* * * *
The countdown began, it was a milestone and everyone wanted to help out. Marissa was blessed to have so many she cared about involved in her big day. Her family in Tennessee had made arrangements to attend the wedding and Grace and Abby had even offered to help her plan. Helen was thrilled and couldn’t wait to travel down to help her pick out her dress with Susanne and Sophia. Things were all falling into place, Easter having come and gone, the clock was ticking down to June. Mike and Susanne expressed their pride that their little girl was going to marry the man of her dreams. It was that night at dinner that her father said something she wasn’t expecting. “Will you be moving to Tennessee?” Even Susanne looked at him, confused. Marissa set her fork down and swallowed the food in her mouth as she looked up at him, then at her mother, then back to him.
“Dad, why do you ask that?”
“It’s only a question. Don’t think there is a right or wrong answer, I was just curious.”
She furrowed her brows, “Just…curious?”
Mike sighed and wiped his mouth, thought for a moment then continued, “As much as your mother and I love you, considering the last few months I just thought you might move there to get to know Helen and her family more. You deserve it, they deserve it. Trust me I’m fine with you staying put, I just want you to know how I feel. I can’t say the same for your mother, I don’t know.”
Susanne listened to his words and lowered her head. “I would feel the same.” She raised her head to look at Marissa and grabbed her hand, “You do whatever you feel is right, whatever makes you happy. No matter where you live, we’ll always be here and love you. We’re so proud of you honey.”
Marissa smiled at the compliment from her mother and nodded, “I understand where you both are coming from but really, we hadn’t discussed it much. Of course I want all of you in my life, but I also have to think of Carlos’ career. Of the life Sophia has here, her friends. Everything. But I really do appreciate you both telling me how you feel, urging me to do what makes me happy. That means more to me than you know.” She stood and went around the table to hug them both. With Sophia spending the night with Lyndsay’s daughter, Sam, she was able to focus on getting things done for the wedding. The current conversation with her parents had really given her something to think about and speak to Carlos about. She did want a relationship with Helen and the others, but uprooting would be a major decision. Taking her seat again she smiled. “I’m glad we talked, and it means the world to me that you accept Helen.”
“Of course sweetheart, why wouldn’t we? She’s wonderful. How is she by the way, you know, since her father’s passing?” Susanne asked before taking a sip of her sweet tea.
“Taking each day one at a time I guess. I speak to her often and she’s looking forward to the wedding. Which reminds me, are you busy this Thursday? Sophia and I wanted to invite you and Helen along to go dress shopping. Lyndsay and Chantelle may drop in, too. Helen said she didn’t want to miss it, the milestone. You wouldn’t mind, would you Mom?”
Susanne set her glass down and shook her head. “Of course not Marissa. She is your mother, just as much as I am. I want her to be a part of it, she has a right.”
“She’s my birth mother, but you raised me. As far as I’m concerned, I have two moms. I’m lucky,” she smiled and caused Susanne to smile back.
“I’ll be there, just let me know a time and where.”
“My…Our little girl is getting married,” Mike said with a smile.
“Oh Dad,” Marissa scoffed and shook her head playfully, then continued to eat.
Later that night when Marissa got home, Carlos called and asked if she wanted company. Unable to refuse him, she waited patiently for him to arrive. It seemed like he barely spent the nights at his place on the beach anymore. But she didn’t mind one bit, him being there. Sophia loved it, too, even asked when he was moving in. They hadn’t discussed all of that yet and she knew they would have to soon, especially after the talk she’d had with her parents. When he knocked at the door, she turned her head and smiled.
“Come in,” she called out and shook her head; by now he should know there was no need to knock. The door opened and he stepped through, making her smile grow, if that was even possible. He moved to the couch where she sat and took a seat next to her, pulling her into a kiss. She smiled against his lips and leaned her back against his chest while he ran a hand along her arm.
“How was your day, beautiful?”
She bit her bottom lip and inwardly swooned at his touch. “Great, yours?”
“Pretty good, just long. Sophia still at Sam’s house?” Marissa nodded in answer. “How was dinner?”
“It was great, Daddy made his famous fried chicken and dressing. So good. They brought up some things I wasn’t really expecting that you and I hadn’t talked about yet.”
“Oh yeah? Like what?”
“Well, they mentioned moving to Tennessee. Us moving, they wanted me to know they stood behind that decision if I were to make it. You know, to be close to Helen and her family. I think it’s partially guilt about everything. I wish they’d stop beating themselves up.”
He leaned closer to kiss her neck and placed his chin on her shoulder. “You know I’d follow you anywhere you decide. It would be something we had to discuss, considering my practice is here. But I would do whatever makes you happy, babe.”
She tilted her head to look up at him and smile, “That’s just it, I’m not sure. I mean your practice is here, Sophia’s friends are here, so are mine. Would it be right to do? Uprooting?”
“I’m sure we could find some kind of middle ground, maybe somewhere on the border of both states?”
“That’s a thought. I’ll think more on it and research cities around the border.”
“Since we’re talking about our future, I did have something I wanted to talk to you about.” She turned in her seat and looked up at him, listening. “Marissa, you know I love Sophia like she was my own. Her father isn’t in the picture and I’m not sure if he ever will be. If it’s okay with you, I was thinking…thinking about adopting her as my daughter after the wedding.” Marissa felt her eyes mist over at his words and she sat up, placing her arms on her legs and holding her hands together. “If you rather I didn’t, I completely understand. It was just a thought I wanted to run by you.”
She turned her head to look at him and nodded. “No, I know that. Of course, you only mean well. I just--you have to understand it took me by a bit of surprise. I know you love us, but it’s just almost surreal, really. How did I get so lucky? Sophia has always wanted a father figure, and you’re so great with her. I have absolutely no issue with it, but I would like to ask her thoughts on it. If that’s okay?”
He smiled and kissed her forehead. “I wouldn’t have it any other way, and you’re wrong. I am the lucky one. Fate gave me someone so wonderful I never thought being this happy was even possible. That is, until you walked into my office that day.”
She chuckled and they both reclaimed their position on the couch. The rest of the night they spent watching television and cuddling, something neither of them ever thought grew old. Being in one another’s arms made everything right, perfect, and magical. Having her in his arms made his night complete. Being in his arms made her feel safe, whole and loved. Her cheek pressed against his chest as it slowly rose and fell, his heart beating steadily in his chest was a rhythm that soothed her to the brink of sleep. The day and night had gone so well, she had so much to think about.
The wedding was only a month and a half away and this week would be crazy busy with planning and organizing. They’d decided on a beachfront wedding and she was still trying to decide on color themes for her bridesmaids. Sophia was excited and couldn’t wait for the wedding. Lyndsay and Chantelle agreed to be bridesmaids and Sophia insisted she be a bridesmaid not a flower girl because she was old enough. Thursday would be dress shopping day, on next Wednesday she would speak to the caterer and cake baker and t
omorrow she had an appointment with her hairdresser about hair designs. Carlos wanted a simple tux and had asked two of his good friends to be groomsmen. Things were slowly coming together, but the stress of it all was beginning to take its toll on Marissa. Carlos constantly reminded her not to overdo things. If she became really stressed, her anxiety would not help the continued healing from the transplant and it put her at risk for a relapse. Her week was packed, and the following week looked about the same. Who knew planning a wedding was this time-consuming?
Lyndsay was thrilled about it all, she couldn’t wait to start planning and had even offered to pay for the wedding photographer as a gift to the couple. Susanne and Mike bought them tickets for their honeymoon, which they would not reveal until the reception. Chantelle had a friend who could DJ and Carlos was great friends with a caterer whose company often catered his office events. Not that money was really that much of an issue since Carlos was very comfortable in that area. He was one of the prominent doctors in the area and very well-respected. His parents were ecstatic about the nuptials and planned to be there and Rosa went on and on about how her son was marrying a sweet girl. In a little less than two months’ time, she’d be Mrs. Carlos Martinez and she couldn’t wait.
Thursday came faster than she expected, it was the day she’d choose her wedding gown. Helen had arrived in town for the weekend last night and she was thrilled about helping with the wedding. They’d all decided to meet at the bridal shop in town and Marissa sipped her coffee, silently trying to calm herself. Helen reached over and took her hand as they waited for the others.
“I have something for you and I just can’t wait until your wedding day. When I was four months pregnant with you, your father Tommy asked me to be his wife. It was a week before he had to leave for a long while.” She opened her other hand to reveal a simple diamond ring with one stone in the center. “It meant everything to me and still does. But I want you to have it, and when the time comes, pass it on to Sophia. It was all I had left of him, so now I want you to have a piece of him.” Marissa looked down at her palm and took the ring and examined it between her thumb and index finger.
“Oh Helen, it’s…that’s…that’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard. Are you sure? I mean, this is all you have left of him. Helen smiled softly and nodded yes. She slid the ring on her right ring finger and looked down at it on her hand. Smiling, she looked up at Helen and turned slightly in her chair to hug her. “Thank you so much. I promise to keep it in our family.” When she pulled back she added, “I bet he was a great man, I wish I could have known him but I feel as though I already do.”
Just then the others began to walk through the door and Helen just nodded in agreement, then turned to greet Susanne. Sophia came running in with Lyndsay and Sam, Chantelle right behind her. Marissa smiled and stood to greet everyone. The attendant softly asked if she was ready to go into the back to try on gowns and she nodded. They all followed the woman to a back area where there were couches and a circular stage for Marissa to stand on and look into a mirror. All the women took seats and delighted in the joy of being there and sharing this with Marissa.
The fourth dress made her feel like a mermaid. Everyone shook their heads no and she grinned and shrugged, turned and wobbled down towards the changing room again. When the door opened for number five, she held her breath and stepped out. All eyes turned to her and no one spoke, it was eerie. Confused, she turned to look into the mirror and gasped softly. It was…perfect. She felt her heart drop into her stomach and knew, she knew this was the one. It was perfectly fitted to her body, the color was perfect, the style, everything. The price however was a bit out of her range. She looked at the tag and frowned, shaking her head at the attendant. Helen stood and walked up to the stand that Marissa stood on and took both of her hands.
“I’ll cover the full cost. I saw it in your eyes, I felt it. This is the one isn’t it?”
“Yes, but I didn’t want to spend that much on a dress I’ll wear once.”
“You look absolutely stunning and I want to do this for you. So what if you wear it once, you’ll never feel the same way in another dress. This is the one.”
Marissa looked down at the bottom of the dress and nodded. “It…” She looked back up and sighed. “It’s so perfect. It really is.” Helen nodded and turned to the attendant.
“She’ll take this one.” She looked back up at Marissa and asked, “Did you want a veil to go with it?” Marissa thought for a moment and shook her head no.
“I was thinking of flowers, maybe a crown or maybe just some in my hair?” she said, looking at her hair in the mirror.
“I love that idea. I bet Sheila can do that!” Lyndsay said, grabbing her phone to text Sheila about hairstyles with flowers. Marissa chuckled and looked at Sophia.
“Soph, what do you think, baby?”
“I think you look like a princess. That dress is so pretty, are you getting that one?”
Marissa nodded. Susanne stood and walked over to Helen and Marissa, looking at Helen first.
“Thank you for doing that for her.” Helen just nodded once. Susanne smiled and looked up at Marissa. “Our little girl is growing up. Sweetheart you look…so beautiful. It’s perfect, I love it.”
Marissa beamed and looked at Chantelle who nodded and gave her two thumbs up. She turned to the attendant and nodded finally.
“This…this is the one.” The attendant smiled and nodded, quietly exiting the room to begin the paperwork on the dress. She was now one more step closer to her wedding. Carlos would see her in this dress in two short months. Approximately sixty days. The thought of it all was almost overwhelming. Just breathe--remember to breathe, she continued to tell herself silently.
Chapter Twenty
Marissa spent May picking flavors and designs of wedding cakes, finally settling on a special blend of chocolate that Carlos really liked. The clock continued to count down and things were running smoothly with her planning. She had lots of help and everyone seemed to be happy to chip in here and there, helping things along even more. She had her shoes and jewelry purchased an outfit to wear when they left the reception and had found the perfect wedding band for Carlos. The venue had been selected and the beach near Carlos’ place was perfect; it was private and quiet. The reception hall wasn’t far and it would only be a fairly small ceremony.
As May came to a close, she started to get nervous. Not about the wedding but about the possibility of moving. She’d spoken to Sophia about it and the little girl didn’t seem all that thrilled about leaving Sam and her other friends. Lyndsay and Chantelle urged her to do what she thought was best and what made her happiest. When she mentioned moving closer to the state of Tennessee itself, not into it but closer to the border, Sophia seemed to think about that. They decided to wait until after the honeymoon to decide, and for now reside where they were. Carlos was in the process of renting out his condo, getting it ready to be transferred after the wedding. He wanted private access to it during the wedding which would take place fairly close to the condo. The Officiant who agreed to marry them had been paid and there was really nothing left to do but wait. The clocked ticked down more and the closer the day came, the more excited she felt. Carlos said he just wanted to make her his wife and couldn’t wait to say ‘I do.’
The eighth day of June 2003 had finally arrived. She stood in the condo’s bathroom getting ready, her hand shaking as she tried to apply mascara. Lyndsay swiftly took over and helped her with her makeup. Her hair was in an up-do with small flowers intertwined in her hair. She had decided on teal and chocolate brown for her colors. Lyndsay wore a knee length teal-colored dress with a halter top, Chantelle’s dress mirrored Lyndsay’s except hers was chocolate brown. Sophia wore a knee length teal dress like Lyndsay with a chocolate brown sash around her waist. Helen and Susanne were helping Marissa into her dress when there was a knock at the door. “Who is it?” Chantelle asked.
“I just want to tell the bride that I love her and I’l
l meet her at the altar,” Carlos said to the closed door with a smile in his voice. He was wearing a black tux with a teal colored tie and vest. On his left lapel a white lily boutonnière with a teal orchid accent was pinned.
Marissa smiled and a rosy color came to her cheeks before she called back to him, “I’ll be the one in white!”
He chuckled and said okay before he stepped back and went outside to await the ceremony. The women gushed at how lucky she was and Lyndsay started to tell the story of how she had been right all along.
Marissa shook her head playfully and bit her lip. “I still can’t believe he chose me.”
Helen leaned close to her ear and looked at their reflection in the mirror as she stood behind her, fastening the back up. “I can. You’re wonderful and he’s the lucky one.” Susanne smiled and nodded in agreement with Helen. Marissa palmed the front her dress and took a slow deep breath. Susanne helped her slip on her garter and fastened her heels in place.
“Are you nervous?” Susanne questioned curiously.
Marissa shook her head no then smiled. “Who am I kidding, I’m so nervous I’m contemplating a brown paper bag.”
“Don’t blow chunks now, you’ll ruin your dress,” Chantelle quipped and Sophia giggled. Marissa chuckled and held her stomach, feeling like she had butterflies that were practicing kung fu. Her palms were sweaty and her knees were shaky.
Helen’s hands rested on her shoulders and her voice was soft and calm. “It will be okay. Just take slow deep breaths. It happens to the best of us.” Susanne stood and exhaled a breath as she looked Marissa up and down. Helen went around to stand next to Susanne and examined her, too. Both looked at the woman they considered a daughter, their little girl. “Beautiful.” Helen said.
“Stunning.” Susanne added. They both nodded in agreement and stepped aside so Marissa could see herself in the mirror. She stared at her reflection and felt the lump in her throat grow. It was still surreal to see herself in her dress, complete with everything and only minutes away from marrying the man she loved with her whole heart. Her shaky hand came up and touched her dress where the intricate beading of diamonds on her chest made a V and went up her neck in a halter style. The diamonds formed a line straight down the center of her back and down to the small of her back where it stopped. The gossamer chiffon material flowed down to the floor reminding her of the beautiful drape of Greek goddesses’ gowns. A chapel train was on the floor behind her, and it was simple yet elegant. The bracelet she wore on her right hand matched the diamond design on her dress, simple studded diamond earrings reflected the light and made her smile.
Circle of Secrets Page 31
