Kim took her hand from her pocket and laid her palm on Anna’s forehead.
“What are you doing?” Anna asked, folding her arms to ward off the breezy chill.
“I’m checking to see if you’re sick. You’re supposed to be nervous.”
“Hmpf!” She gently pushed her sister’s hand away. “What I am is cold.” Like Lily, she had chosen linen pants and a high-collared sweater, both in teal blue, for their ceremony.
“You picked the beach in February. What did you expect?”
“It’s a special day and a special place.” Anna smiled to herself, remembering the afternoon she and Lily had skipped out on work and brought Chester out to play. “One thing I didn’t expect was so many people. I would have thought they had their fill of watching me get married.”
Kim shook her head. “Most of these people are new.”
They were, Anna realized, and many of them were Lily’s friends—Sandy and Suzanne, the people from the law clinic, and Virginia, Lily’s AA sponsor and, for today, their minister. They were huddled together talking and laughing as they waited for Lily to arrive.
On Anna’s side was Carolyn, who had made the trip alone from Seattle, leaving Vicki at home with their newborn daughter. She was talking with Holly and Jai, who had come to return Anna’s support, and to take Chester home once the ceremony was over. Hal and Martine each had one of Jonah’s hands and were walking with him near the shore.
The only other person in attendance was a friend of Hal’s who had come along to take pictures. He had wandered all over the beach, snapping several candids of the group.
“I’m really proud of you for doing this,” Kim said.
Anna looked at her skeptically, expecting a trademark wisecrack to follow.
“I’m serious. It’s a big step.”
“But it’s the right one this time.”
“I know. But I’m proud of you for knowing that.” She looked past Anna’s shoulder. “And don’t look now, but your better half just got here.”
Anna spun around to see Lily walking toward them across the beach on her father’s arm, with Chester pulling them toward the water’s edge. Utter joy welled inside her as they drew closer. From this day forward, she and Lily would be one.
Holly took Chester’s leash and tugged him over to the circle they had formed. George and Lily arrived to stand in front.
“I’ve brought you something,” her father said with a wink, depositing Lily’s hand into hers.
Anna smiled and kissed him on the cheek. “Thanks.”
“You have the best ideas, Amazon,” Lily said, too low for others to hear. The shake in her voice was barely perceptible.
“Are you nervous?” she whispered.
“Yes. You?”
“Nah, this getting married is a breeze once you get the hang of it.”
Lily chuckled. “Just don’t make a habit of it.”
They turned to face their friends and family, all of whom were grinning broadly.
“Good morning.” Anna was pleased that Sandy had already taken the initiative and made introductions. “We asked you here because we love you all and wanted you to be a part of this special day. So thanks for coming, especially Carolyn, because she had to tear herself away from her new daughter.”
Carolyn smiled warmly. She had already made it clear that she wouldn’t have missed this day for the world.
“I also want to thank Holly and Jai. They probably don’t realize it, but their wedding last fall was an inspiration to me. They were so brave for stepping up and making a public commitment when it wasn’t the easiest thing to do.”
Jai put his arm around Holly, who smiled back at Anna with a look of genuine friendship.
“And to my family…” She looked at each one. “Thank you for your love and patience, but most of all, for always being there when I needed you.”
Lily took over the welcome. “For anyone who hasn’t met Virginia yet, she deserves major kudos for helping me deal with a few demons. She’s also here today to preside over this occasion.”
Anna could see only hints of her resemblance to Virginia that Lily had described, though the woman had long, dark hair like hers, and bright azure eyes.
Lily acknowledged the people from her office for seeing her through both the saddest and happiest days of her life. Then she addressed Sandy and Suzanne.
“If I had one wish for everyone in the world, it would be that they had friends who stood by them the way you two have stood by me. It thrills me to have you both here today, and to know that you share my joy as if it were your own.”
With their backs to the pounding surf, Anna gripped Lily’s hand tightly and spoke in a clear, unwavering voice. “We cherish you all, and we hope you’ll accept the duty we ask.”
Lily, who had been watching her intently, turned to the group. “To Anna and me, you’re all a part of this promise now, and we’re asking each of you to help us fulfill the pledge we’ll make today.”
“Three years ago today in a moment of fear and doubt,” Anna said solemnly, “I was trapped in a dark place, both real and symbolic, entertaining thoughts that my life might be over. Little did I know that it was just beginning.”
Lily spoke. “Since that day, I’ve known tremendous sadness and daunting personal trials. But with Anna at my side, I have also known happiness beyond what I ever thought possible.”
Virginia cleared her throat. “Like all of you, I am honored to be here today to help set Anna and Lily on their path together. Since you know these women so well, it should come as no surprise that they’ve planned their own vows.”
Anna held out her hand to Kim to receive one of the woven gold bands they’d had made especially for this day. Then she turned to face Lily, tuning out the others. “Lily, I want you to wear this ring so you’ll always remember the promises I make to you today.” She held Lily’s left hand and slid the band onto her finger. “I will be with you to my last breath, and put my love for you in front of everything else in my life. I will stand with you to face whatever comes, and to make your challenges my own. And I vow to you that the deepest part of my heart will always be your home.”
Lily looked at her hand and wiggled her fingers, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears. “Wow.” Smiling and clearly giddy, she held it up and playfully showed it off. “Oh, wait. We’re not finished.”
Everyone laughed at her nervous antics, and Sandy stepped forward to place the other ring in Lily’s hand.
“Anna, you can never know how much it means to hear you making promises like the ones my mother once made, the ones that anchored my soul and made me feel safe and loved.”
Now it was Anna’s turn to fight tears. A comparison to Eleanor Stewart put her importance in Lily’s life in perspective.
Lily then placed her ring on Anna’s finger. “I promise to love only you forever, and to support you in everything you do. And I pledge to you that I will do my best to never let you down.”
Anna, and perhaps the others, understood that as a coded reference to Lily’s struggle with alcohol.
“You can kiss me now,” Lily said.
She did, sweeping Lily into her arms as their friends and family clapped and hooted.
Lily settled into the soft leather of her first-class window seat, still riding high on a wave of exhilaration. Their day had been perfect, from the sun-filled ceremony on the beach to the celebratory luncheon that followed at Empyre’s.
“What are you thinking about?” Anna asked, sliding in beside her.
“What a beautiful day it was.”
“It’s not over yet. We should be at our hotel by ten.”
“Ten in Maui will be midnight for us.”
Anna leaned over and whispered, “I hope you don’t plan on sleeping.”
“Not until we’re back in LA.”
“You were so beautiful today. When I saw you walking across the sand with Dad, I almost cried.”
“Your father said the most wonderful thing to
me. He said he thought my mom would be there.”
“Did you feel her?”
“I did. And I know…” Her eyes filled with tears. “I know she would have been so proud of us.”
“And especially of you, Lily.” Anna dabbed at Lily’s tears with her knuckle. “I’m in awe sometimes at what a solid person you are. You’ve been through so much adversity in your life and you’ve beaten it all.”
Lily sniffed. “Mom gave me that strength. And now I’ll get it from you.”
Anna gave her a gentle smile. “There was something else I wanted to promise you today, but not in front of everyone. This one’s just between us, but I mean it every bit as much as the others.”
“You already promised me everything I’ll ever need.”
“But I want you to know that I don’t expect you to be perfect forever. People slip, and if that happens—not that I think you will, but if you ever do—I’m going to be right there beside you. You won’t ever have to worry about me pushing you away.”
Lily felt they had healed and moved on from the events of last year, but realized that Anna’s new promise was in response to hers about trying not to let her down. “Honey, you don’t have to help me get through forever. You just have to help me get through today.”
“And I will.”
“But what you did last year when I let myself lose control… it was the right thing. Suzanne made me realize that. I asked her how she’d feel if Sandy had handled her the way you handled me. And she said she expected Sandy to kick her ass if she ever needed it, that it was her duty as a partner to do that.” She met Anna’s skeptical look with an assuring smile. “If I ever need it, you’re the one that has to do it. That’s how you can support me.”
“I love you madly,” Anna said.
Finally, Lily knew how it felt to hold forever in her heart.
Publications from Bella Books, Inc.
Women. Books. Even Better Together.
P.O. Box 10543
Tallahassee, FL 32302
Phone: 800-729-4992
www.bellabooks.com
WITHOUT WARNING: Book one in the Shaken series by KG MacGregor. Without Warning is the story of their courageous journey through adversity, and their promise of steadfast love. 978-1-59493-120-8 $13.95
THE CANDIDATE by Tracey Richardson. Presidential candidate Jane Kincaid had always expected the road to the White House would exact a high personal toll. She just never knew how high until forced to choose between her heart and her political destiny. 978-1-59493-133-8 $13.95
TALL IN THE SADDLE by Karin Kallmaker, Barbara Johnson, Therese Szymanski and Julia Watts. The playful quartet that penned the acclaimed Once Upon A Dyke and Stake Through the Heart are back and now turning to the Wild (and Very Hot) West to bring you another collection of erotically charged, action-packed, tales. 978-1-59493-106-2 $15.95
IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER by Gerri Hill. In this highly anticipated sequel to Hunter’s Way, Dallas homicide detectives Tori Hunter and Samantha Kennedy investigate the murder of a Catholic priest who is found naked and strangled to death. 978-1-59493-108-6 $13.95
IT’S ALL SMOKE AND MIRRORS: The First Chronicles of Shawn Donnelly by Therese Szymanski. Join Therese Szymanski as she takes a walk on the sillier side of the gritty crime-scene detective novel and introduces readers to her newest alternate personality—Shawn Donnelly. 978-1-59493-117-8 $13.95
THE ROAD HOME by Frankie J. Jones. As Lynn finds herself in one adventure after another, she discovers that true wealth may have very little to do with money after all. 978-1-59493-110-9 $13.95
IN DEEP WATERS: CRUISING THE SEAS by Karin Kallmaker and Radclyffe. Book passage on a deliciously sensual Mediterranean cruise with tour guides Radclyffe and Karin Kallmaker. 978-1-59493-111-6 $15.95
ALL THAT GLITTERS by Peggy J. Herring. Life is good for retired Army colonel Marcel Robicheaux. Marcel is unprepared for the turn her life will take. She soon finds herself in the pursuit of a lifetime—searching for her missing mother and lover. 978-1-59493-107-9 $13.95
OUT OF LOVE by KG MacGregor. For Carmen Delallo and Judith O’Shea, falling in love proves to be the easy part. 978-1-59493-105-5 $13.95
BORDERLINE by Terri Breneman. Assistant prosecuting attorney Toni Barston returns in the sequel to Anticipation. 978-1-59493-99-7 $13.95
PAST REMEMBERING by Lyn Denison. What would it take to melt Peri’s cool exterior? Any involvement on Asha’s part would be simply asking for trouble and heartache . . . wouldn’t it? 978-1-59493-103-1 $13.95
ASPEN’S EMBERS by Diane Tremain Braund. Will Aspen choose the woman she loves. . . or the forest she hopes to preserve. 978-1-59493-102-4 $14.95
THE COTTAGE by Gerri Hill. The Cottage is the heartbreaking story of two women who meet by chance . . . or did they? A love so destined it couldn’t be denied . . . stolen moments to be cherished forever. 978-1-59493-096-6 $13.95
FANTASY: Untrue Stories of Lesbian Passion edited by Barbara Johnson and Therese Szymanski. Lie back and let Bella’s bad girls take you on an erotic journey through the greatest bedtime stories never told. 978-1-59493-101-7 $15.95
SISTERS’ FLIGHT by Jeanne G’Fellers. Sisters’ Flight is the highly anticipated sequel to No Sister of Mine and Sister Lost, Sister Found. 978-1-59493-116-1 $13.95
BRAGGIN’ RIGHTS by Kenna White. Taylor Fleming is a thirty-six-year-old Texas rancher who covets her independence. She finds her cowgirl independence tested by neighboring rancher Jen Holland. 978-1-59493-095-9 $13.95
BRILLIANT by Ann Roberts. Respected sociology professor, Diane Cole finds her views on love challenged by her own heart, as she fights the attraction she feels for a woman half her age. 978-1-59493-115-4 $13.95
THE EDUCATION OF ELLIE by Jackie Calhoun. When Ellie sees her childhood friend for the first time in thirty years she is tempted to resume their long lost friendship. But with the years come a lot of baggage and the two women struggle with who they are now while fighting the painful memories of their first parting. Will they be able to move past their history to start again? 978-1-59493-092-8 $13.95
DATE NIGHT CLUB by Saxon Bennett. Date Night Club is a dark romantic comedy about the pitfalls of dating in your thirties . . . 978-1-59493-094-2 $13.95
PLEASE FORGIVE ME by Megan Carter. Laurel Becker is on the verge of losing the two most important things in her life—her current lover, Elaine Alexander, and the Lavender Page bookstore. Will Elaine and Laurel manage to work through their misunderstandings and rebuild their life together? 978-1-59493-091-1 $13.95
WHISKEY AND OAK LEAVES by Jaime Clevenger. Meg meets June, a single woman running a horse ranch in the California Sierra foothills. The two become quick friends and it isn’t long before Meg is looking for more than just a friendship. But June has no interest in developing a deeper relationship with Meg. She is, after all, not the least bit interested in women . . . or is she? Neither of these two women is prepared for what lies ahead . . . 978-1-59493-093-5 $13.95
SUMTER POINT by KG MacGregor. As Audie surrenders her heart to Beth, she begins to distance herself from the reckless habits of her youth. Just as they’re ready to meet in the middle, their future is thrown into doubt by a duty Beth can’t ignore. It all comes to a head on the river at Sumter Point. 978-1-59493-089-8 $13.95
THE TARGET by Gerri Hill. Sara Michaels is the daughter of a prominent senator who has been receiving death threats against his family. In an effort to protect Sara, the FBI recruits homicide detective Jaime Hutchinson to secretly provide the protection they are so certain Sara will need. Will Sara finally figure out who is behind the death threats? And will Jaime realize the truth—and be able to save Sara before it’s too late? 978-1-59493-082-9 $13.95
0%); -moz-filter: grayscale(100%); -o-filter: grayscale(100%); -ms-filter: grayscale(100%); filter: grayscale(100%); " class="sharethis-inline-share-buttons">share
Aftershock Page 22
