Taffie’s hands shook uncontrollably as she stared down at Ryan. At least, she hoped it was Ryan. Through the tears, she couldn’t quite tell. There, in front of everyone, he shared his heart. He asked her to be his. . .forever. The whole thing reminded her of a movie she’d once seen. A fairy tale.
Perhaps life really was like that, after all.
As he slipped the exquisite ring on her finger, she could hardly breathe, let alone speak. She finally managed an emotional, “Yes!” then pulled him to his feet.
Who cared if the world looked on? She didn’t. No, as he leaned down to kiss her, nothing mattered. Nothing at all. Just the two of them.
Well, the two of them and Casey. . .who’d taken to dancing around the room and singing a corny love song at the top of her lungs.
TWENTY-FOUR
The twentieth of July dawned with one of the prettiest pink skies Taffie had ever seen. East Coast sunrises had always taken her breath away. But pink? Ironic, in light of the color of the bridesmaids’ dresses.
Before she even had a chance to ponder the fact, the door to her bedroom flew open.
“Why are you still in bed?” Tangie demanded. “We’ve got so much to do!”
“It’s barely seven in the morning.” Taffie laughed as she double-checked the time. “The wedding’s not till two.”
“But we’ve planned a special breakfast. Then we have to get our nails done,” Candy argued. “After that, you’ve got a ten-thirty hair appointment. Then we’ve got to come back here and get dressed before Pop drives us to the beach. So, c’mon! Get out of bed.”
Just like they did when they were little, Tangie and Candy climbed atop her bed and began to jump on it until she finally gave in. “Okay, okay! I’m coming.”
Their mother appeared at the door, a scolding look on her face. “Don’t make me tell you to get off that bed.”
With sheepish looks on their faces, Tangie and Candy left their perches and raced for the door.
“Wait till you see what we’ve made for breakfast!” Candy called out as they left the room.
“French toast! Your favorite!” Tangie added.
As they disappeared from view, Taffie kicked back the covers and rose from the bed. Her mother entered the room with a smile. “Excited?”
“Mm-hmm. I could hardly sleep last night. And I had the craziest dream. Ryan and I were working in the candy shop and he came up with an idea for a new flavor.”
“Oh? What was it?”
“That’s the goofy part.” Taffie yawned. “I can’t remember for the life of me. I just remember telling him it was a great idea.”
“Funny. But put the business stuff out of your mind today, honey.”
“Oh, trust me, I will! Oh, and Mom. . .”
“Yes?”
“I’m so glad you and Pop made it back from your trip in plenty of time for the wedding.”
“Don’t thank me just yet.” Her mother sighed. “I still have to talk your father out of wearing that cowboy hat he bought in New Mexico. He’s got his heart set on it.”
Taffie laughed. “I’d say, ‘Let him wear it,’ but I’m not sure it’ll fit the beach wedding theme.”
“Don’t worry. If he won’t give up on the idea, I’ll hide the hat someplace at the shop.” She gave Taffie a wink, then left the room with a playful smile.
With excitement building, Taffie began to prepare for the day. She looked at her reflection in the mirror, groaning as she saw the wrinkles on her cheek from the pillow. “Hope I can get rid of those before I walk down the aisle.”
Not that it was really an aisle. No, the plan to get married on the beach had been hers. Ryan had willingly gone along. And the idea to host the reception at the candy shop was a given. Where else could they celebrate in such a comfortable setting? Her sisters and Mallory, now a wonderful friend, would make the best bridesmaids ever. And, of course, Casey would look radiant in her pink flower girl attire, complete with glistening tiara.
One more quick glance in the mirror and Taffie rushed to take her shower. All the while, she prayed, not just about the day ahead, but about the life ahead. Her praises seemed to flow as steadily as the water from the faucet above. How blessed she felt. And how excited!
For some reason, the scripture verse that hung above the door of the shop swept through her mind: “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” The familiar words made more sense today than ever. The Lord had done such an amazing work in her life over the past year. And truly today would be the icing on the cake.
Oh, if only Grandpa Gus had lived to see all of this. He would’ve celebrated in grand style. And he would have loved Ryan, too. Of that, she was quite sure.
After finishing her shower, Taffie ate breakfast with her family, then dressed in capris and her I’m the Bride t-shirt, and made her way out to the car with her sisters in tow. Before long, they were all seated at the nail salon, where Mallory and Casey joined them. They chatted like they’d done a thousand times before. Only now, the situation was completely different. Today—with pink nails and a flowing white dress—she would become Mrs. Ryan Antonelli.
Giggles nearly erupted as she thought about it. Suddenly all of the work that had gone into preparing for her and Ryan’s big day seemed to escape her memory. All she could think about—all she could imagine—was taking that first step toward her Prince Charming. The first step toward the rest of her life.
***
“Having trouble with that?”
Ryan stopped fidgeting with his tie as he heard Vic’s voice. “I’ve never been very good with ties. Good thing I don’t have to wear them very often, right?”
“I guess so. Let me help you.” Vic drew near and started working on it. Afterward, he stepped back and sighed. “I’m hoping you’ll forgive me for something.”
“Oh? What’s that?”
Vic shrugged. “I’ve set a terrible example for you. As a husband, I mean. I know you’ll do a better job of it. You’ve always been so. . .”
“What?”
“Selfless.” Vic sighed. “You’ve always been the sort to put others first and that’s critical in a marriage. It’s a lesson I’ve had to learn the hard way.”
“But at least you’ve learned it. And I have it on good authority you’re doing a fine job with putting others first,” Ryan said. “So don’t be so hard on yourself. You and Mallory are great examples to all of us. When I look at you, I know it’s possible for God to mend even the toughest situations. I also see that you’re both great parents. That speaks volumes.”
“Um, speaking of which. . .” Vic flashed a suspicious smile.
“What?”
“We, um. . .we’re going to have a baby.”
“No way!” Ryan slapped his older brother on the back. “Congratulations! Does Casey know?”
“Not yet. We wanted you and Taffie to have your big day. We’ll make our announcement soon, don’t worry.”
“Well, I think it’s amazing.” Ryan chuckled. “I can almost see Casey now, bossing around a little brother or sister.”
“No doubt. I’m hoping for a boy so I can take him fishing with his grandpa.”
“Speaking of which, thank you so much for making all of the arrangements for last Saturday.” Ryan reflected on the boat trip they’d taken last weekend with their father. “I could tell Pop had the time of his life. And Casey. . .she’s a natural with a rod and reel.”
A rap on the bedroom door caught Ryan’s attention. He looked over to see his mother peeking in.
“Almost ready?” she asked. “It’s nearly time to go. Don’t want to be late to your own wedding. Pop and Luke are getting anxious.”
“I’m ready.” Ryan turned to look at himself in the mirror once more. He smoothed out a loose hair and straightened his tie, then smiled. “This is the best it’s gonna be.”
“No.” His mother entered the room with a gleam in her eye. “It’s just going to get better from here.”
Ryan smiled as he
caught her meaning. “I know you’re right, Mom. It’s only going to get better from here.”
***
“Aunt Taffie, do you like my dress?” Casey twirled around for Taffie’s approval.
“You look beautiful, honey. You’re the prettiest one here.”
“Hey, I heard that,” Tangie said with a wink.
“Me, too,” Candy echoed.
Mallory leaned down to kiss Casey on the forehead. “She does look angelic, though.”
“Aunt Taffie is the prettiest of all.” Casey giggled. “She looks like a princess in her wedding dress.”
“Do you think so?” Taffie turned a bit to show off the beautiful Grecian gown. “It’s not as elaborate as most wedding dresses, but it’s perfect for the beach.”
“You look like a million bucks, kid.” Pop reached over and kissed her on the cheek.
“Just like the lady in that movie,” Casey echoed.
Taffie peeked out from behind the makeshift wall, waiting to hear the music. Finally she heard the strains of Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons.” Off in the distance, across the sand, she saw Ryan and his brothers take their place near the pastor under the beautiful white gazebo, which Mom and Mrs. Antonelli had decorated with pink sweetheart roses just this morning.
“It’s time,” Taffie whispered to her father, who stood nearby, a sad look in his eyes. “A–are you all right, Pop?”
“Mm-hmm.” He sighed. “It’s just so hard to believe you’re grown up enough to get married.” He turned to the other girls. “Before you know it, you’ll all be married and I’ll be. . .”
“Old?” Casey interjected.
“Thanks a lot, kid.” He patted her on the head and she quickly readjusted her tiara.
Tangie snorted. “Well, I, for one, won’t be getting married anytime soon. I’ve got a Broadway career to think of.”
“And now that I’ve got my pilot’s license, I have to stay focused on my work,” Candy admitted. “So, no weddings in my future. And least not for a long, long time.”
Taffie couldn’t help but smile. God, in His own unique way, had shown her how to merge her business life and her personal life. Surely her sisters would eventually learn the same lesson. . .in His time.
But now, business was the last thing on her mind. No, the only thing driving her at the moment was the desire to sprint across the sand and land directly in Ryan’s arms.
Instead, she drew in a deep breath and waited patiently.
“Do you remember what to do?” Mallory asked Casey as she pointed her toward the aisle.
“I’ve been practicing since Valentine’s Day!” Casey jumped into place, then began to take calculated steps. As she took her first few steps, Taffie could hear her whispering, “Right, together, left, together.”
When Casey reached the midway point, Mallory set off on her journey toward the gazebo. Taffie noticed Vic’s beaming face as he watched his wife. Their reignited relationship truly warmed her heart.
“Almost my turn.” Tangie gave her a wink, then took her first step toward the aisle. She turned back long enough to whisper, “Break a leg, sis,” before heading off on her way.
Finally it was Candy’s turn. She whispered, “I’m so proud of you,” gave Taffie a hug, then began her journey to meet the others.
With tears in her eyes, Taffie turned her attention to her father.
He took her by the arm and whispered, “Are you ready, sweet girl?”
“I’m ready.”
As they took their first few steps, Taffie looked beyond the rows of white chairs—filled with friends and family—to the front, where Ryan stood waiting. He looked every bit as handsome in his beach-friendly suit as he had back on Valentine’s Day in his tuxedo. And the look in his eyes. Oh, such longing! Joy overwhelmed her as she gazed at the man who’d captured her heart. The one God had hand-delivered and wrapped with ribbon and bow.
Just as she got thoroughly caught up in the moment, Pop leaned over and whispered, “I keep forgetting to tell you something.”
“Oh?” She tried not to slow her gait as she responded in a whisper.
“Ryan had a great idea for a new taffy flavor.”
“Taffy? Pop, do we really have to talk about this right now?” She tried to keep her pace steady, but found it more difficult with each step.
“Wedding cake.”
“What?” She almost stopped walking altogether as confusion took hold. “Wedding cake?”
“Yeah. Great idea, don’t you think? He said the marketing possibilities are endless. Just think of it.”
“But why are you bringing this up now?” she whispered, trying to keep in step with him.
“I made the first batch this morning.” Her father reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a piece, then gave her a wink. “Tastes just like the real thing. Want a piece?”
“Um, maybe later.”
He slipped the candy back in his pocket just as they approached the midway point of their journey down the aisle. Taffie turned her attention to her husband-to-be. He gazed at her with love in his eyes, a love so sweet she wanted to sing, wanted to dance, wanted to. . .
Hmm. “Pop, hand over the taffy.”
He pulled it out once again and unwrapped it, never missing a step. Taffie popped it in her mouth and took her first bite, mesmerized by its creamy sweetness. It tasted almost as good as actual wedding cake. Mmm. Yummy. “Great stuff.” As they neared the front of the aisle, Taffie leaned over to whisper, “We’ve got a keeper here, Pop.”
Now, turning her complete undivided attention to the man she loved, the one she’d waited for all of her life, Taffie repeated the words with a giggle. “Yep. We’ve got a keeper.”
A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR
Thank you for reading Salt Water Taffie. I hope you enjoyed Taffie and Ryan’s story. I wrote it after visiting the Atlantic City boardwalk area in 2007. If you liked this book, please consider reading the others in the Boardwalk Brides series. Cotton Candy Clouds is sister Candy’s story. Sweet Harmony is sister Tangie’s story. These three New Jersey-based tales were a blast to write, and I hope you enjoy them, as well as my other love stories. Thanks again for reading! – Janice Thompson
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Award-winning author Janice Thompson got her start in the industry writing screenplays and musical comedies for the stage. Janice has published over 100 books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children’s books and more. She particularly enjoys writing light-hearted, comedic tales because she enjoys making readers laugh. Janice is passionate about her faith and does all she can to share the joy of the Lord with others, which is why she particularly enjoys writing. Her tagline, “Love, Laughter, and Happily Ever Afters!” sums up her take on life.
Janice lives in Spring, Texas, where she leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends, and two mischievous dachshunds. When she’s not busy writing or playing with her eight grandchildren, she can be found in the kitchen, baking specialty cakes and cookies for friends and loved ones. No matter what Janice is cooking up—books, cakes, cookies or mischief—she does her best to keep the Lord at the center of it all. You can find out more about this wacky author at www.janiceathompson.com.
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