The Wedding Promise

by Thomas Kinkade

  “There are still loose ends to tie up, but I’m sure we can get a lot done today,” Liza replied, trying to sound as calm and organized as possible.

  “Yes. I’ll plan to stay a few hours and we can just plow through.”

  “Good idea,” Liza said, “I’ll see you soon.” She hung up the phone and prepared for the meeting. No sense sitting around sulking all day over Daniel. It might be difficult to be with Sylvia for hours on end, but at least she would be doing something productive.

  Jennifer was clothes shopping with her best friend, Megan, for her honeymoon trip, so Liza was alone with Sylvia for most of the day. Which was exhausting. But Sylvia approved the cut-glass crystal vase that Liza had found for the altar, and they settled on the table settings and favors and agreed that Liza, who had studied calligraphy in college, would hand-letter the seating cards.

  After Claire left that evening, Liza had a light dinner and decided to head upstairs to her room to read a little while in bed and go to sleep early. She hoped she was tired enough so that she wouldn’t toss and turn again, thinking about Daniel.

  As she started up the steps, she heard her cell phone ringing and realized she had left it in the sitting room. She went back down again but missed the call by the time she located the phone. She saw Daniel’s number on the call list and went to her voice mail to retrieve the message.

  “Hi, Liza. It’s Daniel,” he began. “I’m sorry I didn’t get over there today or call to check in. There’s a problem with a big job I have going in town, a porch on one of the old historic houses. You know, there are a million regulations about what you can and can’t do to restore them. Anyway, it’s complicated, and my guys made a big mistake the other day. I have to be there to watch things, and I guess I won’t be back at the inn full-time until this is done. But my crew will handle everything for you and keep going with the list. You don’t have to worry.”

  He paused. She thought that was all he was going to say. Then she heard his voice again. “I’ll try to get back to check up on the work,” he added. “If you have any problems or questions, just call me. I’m really sorry it worked out like this. I’ll see you soon.”

  Liza had a sinking feeling in her chest. She felt he was apologizing for more than sending his crew to finish her work and not coming himself. He was apologizing for disappointing her and just about breaking her heart. He had to realize that was what he was doing.

  She felt totally and irrevocably brushed off. A giant lump welled up in her throat and turned into tears as she slowly climbed upstairs, heading for her bedroom again.

  She had been hoping all day that her fears were groundless, but she knew an Arctic blast when she felt one. Daniel just broke up with her. Even though they were never actually a real couple.

  Funny how that can happen sometimes, she reflected. All this time, she had been fooling herself. She had felt a lot more for Daniel than he ever felt for her. And now he was running away. That was unmistakably clear.

  Liza felt so bleak, she dropped down on her bed in the darkness and closed her eyes. Tears slipped down her cheeks, and she didn’t even bother to wipe them away.

  LIZA felt as if she hadn’t slept a wink all night. She finally gave up around daybreak, pulled on some running shorts and a T-shirt, and headed down to the beach for a walk.

  She had always been an early riser as a child. Her parents used to call her the human alarm clock. Peter had not been that way at all but Liza soon realized one person in her family did share the trait, her aunt Elizabeth. When Liza was visiting in the summertime, she and her aunt would often walk the beach early in the morning, sneaking out of the inn very quietly, careful not to wake the guests. They would walk across the road and down the steep path and set out for a sunrise adventure.

  Sometimes they wouldn’t talk at all, merely pointing out interesting sights to each other—a horseshoe crab or a jellyfish, unusual shells or a giant piece of driftwood washed up on the shoreline.

  Sometimes her aunt would be in a talkative mood, inspired by the crashing ocean waves. Aunt Elizabeth used to say that the ocean could heal just about anything that ailed you.

  “Why, your body is over ninety percent salt water, Liza,” she would point out in her pseudoscientific way. “It’s only natural that we feel better by the sea, that we feel energized and refreshed. And calmer and happier. Just looking at the ocean, so constant and limitless, makes you feel connected to something much greater, don’t you think? The beauty and power of the natural world, its intricate design, is practically proof that God exists. And you realize that you are part of a much bigger picture, and you can trust in the essential goodness of things to carry you along. Just the way the ocean will support you if you just relax and let your body float.”

  Liza recalled those words now as she looked out over the sea and tried to capture the feelings her aunt had spoken of so often. Doing your best and letting God do the rest, Claire might say. There was something comforting and healing about the sea. Liza did feel a bit better walking here in a rhythm with the waves. The rushing water couldn’t wash all her troubles away, but the beach walk did help her get some perspective on her romantic woes and ready herself to face the day.

  Liza had been walking for quite a while and was just about to turn around when she noticed a lone figure a short distance down the shoreline, a fishing pole and gear in one hand. He turned and waved to her, and she recognized Reverend Ben. She waved back and walked up to meet him.

  Reverend Ben often came out to the island to fish, fly casting off the shoreline, though in the many times Liza had met him on the beach, she had never once seen him catch anything. But he told her he enjoyed fly casting for its own sake, and it helped him relax and take some time for himself.

  “Hello, Reverend. You’re an early bird today,” Liza greeted him.

  “So are you,” he returned with a smile. “How are things at the inn? How are the improvements coming along?”

  “Slowly but surely,” Liza reported. “As you know, we’re going to have a wedding there soon.”

  “Yes, of course. Kyle and Jennifer. Not much time left now. I’ll be there. As you already know,” he added with a smile.

  “Jennifer told me that you’ve known them both all their lives. It must be amazing to have blessed them both as babies and now, officiate at their marriage.”

  “It is amazing,” he agreed. “It reminds me how quickly time passes, and how thankful I am to be a minister, privileged to have a role in the lives of my congregation at these important moments.”

  “They’re a sweet couple, too,” Liza added as they walked along. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know them. All that energy and optimism . . . and romance,” she added with a smile.

  Jennifer and Kyle were the very picture of a young couple in love. At least Liza thought so. She felt a wave of nostalgia, recalling how, before her divorce, she, too, had been euphoric and optimistic about relationships.

  And then she had let herself feel that way again with Daniel—until she crashed from that lovely cloud.

  Reverend Ben seemed to sense a change in her mood and glanced at her. “Young love is a wonderful thing,” he agreed. “But there are many kinds of love, Liza. As many as there are stars in the sky. But all love comes from God. Love is an expression of God’s spirit and His love for us, His creation. We must cherish and honor it, wherever and whenever we find it.”

  They walked along for a few minutes more, and Liza parted with him to walk up the path to the inn. It was still very early, and the entire island seemed shrouded in soft, early morning light like a gauzy veil. The world was eerily silent, except for the sounds of birds calling to one another in the treetops and the occasional braying of goats in the Gilroy meadow.

  Liza thought of Jennifer and Kyle again. And about her relationship with Daniel.

  She did hope the young couple’s love would stand the test of time. They were such a sweet pair and seemed so well suited to each other. They had certainly known each
other a long time and had a deep commitment and a strong bond.

  Had she found love again with Daniel? She had really started to think so. Now it seemed those feelings would never be realized. But maybe Reverend Ben had been saying that there were many ways to love someone and keep them a part of your life.

  Liza hoped that was so. The idea of not having Daniel in her life at all was devastating. It made her feel so bleak and empty, she could hardly bear to think of it.

  LIZA had been working outside most of the day with her laptop, cell phone, files from the wedding, and a stack of papers and bills spread out on the wrought-iron table behind the inn. Late in the afternoon, Jennifer Bennet appeared at the back gate. Liza hadn’t expected the bride today but was happy to see her and grateful for the distraction. Jen had brought along another young woman whom she introduced as “Megan Riley, my very best friend in the entire world and my maid of honor.”

  “Technically, I’m a matron of honor,” Megan said, waving her left hand so Liza could see her wedding ring.

  Liza remembered now that Sylvia had mentioned Megan. The two young women had met in grade school and were living mirror lives. Both had studied to be teachers, and Megan had just married her high school boyfriend and was living in Cape Light.

  Jen didn’t even need to tell Liza that she and Megan were close friends. It was evident from the way they talked and exchanged glances. The young women even looked similar, though Megan was not as tall as Jen and had chin-length dark hair.

  “I never realized that there were so many types of tablecloths,” Jennifer said. She dropped the paper carton on one of the wrought-iron chairs. “The one we liked best is on top with a sticky note. I’m sorry we took so long to figure it out.”

  “That’s all right,” Liza said. “I never realized there were that many kinds either.”

  “My mom asked if you could also order another table. She’s asked eight more people to come.” Jennifer made a face. “Kyle was not very happy to hear about the last wave of invitations, not to mention the fact that we’re going to have two flower girls preceding us down the aisle. I’m not looking forward to telling him the head count is even higher now.”

  Liza knew that the couple’s original idea of a small, intimate wedding had long since disappeared. The guest count was now nearly one hundred and fifty. Sylvia had definitely gotten her way on that front.

  “I hope I can fit another table under the tent,” Liza said honestly. “A few of the guests may need to eat in the kitchen.”

  Jen laughed. “I’m going to tell my mother that. I’m going to act really serious, too.”

  “Just don’t tell her I said it first.” Liza smiled up at the bride-to-be. For some reason, she looked a little older today, more mature. How could that be? She met Jennifer a little over a month ago. But it was true. Liza knew she wasn’t imagining the subtle transformation.

  Was it her dress? A simple linen shift with a tie belt, bright blue with white sandals. It was a little more stylish than her usual outfits.

  She had also changed her hairstyle, Liza noticed. Her long, flowing, college-student hair had been cut and blown out in long smooth layers that just brushed her shoulders. She was wearing a touch of well-applied makeup, too—eyeliner and a pale lipstick.

  Sylvia had said that they’d spent the afternoon at a salon last week, trying out hairstyles and makeup for the wedding. Jennifer must have gotten a cut for her wedding day.

  “Your mother told me that you finally found a beautiful dress,” Liza said. “Getting a little close to the wire, weren’t you?”

  Megan rolled her eyes. “I’ll say. She finally found it on Saturday, with the wedding just over two weeks away.”

  “I did cut it close,” Jennifer admitted. “But nothing really looked right. Luckily, this dress hardly needed any alteration. As soon as I tried it on I knew it was the one.”

  “The same way she felt about Kyle,” Megan added.

  “Meg found a great dress, too. When you’re in a bridal party, everyone always says, ‘Oh you can wear that after the wedding.’ But you know you never will—”

  “But I can definitely wear this dress,” her friend said, finishing Jen’s thought for her.

  “It’s a beautiful shade of rose pink. I brought you a little snip of the material, in case you want to match it to anything. Like the flowers or the napkins or something?” Jennifer began fishing around in her big purse and dug out an envelope.

  “Thanks.” Liza took the envelope and placed it with her other wedding files. She had a huge collection of swatches of fabric and snips of ribbon and bits of things that were supposed to be matched to other things. She sincerely hoped the Bennets weren’t keeping close track of all these snips and swatches.

  “Oh . . . and here’s the final menu. We met with Molly again last night and figured it all out.”

  Jen handed Liza a folded sheet of paper. Liza already knew about the meeting and was glad the food order was finally settled. Molly had e-mailed her a few times, reporting that the Bennets were very nice but mother and daughter disagreed about nearly everything. Liza was actually relieved to see that even a seasoned pro like Molly was having a hard time handling them.

  She scanned the selections and glanced up at Jennifer. “Very nice menu. This all sounds delicious.”

  “I think it will be great, even though I didn’t start off wanting a lot of food and a big sit-down dinner. My parents like that sort of thing. They think it’s not a real wedding if the guests don’t leave at least five pounds heavier than when they arrived.”

  “That’s what the dance floor is for,” Megan said, “to work off the calories.”

  Jennifer and Kyle had already figured out the music. A jazz combo would play standards and popular tunes during the cocktail hour and while the dinner was served. Then a DJ would take over to play dance music for the twentysomething guests. It was another compromise with Jen’s parents, who seemed to be sparing no expense on the event.

  “All we have left to take care of foodwise is a cake tasting at Molly’s shop,” Jen said. “Poor Kyle, he didn’t get to have much input in all these plans. I want him to at least have a chance to pick out our wedding cake.”

  “Is Kyle coming home this weekend for the taste test?” Megan asked Jennifer.

  “He’ll be home on June fourteenth, the Tuesday before the wedding.” Jen shook her head in mock amazement. “He’s actually taking off a few days before we get married to relax and get ready for our honeymoon. He didn’t want to take the extra time, but I talked him into it.”

  “Knowing Kyle, he would have come right from the train station to walk up the aisle,” Meg said. “I’m glad he’ll be home early. He must be nervous about the wedding, too, even if he won’t admit it. He needs a few days off to decompress.”

  “I thought so,” Jennifer agreed. “This way, he can really just relax until Friday night when we have the rehearsal and dinner.”

  The wedding party, along with Reverend Ben, was coming to the inn on Friday, June 17, to rehearse the entire program—the order of the procession down the aisle and everyone’s readings. Then they were all going back to the mainland for the dinner in a restaurant.

  Liza wished that everything could be in place by then, but the tent wouldn’t be delivered and set up until Saturday. She hoped Sylvia understood and wouldn’t get too nervous.

  She would have the landscaping and the list of repairs done by then. That list of repairs . . . she hated to think of it now, mostly because it reminded her of Daniel.

  “I’m trying to get every single thing done before Kyle comes back so we can spend a lot of time together,” Jen went on. “We’ll be going to the beach, of course. Our beach,” Jen added, nodding toward the beach by the inn. “But we won’t bother you, Liza. I promise.”

  “Don’t be silly. I want you and Kyle to come and see me.” Jennifer was always so cheerful and upbeat, Liza always felt good after talking to her. “You can come up for cold drinks on the porc
h anytime.”

  Jennifer smiled. Liza knew that they were both thinking now of Jennifer’s visits with her aunt.

  “We’ll take you up on that,” Jennifer promised. “Oh, I almost forgot. I brought the piece of tulle, see?”

  Liza wasn’t sure what she was talking about until Jennifer reached into her purse and pulled out a long piece of gauzy pink material, a soft, sheer netting.

  “Oh . . . the material to decorate the chairs. This is very pretty. Let’s see how it looks.”

  Liza found the photo of the chair effect Jennifer wanted, and the three women worked together to copy it. It wasn’t very hard. The strip of tulle was wrapped around the back of a chair and tied in a big bow, and then a fresh flower was slipped into the knot.

  Liza found a rose in the garden and used it as the finishing touch. Then they all stood back and looked at the chair.

  “What do you think?” Jen asked her.

  Liza liked it, but she didn’t want to influence Jennifer one way or the other. “It’s up to you, Jennifer. It doesn’t really matter what I think. You have to like it.”

  “I do like it,” Jennifer said decidedly. “I think we should put a different kind of flower in the bow, something larger with more contrast.”

  “A white daisy or a spider mum would be pretty,” Megan said. “It would contrast nicely with the pink bow.”

  “Yes, it would,” Liza agreed. “Do you want this on all the chairs, or just here and there?”

  Please say here and there, she thought. I can’t imagine tying these bows on one hundred and fifty chairs . . . not counting that extra table that may need to be in the kitchen.

  Jennifer considered the question, her chin in her hand. “I think . . . here and there. All the chairs would be too much. And I’ll buy all the material, Liza,” she offered, “if you get the flowers.”

  That was a relief. Liza thought she’d seen this material on a website, but it would have to be ordered and who knew how long that would take. And when it arrived, it might not even be the color Jennifer really wanted.