Wedding Belles

by Beth Albright

  He smiled like he was doing the right thing and tugged me harder. “You mustn’t have been paying attention when they told us to go when we heard the wedding march. Everybody else is already at the altar.”

  The music continued, and Harry and I arrived at the rose-and-azalea-covered gazebo. I realized Vivi and Arthur were still standing still at the end of the grove. There was no one to signal the musicians to play “Here Comes the Bride.”

  I spotted Lewis to my far right, running down the gravel road, dust flying behind. In a way, it was really romantic, the way he was running to his bride to be there as promised, at the altar, at sunset. If he didn’t have a heart attack, he’d make it for the sun’s last dying gasp.

  Coco flagged the musicians, signaling them to wait for a minute. Instead, the orchestra announced the bride and started her entrance song.

  Wide-eyed, Vivi began her walk toward the flower-bedecked matrimonial altar, minus her groom.

  The Million Dollar Band pumped up the volume on their version of the same song as Lewis dashed up the road. He ran under a makeshift tunnel of cheering football players lining the sides of the drive and began his sprint toward the gazebo, trying to beat the music and make sure Vivi would not be standing at the altar alone, waiting on him.

  Lewis was running hard and fast, his fists clenched, head up high, his dress shoes kicking up dirt and rocks everywhere. Vivi was taking the tiniest baby steps she could in order to wait for the groom to get there first, but, even so, she was almost to the priest.

  Lewis breezed by me and dashed to his place under the tiny blush lights of the gazebo. The sunset glistened through the trees. Twilight was upon us. Vivi had arrived at the altar, right on time.

  Lewis was huffing and puffing, watching Vivi take her last baby step.

  “Red, you take my breath away,” he blurted to Vivi as she arrived.

  Everyone laughed. Lewis was so lovable.

  “Dearly Beloved,” said the priest from St. Catherine’s as everyone took their seats.

  “Who gives this woman in holy matrimony?” he continued.

  “I do,” Arthur answered proudly. He lifted her veil to kiss her cheek and smiled. Then he turned to walk back and settle in next to Bonita.

  The vows began. Harry stood next to Lewis, and I was beside my best friend since third grade.

  Lewis went first. “Vivi Anne McFadden, I cannot remember a day when I didn’t love you. For as long as I can remember, you have been my source of laughter and joy—my soft place to fall. I give you me, all of me, till I am gone from this world. I have wanted to make you my bride forever. But I wouldn’t do it until I could give you everything.” He gestured to her blossoming tummy. “Seems like I have.”

  Everyone giggled.

  “Now I can be the man you deserve.” He rested his hand gently on her baby bulge. “And I promise to be the best daddy to this here little cheerleader. I promise to make you proud. I promise to make you happy. The same way you have always made me feel. You, Vivi, are my smile, every single day. I promise to love you and respect you and make you my partner in life. As long as I live, your happiness is my daily priority. Without you, life would be empty. I promise to fill you up with love and happy times in sickness and in health, for the rest of my life.”

  I looked around Lewis and saw that tears were glistening on Cal’s cheeks. Even Harry seemed moved. My face was definitely wet, too. Thank God for waterproof mascara.

  Vivi shook as she began reading her vows to Lewis. “Lewis William Heart, I have loved you for as long as I can remember. As a teenager, I dreamed of this day, and there has never been anyone else for me but you. You are my missing piece.”

  Lewis kissed her hand.

  “Lewis, I promise to be here for you for the rest of my life. To support you and all of your hopes and dreams and plans. To believe in you and root for you and cheer for you. To always be on your side. To be your wife, your lifelong partner, your lover and mother to any children the good Lord gives us. I promise to be a happy football wife, knowing you are doing what you love in that press box. And I promise, on a football Saturday, never to nag you to hurry your ass home. Well, except maybe on your wedding day.”

  Everyone broke out with laughter.

  She continued, “You are, and have always been, everything to me. You are my laughter, my joy...you are my heart...my Heart. I promise to love you and care for you in sickness and in health for all the days of my life.”

  At that moment, Jean-Pierre sent Harry The Humper down the aisle with the rings tied to his collar in a blush-pink satin drawstring bag. He had almost made it all the way when suddenly he stopped and looked up at Judge Shamblin, who was sitting oblivious in an aisle seat. Without any warning, he began a hyperhumping of her leg.

  Harry the human was standing up front and couldn’t do a thing. I giggled and Harry glared at me to stop. The judge slung off the poor dog, and Lewis got his attention and lured him to the altar.

  “Come on, here, boy. You can do it.”

  The dog barked with joy at seeing his buddy Lewis. Everyone was chuckling under their collective breath as Harry The Humper trotted to the altar.

  “Thanks, buddy,” Lewis said, as he untied the little pink sack from the dog’s collar.

  Vivi turned and handed me the bouquet of soft pink peonies and baby pink tulips. The sun had set and the garden was awash in blush-pink twinkling lights.

  Lewis slipped the platinum and diamond band on her shaking hand. She slipped her daddy’s ring on his.

  “Now, Mr. Heart, you may kiss your bride.”

  Lewis stood still, trembling, his piercing blue eyes staring into Vivi’s with obvious wonder that she was actually his. He slowly lifted the tulle from her face.

  Taking her cheeks into his big hands, he said, “I love you, Mrs. Heart.” He kissed her softly at first, then pulled her in closer, taking her with the urgency of a man who’d waited for this moment for a very long time. He finally released her and smiled, still holding her face and looking into her eyes.

  She laughed. “I love you right back, Mr. Heart, especially when you kiss me like that,” she said, kissing him again.

  When they finally broke apart, the priest said, “May I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Heart.” Media cameras rolled and flashes of cameras went off in the twilight. Amid whoops and hollers, Lewis and Vivi faced the guests. The Million Dollar Band played them out right along with the orchestra.

  The football players had lined the sides of the aisle and formed the tunnel for Vivi and Lewis to run through. The photographer got a great shot of them as they made their way to the end. Harry and I followed at a quick pace to keep up with them.

  As soon as they were at the end of the grove, everyone began getting up and running after them, tossing confetti in the air as they went.

  This was just like the fairy-tale wedding Vivi had dreamed of. Okay, a tunnel of big ol’ football players weren’t exactly knights with swords, but they were pretty close. And from the radiant look on Vivi’s face, it worked for her just perfectly.

  Epilogue

  I lay down in my bed at Meridee’s house and took a deep breath to settle my stomach. A cold cloth draped my forehead. God, I hated being sick. I didn’t have time for this. It had been about a month since the wedding, and things were just starting to calm down for everyone. My goal was to get my life back in order, starting with recovering from this bug. I knew I was just exhausted. We did have quite the exciting summer.

  Unfortunately, Sonny and I had been so busy that we were not seeing each other as much as we would have wanted. Stumping with Harry was taking a toll on me. I was barely home most of the time, and all the fast food and fast-talking was not agreeing with me. I was running all over the state with my soon-to-be ex, and I was just pure worn down.

  Whenever I was home
, Vivi and I were like shopping fools, getting ready for Tallulah’s birth, which was not too far away now. I admit that I was having a bit of baby envy. How could you not with all those cute little ruffled dresses we were buying, or the little Bama cheerleader outfit Lewis had brought home? Tiny shoes, tiny hats... It was all baby, all the time.

  But, right about now, all I really wanted was sleep, perhaps some vitamins and definitely a vacation—preferably with Sonny.

  Maybe after the election ended.

  My cell phone rang. Speakin’ of Sonny, his sexy baritone came through the phone. “Hey, princess, I have a proposition for you.”

  “Oh, my, sir. Your propositions always land me in a heap of trouble. Let me think.” I paused a moment. “Why, yes! I would love to hear your proposition. Does it involve you getting naked?” Despite my feeling awful, nothing could make me not want Sonny.

  “Me, naked?” Sonny laughed. “I think I could be talked into it, sugar.”

  “Then I’m in. What do you have in mind?”

  “Well,” he said, turning serious. “A college buddy of mine has me watching his cabin out near Tannehill for the weekend. I guess there were a few break-ins in the area recently, and he’s worried ’cause he’s gotta be out of town.”

  “And the potentially naked part?” I urged.

  “Well, baby, the cabin is far away and very secluded. I hoped you might wanna meet me there. I don’t think anybody would see us. I can text you an address for the GPS, so you can head over as soon as you’re packed.”

  Relief and anticipation swept through me. “Sonny, I feel better already.”

  I jumped up and, in short order, packed my floral tapestry weekend bag and told Meridee what I was doing. She just smiled and didn’t even tell me to be careful. I kissed her goodbye and drove off into the twilight, my excitement building with every mile. I flipped the music on, rolled my windows down and reveled in the evening air blowing through my hair.

  He was sitting on the porch as I drove in and his face just lit up when he saw me. He always made me feel so special. I loved seeing that grin on his face.

  Sonny got up and walked down to me.

  “Hey, handsome, you still got clothes on,” I teased, reaching in the backseat and grabbing my bag.

  He laughed and took my satchel. “I’ll remedy that problem really soon.” He gave me a kiss, then held me close. “You are a sight for sore eyes, Blake.”

  “I intend to be great for your other parts, too,” I said, resurrecting my best bad-girl smile.

  Sonny shook his head, but his eyes were twinklin’. “This is gonna be quite the weekend.”

  I gave him a playful hip bump. “Don’t you know it, sugar.” The fresh air must be doing wonders for my stomach bug because I felt wonderful and ready to take him straight to bed.

  He squeezed me around the waist, and we walked together up the steps and into the cabin. He had opened the windows and the cool night breeze floated inside. October was in the air and the scorching temps from August were just a memory.

  “I have missed you, beautiful,” Sonny said, kissing me passionately in the quaint living room. He had made a fire in the fireplace and even brought apple cider. I could smell the delicious aroma of it, mulling with spices on the stove. We made ourselves comfortable on the blankets and pillows he had thrown on the floor. He sat down next to me, kissing me, touching me like it had been an eternity since we had last been together.

  Eventually Sonny went back to the kitchen to pour the cider into mugs, and while he was busy my cell phone rang. I hoped it wouldn’t be Harry again, ready to fill me in on my next duty as senatorial candidate’s wife. But it wasn’t Harry, it was my doctor. I had seen her only a few hours before because this bug had been lingering for longer than I’d liked. My heart skipped. A doctor calling on a Friday night couldn’t be good news. I almost didn’t want to answer. I didn’t want anything to ruin the perfect weekend that Sonny had set up for us.

  “I’m running to the powder room,” I called to Sonny as I bolted to the bathroom with my cell phone in my hand. “Hello?” I whispered, as I closed the door.

  “Blake, is that you? I can hardly hear your voice.”

  I turned on the water and spoke a little louder into the phone. “Yes, it’s me. Is something wrong, Doctor?”

  “Sorry to call so late, but some tests came back that I thought you should know about immediately.”

  “Okay,” I answered, my heart racing.

  “I ran a pregnancy test, and it’s positive. You’re having a baby.”

  I stared at myself in the bathroom mirror, clutching the phone to my chest.

  “Hello? Blake, you still there?”

  “I...uh, yes, sorry. I’m just...”

  “Baby, is everything okay in there?” Sonny shouted from the kitchen.

  “Sure, honey,” I called back. Just peachy. I dropped my hand to my still-flat tummy and pressed, both shocked and amazed by the news.

  “Thanks, Doctor.” I hung up, still looking at myself, and exhaled. Nerves grew in the pit of my stomach. I knew it was Sonny’s. I had been with only him since last May. But we had never talked seriously about starting a family. Hell, we hadn’t even had a chance to be a couple out in public yet. I stared at myself in the mirror a bit longer. Was I ready? Was he?

  Well, I thought to myself, I guess we’re about to find out.

  * * * * *

  Acknowledgments

  While writing this novel, one of my Sassy Belle sisters and closest lifelong friends, my “sister” Susan, was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer. The sadness and crying took over the writing at least for a while. It took a village of people to push me over the finish line. I am so grateful to:

  Ted, my husband, and Brooks, my wonderful son, for being there for me every single second as I dealt with Susan’s illness and my deadline. Brooks, I am so proud of the man you have become, quick to offer me your shoulder and always telling me you love me. Ted, I could have never finished without you and your love. Having the two of you is my ultimate blessing.

  Susan’s children and family, who kept me afloat during her crisis.

  My mother, you are, as always, my strength and the wind beneath my wings. I love you more than any words could say. I can do anything because you have always told me I could.

  My mother-in-law, Dr. Margaret Ishler Bosse, you were priceless in the writing of this book. I kept your numbered questions beside me constantly in the final revisions.

  My Sassy Belle sister Lynn Watts Zegarelli, you are the sane voice in my head. Thank you for talking me down out of the tree so many times.

  My fairy godmother/agent/friend Elizabeth Pomada, in the wee hours before turning this manuscript in, I had your voice in my head and your edits laid out in front of me. What would I have done without you? You mean so much to me.

  Clare Cavanaugh, you have been a fantastic writing coach and editor. I will never forget all of your hard work helping me whip this manuscript into shape with gentle pushes, working with me in the wee hours of the night, over Christmas, with the flu.

  The rest of my family, Bruce and Janelle Albright, for always cheering me on. Corey Albright, my oldest nephew and my “other son” for the constant love. Always remember, you were supposed to be mine! Christopher Albright, for always giving me so much love! Joyce Albright, my other Sassy Belle sister, for all the delicious food and laughter! My aunt, Patsy Bruce, for always believing I would be a writer; one that actually got paid. My other in-laws, Dr. Richard Ishler, Dr. Ann Ishler and Dr. Richard Bosse, for all the support, always. My favorite teacher of all time, Dr. David Thompson. To say you changed my life doesn’t even cover it. Julianne Ishler and Jake Ishler, my artistic niece and nephew, are you sure y’all aren’t really MY children?

  My fantastic family at Harlequin MIRA, M
ichael Rehder and Quinn Banting and the design team for the loveliest of covers. Beautiful and oh so sassy and Southern, I just love it! The terrific marketing and PR team of Sheree Yoon and Michelle Renaud, thank you! My favorite assistant editor on earth, Michelle Venditti. Your insightful guidance is purely magical. You hold my hand like no one else. My lovely editor, Valerie Gray, I am so thankful to you for continuing to believe in me and push me to be better.

  And as always, to the place I will forever call home, Tuscaloosa, and my friends and family there, I love you like no place else on earth and hope I make y’all proud.

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  ARTHUR’S SWEET-SPICY

  BBQ SAUCE

  INGREDIENTS:

  1 cup ketchup

  ½ cup molasses

  ½ cup apple-cider vinegar

  ½ cup Worcestershire sauce

  1 teaspoon onion powder

  1 teaspoon garlic powder

  1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

  1 teaspoon chili powder

  1 teaspoon ground mustard

  ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

  DIRECTIONS:

  Combine all ingredients in saucepan. Bring to a boil on stovetop and reduce to desired consistency.

  —Florence Bruce

  ARTHUR’S SAVORY RIBS