Mark My Words

by Addison Kline

  “I also know that the wedding has been moved up.”

  Luke looked shocked.

  “How did you find out?”

  “I know how my wife and daughter operate. But here’s the deal… They can’t know that I know… It’ll ruin the surprise.”

  Luke looked at his future father-in-law with a smile on his face. Arthur wasn’t such a bad guy after all. Just really, really grouchy.

  “Deal?”

  “You got it,” said Luke as he shook Arthur’s hand.

  Chapter Eleven

  An Eye on the Weather

  “Thanks for watching the kids, Aunt Doris. It really means a lot,” said Holly as she picked up Belle into her arms.

  “No problem at all, honey! Mema loves them!”

  Holly collected the kids and took them back home. Brant was not home from the mountains yet, so she popped a pizza in the oven for dinner and helped the kids unpack. No sooner was the pizza out of the oven that she heard her front door slam open. Expecting to see Brant in her living room she was surprised when she saw Sloane standing there looking disheveled and upset.

  “Sloane… What’s wrong?” asked Holly as she ran into the living room.

  Sloane had mascara running down her face. She looked like she had been crying… Ugly crying.

  “It’s just a freaking mess!”

  “What? What happened?!”

  “Amanda! It’s all Amanda’s fault!”

  “Amanda?”

  “The bloody hurricane!”

  “Oh, right… Okay, let’s turn on the Weather Channel.”

  “She’s staying strong at a CAT-3…”

  “That’s not that strong for a hurricane.”

  “But St. Thomas is not that big. There might not be an island left!”

  “Calm down. Sit on the couch with Chloe and Jake while I grab this pizza out of the oven.”

  “Aunt Sloane… What’s the matter?” asked Belle as she toddled to her mother’s best-friend with a concerned look on her petite face.

  “The weather has me sad.”

  “You don’t like snow?”

  “I don’t like hurricanes.”

  “What’s a hurry-cane?”

  “Belle! Jake! Chloe! Dinner!”

  Suddenly forgetting all about Sloane’s worries, Belle ran into the kitchen with her brother and sister¸ ready to scarf down some pepperoni pizza. Holly was hoping that Brant and Luke would be back soon so that she would have someone to take Sloane’s mind off of the weather.

  ***

  While Luke and Arthur were inside talking, Brant and Marv began to dig out Luke’s truck. While Brant dug out the snow under Luke’s truck and scraped away the layer of ice that lay underfoot, Marv heated up the vehicle. Brant had made certain that the emergency break was securely in place so that there would be no mishaps. His biggest mistake was letting “happy-go-lucky” Marv alone in a huge SUV by himself. While Marv heated up the car, he got the windshield wipers going, turned on the seat warmers and as he reached to turn on the radio, he accidentally released the emergency break. It all happened so fast. Brant got out of the way just in time as Luke’s SUV skidded backwards down the hill with Marv in the driver’s seat. Marv desperately tried to get the truck to stop, but the tires were sliding on the ice down the steep road. Brant ran after the truck with his heart in his throat. Flying down the icy road at break neck speed, Luke’s SUV veered right into the path of the frozen lake.

  “Holy crap! Marv!” Brant screamed in a panic.

  He continued to chase after the truck, but he stopped dead in his tracks when the truck swerved over the fragile ice covering the lake. Sitting in the middle of the frozen lake, the SUV finally came to a stop and Marv looked absolutely petrified. He was shell shocked and couldn’t move. Brant knew he had to do something.

  “Hold on, I’m coming!”

  Brant ran as fast as he could until he reached the bank of the lake. He tread carefully over the ice, moving slowly and cautiously. Every nerve in his body was standing on edge. Finally, he was within feet of the truck. He could see the water bubbling up underneath the surface of the ice.

  “Hang tight, Marv…” said Brant as he kept eye contact with his father-in-law.

  Moving quickly over the ice, Brant skidded to the driver’s side door and jumped in. Marv moved over quickly.

  “What the hell were you thinking?!”

  “It was an accident… I didn’t mean to hit the emergency break!”

  “It doesn’t matter. We’re both in this mess, now. We have to do this very carefully.”

  Brant pushed the gas pedal ever so gently. The ice creaked under the weight of the truck with each inch of movement causing more fatigue.

  “Hold on…” said Brant as he prepared to gun it.

  He put the truck into high four wheel drive and floored it. The truck skidded on the ice at first, but shot forward to solid ground. As they crossed the bank of the lake, Brant let out a sigh of relief. All that he could think of were Holly and the kids.

  “Jesus Christ! Don’t you ever do that to me again!” said Brant as he gripped his father-in-law into a bear hug.

  “Let’s go get the others and change our shorts. That was quite the adventure,” Mark quipped only half joking.

  “I need to go home. You are not driving,” Brant said as he clutched his chest.

  ***

  Brant and Luke didn’t walk in the house until 9:30 P.M., both looking exhausted and fatigued.

  “They are both nuts!” yelled Brant looking agitated.

  “Yeah, they are. We’re home!” called Luke, even though it wasn’t technically his home.

  “Finally…” Holly said sounding relieved, “How did it go?”

  “Well, let’s just say that they are both insane,” said Brant.

  “That bad?”

  “Well for starters… Arthur nearly got mauled by a bear. Marv nearly got Luke’s truck totalled when he took the emergency break off. It went skidding down an icy road and over a frozen lake. I had to run out there and get him!”

  “What?!”

  “Yeah!”

  “Fun times,” agreed Luke looking completely worn out.

  Brant swept Holly into his arms, just happy to be home, back in her loving care.

  “Are you alright, babe?”

  “I am now…”

  “So, there’s a minor situation going on…” said Holly to Luke and Brant quietly.

  Sloane was sitting on the arm chair dazing off into space at the television set. She was obsessed with the weather, tracking Hurricane Amanda’s path inch by inch.

  “The hurricane hasn’t downgraded yet, and she’s a tad bit distraught…”

  Luke looked at Sloane as his heart sank. He dropped his bag in the living room and walked over to her climbing behind her on the couch, he kicked off his boots and pulled her into his arms.

  “I’m back…”

  “I’m glad…”

  “How was your weekend?”

  “Our mothers are crazier than our fathers… How was yours?”

  “Interesting to say the least. Now come here…”

  Luke wrapped his arms around her waist as he pulled her in tight.

  “This hurricane is not going to stop us.”

  “It’s not?”

  “No.”

  “The weather channel said it’s supposed to make landfall.”

  “USA Weather said it’s not likely… and it will be long gone by the time we get there…”

  “Who would have thought a freak off-season hurricane would stand in our way. What if our hotel is damaged?”

  “We’ll worry about that when the time comes.”

  “How can you be so relaxed?”

  “Because I have everything I need right here.”

  Sloane looked up at Luke and she melted in his soft brown eyes.

  “God, I missed you.”

  Chapter Twelve

  On a Clear Day…

  “Sloane!” Holly yell
ed up the steps with excitement in her voice.

  “Sloane! Wake up!” Holly yelled again.

  Sloane lifted her head as the sunlight shone through Holly and Brant’s guest bedroom.

  “Ugh! What time is it?!”

  “Nearly noon! Hurry up!”

  Sloane drug herself out of bed to see what Holly was fussing about. Brant, Luke and Holly were huddled around the TV set with charged looks upon their faces.

  “I’m up! Now what?”

  “Look, baby!” Luke said as he pointed to the TV.

  The Weather Channel was interviewing a property manager on the island of St. Thomas. A blonde reporter stood right in front of the sign for the Sweetwater Hotel and Resort in Charlotte Amalie.

  “That’s our wedding resort!” Luke gushed

  “Sshhh…! I want to hear!” Sloane urged.

  “This is Amy Brenton live on the scene at the Sweetwater Hotel and Resort in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. I am standing here with Maven Sparks, property manager of the Sweetwater Hotel and Resort. Last night Hurricane Amanda made land fall and swept through the area causing damage to the farmland but largely steered clear of the hotels and residential areas. Maven, did you experience any power outages or damage?”

  “No! None at all! It’s amazing! We are completely booked with weddings and such this weekend!”

  “Do you expect any issues for those events?”

  “No, we are in perfect shape. The hurricane made landfall on the opposite coast, so we are in great condition. Our beach is ready for our guests, and the water will be nice and warm.”

  “Well, there you have it. No deaths or injuries have been reported, and the only major complaints have been lodged by hotels on the opposite side of the island. Authorities have set up emergency lodging for guests and citizens until they are able to get back into their homes.”

  “Did you hear that?!” Holly said loudly to Sloane, a look of excitement all over her face.

  “No damage at all!” Luke said, shining a smile at his fiance.

  “Oh, my God… Luke! It’s amazing… I mean I feel bad for the farmers whose farms were flooded but Sweetwater is in perfect shape!”

  “Now you can stop worrying,” said Luke as he pulled Sloane into a powerful kiss.

  Nothing would stand in their way now.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Flight Plan

  Brant stared out the window of the Airbus that was set to carry him and his friends to St. Thomas for their wedding. He couldn’t shake his jitters. Brant hated to fly. Marv and Luke had made it a point to tease him relentlessly about the issue, too.

  “Leave him alone, guys…” said Holly bluntly, as the razzing continued.

  “See, Brant… I told you that Holly would protect you.”

  This got a chuckle out of Brant.

  “I’m going to kick the back of your seat the whole way there like an annoying kid. Just wait,” Brant threatened Luke.

  ***

  As the plane reached full altitude, Luke nodded off for a nap and Arthur had his head phones on as he listened to his Rolling Stones album. Meanwhile, Brant capitalized on the quiet.

  “I’m worried…” Brant said as he glanced over at Holly.

  “About what?”

  Brant brought his hand over Holly’s stomach.

  “All I have right now are symptoms. I haven’t even tested yet.”

  “Don’t you think you should?”

  “I think I’m afraid to find out the answer.”

  “It could be dangerous to wait.”

  “I saw you packed the test. Please take it when we get to the hotel.”

  “I will.”

  “It just makes me really nervous after last time. I’m so afraid of losing you.”

  “I am going to go to the doctor after we get back and have them do an ultrasound to see what is going on. I didn’t even think this was possible.”

  “Let me know when the appointment is. I will go with you.”

  “I know you’ll be there, Brant. Is that what you’re most nervous about?”

  “I could never make that mistake again. I’m more afraid that this could put you in danger.”

  “Everything will work out. You’ll see,” said Holly winking at Brant.

  How could she be so sure?

  Chapter Fourteen

  Paradise

  Sloane could barely contain her excitement as the plane began to land. Night time in Charlotte Amalie was a thing of magic with residents and homes lit up. The twinkling lights from boats in the harbor gleamed like stars on the calm water. You couldn’t even tell that a hurricane had whipped through. Nothing looked out of place.

  Sloane jumped up and down in her seat like a child who had consumed too much sugar.Brant and Holly laughed as they looked out their window at the approaching paradise. It was then that they knew everything would be perfect for Sloane and Luke.

  Philomena and Arthur had left for St. Thomas earlier that day and Sloane’s three brothers would be arriving early tomorrow morning. What Sloane didn’t know was that Arthur had a huge surprise in store for her. She was under the impression that he had no clue about the wedding move up, and that he’d be here to scout out wedding venues. Sloane was in for the shock of her life.

  ***

  Arthur and Philomena had arrived earlier that morning, and were now settling into dinner at the Havana Blue restaurant. Philomena smiled pleasantly at her husband.

  “So are you excited to check out the wedding venues tomorrow?”

  “I am so excited. There is one in particular that I want to check out.”

  “Oh? Which one?”

  “Sweetwater.”

  “How funny… I think that was Sloane’s favorite. I hear they have wonderful cuisine.”

  “And they have the setting that she wants…”

  “Oh, yes! White sandy beaches, outdoor reception…”

  “I hear that the bride getting married tomorrow is gorgeous. Her father must be very proud.”

  Philomena stopped for a moment.

  “Arthur…”

  “Yes?”

  “What are you saying?”

  “I’m saying that I’ve known about the plan to have a surprise wedding since the day you found out.”

  “Oh, Arthur! Are you angry?!”

  “No. But you cannot tell Sloane, yet. I want to be the one to surprise her.

  “I knew you’d come around. He’s a very nice young man.”

  “He’s a good kid. What kind of father would I be if I didn’t test him, though?”

  Philomena smiled at Arthur as she sipped at her white wine.

  “Tomorrow is going to be perfect. I just know it.”

  ***

  “To Sloane and Luke,” began Brant as he held up a glass of champagne in toast to the bride and groom. “May your friendship and your love continue to bless you in a happy and healthy marriage.”

  Holly, Sloane and Luke applauded Brant’s toast. In lieu of a rehearsal dinner, Brant and Holly decided to take Sloane and Luke out for a nice dinner at the Island Rose Grille instead. The palm trees swayed lazily as the sea breeze blew in off the beach and rustled the gauzy curtains that blew in off the deck. Luke and Brant ordered the prime rib, while Holly opted for grilled salmon over a bed of wild rice, and Sloane indulged in the Paella Valenciana.

  “Any wine or spirits tonight?” asked the waiter as he showed Luke and Brant the wine menu.

  “Margaritas all around,” Luke replied.

  “Just a glass of ice water for me,” said Holly with a nervous smirk.

  Brant smiled ever so slightly, but Sloane gave Holly a scrutinizing look.

  “Okay, what’s going on, you two?!”

  With a nervous smile, Holly admitted, “I’m pregnant…”

  “What?!” Sloane yelled as she jumped up from the table and hugged her best friend.

  “Don’t get too excited just yet.”

  “Why?! It’s wonderful news!”

  “I do
n’t know if the baby is healthy, if I am healthy… I want to be excited, but I don’t want to get my hopes up.”

  “I thought you had a hysterectomy?”

  “Partial,” said Holly.

  “When are you going to the doctor?

  “The day after we return to Philly.”

  “I am so excited!”

  Sloane grabbed her champagne glass again and stood up, preparing to toast Holly, Brant and their unborn baby.

  “May you be healthy and happy… Baby, don’t you give my friend any trouble…”

  Holly smirked as she looked over at Brant who had a look of deep emotion on his face. Brant grabbed her hand and kissed it as he shot an appreciative glance over at Luke and Sloane.

  “So… Are you ready for your life to change, tomorrow?” Brant asked Luke.

  “How is it going to change…? It’s just a piece of paper.”

  “Oh, no, Luke…” said Holly, as she gave Brant a meaningful look. “It is so much more than that.”

  “You’re giving yourself to each other, and making a promise to be there for each other and love each other until the ends of your life.”

  “It’s not always going to be perfect. I can promise you this, though…” said Brant, as he gave Holly a wink, “It will be worth it.”

  Luke and Sloane smiled at Holly and Brant as they exchanged a meaningful kiss. Luke leaned in to steal a sweet kiss from Sloane.

  With a sly smile, he said, “Yeah, I think I can handle that.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  A Surprise Visitor

  Sloane woke up at 10 A.M. when her beautician knocked at the door with her case of make-up and hair care products. Luke insisted that he and Sloane sleep apart the night before the wedding. He believed in keeping some things sacred. Sloane drug herself to the door and let Raphael in.

  “Darling!” said Raphael who was dressed from head to toe in purple silk. Raphael kissed Sloane on each cheek and began to set up shop at the vanity.

  “So, gorgeous… Are you excited?”

  “Excited… nervous… in need of caffeine…”

  “Oh! No worries there,” said Raphael as he passed a white travel mug to Sloane.