Last Flight from Flagstaff (Choices: Story Two)

by Beth Carpenter

  Chapter 15

  A crowd had already gathered when Donna arrived for the reception. The Museum of Northern Arizona turned out to be a rugged old stone building with deep curving tiles on the roof and blue-gray railings around the balcony over the front door. The old wooden doors opened into a spacious lobby. The two sides of the lobby led to one of the exhibit areas of the museum and to a gift shop, both of which were closed and locked. The back opened onto a central courtyard.

  Small tables and chairs, along with scattered potted trees and patio heaters, transformed one end of the courtyard into a European sidewalk café. Candles in hurricane shades flickered in the evening light. At the other end of the courtyard, a small stage was set for a band. The space in between was presumably for dancing.

  Through the glass wall across the courtyard, Donna could see a hallway with small, standing height tables scattered throughout. She crossed the courtyard and went inside. Discreet signs directed her to an auditorium, which had been set up for dining. A buffet line was roped off along the wall nearest the door. A round, skirted table across the room displayed a spectacular wedding cake. It was traditional in design, with tiers supported by pillars and festoons of buttercream frosting. Candied violets decorated the layers, with a full bouquet of violets topping the cake. Next to it was a table with tiered trays holding tiny pecan tarts and miniature chocolate cupcakes.

  Further down the hall, heavy wooden doors stood open, revealing the lounge, a wonderful room. Heavy antique Mission furniture clustered around an enormous arched stone fireplace. A wooden surround with built-in benches was carved in a traditional Native American pattern. Above the fireplace, peeled logs projected from the plastered wall. Yellow mica lampshades glowed on the end tables above a hand-woven Native American rug.

  The rest of the room was warm and woody also, with round log beams on the roof and more carved square beams above doorways and nooks. There were wooden cabinets and display cases here and there. It was the perfect venue for Matt and Kristen.

  Servers were circling the crowd with trays of drinks and appetizers. People were talking and laughing. A server offered Donna a selection of appetizers, but the butterflies in her stomach discouraged her from accepting. Jessica and Steph waved at her from the doorway on their way out. Outside, Donna could hear greetings and cheers and she realized the wedding party had arrived. She walked to the hall where she could see into the courtyard.

  Pauline quickly herded Blake, Rebecca, Kristen, and Matt into a receiving line and the guests began lining up to greet them. Blake looked delectable in his tuxedo, the crisp white shirt setting off his handsome face and blue eyes. Donna watched from across the courtyard as they greeted the guests, smiling and sharing a few words with each one. This would take a while.

  Donna had been dreading talking to Blake. She didn’t want to see the hurt and disappointment in his face when he saw her again. But now, she just wanted it over. Either he would forgive her or he wouldn’t. If not, she would go back to her old life, sadder but wiser. However, if he did forgive her, then what?

  Donna realized that she didn’t know what came next. They had known each other for less than a week. It would take some time to really learn about one another and decide whether they could build a life together. That was okay. She was willing to do what it took to explore this relationship, if only she hadn’t done irreversible damage already. Finally, the last guest came through the receiving line, and Donna started toward Blake.

  Before the wedding party could escape, Pauline came bustling up with Jen in tow, followed by a waiter bearing a tray of champagne glasses. Servers circled the room, providing champagne or sparkling cider to all the guests.

  Resigned to waiting a little longer, Donna took a glass of champagne. She hadn’t been kidding when she told Blake that too much champagne sometimes made her reckless, but maybe she needed to be a little reckless tonight.

  Pauline handed Blake a cordless microphone and he stepped forward. “Thank you all for being here today on such a happy occasion, the marriage of my nephew, Matt, and his lovely bride, Kristen. I first met Kristen several years ago. I was dining with her parents, and she was home from college for a visit. She was explaining to her parents about a new water filtration system. I remember how excited she was when she explained how it could completely change the lives of people in third world countries, and that is when I realized what a big heart she had…”

  “Hi Donna.” Danielle touched Donna’s arm. “I’ve got some photos of Kim and the baby if you want to see.”

  “Oh, yes, thanks, Danielle,” Donna said, trying to pay attention to both Blake and Danielle at the same time.

  “…and so, I’d like to propose a toast.” Blake raised his glass. “Matt and Kristen, may your blessings be many and your troubles few, all the days of your lives.”

  Danielle and Donna toasted along with everyone else. “Good champagne, huh?

  “Very nice.” Donna agreed.

  “Here’s one of Kim holding the new baby.” The photo showed a radiant if tired Kim holding a tiny bundle with a red face. “And this one is a close-up of the baby. She looks a little like an alien to me, but her mother thinks she’s beautiful.”

  “All babies are beautiful to their mothers,” Donna said, “just like all brides are beautiful.”

  “Kristen is beautiful,” Danielle said.

  “She certainly is.”

  While Donna was talking with Danielle, Matt had taken the mike. “…more time we spent together, the more I realized just how special Kristen is. Today I am honored and humbled that this wonderful woman has become my wife. To my beautiful bride, Kristen.” After giving everyone a chance to drink, Matt continued. “I also want to thank Jen, the maid of honor, and her husband Jared for helping us celebrate this day. Also Paul and Luke and Blake, thank you guys.”

  “Anyway here’s the last photo.” This one was of a dark-haired toddler curiously reaching out to gently touch the baby being held in someone’s lap.

  “Ah, that is too sweet.”

  “I know. Well, see you later, Donna.” Danielle drifted off.

  Kristen now held the microphone. “… most wonderful man in the world. I wish that my parents could be here because they would have loved Matt…” Kristen’s voice broke, but she recovered, “and they would have been so happy that I was becoming a member of his family. To Matt.”

  Donna could hear several small sobs as the guests toasted Matt. Finally, Rebecca took the microphone. “They tell me that I’m not losing a son, I’m gaining a daughter. But I like to think I’m gaining a shopping Sherpa.” The guests laughed politely. “Seriously, I’m thrilled to officially have Kristen as my new daughter, and I thank all of you for playing a part in this celebration. Matthew and Kristen, I love you. Cheers.” After giving everyone a chance to toast, Rebecca told the guests, “I’m told that the buffet is ready, so everyone please eat, drink and be merry, for this is a happy occasion.”

  Donna spotted Pauline walking purposefully in her direction. Instinctively, she fled. Pauline’s bossiness was more than she could handle right now, so she ducked between several other milling guests into the lounge and pretended intense interest in a painting in a dark corner. Probably Pauline was actually heading for the caterers, but Donna wasn’t taking any chances.

  Rebecca was talking to an older woman about Matt’s adventures as a boy. Looking over the woman’s shoulder, Rebecca noticed Donna’s escape into the lounge. She excused herself and approached Blake.

  “Blake, I believe you’re needed in the lounge.”

  Blake’s blue eyes were searching the room. Without turning to Rebecca, he asked, “What for?”

  “I don’t know, darling, but you’d better go.”

  Blake shrugged and walked to the lounge, but all he saw were people standing and talking or sitting at the tables. No one seemed to be looking for him particularly. He stopped in front of the fireplace, watching the flames.

  After a few minutes, Do
nna decided she was safe from Pauline and turned back around. Immediately, she spotted Blake staring into the fire. This was her chance to talk with him.

  Suddenly she felt tongue-tied. What could she possibly say to make up for her horrible outburst? She thought of Jackie’s theory, “…sometimes God puts us in the right place at the right time.” Maybe this was her time. She took a deep breath and walked over, touching Blake’s shoulder to get his attention. He turned.

  “Donna.” His voice gave nothing away.

  “Blake, I’d like to talk with you if you have a minute…”

  “Blake!” A hearty man slapped him on the shoulder. “Congratulations. You must be proud of your nephew. I understand he’s going to be setting up a new museum in Sedona.”

  “I am; thanks Otis.”

  The man thumped him on the back again and wandered away. Blake turned back to Donna.

  “Blake, I…”

  “Would you care for a glass of champagne, sir?”

  Blake shook his head. “Come with me.” He grabbed Donna’s hand and dragged her through the crowd in the lounge and across the hallway. He threaded them through the milling guests in the courtyard, nodding and smiling at many of the guests, but never stopping.

  “Hi Donna,” Lindsay called. Donna waved but didn’t slow down as Blake pulled her along. They went through the lobby and outside, but he kept moving until they were around at the back of the building.

  The full moon shone through the branches of a tree as it blew in the breeze, causing shadows to dance across their faces. Donna couldn’t see Blake’s expression. She tried again. “Blake, I am terribly sorry for what I said last night. I was completely out of line…”

  The rest of what Donna had been saying was lost, as Blake took her face in his hands, covering her mouth with his. He kissed her for a long time. When he lifted his head, Donna said with a nervous laugh, “You have to let me apologize. I feel horrible …”

  This time Blake pulled her closer to him as he kissed her. His lips were warm against hers, pressing and searching until their lips parted and she felt the tip of his tongue trace against her bottom lip. A delicious shiver ran through her body. After a long time he once again lifted his head.

  “Did you have anything else to say?”

  Smiling, Donna shook her head.

  “Good,” Blake said, and he kissed her again. Donna kissed him back, eventually letting her lips flutter along Blake’s jaw line in tiny kisses before burying her head against his chest. They swayed gently in the moonlight, Donna wrapped safely in Blake’s arms. The beat of his heart was the most intimate sound Donna had ever heard, pounding quickly at first, but gradually slowing as they relaxed. Eventually, she sighed. “I suppose we had better go back in. They are probably looking for you.”

  “No, we’ve only been out here…” Blake pushed the button to light up the face of his watch. “Shoot, you’re right. We have to get back.”

  He kissed her gently once more, and keeping his arm around her shoulders, guided her back to the museum. In spite of their tardiness, they walked slowly, savoring their time alone together.

  “Are you hungry?” Blake asked as they entered the lobby. Donna was surprised to find that she was. As they started through the courtyard, Pauline began herding the guests gathered there through the doors. “They’re cutting the cake, everyone.”

  Blake and Donna moved with the rest of the crowd. As they entered the auditorium, they could see the bride and groom standing behind the cake table, flanked by Rebecca and Jen. “I’ll meet you over there.”

  Donna worked her way across the room. Even after the emotional wedding and standing in high heels for more than an hour, Kristen looked radiant. She was laughing at something Matt said when the photographer snapped a photo. A minute later, Blake appeared at Donna’s side with a plate of crackers, cheese squares, and grapes. “Maybe this can tide you over for a while.” He picked a grape and popped it into Donna’s mouth, winking at her.

  Rebecca, waiting for her cue from Pauline, scanned the crowd until she saw Blake’s tall figure. When she saw him feeding grapes to Donna, she smiled a satisfied smile.

  Pauline bulled her way through the crowd to the cake table. “You can go ahead now.” Rebecca picked up the special cake knife, handing it to Kristen. Kristen held the knife in place and Matt covered her hand with his. Together they cut a piece of cake while the photographer snapped picture after picture. Kristen broke off a small piece of cake. Matt opened his mouth like a baby bird. Kristen laughed and popped the cake in. Next Matt delicately fed Kristen a small piece of cake, kissing off a bit of frosting from her cheek. The crowd cheered.

  Caterers began cutting cake and serving it to everyone. Blake waved at the couple and started to steer Donna toward the buffet line. Pauline barred his way. “Mr. Russell, don’t disappear again. I’ll need you for the first dance in about fifteen minutes.”

  Blake saluted. “Yes ma’am. I’ll be there.”

  She gave him a fierce look before moving out of his way. As they passed, Donna tried to stifle her laugh, but it came out as a small snort. Pauline pretended not to notice.

  Once they filled their plates and found a table, Donna asked, “How’s Sally today?”

  “She’s doing very well. I have a neighbor staying with her this evening just in case, but she’s been fine all day.”

  They barely had time to finish their dinner before Pauline was shepherding them into the courtyard. “Duty calls. I just hope some of those pecan tarts are left when we get back,” Blake whispered to Donna before following the rest of the bridal party. Donna wrapped a couple of the tarts in a napkin and popped them into her handbag before following.

  The band began to play. To Donna’s delight, the music was soft jazz. A tenor saxophone began to play “It Had to Be You.” Matt and Kristen took the floor. A small spotlight followed them around the room as they danced cheek to cheek. At the end of the song, the guests applauded, and the band slipped into “The Way You Look Tonight.” The singer stepped forward and began to croon as Kristen accepted Blake’s hand and Matt began to dance with his mother. The spotlight changed into general lighting in the area. About halfway through the dance, Jen and Jared joined them on the dance floor.

  The guests began to dance. Blake made his way back to Donna. “That wasn’t so bad, and now I think my best man duties are complete. The dreaded Pauline has no more power over me. Would you care to dance?”

  “I would love to,” Donna said. “But first I have a surprise for you. Ta-da, pecan tarts.”

  “She supplies my every need. What more could a man ask for?” Blake wolfed down the tarts and took Donna in his arms.

  The smooth, sexy music washed over Donna as she and Blake danced. The air was soft and sweet. She could smell the faint scent of the pines drifting into the open courtyard. Blake’s strong arms embraced her, making her feel safe and warm. She never wanted the night to end.

  After several songs, the band announced the obligatory bunny hop. Blake and Donna decided to take a break and found an open table. Blake snagged two glasses of punch from a passing tray. Kristen led the bunny hop line, followed by several laughing kids, then Matt and Jen. Both ushers and their girlfriends joined in. The line kept growing.

  “Look, Rebecca has the Reverend out there,” Donna pointed out.

  Blake laughed. After the song ended, Rev. Donaldson collapsed into the nearest chair. Rebecca seemed to be urging him back onto the dance floor. “I’d better go ask Rebecca to dance before she gives the poor man a heart attack,” Blake said.

  “Go right ahead.” Donna sipped her punch. After a few minutes, Matt stopped by. “Donna, would you like to dance?”

  “I would love a dance with the groom.” Donna let Matt lead her onto the dance floor. “Congratulations on your marriage as well as your new job,” she said.

  “Thanks. We’re excited about it. I was on the phone a good part of today getting everything set up. I have to appear before the board in
two weeks before I’m officially hired, but Professor Douglas says that unless I actually set a board member on fire, I have the job.”

  Donna laughed. “I’m glad. I know Blake is so proud of you.”

  “I almost didn’t take the job. If Blake hadn’t called me late last night and convinced me, I would have turned it down. He never did tell me how he found out about the job offer. Kris swears she didn’t tell him.”

  “Does it matter?” Donna asked.

  “I guess not,” Matt admitted. “I’m just glad everything worked out the way it did. Everybody is helping out. Blake’s going to take care of everything at the apartments so I can start right away, and Mom’s babysitting Kristen’s cat, Barney, while we’re finding a new place.”

  “Really? I didn’t think your mother liked pets.”

  “I don’t know where you got that idea. She’s crazy about animals. She has five rescue dogs at home. When I found that dog at the apartments a few months ago, she was ready to fly out here and adopt her until Blake said he would take her.”

  “You don’t say,” Donna said thoughtfully.

  It seemed like no time at all before Pauline was handing out packets of rice and herding all the guests into a double line by the museum doors. Outside the museum, a carriage drawn by two powerful and beautiful Clydesdales pulled up. Blake and Donna took their places in line. Soon, the doors opened, revealing Rebecca, Matt, and Kristen. Rebecca hugged her son and then she hugged Kristen, whispering in her ear. Kristen smiled.

  Rebecca stepped back to let the couple leave. They worked their way through the shower of rice and well wishes. As they passed, the line closed behind them, surging forward to wave goodbye. Once the couple had reached the front of the line, Matt helped Kristen onto a stool beside the carriage. She turned to their guests. “Goodbye. Thank you.” Kristen seemed to be searching the crowd until she saw Donna’s face. Kristen smiled and threw her bouquet directly at Donna, who reflexively caught it.

  By the time Donna looked back at Kristen, Matt was helping her into the carriage. He climbed in beside her. The carriage driver donned his top hat and shook the reins. The horses started forward in a trot, feathers dancing around their feet and harness bells jingling. Matt and Kristen waved to their guests until they were out of sight.

  Rebecca called out to the guests, “Don’t go. The band is still playing and the night is young!” They began drifting back inside.

  Donna looked down at the bridal bouquet. She really wasn’t superstitious, but…

  “How about another dance?’ Blake asked.

  “Absolutely,” Donna said. “Let me just figure out what to do with these flowers.” She looked around until she spotted the wedding planner. “Pauline? Would you save this bouquet for the bride, please?”

  “Of course.” Pauline smiled. “It went very well didn’t it? They are a lovely couple.” She carried the flowers away.

  Donna looked at Blake. He shrugged. “I guess she’s human after all. Who knew?”

  A new slow song started and they began dancing, swaying slowly in time to the music. “You never let me apologize for what I said last night,” Donna said.

  “I’m just glad you called. I don’t know what Matt was thinking. He could have totally blown his chance.”

  “He loves you. He just wanted your respect.”

  “He’s got it. Matt’s a good kid - no a good man. He knows his stuff. I happen to know the professor who recommended him for the job and he doesn’t suffer fools gladly.”

  “Still, I shouldn’t have jumped to the conclusion that you were knowingly holding Matt back. I should have checked with you before I blew up.”

  “You care about people. That is one of the things I love about you,” Blake said as the song ended.

  Donna blinked. Did he really mean…? She looked up at his face for a clue. He took her hand and led her from the dance floor across the hall into the quieter lounge.

  He guided her past a few people sitting around the fire into the far corner of the room. Blake gazed at her face, lightly stroking her cheek with his finger. “Yes I said love. I don’t know when it happened, but I love you, Donna Zimmer.”

  Donna stared at him. After a moment, Blake gave a nervous laugh. “Well, say something. You can tell me I’m full of it if you want.”

  Donna smiled, slowly shaking her head. “No, you’re not full of it. I love you too, Blake.” She took a breath and then repeated, slowly and deliberately. “I love you.”

  Heedless of the other occupants of the room, Blake pulled her close and kissed her.

  “You know,” Donna said, once she had caught her breath, “it’s going to be a lot of work for you to get that whole bookkeeping mess straightened out.”

  “It is,” Blake agreed.

  “You could use some help.”

  “I could.”

  “I could cancel my flight out of Flagstaff tomorrow night.”

  “You want to stay in Flagstaff?” Blake asked.

  Donna smiled. “I do.”

  Blake grinned. “I like the sound of that. Say it again.”

  Donna laughed and slid her arms around Blake’s neck. “I do,” she repeated before she kissed him again.

  If you enjoyed this story, please consider leaving a review wherever you purchased the story.

  Also by Beth Carpenter

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