by Red Phoenix
As they headed away from the greenhouse Jenny assumed they were going back to John’s apartment, but no. Dan pulled up to a hole-in-the-wall bakery. “Our last stop,” he promised when he saw her look of exhaustion.
As much as Jenny liked the idea of shopping for a wedding cake, doing all the wedding errands in one day was grueling and she grumbled as she got out of the car. “Is a cake even necessary, Dan? It’s not like we are having a reception or anything.”
“Totally necessary,” he said, lifting her chin up with his finger. His brown eyes sparkled when he added, “This cake will be only for you and me.”
His answer melted her heart. “That’s so sweet.”
“Just because we are having a small wedding doesn’t mean I don’t want you to have all the trappings.”
The bakery was run by an elderly Asian couple. Dan introduced Jenny to them with an ease as if he’d known them his whole life. “Mr. and Mrs. Tran, I would like you to meet my fiancée, Jenny Cole.”
Mr. Tran took her hand warmly and bowed. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Cole.”
She bowed back, enchanted by the gesture. “It is a pleasure for me as well.”
Mrs. Tran spoke in a small, but sweet voice. “We are honored to make your wedding cake. Thank you.”
Jenny smiled and looked at Dan. Everyone was so nice and obviously thought the world of Dan. It made her proud to have such a fine man for a husband.
“Mrs. Tran makes exquisite cakes and Mr. Tran ensures it tastes as good as it looks. The perfect combination,” he informed her.
Mrs. Tran twittered and looked down at her feet in embarrassment. It was adorable.
“What size of cake, Mr. Hayes?” the old baker asked.
“Just big enough for the two of us. It is a gift to ourselves.” He smiled at Jenny with such tenderness her stomach quivered. “But I want it to look as grand as you can make it. Don’t hold back,” he instructed Mrs. Tran.
“I will do well by you, Mr. Hayes,” she answered.
“That I have no doubt,” Dan assured her. “I wouldn’t want anyone else to handle such an important detail.”
The old woman twittered again. Jenny had to stifle a giggle. The woman was just too darn cute. After the details of the cake were finalized, Dan bought two cupcakes and handed her one. “Take a taste and you’ll understand how talented these two are.”
The cupcake sported a delicate orchid on top. It seemed a shame to eat it, but Jenny took a bite and purred in delight. The cake was incredibly moist and burst with unusual flavors. She could detect ginger and a hint of star anise. It gave the simple cupcake complexity and depth. She chewed it slowly, savoring the exotic sweetness.
Jenny bowed to Mr. Tran. “I never thought cake could taste like this.”
He returned the bow and said humbly, “It is my calling.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Tran, I am sorry to eat and run but we must go. I’ll be back to pick up the cake Friday after work.”
“It will be ready, Mr. Hayes,” the little woman said, twittering again for no reason.
Jenny finished her last bite of ‘cake heaven’ in the car. “This will be the best wedding ever! I can’t believe you know so many talented people, Dan.”
“My mom used to be a social person, always throwing parties and getting involved in the community. But she’s changed over the years… it’s scary. The older she gets the more she becomes her mother.” He turned to Jenny. “And that is not a good thing.”
Although Jenny was surprised by his revelation, she did her best not to show it. Mrs. Hayes appeared to have a lot more to her than Jenny imagined. The years ahead just might be more interesting as I peel back the layers of this unpleasant woman. The thought made Jenny happy.
With all the wedding details taken care of, Jenny spent the remaining week looking for a job. Word had spread throughout the local brokerages about her disgrace. Some firms would not take her calls because of the scandal. Thankfully, there were a couple that did and her interviews with them were promising.
It gave Jenny hope that employment might be possible after she was told at one interview, “A person’s personal life is just that. At our establishment, we only judge our employees based on their dedication and work ethic. Fail us in that, and we will send you packing.” She was informed that they would get in touch with her the following week.
Things were looking up. Kelly’s attempts to ruin her had only caused her to grow stronger. Jenny yelled in defiance. “Take that, bitch!”
“What was that?” John asked from his room.
Jenny blushed. “Oh nothing. Just feeling a little feisty today.”
“Hey, before you move out, could you make another pan of lasagna?”
“Not a problem. In fact, I will make a whole pan just for you,” she called to him.
He didn’t respond and she wasn’t sure if he’d heard until she saw John at his doorway with a look of disbelief. “Seriously?”
Jenny chuckled. “Seriously.”
“Damn that Dan. He is one lucky bugger.” John disappeared back in his bedroom and started typing away.
She looked at the clock and realized Dan was over a half-hour late. She picked up her phone and called. It took several rings before he answered. “Hey, can’t talk right now. Will call back as soon as I can. Order takeout for you and John. I will be a while.”
Jenny could hear the stress in his voice. “What’s going on, Dan?”
“Don’t worry. I’m with Ryan.”
“Do you want me to meet you?”
“No.” He cleared his throat. “Sorry, he doesn’t want you here. I’ll explain things later, but I have to go.” Jenny was shocked when he hung up on her.
Were the two going to duke it out again? Why would Dan go to Ryan again? It didn’t make any sense, unless… Kelly!
It was excruciating to remain at John’s apartment while she waited to find out the trouble Kelly had caused. Jenny paced the apartment, but couldn’t find relief. She finally pulled out the paperwork for the rentals they were considering. There was a nice, but expensive, apartment not too far from John’s place, a neglected house near Dan’s work, and a modern townhome located on the outskirts of town. She was leaning towards the last one, but the drive would be annoying for them both. However, the price was right and it had an office and an extra bedroom for guests. The longer she considered the pluses and minuses of each, the more sure she felt about her initial choice. Dan had left the final decision to her, saying all three were equally viable.
Jenny needed to feel in control, so she called the landlord to inform him of her decision. That control was taken from her when he asked for her financial history. The minute she mentioned that she wasn’t currently employed, he told her that he would have to talk to Dan. Jenny hung up, seething with anger. Kelly was still screwing with her life.
She began pacing again, wondering what the bitch had done to Ryan. When she couldn’t stand it anymore, she burst into John’s room and ranted. The poor man took it without complaint, but she noticed his look of relief when her phone rang.
“I’m on my way home and will give you all the details when I get there.”
“Are you okay?”
“Yes.”
“Is Ryan?”
Dan paused. “We’ll talk about it when I get there.”
As soon as Dan entered the apartment Jenny ran to his arms while checking for black eyes on his handsome face. Seeing none, she asked, “What happened? What did Kelly do?”
“She did the same thing to Ryan that she did to you. I never thought to warn him. I never considered she’d go after him like that…”
Jenny’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh no. Don’t tell me she didn’t distribute those damn photos.”
“She did,” Dan said, sounding drained. “We have been at the police station all night. You will need to go tomorrow.”
Jenny collapsed on the couch. “Poor Rye. He didn’t do anything to hurt her.”
“It was a s
tab at you and me. Kelly doesn’t care who gets harmed along the way.”
She looked at him fearfully. “Did… Did Ryan lose his job?”
Dan actually smiled. “No, and you’ll never guess who saved it.”
“Who?”
“Remember his little temp? The one he complained about? According to Ryan, she may not file papers properly but she is a natural-born attorney. She argued for Ryan until his boss actually apologized to him. Ryan has never seen anything like it. No one wins an argument with his boss.”
Jenny giggled in relief. “I can’t imagine.”
“Yeah, it’s been a surreal day for Ryan, but he’ll be all right.”
“Dan…” Her lip quivered when she asked, “Did Ryan say why he didn’t want me there?”
“I don’t think you understand. The only reason he called me is that I’m his only friend and he was desperate. Ryan can’t forgive you for leaving him.”
It crushed her to know that they would never be friends again, but she understood. She’d hurt him in the deepest way possible. “Well, I’m glad he called you.”
“Yeah, I’m glad, too. You should know that he filed charges against Kelly and expects you to do the same. He understands now that she played him. I think the full impact of her influence and the consequences of that are just now hitting him.”
“Poor Rye. We didn’t have to break up,” she said woefully.
Dan cupped her chin. “As cruel as this sounds, I’m glad things fell apart. Now that I have had a chance to be with you exclusively, I can’t imagine any other reality.”
In her heart of hearts, Jenny agreed. She caressed his scruffy cheek. “Just you and me.”
“Forever.”
Winter Wedding
The morning of their wedding was a clear, sunny winter’s day. The chill in the air and the snow on the ground were the only reminders of the season. The blue skies spoke to warmer times. “Looks like the perfect day, Dan,” Jenny said, looking out the window. Unfortunately, he couldn’t hear her. Her mom had insisted that she stay with them overnight to preserve the tradition of the groom not seeing the bride.
Her parents had flown in the day before and met Dan’s parents for a formal dinner at an upscale restaurant paid for by his parents. It had been an unpleasant evening. Mrs. Hayes didn’t talk much, but that didn’t stop Jenny’s dad from peppering her with questions. Neither set of parents were enthusiastic about the upcoming nuptials. It showed on their faces and in their conversations the entire evening. Jenny had looked over at Dan sadly several times during the meal, wishing things could be different.
But Dan had been sweet at the end of the evening. When they’d said good-bye she’d felt close to tears. He wiped the emerging tears away, whispering, “Only one more night.” She’d nodded and quickly jumped into her father’s car, afraid of losing her composure, but Dan motioned her to unroll the window. He’d brushed his hair back all cute-like before saying, “The next time we meet I will be saying ‘I do’.” He patted the car a couple of times and turned away. Maybe it has been hard on him too…
His words “I do” still rang in her head. A smile spread across her face as she stretched in the hotel bed. It was going to be a beautiful day and tonight she would be in Dan’s arms—forever.
Jenny spent the morning primping. Her mother then helped her to style her hair, keeping it down and long, just the way Dan liked it. Her makeup was light and natural as well, honoring his simple tastes. When it came time to put on the dress, her mother unzipped the bag and carefully pulled out the gown.
Jenny stared at it in shock. “It’s the wrong dress.”
Her mother looked sick. “What do you mean it’s the wrong dress? Oh my God, did the shopkeeper mix up your dress with another? What are we going to do?”
Jenny smiled with tears in her eyes. “Mom, it’s not the dress I picked out. It’s the dress of my dreams.”
Her mother relaxed and brought the dress to her. “You had me scared for a minute.”
Jenny touched the lace and played with the buttons on the gown. “This gown cost a fortune, Mama. I can’t believe Dan did this for me.”
“It is exquisite, Jenny.”
“I even checked it before I packed, just to make sure it wasn’t wrinkled. I don’t know how he did it, but I’m so thrilled he did!” She slipped it on and her mother helped with all the buttons. Both of them stared in the mirror, speechless. The lace, the row of buttons trailing up her back, and the way it hugged her curves made her feel elegant and sexy.
“Perfect,” her mother sighed.
“Yes.”
“But I think I have something that will make it even better. You need something blue, my darling.” Her mother pulled out a black velvet box and handed it to her.
Jenny recognized the box. When she was a little girl she had often played with her mother’s jewelry, but this was one piece she was not allowed to touch. “Oh, Mama…”
“It was the first piece of jewelry your father gave me. I’ve always loved it and now I want you to have it.”
“I can’t. Doda meant this for you.”
“I talked to your father and he is in agreement. We both want you to have it. I wish we could give you more, darling. But times have been tough for your father the last few years. Just know this is given in love.”
Jenny opened the box in awed reverence and looked at the diamond-encrusted sapphire. It was delicate and stunning. She took it out and handed it to her mother. Jenny closed her eyes as her mother clasped the necklace around her throat.
“Yes, it finishes the look,” her mother said proudly, standing back and smiling. “You look so beautiful, Jenny. I don’t think I have seen you this happy since you were a little girl.”
“I am, Mama. I love Dan more than I can say.”
“I had my doubts about his character, being Ryan’s best friend, but his little surprise with the dress… well, I can’t help seeing a bit of your father in him.”
Jenny held back the tears as she hugged her mom. “It means the world to me that you can accept this wedding and him.”
“I don’t understand why you are rushing it, but knowing how I felt about your father when we first met, I believe time doesn’t matter when it’s right.”
“Thank you, Mama.”
“Darling, your happiness is my only concern.” Her mother hugged her one last time, being exceedingly careful not to mess her dress and hair.
It was a long drive to the mountains, and although it was sunny in the city, the higher they went the cloudier the skies became. Jenny became concerned that the weather might ruin their wedding plans. This is why outdoor weddings in the winter aren’t done! she scolded herself.
She was grateful when they made it to the wedding site and saw that everyone else had arrived. Her father helped her out of the car and held out his arm. Jenny took it gratefully, walking beside her father, bursting with joy as she gazed over the small gathering. She instantly recognized her future in-laws and Rose, but noticed a taller version of Dan standing next to a lanky blonde. She had to assume it was his brother Marcus because the guy looked just like Dan except for the dark hair.
Jenny’s eyes naturally gravitated to her future husband. He was dangerously handsome in his tux, making her quiver inside. When he turned to face her and his whole face lit up, Jenny almost broke ranks and ran to him. It took great effort for her to remain by her father’s side.
As she approached, Jenny tried to imagine what Dan was seeing—her long dark hair styled in loose ringlets, her stunning coat hugging the curves he loved so well, and the hint of her leather boots peeking out with each step. But he wasn’t looking at any of those things; his eyes were locked on hers.
Dan stepped back as she came up beside him, giving her an unobstructed view of the person standing behind him. Jenny froze, unable to breathe.
Ryan nodded and said nonchalantly, “Hey, Jenny.”
She was grateful for her father’s supportive arm when her knees alm
ost gave out. “Ryan, you’re… here.” Tears unwillingly formed.
He walked over to her, shaking his head. “No crying. I’ll leave if you do.”
She quickly wiped her eyes and smiled. However, her bottom lip quivered from the effort. “I didn’t think…”
“Do you mind if I stand in as your maid of honor?” Ryan asked with a teasing smirk. “I heard you were lacking one.”
“Really, Ryan? I…” A tear fell down her cheek.
“No crying, remember?” he said sternly. She nodded and bit her bottom lip to stop it from quivering.
“Let us proceed,” stated an unfamiliar voice. Jenny looked up and saw the young pastor from the local mountain church was ready with his Bible clutched firmly in his hand.
Dan kissed her cheek. “Meet you out on the water, my little kumquat.”
Jenny looked out over the pond and gasped. A long scarlet path lined with red and white poinsettias led out to the middle of the pond. At the end of the red path was a large arch cascading white flowers and red ribbons. Tall pines framed the icy pond as the large snowcapped peaks towered above.
A fairytale come to life… all but the gathering dark clouds. They looked suspiciously pregnant with snow. Jenny worried at the sudden drop in temperature as the winds began to gently swirl around them.
Rose handed her a bouquet of gardenias, tiny crimson roses, with a hint of pine interspersed with red and gold ribbon. A masterpiece in its own right.
“Thank you, Rose. This is exquisite.”
“Only the best for you, sweetie. Knock ’em dead.” She swatted Jenny on the butt, and winked at Dan’s mother, who stood several feet away looking serious and foreboding. Jenny turned away from Mrs. Hayes. She wasn’t going to allow that woman’s poor attitude to affect her wedding.
“It’s time to make this official,” her father announced in his low comforting voice, taking Jenny’s hand back and giving it a fatherly pat.
She leaned her head against his strong shoulder. “Yes, Doda, let’s.”
