Stranded

by Chance Carter

  He turned over the page, tears now appearing in his eyes. I was already crying, tears streaming down my cheeks the whole time as I listened to his vows. “Not only have I have been blessed with an impossibly wonderful woman, but also a child. Before meeting you, I never would have expected to want a family. But, you have opened my eyes to this as well. Now I see that there is nothing else, nothing in this entire world, that I could ever desire more. All I want, and all I need, is the two of you. That is enough for me.”

  Putting the paper back into his pocket, he now held up the wedding band. I let him slip it onto my finger. “This ring is my promise to you, that I will love and cherish you for all of my days.”

  He stood back, wiping his face and nodding at me. I took a deep breath, and started to read my own vows.

  “Derek Rittsman,” I said, peering shyly up at him. “When I first met you, I was an awkward, self-conscious girl who wasn’t happy with her life, even though she couldn’t quite admit it to herself. But you changed that. Every single day, you continue to surprise me. You have made me a happier, healthier, more confident woman, and that is priceless. I can never thank you enough for the impact that you’ve had on my life. But, even with that said, I still cannot express how fond I am of you.”

  My voice was trembling, and I was trying my hardest not to break down and cry. The joy, excitement and nerves were overwhelming, but I managed to hold it together. Derek smiled calmly at me, and that was enough for me to pause, take a deep breath, and keep reading.

  “You are the most wonderful man I have ever met. The moment you came into my life, you immediately pulled me into adventure. Every day with you is day worth living. I have no doubt in my mind that we were made from and for each other. Derek, you are my soulmate. More than that, you are my life. You are the father to our precious baby. You are the man who looked at a girl who didn’t believe in herself, and somehow convinced her that she was worth something. That, Derek, is some kind of magic.”

  I took out his wedding band, and slid it onto his ring finger. “So, with this ring, I am making a promise to you. I will spend every day being everything you believe me to be.”

  With our vows said, the pastor pronounced us man and wife. We kissed, and everyone in attendance clapped and cheered.

  The reception was outdoors as well, right down on the beach. The sun was setting, so we hung lanterns around the venue, which gave off a mystical blue glow.

  After an hour or so of dancing and chatting, we all seated ourselves for cake and toasting. I leaned against Derek as I ate a huge slice of chocolate cake. Chocolate had become my main pregnancy craving.

  Charlotte was the first to do a toast. She got up on the stage and took the microphone. As always, she set the standard for fashion, wearing an orange maxi dress and large sunhat, perfect for the location. She waited for her audience to turn their attention toward her, before starting.

  “I met Derek the day that I turned one month old,” she said “Though I don’t really recall the occasion, I have heard this story many times from my mother, so I feel safe in telling it. Derek was three and lived next door. My mother was out taking a walk around the neighborhood with me, and Derek, who was playing outside, ran over to her, wide-eyed. He asked my mother what happened to her stomach to make it shrink. She explained to him that she had been pregnant, and had given birth to a baby, then turned the stroller so he could see me. Derek took one look at me, stuck his tongue out, and declared that he didn’t like me, that I was the ugliest thing he had ever seen in his life. So ugly in fact, that he ran back inside the house to hide.”

  Charlotte paused as we laughed, smiling to herself. “So, for the next few years, Derek kept his distance. Well, he tried anyway. Soon, my parents started working with Derek’s father, so, whenever the adults would get together to discuss business, Derek and I would be forced to hang out together. At first, I always thought it was the most awful thing in the world. I mean, five year-old me wanted nothing to do with some grubby eight year-old boy who lived only to sneak out of the house and climb trees. I was content with quietly playing with my dolls. But somehow, I always got dragged along on Derek’s adventures. And as I recall, I usually ended up being the one in trouble, for some reason or another.”

  She smiled at the memory, and I sensed something bittersweet about it. “Derek became my best friend. He stood by me through the most difficult times in my life. When my parents divorced, and my mother moved back to England, he was the only thing that kept me from breaking down. He also helped me when I wanted to start my own business. Derek has been a consistently stable, caring, wise, and courageous force in my life.”

  Charlotte grinned, her lighthearted spirit returning. “Now, Derek was never someone that I ever expected to get married, if we’re being honest. He was always so busy working. And really, I couldn’t imagine any woman deserving a man like him. Until I met Amy, that is. Immediately, after spending just one day with her, I knew. I knew that these two were made for one another. They’re pretty much the same person, when you think about it. Sweet, awkward, loving, funny, unselfish, clever… I could go on and on. But you’re probably getting tired of listening to me ramble by now. I know, I know, I talk a lot. But I can’t help it. Derek and Amy are my best friends. I could talk for hours about how amazing they are.”

  Charlotte sighed. “But I won’t. Instead, I’ll leave it at this. Derek and Amy, I have no doubt that you two will live long and happy lives together. I cannot wait to meet your child, and watch what great parents you will be. So, here’s to you.” She lifted her glass in a toast to the couple.

  My mother followed, with a short sweet toast that brought tears to my eyes. Walter was next, and by the end of his touching speech, I was practically sobbing. Aunt Joelle and Adam even spoke.

  Last of all, Abby took the stage. She faced me, her eyes bright.

  “First of all, I would like to take full credit for this union,” she said, then paused. “After all, I babysat the dog.” We all laughed, and Abby grinned. She had always been good with people. “One day, Amy—my sweet, innocent, naive, and slightly socially-awkward sister who hated even leaving her house—called me, and begged me to watch her beast of a dog for a week. When I asked her why, she dodged the question for a good hour, before finally admitting to me that she had met a guy. I didn’t believe her. And yet, here we are.”

  Abby tucked her hair behind her ear. “That was a long week, folks. For one, I had suddenly become the sitter of a five-million pound bear, which, as I discovered, likes to lay on top of you and not get up. Yeah. Most of my week was spent trapped and suffocating. But, more importantly, my sister fell in love that week. So, let’s talk about that, since I’m pretty sure that’s what you’re here for.

  “As her sister, I am highly critical of any man who thinks he can walk into Amy’s life and actually be good for her. And yet, for all my suspicion, I have not found a single thing wrong with Derek. I am currently convinced that he is inhuman. I’m watching you, man.” Derek chuckled beside me.

  “My sister, ever since meeting Derek, has become so much happier, so much more confident in herself, and so much more adventurous. Now, I am the one she’s always begging to go somewhere with her, not the other way around. Our roles have reversed and I can barely keep up with her. She’s living her life, and man, is it a good one.”

  Abby wiped under her eye. “My sister is the most generous, selfless person on this planet. To know that she found someone who appreciates her for the goddess that she is, gives me hope. Looking at my little sister, and seeing how happy she is, and knowing that I’m going to be an aunt soon, man, I’m really glad I agreed to watch the dog.”

  * * *

  Our daughter, Lydia Diane Rittsman, was born in the middle of February. She was small, pink and wrinkly, and she was ours.

  The first time I held her, I knew what it meant to be alive. Everything else seemed to fade away, leaving only me, my husband, and our tiny baby girl… our miracle.


  The decision to name her after our mothers had been easy. Walter had finally told Derek the truth—that he and Derek’s mother had been planning on getting back together before the accident. The relationship between father and son had vastly improved over the months leading up to the wedding. With so much lost time to make up for, Derek was happy to be so close to his father. And Walter’s health only seemed to be getting better every day.

  The day that Lydia was born, people flowed in and out of the hospital room, eager to meet her. They all cradled her and cooed… congratulating her lucky parents.

  “She has your eyes,” Abby told me, examining Lydia carefully. “But Derek’s smile. Man, she’s beautiful. I am going to be the coolest aunt ever.”

  “I made an outfit for her to go home in,” Charlotte said, holding up a bag. “It’s super soft, and there’s a matching hat. Rest assured, she will be the best dressed baby in the country.

  Aneta cried when I handed Lydia to her. “She looks just like you did when you were born, Derek,” she blubbered in her thick, Polish accent, then kissed Lydia’s forehead. “Nana Aneta is here for you, little one. Even if you’re as mischievous as your papa was.”

  Walter just held Lydia quietly for a while, his eyes never leaving her tiny face as she slept in his arms. Derek sat by me on the hospital bed, holding my hand as we watched the two of them.

  It was late in the evening and I was exhausted. I rested my head on Derek’s shoulder, feeling whole.

  “I’m so proud of you, Amelia,” Derek said, kissing the side of my head. “You’re so strong.”

  I smiled. “She’s beautiful, isn’t she? I’m completely in love with her already.”

  “Lydia? She’s…” Derek inhaled, shaking his head, struggling to find the words. “She’s the most precious thing in the world. The moment the doctor handed her to me, I swear the earth stopped spinning. She looked at me, with those blue eyes of hers—and I have never felt more helpless than in that moment. She looked at me—this tiny, vulnerable person—and it was like I was holding a piece of me.”

  I nodded, understanding what he meant. “It’s like taking your heart out of your body and holding it in your hand, then passing it around the room. You don’t really have that much control anymore.”

  “All I can do is protect her,” Derek said. “And hope that life is kind to her.”

  I looked over at Walter, whose gaze still hadn’t left the little girl. Derek followed my line of sight, and smiled to himself.

  “I have a feeling,” I said, “that those two are going to be completely inseparable.”

  “Absolutely.” Derek squeezed my hand. “You already know how much he’s going to spoil her. Look at him. He’s completely taken by her.”

  “And I’m completely taken by you, Derek. Thank you for giving me this family.”

  “I love you, Amy, I will never let you go.” he said.

  Bridesmaid For Hire

  CHANCE CARTER

  Chapter 1

  Frankie

  I stared beyond my desk at the row of windows on the far end of the room. It was bright outside, one of the first days of sun in nearly a week. Portland’s streets would be bursting with life as the glittering rays drew out its citizens and tourists with the promise of warmth and light. I wished I could be out there too, and was considering calling it a day when my office manager, Julia, came by with the mail.

  “I wasn’t expecting to see you in here today, Aurelio,” she commented, tossing a stack of envelopes onto my desk.

  I laughed. “Why?”

  “Because it’s Valentine’s Day.”

  I cocked a brow. “And you don’t think I should work Valentine’s Day?”

  “I just thought you’d be busy with your bow and arrow.” The young redhead mimed shooting an arrow toward Vince, the graphic designer whose desk sat facing mine. He clutched his chest dramatically and groaned.

  I chuckled and shook my head.

  “My clients are already in love by the time they get to me. Trust me, I would make a poor matchmaker.”

  Julia didn’t usually linger to chat, but she pushed her glasses further up her nose and asked, “Got any jobs on the go?”

  I noticed the pink staining her cheeks and wondered if her sudden interest in my work had anything to do with the sultry smile Vince sent her way.

  “I’ve got a couple coming up this summer,” I replied.

  “Only a couple?”

  “I can only take on a few weddings a year since I spend a lot of time with my clients.”

  Her longing glances toward Vincent indicated she wasn’t really listening, so I didn’t tell her about my blog or online consultation services.

  She finally moved on with a cheery, “Good luck!” and I pulled the stack of mail toward me and began to comb through it.

  The only piece that wasn’t spam or a bill was a postcard from Barbados. I flipped it over, smiling as I read the familiar loopy handwriting.

  The card was from my latest client, Olive Waller—Olive Dennington now, I supposed. She and her husband were having a whale of a time on their honeymoon, and she said she couldn’t thank me enough for making their big day such a success. It seemed like only yesterday that Olive and I were sipping champagne in the bridal suite while her mother flapped around us like a baby bird. Half my job was keeping Mrs. Waller calm, and it had been quite the job. I would miss Olive and her kooky family.

  With an air of satisfaction, I pinned the card next to the others on the cork board beside my desk. Olive’s addition brought my collection up to seven in total. Not all of my clients sent postcards from their honeymoons, but the seven who had were undoubtedly my favorites, and I displayed the cards proudly. After the initial surge of happiness wore off, however, a pang of sadness hit me right in the gut.

  I couldn’t help it. It was Valentine’s Day, after all, and I was alone. Having reminders of other people’s marital bliss staring at me all day long was a great way to motivate myself for work, but it sucked on days like this when loneliness hung around my neck like a noose.

  The name of my business, Always the Bridesmaid, was beginning to seem a little cruel.

  Then again, I didn’t intend to get married anytime in the near future, even if there were a man in my life. Been there, done that. But would it hurt to have a little something more to go home to on Valentine’s Day than a pint of Ben and Jerry’s and my vibrator?

  I sighed and continued gazing at the blinking cursor on my laptop. So far, I’d managed all of twenty words for my Valentine’s Day blog post.

  “Hey,” Vince whispered.

  I looked up at him. “Yeah?”

  “So, you’re like a dating coach, right?”

  I shook my head. “No. I’m a wedding planner, plus a little extra.”

  Vince frowned and the entirety of his shaved head seemed to crinkle. Most of the people who worked in my shared office had no idea what I did, which was more my fault than any of theirs. I talked to Julia from time to time, but most of the other people rotated in and out or kept different schedules than me. It seemed like a waste of energy trying to talk to all of them.

  “What’s the little extra?” Vince asked.

  “I also perform all the maid of honor duties,” I said. “I organize the bachelorette, go dress shopping, provide emotional support, that kind of thing.”

  “Isn’t the maid of honor usually the bride’s best friend or something?”

  I rankled. I had this conversation a lot. “Yes.”

  “So these women are hiring you to be their best friend?”

  “Is that so wrong? It’s hard having to go through the stress of a wedding without knowing you’ve got someone at your side you can rely on.”

  Vince’s eyes widened, and he nodded slowly.

  I sighed. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to snap at you. I’m a little bit stressed out today.”

  “Totally. Totally.” He glanced toward the far end of the room, where Julia’s desk sat. “Do you think you can he
lp me ask Julia out?”

  I regretted apologizing. I regretted coming into work today.

  “That’s not what I do,” I replied in a flat tone as I exited out of all the windows on my laptop and prepared to shut it down. When I couldn’t focus and people started to annoy me this much, it meant I needed a change of scenery.

  My work phone buzzed on the desk. I looked at the number, but it wasn’t familiar. I considered letting it go to voicemail, but since I hadn’t left the office yet I figured it would be rude not to pick up. Plus, this way I wouldn’t have to answer any more questions from Vince.

  “Always the Bridesmaid,” I answered brightly.

  “Hi!” came a cheerful voice. “My name is Valerie Fieldman, and I just got engaged!”

  Joy whizzed through me and banished the dark cloud over my head in an instant. This girl sounded like pure sunshine, and that was exactly what I needed. Plus, the thrill of a potential new client always did wonders for my mood.

  “Congratulations Valerie! That’s very exciting.”

  “I know!” she said. “I want to start work on my wedding planning right away, and I knew the first thing I had to do was score myself a perfect maid of honor. Are you taking on new clients?”

  Wow. I was used to a more reluctant bride. I performed an unconventional service, so it was understandable that most brides asked a ton of questions before they would even consider setting up a consultation.

  “That depends,” I said. “When are you hoping to have the wedding?”

  “Exactly one year today. If you’re all booked, I might cry.”

  I chuckled. “Don’t worry, Valerie. I’ve got plenty of availability around that time.”