Love, Honor, Respect

by Elle Linder

  As much as she had obsessed over the details of her woodland fantasy wedding, she was ready to be done. She just wanted to be with Luke in the most raw and primal, loving, and emotionally intimate way. But first, they’d have to trudge through the ceremony, becoming bound legally as husband and wife.

  A formality that, in the eyes of the government and her mother, needed to happen despite them already being bound together. Two souls split open, then woven together by each hurdle and mountain they’d conquered together. Each night of intimacy they’d shared, each show of support and respect they’d given to the other.

  No piece of paper would define the lifelong commitment they’d already made. Their love and adoration for each other had been embalmed in platinum over the course of the last nine months, a slow process that would be protected for all eternity.

  Today would be for their friends, their family, and their children. For the heavens to look down on them with approving smiles and bless their union. But why all the pomp and circumstance? Why not simply a justice of the peace and a family dinner at Murphy’s?

  Because, despite it all, they both wanted to do it right. To commemorate the day with a formality that would live on for the rest of their lives. There’d be pictures for future generations, memories for Heather and Brice to carry in their hearts, and an overwhelming moment when two words would seal their commitment forever. Two words she’d been dreaming of saying since she was a swoony teenager. She might be done with all the planning and waiting, but she was so ready to say those two little words. I do.

  Julia released a cleansing breath as a wave of peace flowed through her. She could be patient a little longer…because Luke was worth the wait.

  ten

  My Darling, Darling Julia

  T-minus forty minutes until the sun began its descent, gracing the sky in warm, vibrant hues of gold, fuchsia, and purple. The day had been calm…perfect. The evening would be even better with the stars above them, the sounds of joyous chatter, and Luke holding her close. She knew he would move heaven and earth to not leave her side once they were pronounced husband and wife.

  Julia had a moment of quiet to herself, while her mom and aunts checked on the final details and Lauren took Izzy to Rick. She studied her image in the floor-length mirror. Her antique-ivory fitted sheath gown barely touched the floor, her hair was arranged in a loose updo with gentle waves of golden hair framing her face, her hazel-green eyes looked greener with the plum eyeshadow Tami had applied, and her lips were a delicate, satiny mauve. The look she wanted had been achieved. Whimsical, natural, and romantic.

  In keeping with tradition, her dress was her something new, her mother’s teardrop pearl earrings were her something borrowed. Her something blue was a satin garter belt. But Julia’s something old was the most precious item on her. On her right hand lay an antique opal ring that had belonged to Luke’s mother, Margret. It had been her grandmother’s, whom she had been named after.

  Before Luke’s mom passed away, she’d given him the ring with the specific request that he give it to the love of his life. He had known back then that it wasn’t Renee, and he’d had every intention of giving it to Heather on her wedding day. Instead, he’d given it to Julia. Julia had cried in his arms when he gave her the ring, and she wanted Heather and any of their future daughters to wear the ring on their wedding day as well. Luke had loved that idea.

  She swallowed down the anxious quivers, releasing a breath as she pressed her left hand against her stomach and stared at the ring. For the last two days, she’d kept thoughts of never having a baby as far away from her mind as possible. Sometimes thoughts were stronger than she gave them credit for.

  “Thirty minutes!” Lauren said as she blew through the door. Julia whirled around to face her. “My God, girl, you are gorgeous!” Lauren stared in awe.

  “You think?” Julia stole a glance in the mirror.

  “Do I think? I don’t think anything. I know.” She rolled her eyes. “I can’t believe in less than an hour, you’ll be a married woman!”

  “Yes…I can’t wait.” Julia twisted her hands, then shook them out. Suddenly, her hands became clammy, her heart rate increased, and her mouth went dry. “Seriously, my nerves are starting to unravel. Can’t we just get out there and get this over with?”

  “Get this over with?” Lauren snorted. “After all the work you put into making your wedding day perfect, you want to ‘get it over with’? No can do, babe.”

  Lauren went over to a table filled with snacks and a bucket holding a bottle of prosecco. She poured a glass and passed it to Julia.

  “Drink. It’ll calm your nerves. I’m not going to let you botch your woodland fantasy wedding at the last minute. You’ve waited too long for this day.”

  Julia took a few sips, then a larger gulp, and blew out air through her lips. “That’s a lot better. I know I’ll be okay once I see him. It’s just…the waiting is killing me.” She started pacing. “You saw him, didn’t you?”

  “I did.”

  “And?”

  “And what?”

  “Don’t do this to me, Lauren. How did he look? Worried? Anxious? Doubting?”

  “Sexy as fuck!” Before Julia could reply, Lauren roared laughing. “I gotta tell you, that man knows you better than you know yourself.”

  “What are you talking about?” Julia sneered at her.

  “He said you’d ask me how he looked. I didn’t believe him, but he said, ‘If she asks, and she will, you reply, sexy as fuck.’”

  Julia dropped her head, inhaling, then exhaled. “I’m losing my mind, aren’t I?”

  “Yeah, you are, but don’t be hard on yourself. We all know this kind of thing is hard for you because you want it perfect. Just know, we’ve got you covered.”

  “I don’t know what I’d do without you.” Julia wrapped her arms around Lauren and hugged her tight. A soft knock on the door drew their attention.

  “Julia…it’s me, Mom.”

  “Come in!”

  “Listen, I’m going to give you two privacy. I’ll be out at your car. But don’t be too long. The clock is ticking,” Lauren whispered.

  Julia nodded, mouthing, thank you.

  As the door closed to Julia’s suite, her mom walked toward her with glistening eyes.

  “Please don’t cry, Mom. I can’t let all of Tami’s hard work on my makeup go to waste.”

  “I’ll try not to, but you’re simply stunning. So, so beautiful. I’m afraid to hug you. I don’t want to mess you all up.”

  “You won’t.”

  Julia opened her arms to her mom. The gentle embrace soothed her just like when she was a little girl. She breathed in the familiar scent of shea butter and lavender. Her mom never wore perfume, but she’d faithfully used the same bodywash and shampoo since Julia was a little girl. The delicate fragrances matched her mom’s soft-spoken personality and tender heart.

  “He’s here. Can you feel him?” her mom asked. Julia sniffled and nodded, willing herself not to bawl like a baby at the mention of her dad. “I don’t want you to worry about a thing. Not today, not tomorrow. I have it on good authority that all your dreams will come true.”

  Julia pulled back to meet her mother’s gaze.

  “How? How do you know?”

  “Because your father told me so last night in a dream.” Julia covered her mouth. Tears welled behind her eyes. “Listen to me, sweetie. I know it was a dream, but it was the most vivid and real dream I’ve ever had. And I’ve dreamed of your dad hundreds of times. I believe he came to me last night just to tell me ‘All of Julia’s dreams will come true.’”

  Any moment Julia would lose it. She held her breath, her hand pressed against her chest as she blinked back tears.

  “I love you. And so does Dad.”

  Her mom pulled her back into her arms, and with each brush of her hand up and down Julia’s back, every worry and unwarranted fear left her.

  “Thank you, Mom. Thank you so much.”

&nb
sp; “Let’s go get you married, my darling, darling Julia.”

  eleven

  I Choose You

  As the car approached the wedding site, the soft glow of twinkling lights peeked through the trees. There were fewer than forty people on the guest list. With a short ceremony planned, Julia wanted the guests to stand, surrounding Luke and her while holding candles—specifically, battery operated candles tucked into Chinese lanterns. She didn’t want to risk starting a fire.

  “We’re here.” Lauren smiled, hopping out of the driver’s seat. Before Julia could get her door, Calvin opened it.

  “Hot damn, bossy lady!” He let out a loud whoop. “You look beautiful.” Leave it to Calvin to make a big fuss over her. He reached for her hand and gently helped her out.

  “Calvin, you always know what to say.” She pressed her hand to one of his cheeks and placed a soft kiss on the other. “Thank you for all your help.”

  “Damn, Julia. If Luke saw you kiss me, he’d beat my ass.” Calvin’s face turned a soft hue of red.

  “Nah, you might be able to take him now.” She squeezed his bicep.

  “I wish!” Calvin chortled.

  “You look handsome by the way.” He nodded, smiling as he bent his arm like a proper gentleman. She hooked her arm through his, holding her bouquet in her right hand.

  They approached the ceremony. Soft music played in the background among the low hum of chatter from the guests.

  “Let me go get Heather, Brice, and Izzy,” Lauren said.

  “Okay.”

  “Well, I should go get in my spot,” her mom said. “You look so lovely tonight, my sweet, sweet Julia.” She ran the tips of her fingers lightly down the side of Julia’s face. “Just remember, he’s here and all your dreams will come true.”

  “Yes, I can feel him. I love you, Mom.”

  “I love you too, baby.”

  A warmth and peace caressed her senses. Dad, I love you so much. It wasn’t until he had suddenly died in a car accident a few years ago that she realized how precious life was. The phrase here today, gone tomorrow was one Julia had learned on a personal level.

  The night before her dad, Anthony, died she had spoken to him on the phone. Several days after his death, it occurred to her that their last phone call might have occurred due to some sixth sense. He rarely called her, and she didn’t usually talk to him on the phone because she always called her mom. Since his passing, she’d regretted not calling him as much as she did her mom. And his last words would live in her heart for the rest of her life:

  “Remember, princess, whatever life throws your way, you fight tooth and nail to make your dreams come true. Don’t ever let anyone or anything stand in your way. Never give up. Always stay strong. Always stay pure. Always love big. And never forget how much I love you.”

  Years later, his words resonated with her more than ever as her relationship with Luke grew. They’d certainly had their struggles, but like her dad had said, she had fought to make her dreams come true.

  Now she could see what a gift her father had given her that night. It was like he knew he might not get the chance to speak his heart to her again.

  But was it possible she might be able to conceive a baby? Had her daddy had some divine knowledge? He’d gone to her mom last night in a dream saying all her dreams would come true. Tonight, her greatest dream was about to come true. Marrying Luke. She dreamed of having a baby. Did she dare to hope one day that would happen?

  No. Hope wasn’t enough. She had to believe she would, when the timing was right.

  With that final thought, she inhaled, looking up at the darkening sky. Pressing two fingertips to her lips, she blew a kiss of love and gratitude up to the heavens. To her dad. “Thank you.”

  Approaching footsteps pulled her from her thoughts. As Heather, Brice, Lauren, and Izzy rounded a cluster of evergreens, she smiled wide. There wasn’t a single nervous bone in her body, nor was there a bit of doubt in her heart.

  “Are we ready?” she asked, feeling light as a feather. The thought of saying her vows to Luke put swoony love flutters inside her.

  “The question is, are you ready?” Lauren asked in a serious tone. Leave it to her to make sure Julia knew she had an out available if she changed her mind. But she’d never change her mind about Luke.

  “I’ve been ready. Let’s get this show on the road!”

  Brice stared at her in awe. And like Luke, Heather’s intense gaze made the hairs on her arms prickle. “Are you two ready for this? Any questions?”

  “I’m totally ready,” Heather replied. “You look ah-mazing!”

  “Thank you, doll.” She winked. “Brice…cat got your tongue? I’m not used to you being so quiet.”

  He shrugged. “I’m just…I’m just surprised by how pretty you look. I mean, you always look pretty, but I’ve never seen you look like a princess before. And what’s stranger than that, you’re going to be my stepmom and we’re going to be a family. A real family.”

  He looked down at the ground contemplatively. Always the thinker. She adored his thoughtful questions daily.

  When he lifted his gaze to her, his blue eyes were beaming. “Does this mean you’re going to stay with us forever?”

  Her heart hiccupped. She glanced at Lauren, eyes glistening. This little boy sure knew how to squeeze her heart.

  “Oh, buddy.” She bent down to look him square in the eyes and cradled his sweet face in her hands. “I’m staying with you forever. Can you handle it?” she teased with a wink. He bobbed his head eagerly. “I’m so glad.” She kissed his cheek.

  Standing back up, her arm around his shoulders, Julia announced, “Well, I’m totally ready to get married! Lauren, please give the cue to Erika that we’re ready.” Lauren nodded.

  “Ulia,” Izzy started, “I look pretty too.” She ran her hand over her dress, swaying from side to side.

  “You are a perfect little princess. So pretty, and I love your hair.”

  “My hair? Oh. Yes.” Izzy lightly touched the baby’s breath crown on her head. She could easily pass as one of the fairies in the Tinker Bell movie that had recently become a favorite of Izzy’s.

  Julia glanced at Heather, who was wearing a lovely plum-colored tea-length chiffon dress with long sheer sleeves and a mock turtleneck. Julia loved that Heather had wanted to wear something in the Victorian style. It fit her personality. Like Julia, Heather had the swoony, dreamy gaze in her eyes when it came to boys. But like Luke, she possessed a strong sense of honor and propriety. Any boy vying for her attention would have his work cut out for him.

  Last month had brought more changes for Heather. She’d started her freshman year of high school and turned fifteen. Luke had almost gone off the rails when she talked about getting a car at sixteen. Julia had been all for it, but not Luke. He’d told Heather, “Wherever you need to go, I’ll happily drive you. Just call me your personal chauffeur.” There had been a couple of tense days following that discussion. Since then, it seemed Heather had let the topic go. But something told Julia it would return.

  Julia had noticed Heather’s changes mostly when she hung out with Erika, to whom Julia attributed most of the credit for Heather’s maturing. And the boy Heather seemed to be crushing on a couple of weeks ago after the harvest festival also had to have a big part in the way Heather was acting. Luke wasn’t thrilled about his daughter liking a high school junior.

  She looked on Heather fondly, taking notice of all the little bits of Luke in her. She was her father’s daughter in so many ways. Julia hoped if they had a daughter, she might also have a lot of Luke in her.

  Sara Bareilles “I Choose You” streamed into Julia’s ears, making her stomach whirl. The kids all looked at her wide-eyed, and Lauren appeared with her bouquet, her sparkling blues illuminating the huge smile on her face.

  “It’s time, sweets. Let’s get you married to your lumberjack,” Lauren squeaked, lining up the kids in the order Julia had told her earlier in the day.

 
Izzy and Brice started walking in front of Heather, who stayed several steps behind them. Lauren stood in position, glancing over her shoulder at Julia. Her blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders, complementing the berry-colored bridesmaid dress.

  “I’m ready,” Julia inhaled and released a cleansing breath, then took one step forward, then another and another.

  twelve

  I Do

  As Julia stood at the end of the runner, she was wonderstruck. Though she had envisioned a woodland wedding here back in January, the real deal was more beautiful and whimsical than she could have imagined.

  The twinkling lights strung through the trees were magical. She could see Izzy looking up at them in awe. Guests moved to line up on both sides of the runner as she approached.

  But she couldn’t see Luke.

  Why had she directed everyone to create a wall until she was halfway down the aisle before stepping back so they could see each other? Her and her dumb ideas.

  She wanted to run to him, throw her arms around him, and kiss him.

  Instead, she let her eyes wander to her guests. The Murphys were on the groom’s side, along with the maintenance guys who worked at the resort under Luke. Louise and Nyle were next up. Poor Louise; tears streamed down her face. Bless her heart.

  Bruce and Tiffani were next to a young man she had never seen before. And if her eyes were right, he was focused on Erika, who was across from him on the bride’s side. Interesting. Another look at Bruce and Tiffani confirmed what she had felt a few seconds ago, like they had a secret on the tip of their tongue. Hmm.

  Calvin and Rick were beside the secret lovers. Rick stood stiffly. Probably a Marine thing.

  The glow of the candles the guests held stole her breath away. On the other side, the bride’s side, her mom and aunts were huddled together, eyes wide as they whispered to each other. Aunt Becky kept snapping pictures even though Julia had told her a photographer would capture everything. Stubborn lady.