“Yes, sir.” Jeff saluted the minister before picking up his fork and eating his meal.
~*~
After dinner, Jeff and Robin snuck out onto the church’s patio to say goodnight. The thermometer was already dipping down into the forties, so they didn’t linger. He opened his arms and Robin moved into his embrace. He held her close.
“It won’t be long now. Tomorrow will be the happiest day of my life. I love you so much. You’ll be Robin Clarke, at last.”
“My heart feels the same. I’ll see you at the altar at eleven o’clock sharp.”
“Just think, after tonight we won’t ever have to be separated at night again,” he proclaimed.
“It’s all good.” She chuckled lightly.
They kissed for a few minutes, and then walked back inside to gather their coats and say goodnight. Jeff left the church with his family, headed to the local lodge where they were staying.
~*~
Robin drove home to her cottage to find Penny sitting on her doorstep.
“What’s up?” Robin asked.
“I need to tell you something.”
Penny stood and faced Robin with a grave look upon her face.
“I want you to know I’ll always consider you my best friend. Husbands trump anyone in the best friend rankings. But if you or Jeff or the future little Clarkes ever need anything, you can count on me to help you in any way possible. I love you.”
“Penny, you’re going to make me cry. I love you, too, and you’ll always be my best girlfriend. Nothing will ever replace our relationship or the bond we share. You’re one of the best things about my life.”
They embraced until Penny broke away and ran down the steps.
“See you at the church at ten o’clock. You’re going to be the prettiest bride ever. Sweet dreams, Robbie.”
~*~
Pastor White was worried Thomas Bennett would show up at the church to ruin the wedding and reception, so he contacted Sheriff Snead after the rehearsal dinner and brought him up to date on the situation.
“Sheriff? This is Pastor White. We had an uninvited guest show up at Jeff and Robin’s wedding rehearsal this evening.”
“It wasn’t Susan Stinson, was it?”
“No. Thomas Bennett, Robin’s first husband, came from out of state to try to talk Robin into marrying him again instead of Jeff. It was like something straight off a TV soap opera. I could hardly believe it myself.”
“How can I help?”
“I’d feel better if some of your men could patrol the area around the church tomorrow from about nine o’clock until around four or so. That’ll take care of the hours that Robin and Jeff will be on the premises. I don’t think Thomas is violent, but things could get ugly if he shows up to crash the wedding or reception.”
“Agreed. I’ll see what I can do. I’ll get back in touch with you later tonight. Can I reach you at this number?”
“Yes. I called you on my cell phone. Thank you, Sheriff. Oh, and I’d appreciate it if you didn’t let the happy couple know I intervened here. They’ve got enough on their minds without having to worry about Thomas Bennett.”
“Do you have a photo of this character you can send to me, Pastor?”
“Yes, I found one taken at church a few years ago. Besides looking a little older and his hair being a little longer, Thomas Bennett looks the same now as he did in this photo. I’ll send it over to you right now.”
“Affirmative. I’ll be in touch.”
Sheriff Snead put out a call for help on Twitter, and three male and two female officers volunteered to patrol the church grounds in case trouble started. The sheriff then sent out the photo of Thomas Bennett, provided by Pastor White, to everyone on his staff and the volunteers. Sheriff Snead then instructed everyone not to share this surveillance with the bride and groom.
~*~
Around eleven o’clock that night the sheriff called Pastor White. “We’ve got everything under control, Pastor. I’ll have five officers in plain clothes patrolling the church parking lot, grounds, and surrounding area on foot and on bicycle all day tomorrow. I’ll also be around to make certain nothing goes wrong. Those kids have had a rough time of it lately with that wacko Susan Stinson, and now her ex shows up. I’d hate for their special day to be ruined by these weirdoes.”
“I totally agree with you. Any reason I should tell the wedding party or anyone else about the surveillance.”
“I don’t see why anyone needs to know about our presence.”
“All right then. Thanks for handling this for us, Sheriff. I feel better just knowing your officers will be keeping an eye out for trouble. Good night.”
“You’re welcome. See you tomorrow.”
Chapter Thirty Seven
Robin awoke the next morning before her alarm clock sounded. The day dawned bright and clear and chilly. Not a cloud obliterated the azure sky of the small mountain town.
“I’m marrying Jeff today, world!” she shouted.
She was enjoying a cup of herbal tea with her breakfast, mentally preparing herself for the challenges of the day ahead. The loud ringing of her doorbell broke her reverie. As she walked to the front door Robin wondered who could possibly be visiting her this morning. She felt her pulse increase as thoughts of Thomas Bennett’s appearance at the rehearsal dinner filled her mind.
Oh, no. I hope Thomas isn’t here to bother me on my wedding day. Hopefully Susan didn’t escape from the hospital.
Seeing no one through the front window, Robin hesitantly opened the door with trembling hands. There was no one on the porch or sidewalk in front of her cottage. As she was preparing to close the door to the crisp temperatures, she glimpsed a package lying on the doormat. Pulling her bathrobe close, she picked up the package.
Her breath caught as she recognized Jeff’s handwriting. His confident lettering read, ‘To My Bride.’ A broad smile transformed her sleepy countenance into one of enchantment. Quickly stepping back into her warm home, she closed the door firmly and wandered back into the kitchen.
The card was made of the finest linen paper and was the exact shade of ivory as her wedding ensemble. The cover of the card was embossed with a large heart held by two love birds. She opened the card:
I wanted you to have something old and something blue to carry this morning. This handkerchief was carried by my father’s mother when she married my Grandfather Clarke in 1950 and again by my mother when she married my father in1982. The other is a blue surprise I chose especially for you, my sweet bride. I can hardly wait until eleven o’clock . . .
All my love, forever and always,
Jeff
Robin tore away the wrapping paper and opened the lid. Wrapped in tissue on the top lay a fine silk square trimmed with delicate Italian lace. Small pearl beads were interspersed in the lace pattern. In one corner was a hand-embroidered C monogram.
“How beautiful is this?” she said aloud. She gently rewrapped the handkerchief and set it aside.
Beneath the handkerchief lay a box engraved with the name of a centuries’-old jeweler in San Francisco. She had absolutely no expectation of what the ‘blue’ gift would be.
“There’s only one way to find out, girlfriend.”
Robin felt like an explorer discovering a treasure chest at the sight of some long-abandoned ship wreck. Unconsciously holding her breath, she removed the lid of the jeweler’s box. She closed her eyes as she gently removed the layer of fine cotton covering the contents. When she opened her eyes, she was astonished to find a stunning pearl necklace. At the center of the strand of pearls was a heart-shaped gold locket. Brilliant blue sapphires embellished the outer edge of the heart. Robin cooed in adoration.
The locket opened easily and she found Jeff had inserted a tiny photo of each of them on either side. Turning over the locket to inspect the back side she read this inscription:
To my Robin on our wedding day, March 22nd.
All my love always, Jeff.
“Okay, now
I’m really excited!”
~*~
Robin spent the rest of the morning preparing for the wedding. She showered, shampooed, and fixed her hair as the stylist had taught her when they practiced ten days ago. She ate a light snack before leaving for the church at nine forty-five. Jorie and Penny were already in the bride’s room, dressed in their bridesmaid’s dresses. When they saw her approaching they threw open the door and yelled, “Surprise!”
“You two look gorgeous. Penny, I love your hair. The peony in the chignon knot looks fantastic. Jorie, I’ve never seen you looking prettier. Your new haircut is so becoming. You both pass muster, so let’s get me ready.”
“Gee, thanks, Robbie. I worked hard to achieve a little better than simply ‘passing muster’ on your wedding day.” Penny pretended to pout. All three women laughed and quickly set to work helping Robin dress.
Jorie and Penny shared in Robin’s excitement when the bride showed them the vintage handkerchief and pearl necklace from Jeff.
“He’s thoughtful of you. I hope I meet someone just as thoughtful to be a permanent part of my life,” Penny said.
“Me too,” Jorie added dreamily.
When the bride was dressed, Penny carefully closed the clasp on the pearl necklace nestled around Robin’s neck. Jorie handed Robin her handkerchief and bouquet.
“Your dress is splendid. Now let’s go to the sanctuary for pictures. I’ll go first to make sure Jeff isn’t lurking around,” Jorie offered.
When Jorie returned a few moments later she announced, “The coast is clear. It’s time to get this show on the road.”
Before leaving the safety of the bride’s room, Penny carefully embraced Robin and kissed her lightly on the cheek.
“All my best to you and Jeff today and always.”
“Thank you for everything you’ve done to make our wedding day especially memorable.”
~*~
After a multitude of photographs were taken of the bride with her attendants and then the bride alone, the three made their way back to the bride’s room. As the hands of the clock approached eleven o’clock, Pastor White knocked lightly and entered the bride’s room. His eyes shone with appreciation as he looked at all three of the young women.
“Ladies, you’re a beautiful sight for these old eyes to behold. Especially you, Robin. You’re a radiant bride.”
Robin blushed deeply and muttered her thanks.
“Let’s pray before we leave for the sanctuary. Jeff should be good and flustered by now since I’m not up at the altar where I should be.”
“Dear Lord, We thank You for the creation of the institution of marriage. Thank You for bringing Jeff and Robin together to become man and wife. Grant all of us a peace and calm as we do our jobs at this sacred ceremony. Amen.”
“Girls, may the bride and I have a few moments alone before we go to the sanctuary?”
Jorie and Penny left to wait outside the bride’s room.
“Robin, how are you feeling?”
“I feel confident marrying Jeff is the right thing. I’m excited and extremely happy. I admit I’m worried Thomas will show up and make a scene. I said my prayers this morning, so I trust the Lord will take care of any worries for us. I’m a bit sad Grandma and Grandpa and Mom and Dad can’t be here, but I sense their presence in this room right now.”
“Marrying Jeff is the best thing you can do in your life because I believe it’s part of God’s plan for you both. I’m proud of you. Marian and I will always love you like a granddaughter. If you ever need us for any reason, please come don’t hesitate to come to us.”
He kissed her cheek lightly and held out his arm for her to grip.
~*~
Standing up at the front of the church as the organist played, Jeff looked at his watch for the twentieth time in five minutes.
“If Pastor White doesn’t get here soon and marry us this morning, I don’t know what I’ll do. I may have to resort to violence. I simply have to marry Robin Bennett today. Do any of you get it? Would it be considered be poor wedding etiquette if I punched a minister in the face? Where is he, Doug?”
Doug chuckled in response.
“Cool your jets, cousin. He’s a professional. He’ll be here when he needs to be here. Take a deep breath and count to twenty. Then release the breath slowly.”
When Jeff glared at him, Doug shrugged his shoulders.
“I heard the technique on one of those yoga shows on public television once. They said it helps to lower your blood pressure . . .”
Jeff eyed Doug suspiciously and followed his best man’s directions out of sheer desperation. He was in the middle of inhaling his third deep breath when the pianist began her first song. Jorie had appeared at the front of the altar seemingly by magic. She began singing “The Wedding Song.”
At the end of the song, Jeff turned and whispered to Doug.
“Where is he? This is ridiculous, Doug. Go find him and get him up here now, please. It’s your job as best man. To help me stay calm and make sure it all goes off without a hitch. Not having a minister present to perform a wedding ceremony is a major hitch.”
Jeff spoke sternly to his cousin through clenched teeth.
“Chill, Jeff. He’ll be here just when he needs to be. Try to relax.”
Doug rubbed his cousin’s shoulder through his tuxedo. “Look, your parents are beaming at you. And there’s Pam and my mom and dad smiling at you. Try to smile and remember why we’re all here today. You’re going to marry the woman you love and live happily ever after for the next fifty or sixty years.”
“Not if I don’t have a minister up here pretty quickly,” the groom added.
~*~
After Jorie finished her song, she stepped through the sanctuary door on the side of the altar. She was walking through the hidden hallway back to the rear of the church. She would be the first to glide down the aisle once the wedding processional began. The church was hushed as guests anticipated the entrance of the bridal attendants and bride.
The pianist began the wedding processional and Jorie appeared in the doorway carrying her tussie-mussie filled to overflowing with spring flowers. The audience turned to watch as the lovely redhead moved rhythmically down the aisle toward the altar. Her sincere smile instantly set the wedding party and guests at ease. Petite Penny followed, more hesitantly than Jorie because of her shyness, but still smiling sweetly as she floated toward the altar.
Doug spoke as if in a trance.
“She is absolutely beautiful . . .”
Jeff turned to look at Doug as he watched Robin’s cousin approach the front of the church.
“She looks like an angel,” Doug added.
He continued to watch Penny climb the steps of the altar to stand directly across from him. Doug was glad he had such a good vantage point to watch Penny during the ceremony. She took his breath away with her natural beauty and bashful charm.
~*~
Realizing he was awaiting his bride’s entrance, the groom turned to face the rear of the church once again. Robin appeared at the doorway, anchored by Pastor White’s arm. His mind processed what he was seeing. Robin was being escorted by Pastor White.
“Thank the Lord,” Jeff said loud enough for Doug to hear. Doug laughed lightly before quieting down to watch Robin’s procession.
Robin’s eyes locked in on Jeff’s as she walked gracefully toward her new life as Mrs. Jeffrey Clarke. Her eyes sparkled with joy and love and excitement, and more than one guest commented aloud how beautiful she looked.
As Jeff gazed at his approaching bride he thought, This can’t be happening to me. I can’t be marrying this gorgeous creature today. Robin looked stunning in her bridal dress and jacket. He was glad she’d chosen not to cover her face with a veil.
As his bride reached the steps of the altar, Jeff blurted out, “I love you, Robin.”
She smiled the smile only he was privileged to receive and answered in kind. A collective sigh could be heard amongst the guests who
heard the couple’s tender words of love. Pastor White gently removed Robin’s hand from his arm and led her toward her groom. Jeff took his bride’s smaller hand in his as the minister moved to his position facing the bridal couple and the guests.
~*~
Jorie sang a stirring rendition of “The Lord’s Prayer” before Pastor White began the ceremony. Robin managed to keep close control of her emotions until Jeff began following Pastor White’s lead. As the man she loved with all of her heart faced her and recited his wedding vows, she was struck with a sensation of love so deep tears freely flowed down her cheeks. Jeff reached up and tenderly cupped her face in his hands and gently wiped her tears away with his thumbs.
So strong was the emotion in the church as everyone observed Jeff’s sweet act of devotion even Pastor White paused to gather his own composure. Sniffles and coughs could be heard throughout the sanctuary.
“There’s nothing as heartwarming and inspiring as a man declaring his love for his bride in front of a church full of family and friends,” Pastor White spoke extemporaneously.
As Robin’s tears ceased, the minister prompted the bride to recite her vows to her groom. Her voice reverberated strongly and clearly throughout the church. Soon after the rings were exchanged, the minister gave Jeff permission to kiss his bride. As Robin walked into her husband’s embrace she was showered with several sweet kisses hinting at the depth of Jeff’s happiness and passion at their marriage.
Jorie’s songbird-like voice drifted into Robin’s consciousness as she sang “Morning Has Broken.” When the song ended Pastor White motioned the couple to turn around to face their guests.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m proud to present Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Clarke.”
Robin's Reward (Bonita Creek Trilogy Book 1) Page 28
