Driving Miss Darcy

by Gigi Blume

  Tears burnt the edges of my eyes. Maybe there was some truth to that. Wyatt’s kisses were certainly convincing enough. It didn’t matter, though. It was over. And now I would never watch Peanuts the same way again.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO - GEORGIA

  I hugged my brother long and hard. A death grip, really. Which only set off alarm bells in his overactive imagination.

  “What’s going on, George? Is it the guy? What did he do to you?”

  “Sheesh! Can’t a girl hug her brother on his wedding day? These are tears of joy.”

  He wasn’t buying it. He gave me a long hard look.

  “It’s fine, really,” I said. “He decided to stay with his family for Christmas, that’s all.”

  “And you miss him?”

  I spat though my lips. “Ha! Of course not. I don’t even know the guy.” I forced a fake, maniacal laugh. He arched a brow. There was a reason he was the actor in the family and not me.

  “Then why is your face all blotchy?

  “Gee, thanks.”

  He scowled. “We could teach him a lesson. I know a guy.”

  “Whaaat? No. Besides, you don’t know a guy. Big fat liar.”

  “Seth. He’d do it.” He paced, rubbing his chin. Was he a crime boss all of a sudden? I go away for a few months!

  “Seth? The guy who played Large Larry in that one movie? He’s a big teddy bear.”

  “It’s called acting. If he’s convincing enough, Ice Boy will wet his pants and run for the hills. Seth is definitely our guy.”

  Will took to calling Wyatt Ice Boy after the rental car incident. I didn’t bother correcting him.

  “Um...aaaanyway. No need to send your actor friends on my behalf. There’s nothing going on. You just concentrate on getting married.” I rocked my fists in the air. “Yay!”

  I checked in on Beth next because —obvs—she wasn’t allowed in the same room as Will. Bad luck and all that. Her bestie Jane was with her. They were getting the spa treatment and couldn’t move from their lounging chairs without dripping whatever goop was on their faces.

  “Come join us,” chirped Beth. “We reserved a place for you.”

  “No thanks.” I thumbed over my shoulder. “Gotta go wrap all my Amazon deliveries. Boy, did they pile up.”

  Jane took a hold of my hand and craned her eyes to see me. “Please stay. It won’t be the same without you.”

  That was the thing about Jane. Too sweet for words and who could resist?

  “Okay.”

  The truth was, I probably needed it after the workout my puffy eyes had gone through. Beth called in the professional beautician they’d contracted for the day. Will’s idea, not hers. Then the lady spread a green paste all over my face and left me there to sprout. It was equal parts creepy crawly and soothing.

  Beth and Jane asked me all sorts of questions. Mostly about Wyatt. No doubt she’d been talking to Will.

  “We were worried about you when you left that message you’d been robbed,” she said.

  I apologized for causing them alarm.

  Then she said, “We almost postponed the wedding.”

  That would have been like a sad sit com. Little Georgia Ruins Things take two. Cue the laugh track.

  “Well, I’m glad you didn’t. The show must go on.”

  Beth and Jane laughed at my lame attempt at a joke. They were both theatre people so they appreciated showbiz humor. Actually, lots of Beth’s theatre friends were coming to the wedding. Her old roommate, Lydia, who I’d heard so much about. I was looking forward to meeting her. There was also some other girls from when Beth and Will performed Pirates of Penzance together. Then of course there was Stella. She claimed she was responsible for the wedding with her mad matchmaking skills. Nobody argued with her because she was knighted by the Queen and all.

  When I was done growing a small garden on my face I took to my room to have some alone time. Big mistake. All I did was pine over Wyatt. No pun intended. I lost track of time after my shower—just sitting on my bed wrapped in a towel. Staring at the Charlie Brown tree.

  Stella came in looking all regal and proper. All she needed was a fascinator to complete the ensemble. She sat next to me on the bed and talked about everything except my wacky road trip. That was a relief.

  Then she did what Stella does best—dole out cryptic words of wisdom.

  “Do you know what I find fascinating?” she said.

  “The tiny legs on Yorkies?”

  “How Beth was ready to see the worst in your brother based on half-truths. Imagine if she never listened to his side of the story. If she would have continued to misjudge him we wouldn’t be celebrating a wedding here today. Imagine that.”

  “Yeah. Imagine that.”

  She voiced a sigh like a deflated siren. “I think about these things from time to time. Don’t you?”

  “No. Not really.”

  She held out her hand for the tree I was twiddling. “May I?”

  “Sure.” I handed it over.

  “Ah. I really like this movie.” She examined it closely, turning it over in her hand. “Those children judged that poor little tree. But in the end all it needed was some love from a boy and his dog.”

  She gave it back and I marveled at it like she’d performed some kind of magic. But it was just the same old bric-a-brac.

  “Well poppet, I best be going before I miss the whole wedding. And you might want to put on some clothes so you can perform your bridesmaid duties. Your future sister-in-law is waiting for you.”

  Then she took off, leaving me with that little nugget. A boy and his dog indeed.

  IT DOESN’T GET MUCH better than a sunset wedding. Especially on Christmas. The guest list was relatively small so there was plenty of room for the ceremony on the terrace overlooking the lawns of Pemberley. I’d always enjoyed the view from this part of the house where I could look down on the neighborhood like a queen on a hill. On a clear day you could see the Hollywood sign.

  A dozen or so Christmas trees served as decorations along the rows of chairs and a canopy of white lights was strung above our heads. It was like a fairy tale.

  We lined up to go out by the glass doors. Beth held on to her father’s arm while Jane fluffed the wedding dress. Lady, our Cocker Spaniel, was the ring bearer. Just fake rings, though. My brother was in place where the groom is supposed to go. A little fidgity. Stern face. There was his best friend, Bing, at his side, anxiously waiting for the women to emerge—particularly Jane. We were all wondering when that wedding would occur. Bing proposed to Jane a year ago.

  The quartet of musicians began playing Oh What A Circus from Evita. (Don’t ask.) Then the wedding coordinator ushered us out. I never knew where to cast my eyes while walking down the aisle. Same thing happened when I was a bridesmaid for my friend Lisa. At least the bride could look at the groom. I didn’t have that. I couldn’t very well look at the minister. Awkward. If I looked left and right, smiling at the wedding guests, I’d be tempted to do the windshield wiper princess wave. Wipe, wipe, wipe...show off the dirt.

  Beth’s little sister Mary went before me. She was too busy concentrating on her feet. Step, touch. Step, touch. Yeeeah. I wasn’t going to do that. No way. I decided I’d act all casual.

  Just taking a stroll on the veranda. With a bouquet of flowers. La ti da.

  I focused on the view beyond the terrace. The hill leading up to our property. It was a beautiful, clear evening. A little chilly for California, but after getting stranded in Nebraska, this was balmy. I winked at Will the last second before taking my spot next to Mary. That relaxed his face a bit. I almost got a smile out of him. Then the music swelled, Beth appeared looking radiant, and my brother’s face morphed into sunshine incarnate.

  It was a special day. I wanted to soak it all up and tuck these little moments in my memories. For my sake and for my parents. I imagined they were there in spirit. The minister began his dearly beloved speech. Beth’s dad handed her off to Will with a handshake. Her mom
cried.

  I was really trying to pay attention to the ceremony without letting my mind wander to thoughts of Wyatt. What was wrong with me? It was one of my family’s most important life events and here I was throwing myself a pity party. I looked out across the vast lawns of Pemberley for just a second. The security detail were up to something. Congregating with their golf carts. I focused back on the wedding. Bing was digging in his pocket for the rings. A few people chuckled when he pretended he lost them. Lady gently tapped at his pant leg with her furry paw. Everyone awwwwed.

  I caught more movement in the corner of my eye. The security guys again, moving around excitedly. They looked like little plastic figurines from where I stood.

  Will and Beth had the rings now, ready to slide them on each other’s fingers. My brother was all smiles and sappy eyes.

  Beth, it is with all my love that I give you this ring...

  Muffled shouts echoed from down below. The guys were yelling at someone. I couldn’t see past where the driveway curved down the hill, but just behind the trees, I thought I made out the outline of a Winnebago. The Winnebago. The security guards rushed behind the trees. I craned my neck but lost sight of them. Then, a figure of a man emerged on the roof of the motor home, waving frantically with both arms. Wyatt. Was he still trying to get his story? He was shouting something at the house.

  I take you for now and for always...

  One of the security guards was on the roof of the RV now, trying to coax Wyatt down. That made Wyatt wave his arms more desperately, jumping up and down. He shouted louder. It sounded like my name.

  “Georgia! Georgia!”

  Oh, my goodness. This was his grand gesture? Here. At my brother’s wedding. On a Winnebago. My mouth hinged open and I glanced back at my brother to see if he’d noticed the commotion going on. He was too focused on Beth. I tried to casually slice my hand across my throat in the universal gesture to cut it out. Wyatt was too far away to see. I motioned a little bigger. Then bigger until my arm flew in a grand swiping motion, almost smacking Mary in the face. The security guy had Wyatt in a police hold, hands behind his back.

  “Georgia!” he cried even louder than before. “I looove you!”

  I felt a hundred eyeballs on me as I watched the guard shuffle Wyatt off. I glanced over to see Will glaring down at the lawns, stormy eyes a fierce blue. Then he turned to me and said, “Is that Ice Boy?”

  I nodded, red-faced with mortification. Little Georgia Ruins Things take three.

  Clap.

  Will ticked his head at Ephraim, our groundskeeper, (who over the years had become more like a cousin we pay to do things) and in a flash he slipped down the back staircase. When I looked back to find Wyatt, all I saw were a couple of golf carts driving back toward the house.

  Will cleared his throat. “Shall we continue?

  The minister straightened and humorously addressed the wedding guests, “This is why I never ask if anyone objects.”

  That earned him a few giggles. Then he pronounced the couple man and wife. They kissed, everyone applauded, and the Wyatt fiasco was quickly forgotten. By most everyone except me—and Stella—who arched a severe eyebrow at me.

  As soon as we processed down the aisle and through the glass doors, Beth took me by the hand, stared squarely in my eyes, and said, “Go.”

  “I’m sorry I ruined your wedding,” I sobbed.

  “You didn’t ruin anything. Now go get your man.”

  I turned my gaze to my brother expecting to see his stern frowny face. But he smiled softly and nodded, agreeing with his wife.

  His wife. Gah! So cool.

  I gave them both air kisses and took off in search of Wyatt. The RV was still parked on the grounds but I couldn’t find the security team. I went around the house, looking outside and inside with no luck. Where in Pemberley would they have taken him? It’s not like we had a dungeon for intruders. Those guys were just a security service my brother hired out when he had special events. They had limited access.

  I was about ready to scream in frustration when I heard a pssst. It was Ephraim at the other end of a hallway. He motioned me over.

  “There’s a guy in the media room who wants to talk to you. He seems a little loco, ya know what I mean?”

  “It’s okay. You go enjoy the wedding. I’ll take it from here.”

  He smirked and trotted back upstairs.

  The media room, as my brother liked to call it, was actually a small movie theater with luxury seating. There was even a small concession area in the entryway. I found Wyatt fiddling with the controls on one of the chairs raising and lowering his feet. He jumped up when he saw me enter, taking me in with wide eyes.

  “Wow.”

  I wanted to fly to his arms. He was grubby looking but I’d missed him. My heart hurt so much. But I wouldn’t be the fool. I wouldn’t let my love for him cloud my judgment. I had to know first if he was here for me or his story. I crossed my arms, mostly to keep them from curling around his waist to squeeze him into me.

  He reached his hands out pleadingly. “Before you throw me out or send me to the tower to be executed, hear me out.”

  He sighed, seemingly at a loss for words. Then he said, “I had a long drive to think about what I’d say. Grovel. Beg. Try to explain my stupidity. But now—seeing you here—I realize my words are small. Who am I? Nobody.”

  I wanted to interrupt him to say he wasn’t a nobody to me. He looked so pathetic, though. Like a sad, hungry puppy. I remained quiet so he could finish his speech.

  “I don’t deserve you,” he said after a pause. “Not even close. But I promise, if you give me a chance, I’ll do anything—work my tail off—to deserve your love and forgiveness someday.”

  My heart soared. But I didn’t betray that in my face. I recalled what Stella said earlier. How Beth changed her mind about my brother after he told his side of the story. This was Wyatt’s chance to do the same.

  “What about your article?” I asked tentatively.

  “I don’t care about any of that. I don’t think I ever did.”

  His eyes searched mine. Looking for a sliver of hope.

  “That was some scene you made.”

  He grimaced. “I had to get in here somehow.”

  “Oh? Didn’t you have a vendor pass from...T Dawg?” Ugh. It embarrassed me just to use the word T Dawg in a sentence.

  “No. I made an anonymous call to the caterer because I suspected T Dawg was selling vendor passes.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah. He sort of let it slip when I phoned him to call off our deal this morning. But that meant my pass no longer worked.” He shrugged. “I guess I shot myself in the foot.”

  A sentimental lump swelled in my throat. “You called off the deal?”

  “Georgia...” He moved to me, closing the gap between us. I could feel the warmth of his presence. “I should have called it off a lot sooner.” He took my hand. “I’m sorry I ever got involved in that whole thing.”

  He was trembling, his breath an anxious quiver as he watched me with imploring eyes. So close. Drawing me in like the center of gravity.

  “I’m not,” I replied.

  His eyes widened just a little. “You’re not?”

  “No. Because I would have never met you otherwise.” I raised myself on my tippy toes so our noses touched. When I spoke, my lips moved over his in a breathy whisper. “You’re my Christmas miracle.”

  He captured my mouth, kissing me with every ounce of his soul. Filling me up. Completing me. My heart squeezed. I loved this hot mess of a guy.

  He sucked in a deep breath and wrapped me in the most perfect hug. His heart pounded against my ear. I could have stayed like that forever if I didn’t want to kiss him again so badly.

  He trailed a gentle touch over my hair and backed away to cup my face, pressing his lips on mine with several tiny kisses in a row. Then he smiled and gazed in my eyes with quiet wonder.

  “I love you, Miss Darcy,” he said, his voi
ce a soft rumble. “I know I must drive you crazy...”

  “You can drive me anywhere,” I said, shushing him with a finger on his lips. “Even crazy in love.”

  THE END

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