Michaels, Skye - Mikaela's Debut [The Black Dahlia Hotel 1] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic)
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Kaylin reached over and kissed her cheek. “Thanks for caring.”
The next shop was on a back street and appeared to carry one-of-a-kind handmade dresses and accessories. They went in and began combing the racks and cubbies.
Anne called out. “Mikaela, what do you thing about this? I know we have been looking at more formal dresses, but this is really lovely.” She turned with a long, strapless dress made of a double layer of white gauze in her arms. It was trimmed in handmade lace and embroidered all over with white-on-white tiny flowers with seed pearls in the center of each flower. “I think this would be beautiful on you. Maybe with just a coronet of flowers for your hair and some long satin ribbons hanging down. What do you think?”
Mikaela gasped when she turned and saw the dress draped over Anne’s arm.
“Anne. That’s perfect. I hope it fits.”
“I don’t think that will be a problem. It’s rather loose fitting and will drape over your figure.”
The shop’s proprietress came up to them. “Señoritas, can I help you? I am Señora Maria Gonzalez.”
“Buenos días, Señora Gonzalez. We’re looking for a wedding dress, underwear, shoes, and flowers.” Mikaela was blushing. She still wasn’t certain this rush wedding was going to work.
“Why don’t you try on the dress while I pull some things together?” She looked at Mikaela with a practiced eye. “Size six or eight I’d say. I can alter the dress if necessary. I also have a friend who can make a fresh floral headpiece and matching bouquet. Maybe white rosebuds, baby-pink orchids to add a little color, and baby’s breath?”
Anne and Kaylin were grinning as they shoved Mikaela into the dressing room with the dress. They quickly had her out of her clothes and helped her pull the dress over her head. Kaylin immediately began to gather Mikaela’s hair up in a loose bun on top of her head. All three were grinning as the dress fell over Mikaela’s body to the floor.
“OMG. This is it. This is it. This is it!” Mikaela was ecstatic.
“It’s beautiful, Mikaela. Ethereal. You look like a fairy bride.” Anne was smiling and Mikaela knew they had found the dress.
The dressmaker came into the room with a pincushion and tape measure in her hands. “Let me see.” She quickly turned Mikaela around and took small tucks under her bustline. “This is nothing. I can make these small alterations in a few minutes. Now for shoes. I have a pair of embroidered Italian leather ballerina flats that would look lovely—unless of course you wanted heels. I think the flats would be beautiful though and perfect for dancing.”
“Let me see them. I think high heels would be too much with this dress. It calls for something more casual. We need everything on a rush basis, Mrs. Gonzalez. I’m getting married on Tuesday at the Cathedral of Corpus Christi—I hope—if my fiancé can make arrangements at the church.”
“Oh, I think he will not have a problem. Father Christiano is very accommodating.” She bustled out into the store to gather some items. When she returned, her arms were full of lacy ivory underwear and two shoe boxes. “I would not recommend white undergarments because they will show through the gauze and detract from the look. Also, try these shoes. I only have two pairs, so I hope one will fit you.”
Luckily one of the pairs of hand-embroidered ballet flats was size eight, and the underwear fit as well. Mikaela’s smile was a mile wide. “I think this is just meant to be. The wedding fairies are with us—that’s for sure.”
* * * *
In the meantime Chloe had been on the phone with Kaylin, who described the wedding dress. Gabriella, Chloe, and Nicollette were now on the hunt in the market and small shops for decorations and a selection of Mexican peasant dresses and accessories for the bridesmaids to wear. There wasn’t time for a more formal look, and the colorful, casual, but pretty dresses would be a perfect foil for the bride. They had already found a beautiful piñata in the shape of white wedding bells and some small, ethnic table decorations for the reception. The plan was to keep it simple. They met at a small restaurant for lunch and to exchange ideas and check out what had been purchased so far. Mikaela was due back at the bridal shop for a final fitting and to meet with the flower lady at two o’clock.
“I can’t believe how all of this is falling into place. Who would have thought I’d be getting married the day after tomorrow. I am a little worried though. Dillon had some rather harsh words with his father on the phone yesterday. I hate to be the cause of family discord. That’s why I took off for California in the first place. Of course, Dillon caught up with me at the Orlando Airport, and we turned around in Chicago and came right back.”
“Parents usually come around. I’m sure waking up to that nightmare online and in the papers was a shock to Dillon’s dad,” Kaylin the optimist said.
“I’m sure it was a shock. He is so focused on the election he can’t see anything else. I want Dillon to call and invite his parents to fly down for the wedding, but he doesn’t want to.”
Anne looked concerned. “If they aren’t here for the ceremony, there may be hard feelings later that can’t be smoothed over.”
“I think I may need to put on the pressure.”
After the final fitting, Mikaela met with the flower lady and chose a headpiece and bouquet as well as boutonnieres for the groom and groomsmen. Mrs. Gonzalez was a huge help with translating. Who knew what they would have gotten without her help—she giggled—possibly colored balloons and plastic roses. The dress, shoes, and underthings were boxed up to be delivered to the ship.
“Best of luck to you, Señorita Sexton. I am sure your wedding will be beautiful. May you have many happy years.”
Mikaela leaned down and kissed the small woman on the cheek. “Thank you for all your help.”
* * * *
Dillon and Jamie Devereau met with the purser, Casey Campbell, and arranged for a reception on deck for Tuesday evening. Casey, who just seemed to have the knack for getting things done, arranged with the San Miguel city clerk, who had been reached at home for Dillon and Mikaela to apply for a special rush marriage license the next day. She also spoke with the priest at the Cathedral de Corpus Christi. It was agreed that the ceremony would begin at four o’clock. Casey even managed to arrange for a horse-drawn carriage to bring the bride and bridesmaids to the cathedral.
“Since Mikaela doesn’t have a father to give her away, I don’t want her making the trip to the church alone.”
Jamie made arrangements to have a fleet of cars to transport the wedding guests and wedding party to and from the ship. “I’d like to make this as wonderful for Mikaela as possible after all that’s happened. Can you think of anything else that would make the day more special for her?”
“I don’t know. I just don’t want her to feel this is as rushed as it really is. Jeez, all we need now is the shotgun.”
“I could provide one if you’d like.” A huge grin split Jamie’s face.
“No, no. Never mind. I’m sure my dad could supply one—to keep us from getting married. Mikaela wants me to call my parents and invite them to fly down for the ceremony. What do you think? I’d hate to have my father ruin the day for us.”
“I think you should call and make the offer. If he sounds like he’s going to be an ass, tell him there’s no room on the ship for them to stay aboard, and they have to get a hotel room. That way, at least he won’t be underfoot the whole time.”
“Good plan. I want the day to be perfect for Mikaela.”
“Since my job as best man is to keep you from bolting, maybe Miguel can walk Mikaela down the aisle. That’s a long walk to take by herself. What do you think?”
“That is a great idea. I’ll ask Mikaela how she would feel about that, and I’ll call my dad when I get back to the suite.”
* * * *
Dillon got back to the suite before Mikaela. He walked out onto the deck and sat on one of the lounges. He might as well make the phone call to his parents while he was alone and get it over with. He didn’t want Mikaela ove
rhearing this conversation since it might get heated, and she really had a hard time dealing with that. It was just a fact of life in his Irish American family. Things got loud sometimes.
“Dad, it’s Dillon.”
“What now?”
“Well, if that’s going to be your attitude, maybe I shouldn’t ask you and Mom to come down to Cozumel for the ceremony on Tuesday. I’d hoped you had cooled down by now and would want to be there when Mikki and I get married.”
He heard his mother in the background. “Joe, is that Dillon? Hi, baby. How are you and Mikki doing?”
“I think it’s only fair to warn you that if you make Mom miss my wedding you’ll never see another cigar for the rest of your miserable life.” It gave him immense satisfaction to remind his father of the consequences of his actions.
“Unfortunately, that’s probably true. Mary, it’s Dillon. He wants us to fly down to Cozumel for his wedding on Tuesday.” He could hear his mother screeching with excitement in the background.
“Let me have the phone, Joe. Right now.” Dillon heard the phone change hands. “Dillon, baby? Oh, I’m so excited. What’s going on?”
“Mikki and I are getting married at the Cathedral of Corpus Christi in San Miguel, Cozumel Island, at four o’clock on Tuesday. I hope you and Dad will be there.”
“We’ll be there with bells on, baby. Oh, I’m so excited. Well, I already said that. Do you need me to bring anything?” He could hear the happiness in his mother’s voice if not his father’s.
“Just Dad in a civil mood. I’d hate for Mikaela’s day to be ruined by a Joe Cavanaugh explosion. We’re rushing this wedding as it is, and I don’t want her to feel…disappointed in any way. I love her, and I’ve loved her for a long time. I just thought I should wait for a mourning year or something. I didn’t want to pressure her when she was feeling vulnerable.”
“Is she pregnant, Dillon?”
“Of course not, Mom. We just decided to get married now and not let all this unpleasantness rule our lives. You and Dad should watch the news for my press release tonight. It will be popping up on the Internet and television soon.”
He heard a pause. Apparently his dad was being treated to the Mary Cavanaugh Glare of Death. He had to grin at that. Let the old bastard squirm a bit. “Honey, we’ll be there, and your father will be on his best behavior. Or else. Mikaela is the same wonderful girl she’s always been despite this current unpleasantness. Need I say more, Joe?”
Now Joe could be heard in the background. “Not a word, Mary.”
“If Dad can behave, you guys can stay on the yacht Tuesday night. I don’t know what accommodations are still available, but they will make room for you. If Dad’s going to be an ass, you will have to stay at a hotel. I’ll leave that decision up to you, Mom.”
“I’d love to see Jamie’s yacht. Your father will be fine. He was already starting to simmer down—and will continue to do so if he knows what’s good for him.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing you both. Jamie has arranged for a fleet of cars, so we’ll have you picked up at the airport. Let me know your arrival time on Tuesday, and someone will pick you up and bring you to the ship or the church, whichever is more timely. Thanks, Mom.”
“It will all be fine, baby. Talk to you soon. Love you.”
“Me, too, Mom.”
* * * *
Mikaela stood near the glass doors to the deck and listened to Dillon’s side of the conversation between him and his parents. It sounded like everything was going to be okay. Thank goodness for Mary Cavanaugh. She was going to be a terrific in-law. Joe, not so much. She understood that he loved his sons and wanted the best for them, but he could definitely be a pain in the butt on a good day.
“Hi, baby. I’m back. We had a very successful day.”
“Did you find a dress?”
“Yes, but you can’t see it until I walk down the aisle.”
“Speaking of that, how would you feel about Miguel Gatto walking you down the aisle? Jamie is going to have his hands full keeping me calm.”
“Oh.” She thought about it. She knew she was going to miss her parents something awful that day, and walking down the aisle alone would be terrible. “That is so kind of him. I would love that. Thank him and Jamie both. I think they are going to have their hands full with the two of us.”
“Great. I’ll let Miguel know that he has another duty on Tuesday. Come here. I need some sugar, sugar. I’ve missed you all day.” Mikaela walked into his arms. Oh, this feels so good. This feels so perfect.
“So, did you get the church date settled and all that you had to do?”
“All done. That Casey Campbell is a miracle worker. She’s really been a terrific help. We have to go to the city hall tomorrow and get the marriage license. The wedding has been set for four o’clock on Tuesday, unless you decide to bolt.”
“Not a chance, big guy. Not a chance.”
“Let’s have a glass of wine on the deck and relax. It’s been a busy day. You can tell me what all you girls did.”
“We found a wonderful little bridal shop on a back street and found the perfect dress and accessories. The lady altered the dress then and there, and everything is ready. The girls found Mexican peasant dresses that are very pretty as bridesmaids dresses and also some other wedding stuff to decorate the tables on deck and all. Was that your Mom on the phone when I walked in?” She could be a little sneaky with the best of them when it was called for.
“Yeah. I called to ask them to fly down. Apparently my mother has Dad under control. Nothing to worry about. My brother is out of town on business, so he won’t be able to make it.”
“That’s great, Dilly. I wouldn’t feel right if they weren’t here.”
“I know, baby. That’s why I called them.”
Chapter Thirteen
At the Catedral de Corpus Christi, San Miguel, Isla Cozumel, in the Caribbean Sea, State of Quintana Roo, Mexico, Tuesday afternoon, January 5, 2016
Dillon watched as the most beautiful woman in the world walked down the aisle toward him on Miguel Gatto’s arm. Her smile was brighter than the afternoon sun beaming through the stained glass windows of the cathedral. Her dress was an amazing confection of white gauze embroidered with pearls, and the circle of flowers in her hair perfectly matched her bouquet and the boutonnieres in their suit jackets. His parents, all their friends, and most of the crew from the ship were in the pews watching Mikaela as the music from the stately organ rang through the air.
After procuring the wedding license, they had spent Monday relaxing, getting a little sun, and snorkeling on the reef off the beach. On Monday night he had slept in the small twin cabin next to the matching business center cabin and had not seen Mikaela until this moment. She had spent the day with the girls, primping and getting ready for the ceremony. His parents had arrived in plenty of time that morning. His mother had his father firmly under control, and he was not anticipating any problem in that area.
The girls and Mikaela, accompanied by a serious Miguel, had arrived at the church in the flower-bedecked horse-drawn carriage right on time. Dillon knew he had nothing to be nervous about, but he was nervous nonetheless. Thank goodness he had Jamie and the guys to distract him all day. This was a big day for both of them. Their recorded press release had appeared on all of the Internet outlets and newspaper sites as promised by Morgan Court. The uproar was tremendous. Over a hundred requests for interviews had been received by his law office and his campaign headquarters. All were told that the candidate and his fiancée were out of the country on vacation and were unavailable for further comment. There were a lot of very frustrated reporters looking for the first hot story of the New Year. All I have to say is let them eat cake. This is our time and I’m not sharing. They planned to release wedding photos after the fact. Morgan Court had e-mailed that his people had been successful in getting the original YouTube video taken down, and that was a huge relief, although millions of people had already seen it.
Greg Dempsey was acting as official wedding photographer and had captured the wonderful moments inside the church as well as the happy celebration outside. Dillon and Mikaela got into the horse-drawn carriage for the ride back to the ship while the guests were loaded in relays into the fleet of rental cars.
Dillon received another text from Morgan Court. Have appointed myself official poll watcher. Know you are busy today. News says Candidate Cavanaugh has seen a significant increase in the polls since video press release on Saturday.
Well, that’s nice. It would make his father happy at least. Frankly, Dillon couldn’t care less. This was his wedding day and he planned to enjoy it. He thought he’d keep this piece of news to himself.
When they reached the ship, the crew had set up the top deck for the wedding reception, stewards were circulating with trays of drinks and hors d’oeuvres, and the passengers were milling about. Greg took more pictures on the ship and they finally went to the suite to rest for a few minutes before making their entrance on the top deck for the festivities. As soon as they were in the suite, Dillon pulled Mikaela into his arms for a notable kiss. “Hello, Mrs. Cavanaugh. Hope you’re having a nice day.”
Mikaela laughed. “I’m having a fine day, Mr. Cavanaugh.” She kissed his neck above his collar. “I bet you wish you could take that tie off.”