Gwen returned her attention to the envelope and opened it. She scanned the letter first and then studied the two pictures. “Okay, so if this Dixie is correct, they haven’t been dating long. I mean look at this picture. They aren’t even touching.” She turned the picture around and Carrie closed her eyes. She had studied the pictures enough when the letter first came in.
“He’s with someone else.” Carrie wiped a traitorous tear off her cheek. She was not going to cry. She had cried too much already. “I waited too long. He waited six years for me, but I guess when he finally signed the papers, he gave up on me.”
“Oh, Carrie, I’m so sorry.” Gwen’s arms stole around her, and that was all the tears needed to break the dam. One escaped and trickled down her cheek leaving a cold, wet trail.
“So, you see?” She sniffed against Gwen’s shoulder. “Cal is out of the picture and it just makes sense to marry Philippe.”
“Carrie, honey, it never makes sense to marry someone just because they are there. You should marry for love, and if you don’t love Philippe-”
“I did marry for love once already.” Carrie sucked back the rest of her tears and pulled away from Gwen. “I was stupid and wasted it, but I had my chance. Besides, I love Philippe.” She stepped back toward the dress and looked at it with a critical eye. “Now, what do you think of this dress?”
Gwen sighed and stepped beside her. “I think it’s amazing and you will look beautiful in it.”
Chapter 16
Cal looked at his watch and then out the window as if by looking out the window, he could encourage the plane to move faster or the hands of time to move slower. Why did there have to be a delay today? He was on a tight schedule as it was.
The elderly woman next to him touched his arm grabbing his attention. “You have a hot date?”
“Huh?”
“You’ve looked at your wristwatch seven times in the last ten minutes. I may be old, but I still have my eyes. Now, as far as I’ve seen in my life, only two things make a man as antsy as you are. Work and women, so which is it?”
Cal smiled. She must have a been a handful in her prime. “It’s a woman. I have to go break up a wedding to win back the bride, and I know little about New York, but I fear I’m going to be too late.”
The woman clucked softly. “Breaking up a wedding. Do you know she loves you back?”
“No, but my friend Ginny swears this shows she does.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out the wedding invitation. It was crinkled from being in his pocket and starting to show its wear from the many times he had read and reread it.
The woman took the envelope and opened it. She scanned the invitation first and raised a thinned brow at him. Her expression changed, however, when she read the letter. “I find your friend Ginny very wise, but the Manhattan Penthouse is at least twenty minutes from the airport and that’s if there’s no traffic. Do you have a fallback plan in case we are late landing?”
Cal’s face fell as he took back the invitation. “No, I hadn’t expected to be delayed. I don’t have Gwen’s number and texting or calling Carrie just seems wrong.”
“Well, I will pray everything works out for you then. And one more piece of advice.”
Cal looked at her expectantly. She seemed knowledgeable about New York, so he would take whatever advice she doled out.
The woman looked to her left and then leaned closer. “Don’t be nice getting off this plane. People in New York move quickly and walk over people if they have to. If you want to make it to the Manhattan Penthouse on time, you’ll have to fight for it.” She winked at him and patted his arm, and Cal chuckled.
“I’ll do my best.” The thought of pushing people out of his way to get off the plane first appalled him, but if it meant getting to Carrie on time, he would do it. He was sure his momma would understand and forgive him later.
Cal settled back into the seat, but he couldn’t help one more glance at his wrist.
* * *
Carrie stared at her reflection in the mirror and tried to find her happiness. She might have convinced Gwen she was in love with Philippe yesterday, but she was having more trouble convincing herself today. Now that the wedding was actually here, the reality of what she was about to do sat on her shoulders like a weighted blanket.
“Another fantastic dress,” Alyssa said over her shoulder.
Carrie’s eyes flashed to the dark-haired woman behind her. She wore a deep purple empire waisted gown. Her dark hair was pulled up in an elaborate up do with only a few tendrils snaking down around her ears. A wide smile graced her delicate features. Motherhood suited her. Her face held a glow that Carrie only hoped hers would hold one day.
“That’s because Carrie is an amazing designer,” Gwen said joining Alyssa in the mirror’s reflection. Gwen’s gown was a match to Alyssa’s, her red locks styled similarly. As with Gwen’s wedding, Carrie had wanted them not only to look beautiful but to have a gown they might wear again.
Carrie turned to face her friends. “Thank you both. You are the most amazing friends any girl could have asked for.”
“What about me?” Peyton spoke up from the couch. She had been playing with her favorite stuffed animal, but obviously didn’t want to be forgotten.
“Of course, you are amazing,” Carrie said with a laugh. Just like Gwen, she’d had no little sister or young female relative to ask to be her flower girl. Neither, it turned out, did Philippe. He was an only child as well.
“I can’t wait until Michael is old enough to be a ring bearer. Then we can both walk down the aisle together.” Peyton stood and twirled her dress.
The girls all chuckled, but the lighthearted topic did Carrie’s heart good. “Honey, by the time Michael is mature enough to be a ring bearer, you’ll probably be too old to be a flower girl,” Alyssa said.
Peyton’s eyes widened, and her mouth fell open. “There’s an age limit on being a flower girl?”
“There is, but don’t worry you have several years left.” Alyssa hugged the girl to her side. “I guess I better make more friends, so she can attend more weddings.”
“Yes, you better,” Gwen said. “I think she might find a way to make being a flower girl an occupation.”
“I will.” Peyton’s head bobbed sending her tendrils shaking. Then her face scrunched up in confusion. “What’s an occupation?”
Carrie joined in the laughter, but a little voice whispered in her head that she would never have this with Philippe. She realized she had never even had a discussion about children with him. Well, that wasn’t true. She had brought it up once, but he had dismissed the conversation telling her that they would revisit it later. Surely, he would want children once they were married though.
“Well, I think it’s about time,” Gwen said checking her watch. “Are you ready?”
Carrie took a deep breath and checked the mirror one last time. Every hair was in place, her dress looked perfect, and the beautiful bouquet of purple tulips and stargazer lilies smelled heavenly. By all accounts, she was ready, but the nagging little doubt still tugged at her. Wedding jitters, she told herself, that’s all it was. Wedding jitters.
“Yep, let’s get me married.” Carrie forced bravado in her voice and a smile on her face.
“You can still say no,” Gwen whispered as they walked out the door.
“Everybody’s here. It’s too late.”
“It’s never too late. You simply say the words.”
Carrie shook her head. She had lost Cal, and Philippe was a good man. They worked well together, and happiness would find them. She was sure of it. “They’re waiting for us.”
Gwen shook her head, a sad expression on her face, but she led the way down the hallway.
* * *
If Cal had been a cursing man, he would have let loose a string of expletives as he checked his watch again. It was ten till six. He wouldn’t make it before the wedding started. Probably not even by the time they asked if anyone had a reason these two shoul
d not be married. All he could hope for was that he would get there before they said ‘I do.’
“Welcome to La Guardia airport, ladies and gentlemen. It’s been our pleasure to serve you on this flight. The local time is five fifty pm. We’ll be taxiing to the gate for the next few minutes, so please stay in your seats with your seatbelts fastened until you see the illumination go off. Bags will be at carousel seven and there will be people to assist you if you need help with a connecting flight. We know you have a choice when you fly, and we thank you for flying United Airlines.”
The pilot’s announcement did nothing but ramp up the anxiousness in Cal’s heart. Another few minutes to taxi? He was going to be so late. At least he didn’t have to stop at baggage claim. With the knowledge that his trip would be short, he had only packed an emergency bag with a change of clothes, toothbrush and toothpaste, and deodorant. That way if he did get stuck somewhere, he’d at least be covered for a day.
The elderly woman, who had introduced herself as Ethel earlier, touched his arm. “Remember, this is not the time to be nice. Go get your girl.”
One side of his lip pulled into a crooked grin. “I’ll try, Ethel.” Cal’s eyes stayed glued to the overhead display. As soon as the light went off and the ding sounded, Cal grabbed his bag and stood, hunching down from the low ceiling. Ethel scooted over to his side, so he would be even closer to the aisle. The man sitting in the aisle seat glared up at him as he pushed his glasses up his nose. A businessman by the look of his fitted suit.
“Sorry,” Cal said to the man, “love waits for no man.” Cal was close enough to see the stewardess when she opened the door, and he pushed past the spectacled man into the aisle.
“Thank you for flying with us,” the stewardess said, but Cal was already past her and heading up the ramp. By the time it opened into the expansive airport, he was practically jogging. His eyes scanned the large screens in search of ground transportation. When he finally saw the sign he wanted, he hurried that direction. Cal chanced a glance at his watch and shook his head. The only chance he had of stopping this wedding was with a miracle.
* * *
Outside the grand doors, Carrie’s mother, who was standing in for her father, and Philippe’s two friends stood waiting for them. Carrie noticed how much grayer her mother’s hair was than the last time she had seen her.
“Wow, Carrie,” her mother said taking her free hand, “you did a wonderful job on this dress. It’s amazing.”
Carrie looked down at her mother’s weathered hand. She hadn’t had to take up hard labor after Carrie’s father passed, but it was clear she had been doing some work as her hands had aged much more than Carrie remembered. Maybe she should send more money to her mother to help her out. “Thanks Mom, I just wish Dad were here to see it.”
“Your Dad is watching from Heaven, Carrie, and he’s so proud of you. As am I.” Her mother pulled Carrie in for a hug and Carrie smiled at the scent of Vanilla and sugar. At least she hadn’t given up her love of baking.
The music began then and David, one of the Groomsmen, looked to the rest of the group. “Everybody ready?”
Gwen flashed Carrie one more ‘are you sure’ look, but Carrie ignored it and nodded to David. “Let’s do this.”
David opened the door to the grand ballroom and held out his hand for Alyssa. With a smile, she tucked her arm through his and they stepped into the large room. Peter, the best man, and Gwen went next. Then Peyton followed.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Her mother fixed her with an intense stare as she squeezed her hand.
“Why does everyone keep asking me that?” Carrie asked. Her heart pounded in her chest and her breath felt short. Nerves, it was just nerves. If everyone would quit asking her if she was sure, then Carrie was sure her heart would return to its normal rhythm and her breath would come normally.
“I saw the look you shared with Gwen. I may not be around you much anymore, but she is. This is marriage, Carrie. You should be sure.”
Carrie swallowed her irritation. This was supposed to be the happiest day of her life, and it would be if everyone would support her and stop questioning her. “I’m sure, Mom.” The wedding march began to play, and Carrie pulled back her shoulders. “Now, that’s our cue, so let’s get to it.”
Her mother’s lips pulled into a tight line as if she didn’t believe Carrie, but she followed her lead as they stepped onto the red carpeted train that led into the grand ballroom. The ballroom looked amazing lighted up with the white Christmas lights, the large windows held fantastic views of the city lights, and Philippe looked as handsome as ever standing up front with the wedding party.
Hundreds of guests filled both sides of the aisle and camera bulbs flashed with each step she took. Carrie hadn’t expected this many photographers, but this had to be Philippe’s doing. He had wanted the wedding to be everywhere. Carrie’s cheeks hurt from her plastered smile, but there was no way she would be caught on camera with anything less than a smile.
Her feet carried her forward even though the voice in her head urged louder for her to turn around, to bolt for the door. Before she knew it, she had handed off the bouquet and was taking Philippe’s hands in front of the minister.
* * *
Cal stepped out of the airport and on to the busy ground transportation area. Though still warm, the air had cooled when the sun set and evening hit. Cal’s eyes widened at the number of cars lined up and darting in and out of traffic, but he had no time to linger on the immensity of it.
He hurried to a waiting cab and slid into the back seat. “Can you take me to the Manhattan Penthouse?”
“Of course.” The cab driver punched a button and then pulled into the stream of traffic. Cal scrambled to buckle his seat belt as the car weaved in and out. How in the world did Carrie live here? The traffic alone would drive him crazy. His insides were coiled tighter than Dick’s hatband.
As the cab left the airport, Cal was assaulted with the visual imagery of all the lights. Now, this he understood someone being intoxicated by. The lights competed for his attention at every turn. Focus, he said to himself sparing another glance at his watch. “Please, can you hurry,” Cal urged the cab driver. The wedding had already started, and with every ticking second, he felt Carrie slipping further from his grasp.
* * *
Philippe’s smile appeared off, forced. Or was it Carrie’s imagination? Had the misgivings of her friend and mother started to rub off on her?
“Dear friends,” the minister began, “we are gathered here today in the sight of God, and the presence of friends and loved ones, to celebrate one of life’s greatest moments. We are here to give recognition to the beauty of love that is shared between Philippe and Carrie as they complete their family in holy matrimony.”
No, it was not her imagination. His face had tightened at the word love. Was he having second thoughts as well?
The minister continued his speech. “Marriage is a contract that is not to be entered into lightly but thoughtfully and seriously. There needs to be a deep realization of the obligations and responsibilities it carries. Marriage is the moment where two hearts and souls are joined together for eternity.”
This time Carrie’s face twitched. A contract. Binding. Obligations. Responsibilities. The words assaulted her and sent her mind swirling back to this moment six years ago. She remembered no hesitation then even though she’d been in an all-night wedding chapel with a man she barely knew. So, why was there such hesitation now?
As if far away, Carrie heard the minister pray, but her mind refused to focus on the words. The presence of slick sweat grabbed her attention, and she glanced down at her hand joined with Philippe’s. Was that his sweat or hers?
“The joining of two hearts as husband and wife is a commitment like no other. It offers opportunities for sharing and for personal growth that no other human relationship can equal. A husband and wife are each other’s best friends, confidants, lovers, teachers, listeners and critics.�
�
Teachers? Was that why she felt much more of a bond with Cal when they read the devotional? Because in that area, he was her teacher? In fact, in all things religious, she presumed Cal would be a teacher. Carrie forced her mind away from Cal. Surely, Philippe could be a teacher too, but Carrie had no idea what he could teach her. Her eyes rose from their clasped hands to his face, but his eyes weren’t focused on her. They were focused on something to his left. Carrie turned to follow his gaze.
He was staring at the clock. Was he so bored that he couldn’t wait to leave his own wedding? Could she marry a man who was so impatient? She thought of Cal and his cool ease. He never seemed impatient for anything.
“The bond between a husband and wife deepens and enriches every fact of life. Happiness is fuller, and commitments are stronger. Marriage also encourages new life and new experiences and finds new ways of expressing love through the ups and downs of life. Philippe and Carrie as your journey begins as husband and wife, I would ask you both remember to always treat each other with respect and remind yourself often of what brought you here today.”
“I object.”
A collective gasp erupted in the room, and all eyes turned to the voice who had broken the solemnity of the ceremony.
Chapter 17
“Young lady, I didn’t ask for objections.” The minister’s stern voice surprised Carrie as he regarded the perpetrator.
“I am aware of that,” Gwen said stepping forward, “but I can’t let this continue.” She glanced briefly at the gathered guests, her face as red as her hair. “Carrie, I know you think it’s not a big deal and that you don’t deserve love or something, but I can’t let you marry Philippe.” She turned to Philippe. “Sorry, she does care for you, but she loves someone even more.”
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