by Leah Atwood
“I’m serious.”
Her head shot up. “That’s impossible. We don’t even have a marriage license.”
“We can stop at the courthouse on our way home for the license. I checked. Tennessee doesn’t have a waiting period.” He brushed a hair from her face. “I don’t want to spend another day without you as my wife.”
All the reasons she should say no came to mind, but not a single one held. Her only hesitation was not having her family there. She didn’t need an elaborate wedding. The perfect dress, a picturesque venue, sophisticated bouquets—that was all a bonus to celebrate a marriage. All she needed for her perfect wedding was Dominic at her side. “Yes, I’ll marry you today.”
“Thank you.” He gave her a final squeeze and brushed a kiss on her forehead.
She realized they still stood in the middle of the airport. Only a few stragglers from the flight remained. Those who did paid them little heed. “What do we do now?”
“Get your bags, then I have a few calls to make.”
“Shouldn’t we head to the courthouse or something?” Nervous flutters danced in her stomach. Not from doubt, she decided, but the reality of the mammoth commitment they would make today.
“Do you trust me?” A corner of his mouth curled.
“Yes.”
“Enough said.” Grabbing her hand, he led her to the baggage claim.
“Wait.” She raised a shoulder, showing him her bag. “This is all I have.”
He took her carry-on and held it for her as they walked to the short-term parking lot, all the while exchanging secret smiles. Dominic stopped walking and opened the passenger door to an unfamiliar truck. It took her a second to remember he’d bought a new one that she’d yet to ride in.
The leather seats were comfortable, more so than her car which she loved. They didn’t have the new stiffness she’d felt in many vehicles when she’d shopped around.
“What do you think?” Pressing his hands against the top frame of the truck, he partially leaned in.
“Nice, but I think I’ll miss your old one.” So many of their memories came from his first truck, and she’d never given thought to its sentimental value.
“Don’t worry, she’s still around.” A bittersweet smile appeared. “When the time came to sign the papers for the trade, I couldn’t. I don’t know what I’ll do with her, but I couldn’t get rid of her.”
“Only you.” She shook her head, laughing.
A soft kiss landed on her nose. “Here are the keys. I’ll be back in just a minute.”
“All right.” Watching him in the side mirror, her curiosity was piqued, but she wouldn’t push and ruin whatever he had up his sleeve. The diamond on her ring caught a ray of sunlight and she wiggled her fingers to catch it again. Shivers passed through her.
By day’s end, she’d be Mrs. Sellers. After years of friendship, breakups, and learning to love, she’d be married to her best friend, the only man she’d ever loved.
I should call Maureen. She remembered the note Aaron had handed her that morning. It was still in her purse and she pulled it out to read while waiting for Dominic. She’d wait to call Maureen in case the note left anything to be said.
The beige and powder pink envelope was bent on the edges. Maisy smoothed them and opened the flap, removed a single piece of paper.
Dear Maisy,
There are moments in life when you come face to face with the many blessings you’ve received. You, my sweet sister, are one of the most important of them in my life. I’ve watched you grow from a child to a strong, independent woman who stands for what she believes and treats everyone with love and respect. We’ve had our differences along the way, but I want you to know that I have always admired the courage with which you faced life.
Dominic and I spoke on the phone for a long time today. (Yesterday, by the time you’re reading this.) I’m sure he’s asked you the question by now, and I know you’ve said yes because I know you.
I also know you’ll feel guilty for not including your family, and I’ll tell you this. Marry him, Maisy, and begin your lives together today with all the love and joy you both deserve. What you and Dominic share is a rare and beautiful thing. It’s true and unconditional, the way love is meant to be.
I love you and am so very proud of you. Mom would be, too.
Love always,
Maureen.
P.S. Wear the clip today. It can be your ‘something old’ and ‘something blue.’
Touched by Maureen’s words, Maisy’s hand trembled and she set down the letter in the center console, her heart full.
Dominic opened the driver’s door and slid in. “Everything is good to go.” He looked at her, sized up her shaking hands. “Unless you’re having second thoughts.”
She reached across and grabbed his hand. “Not at all.”
Chapter 23
“Inhale, exhale.” Dominic sat in his truck, waiting on Maisy. They’d left the courthouse a half an hour ago and had a marriage license in hand, but she’d wanted to stop by her apartment to pick out a dress to wear for the ceremony, the location of which still remained a mystery to her. He couldn’t wait to see the look on her face when she saw where they’d be married.
He’d be eternally grateful for everyone’s help in putting together a wedding in less than twenty-four hours. There were many advantages to show business, he’d discovered, and one was having contacts in many industries with the ability to operate on a quick turnaround.
Between him, the guys, and their wives, Maisy would have a wedding to remember. He’d offer her nothing less. He glanced at the digital clock for the third time and tapped the steering wheel. It wasn’t that their schedule was written in stone, but they were expected in twenty minutes. He shot off a text that they’d be a little later than he’d said.
Was she trying on every dress she owned? He chuckled. Little did she know. If she hadn’t insisted he wait outside, he’d go find her and let her know there was a wedding dress waiting for her. Wanting to stick to some traditions, he hadn’t seen it yet. Sophie and Caroline were in charge of that. They’d assured him this morning they had the perfect dress and that it would fit her. They’d also chosen matching jewelry and accessories. He trusted their judgment.
Elle was taking care of the flowers. When he’d spoken to Maureen last night and confided his plan, she’d suggested hydrangeas. He’d passed the word to Elle, who’d spent the morning calling floral shops.
The cake was Bryce’s responsibility. He’d called in Fjolla and Gram, both of whom were gleefully willing to create an indulgent masterpiece in a short time. With his task delegated, Bryce joined Jay in creating a romantic atmosphere. Dominic had his doubts on that front, but the wives assured him their husbands could be romantic when they wanted.
Adam was good friends with several photographers and promised he could procure one for the day. Twenty minutes ago, he’d sent confirmation of that.
Five more minutes passed, and Maisy still hadn’t returned. He grabbed his phone from the console and called Roxy.
“Married yet?” Her teasing tone helped smooth his edginess.
“Not yet. Waiting for Maisy.”
“Nervous at all?”
“No. Overwhelmed maybe,” he admitted. “But in a good way.”
“I understand.” Loud children’s voices broke into the conversation and there was some rustling, then silence. “Sorry, I had to move to the other room.”
“It’s okay.” He pressed two fingers to his temples. “Hey, Rox?”
“Yes?”
“Thanks for always being there.”
“You’re welcome. We promised, right?” He could picture the smile he knew was on her face.
“Right.” Glancing up, he saw Maisy coming to him. “Gotta go. Maisy’s back.”
“Have a great wedding. Love you.”
“Love you, too.” He hung up and laid down the phone, never letting his gaze leave Maisy. She’d changed from her jeans and shirt into a lig
ht green dress.
He jumped out and opened her door. “You look beautiful.”
“It’s not exactly a wedding dress, but it will do.”
“I’d marry you in a potato sack,” he told her and gave her a kiss.
“You say that now.” She laughed. “How would we explain our wedding photos?” Her smile turned to a frown. “I should go back up and grab my camera so we can have pictures. Someone will be there and able to take the pictures for us, right?”
His hands went to her arms. “You don’t need your camera though you’re welcome to get it if you want.”
She quirked a brow, studying him. “I’ll trust you.”
“We should get moving, though.”
“Where to now?” Moving into the truck’s cab, she looked back at him.
“You’ll see.” He closed the door, circled around the front and stepped in.
“Most girls wouldn’t be so patient.” A smile softened the words.
He returned the gesture. “And you’re not ‘most girls’ which is one of the many reasons I want to marry you.”
Her satisfied sigh filled the truck. “When you put it like that…”
They rode out of the city, continuing to a well-kept residential area.
“Are we going to Bryce and Sophie’s?” Maisy asked when they turned on the road they usually would take to their house.
“No.” Thank goodness she hasn’t traveled outside the city enough to recognize street names.
He navigated a left turn, drove one and three-quarters of a mile and pulled into a driveway leading to a brick house. Parked the truck.
Maisy’s eyes grew big. “This is the house I fell in love with. What are we doing here?”
“It’s our house now.”
“What? You’re kidding, right? The realtor told me it was already under contract.”
He enjoyed every second of watching the information dawn on her. “My contract. I called the realtor the morning after you showed me the listing, scheduled a showing then made an offer.”
“But we weren’t even back together then.” Her hand covered her mouth, her shock still unmistakable.
“Didn’t matter.” He shrugged. “I knew where we’d end up.”
Leaning over, she pulled him by the collar and gave him a thorough kiss. “I love you.”
Breaking away, his heart pounded. Two more hours and she would be his wife. “Come on, let’s get you ready for the wedding.”
“Here?”
“What better place to start our lives together than where we’ll live.” Clasping her hand, he rubbed it with his thumb. “Every time we sit outside, watch our children play, we can remember where it all began.”
A dreamy expression fell over her face. “I couldn’t have picked a better place.”
“We have an audience.” He shifted his eyes toward the house, where Caroline, Sophie, and Elle stood by the opened front door.
Maisy took a deep breath, shook her head and smiled. “I have no idea what exactly you’ve done, or how you pulled this off, but you’re amazing.”
“Only because of you.” He watched her exit the truck and run for the girls, knowing the next time he saw her, she’d be walking toward him in a wedding gown.
When she was out of sight, he got out and walked to the backyard, through the gated fence. Jay stood on a ladder, hanging ivory tulle from the outdoor pavilion the previous homeowners had built near the creek. The picnic table had been cleared out, replaced by several rows of chairs constructed of the same red oak as the pavilion. Each chair had a delicate fabric draped over the back, with an arrangement of blue and creamy white hydrangeas secured to it.
Unlit candles were strategically placed on the rails, to be lit prior to the ceremony. The shade of the shelter and surrounding oaks should darken the area just enough in the late afternoon to cast a romantic glow. Dominic continued to look around with approval. Jay had even rolled out a length of carpet from the rear door to where the ceremony would take place.
“What do you think?” Jay asked, coming down from the ladder.
“Much better than expected.”
Bryce came over, pushed an elbow into Dominic’s rib. “I told you we could handle it.”
Before he knew it, the pastor of the church he’d been attending arrived, as did a few guests from the record label and several from the church. Caroline came from the house, taking charge and directing everyone to where they should be. She disappeared again and a few minutes later music began to play.
Dominic stood in front—Bryce, Adam and Jay acted as groomsmen. Gracie and Shannon walked out, tossing flower petals from the basket Lilah held. Then came Sophie. Elle. Caroline. The music changed to the wedding march and everyone stood as Maisy walked out, escorted by… Gram?
He didn’t know how that came to be, but it thrilled him that she wouldn’t walk alone. Captivated, his eyes couldn’t leave her. The dress she wore could have been designed with her in mind. The pale ivory complemented her tan skin, but it was her face that kept him rapt. She glowed with love, and he prayed he’d never be the cause for her to lose that look.
Gram took her seat, and Dominic joined hands with Maisy. This was it, the moment he’d never forget. He said his vows, made promises that would last a lifetime. He didn’t want to blink, lest he miss a second of watching her.
With shaky hands, he took a ring from his pocket and slid it on her finger. “With this ring, I seal our promise to be your faithful husband, as God as our witness.”
Maisy took his ring from Sophie and held his still unsteady hand, hers just as wobbly. With minor fumbling, she placed it on his finger. “With this ring, I seal our promise to be your faithful wife, as God as our witness.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. Dominic, you may now kiss your wife.”
He leaned his head and kissed Maisy for the first of many kisses that he knew would fill their happily married life.
Epilogue
Five Years Later
“May I have a drink, daddy?” Four-year-old Amie tugged on Dominic’s shorts.
“Since you asked so nicely, you may.” He exchanged a look with Maisy, who was resting in a lawn chair. “Should we also get one for Mommy?”
“I think that would be nice, and Aunt Roxy says we should always be nice.” Amie’s dark curls bounced as she gave an enthusiastic nod.
Dominic went to the cooler and grabbed a juice box for Amie. He unwrapped the plastic straw and poked it through the foil covering. “Here you go, sweetheart.”
“Thanks, Daddy.” Amie ran off to chase a butterfly, sipping her juice as she went.
Reaching into the other cooler, he found a bottle of water, then took it to Maisy. “How are you feeling?”
She wiped the sweat from her brow. “Tired, but I can’t wait to see everyone. It’s been a long summer without them.”
“I know, but I’d rather you and the baby stay healthy.”
“Me too, but I’ll be glad when he’s here and we can hold him.” Her hands moved to cradle her stomach.
“Any day now.” He gave her a supportive smile, wishing he could do more for her. This pregnancy had worn her out, much more than with Amie. “Maybe we shouldn’t have hosted a barbecue until after the baby comes.”
“No. You know how much I’ve missed our friends.” Reaching up, she squeezed his hand. “Besides, you’ve done all the work. All I’ve had to do was sit here and tell you what to do.”
“We’re here.”
Dominic turned his head and saw most their guests arriving at once.
Jay and Caroline were first. Each held the hand of one of their adopted daughters.
“Oh,” Maisy exclaimed. “Look at them walking now.”
“They started last month.” Jay’s chest puffed out. “They can walk across an entire room without help.”
“Uphill in the snow at that.” Adam walked through the gate, laughing, with Elle, Shannon, and Lilah. He ribbed Jay. “I’m just giving you a hard time. I
t’s been fun watching them learn to toddle.”
“Are they still going at it?” A smiling Rob entered the backyard with his arm around Dani. “Man, they’ve been picking at each other for weeks.”
“Men.” Dani laughed and waddled to the chair next to Maisy. She eased her pregnant body down in slow motion. “Hanging in there?”
“Sort of.” Maisy chuckled. “At this rate, I think you might beat me to the labor room.”
“You have two months on me, so I hope not.” Dani rested her hands on the top of her belly. “He needs to stay put a little longer even if he’s keeping his mama exhausted.”
“Glad you stuck around a few days before heading back to Oden Bridge.” Dominic fist-bumped Rob. “I owe you a big one. Thanks for stepping in for me the last two weeks.”
Rob shrugged. “No problem. It was fun to tour again, and Dani enjoyed the experience.”
“Where’s Hannah?” Dominic asked, realizing Rob and Dani’s daughter wasn’t there.
“She wanted to ride with her Uncle Bryce. They were right behind us.” Rob looked over his shoulder. “I see them driving up now.”
A minute later, Bryce and Sophie arrived. Twelve-year-old Gracie didn’t look up from her phone as she walked, her fingers moving rapidly. Bryce called her name, giving her a verbal warning. She didn’t listen, and he grabbed the phone from her. Gracie scowled for a second but quickly recovered when she spotted Shannon.
“I’m about to throw her phone away permanently,” Bryce grumbled.
“Don’t mind him.” Sophie greeted Elle and Caroline with a hug, then leaned down and gave one to Maisy and Dani. “He can’t handle his little girl becoming a teenager soon.”
“There’s likely some truth to that.” Bryce sighed. “At least Ethan and Hunter still have a ways to go.”
“And this one.” Sophie patted her flat stomach.
Bryce’s mouth gaped. “We’re having another?”
“Yes.”
He spun his wife around.
When everyone quieted down from the news, Dominic went to Maisy, rested a hand on her shoulder. Her adoring gaze caught his breath.
