would prove to Jim Flanigan how carefully Brandon had made his plans and how easily marrying Bailey fit into that. He sighed, defeated. “No, sir. I haven’t.” He raised his brow. “But I will. I think if I talk to Bailey I can convince her to live in LA for the next five years. She can still buy CKT, but maybe have someone else run it until I’m finished with the contract.”

  Jim nodded slowly. “That could work.” His smile looked more sympathetic than hopeful. “It’ll be up to Bailey.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Brandon.” Jim chuckled lightly. “Call me Jim. If you’re going to be my son-in-law, we need to drop the formalities.” He grinned. “I baptized you, remember? We were practically family, even before today.”

  Blue skies and sunshine seemed to fill the sterile office space. “Really?”

  “Yes.”

  A quick laugh came from Brandon, one that expressed his sudden great relief. A thought dawned on him at almost the same time. “So … you’re saying I have your blessing?”

  Jim pushed back from his desk, stood, and walked around as Brandon stood. Without hesitating Jim Flanigan hugged him again — the sort of hug Brandon would remember forever. When Jim stepped back he put one hand on Brandon’s shoulder and with the other he shook Brandon’s hand. “You have my blessing, son. Bailey’s mother and I have talked about this, and we believe you two love each other and that God brought you together.” His smile fell a little. “We aren’t sure how it’ll work. That part seems a little difficult.”

  “It does.” Brandon didn’t want to think about it. If he had Jim Flanigan’s blessing then God would change Bailey’s mind about LA. At least for five years. Brandon had to believe that. “Maybe you could pray for us. That she’ll be okay with LA, at least while I work through my new contract.”

  Jim took a step back and leaned against his office wall. “We’ll pray.” He raised an eyebrow. “But Bailey’s pretty sure about not wanting to live in LA. Just to warn you.”

  “I know.” Brandon tried not to feel afraid. “I guess I’m praying for a miracle.”

  They talked for a few more minutes about how deeply Brandon loved Bailey and how he planned to care for her and protect her all his life. As he spoke, he watched Jim’s eyes grow damp. “I always wondered what this day would feel like. A young man asking for my daughter’s hand in marriage.” He blinked back tears and uttered a sad laugh. “I can still picture Bailey on her first day of kindergarten. It was easy to forget this day would ever come.”

  Brandon tried to imagine having a baby girl with Bailey someday and having this conversation with a young man. Having to embrace the idea of giving her away. The picture made his throat tighten and brought a wave of emotion. “It’s a big day.”

  “It is.” Jim put his hand on Brandon’s shoulder again. “After I baptized you, I prayed for you every day, Brandon. Knowing what you faced working in Hollywood and the challenges of being around so many pressures.” Jim paused, and the set of his jaw made it clear he was still struggling with his emotions. “But if you and Bailey can work through the obstacles, that means I haven’t only been praying for you since then.”

  A slight confusion came over Brandon, but he waited.

  Jim smiled. “I’ve been praying for you all her life.” He gave Brandon one more hug. “Go figure out your plan and pray for a miracle. Let me know if there’s anything I can do.”

  “There is one thing.” Brandon wanted to stop by the Flanigan house and leave something for Bailey in her room. “I need to leave something in her room. She’s working at the theater today. So she won’t see me. And then I have to fly back to LA in a few hours. But this part’s important if that’s okay.”

  Jim agreed and explained where to find a spare key hidden not far from their front door. “Use that in case no one’s home.”

  He thanked Bailey’s father, and as he headed back to his waiting car, Brandon rejoiced at how the day had gone so far. Nothing could dim his joy and gratitude. He wanted to stand on the corner and shout to all the world that he’d done it! He’d asked Jim Flanigan for permission to marry Bailey, and the man had said yes! Brandon hadn’t dreamed the conversation would go so well, and now he knew something else. He not only had Jim Flanigan’s blessing, he had the man’s love and respect. Jim and Jenny Flanigan were ready to accept him as a son-in-law, ready to see him as the guy God had set apart for their daughter. They were ready to see him marry Bailey!

  Brandon felt giddy with hope and possibility and God’s undeserved blessing. He stayed on that high while his driver took him to the Flanigan house and as he left the surprise in her room. This wasn’t a trip where he planned to see her. He’d be back soon enough, if he had his way. The trip to see her father was one rooted in hours of prayer. Brandon had never prayed so much in all his life — that her father would approve, and for his timing and courage about what might come next, and for Bailey. Prayers for her most of all.

  Brandon smiled to himself. That’s what this trip was about — laying every part of his love for Bailey at the feet of God.

  It took half the drive back to the airport before Brandon felt his excitement dim a little. Because for all the ways the talk with Jim Flanigan had gone brilliantly well, for as excited as he was for her to come home and see what he’d done for her, and as thrilled as he was about the prospects of marrying the girl he loved, the toughest part was still ahead.

  Convincing Bailey.

  THE BANK MEETINGS HAD DRAGGED ON ALL DAY, but as Bailey walked through the front door of her parents’ house she felt more excited than weary. Everything was coming together for the purchase, and Bailey had even looked into buying a small condo in the downtown area, not too far from the theater. The condo wouldn’t lock her into staying in Bloomington. It was in foreclosure so the price was lower than it would probably ever be again. She still planned to spend a lot of time at her parents
’ house, but having her own home near the theater would be a good idea. At least she was starting to think so.

  Even while she was going through false contractions in Los Angeles, Katy had managed to hire an intern to help with direction for the coming year — a college girl from Indiana University. Bailey hadn’t met the girl, but she figured maybe the two of them could room together.

  Bailey wasn’t sure, except that she could see her life in Bloomington becoming more certain, more a reality with God opening doors and working out details. The only problem, of course, was Brandon.

  Bailey set her things down just inside the door and felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. She pulled it out.

  I love you, Bailey. I’m praying for you, for us. Maybe by now you know how much.

  She looked at the message again and felt the familiar thrill of the unknown, how with Brandon anything was possible. A quick look into the living room told her he wasn’t waiting there. “Brandon?” She called out his name and waited, but there was no response. Her mom had texted that the family would be out that night at a summer league basketball game. So the house was empty.

  Silence followed, so she tried again. Louder this time. “Brandon? Are you here?”

  There was only the sound of her increasingly louder heartbeat. With Brandon she never knew what to expect. Since the Fourth of July they’d talked on Skype nearly every night and several times he’d mentioned that he wished he could just walk around the corner and be with her. But he’d told her he was too busy.

  Bailey walked down the hallway, into the kitchen, and up the middle staircase to her bedroom. “Brandon?” She felt a slight disappointment as she rounded the stairs at the landing. He wasn’t here. By now he would’ve come out and taken her into his arms. He wouldn’t have made her wait like this.