by Sarah Markel
*****
“Oh, Marsha! It’s beautiful!” Kelly stared at the dress in Marsha’s hands. “Well go on then, try it on.” the woman urged, handing the hanger to her. Kelly stepped into the dressing room while Angie, Chelsea, and Judy helped Marsha get the girls into their dresses. After making a slight alteration to the sash on Carrie’s dress, Marsha declared the girls properly fitted. While helping Anya into her shoes, Angie gasped and let out a small squeak. She drew the attention of the other women in the room and pointed to Kelly, who had just stepped out of the dressing room. “Oh my God!” Chelsea breathed. “Good Lord, you’re gorgeous!” Judy said in awe. Karen just stared, a look of pride on her face. Marsha said nothing as she crossed her arms over her chest and grinned. “Does it look alright?” Kelly asked, avoiding the mirror to her left. All five women, and all four of the girls, nodded in unison. Kelly took a deep breath and turned to look at her reflection. Taking in her appearance, Kelly wondered aloud. “Do you think Alex will like it?” Angie stepped up behind her and hugged her tight. “If she doesn’t, then she has no business marrying you.” she said, making the room laugh.
After Kelly had changed back into her clothes, Marsha pulled her aside. “Why don’t you keep the dress here until the morning of the wedding? That way there is no chance Alex will see it.” she offered. Breathing a sigh of relief, Kelly nodded. “I was just thinking about that.” she said with a laugh. Once everyone had their dresses and accessories gathered, Kelly pulled her credit card from her purse. When she attempted to hand the card to Marsha, the woman waved her off. “All of the dresses, tuxedos, and everything else has already been paid for, darlin.” Marsha smiled at the perplexed look on Kelly’s face. Patting the woman on the arm, Marsha leaned in close and whispered, “Consider it my wedding gift to you and Alex. I was so happy to hear that she had found happiness again, I wanted to make sure that you both had everything you needed. Aww, don’t cry!” she added when she saw tears in Kelly’s eyes. Thanking the woman profusely, Kelly pulled her into a tight embrace. “Thank you so much, Marsha!” Kelly whispered through her tears. Pulling back, Marsha held Kelly at arms-length. “Seeing the look on Alex Walker’s face when you walk down the aisle to meet her will be all the thanks I need.”
*****
“No, no, no! It’s shuffle, step, sway, turn; shuffle, step, sway, turn.” Raul said for the third time in fifteen minutes. “Watch me.” he said, showing Kelly again how the dance steps should look. Kelly groaned and bent at the waist, resting her hands on her knees to catch her breath. “Raul, maybe this was a bad idea.” she whined. The pair had been working together on a dance that Kelly wanted to do almost every day for the last week. Kelly and Dej had been quick to learn the steps for their dances, and now Kelly and Raul were working on this little side project. “It was a great idea, Kelly! We already have everything else down, you just need to work on the turns.” Raul said, handing her a bottle of water. Glancing at the clock above the window, Kelly groaned. They had been working for two hours on getting the turns right, and so far Kelly had managed to trip, fall, slip, and face-plant. “The rest of the dance is no problem, I don’t understand why the turns are so hard!” she said, sipping her water. “Come on, let’s try it again with the music.” he coached, pressing play on the CD player. As the music played, Kelly went through the steps once more. When it came time for the turns, Raul held his breath and prepared himself for another failure. Shuffle, step, sway, turn; shuffle, step, sway, turn. He coached silently. When Kelly finally managed to complete the steps without fumbling, the man let out a high pitched squeal. “You got it! I knew you could do it!” he cooed, picking her up and twirling her around the floor. Laughing, Kelly pushed him away and took a bow. “That’s good for tonight. We’ll meet tomorrow and go over it again, just to make sure you have it down.” he said with a chuckle. Kelly thanked him for his patience and set about straightening up the studio that they had rented for their lessons. When they finished, the pair said their goodbyes and locked up.
“Give Ryan and Dimitri my love!” Kelly called across the parking lot as Raul slid into his pickup truck. Waving to her with a smile, the man started the engine and backed out of the parking space. Taking out her keys, Kelly let herself into her car. Braving a glance into the mirror, Kelly grimaced. The last two hours had left her face flushed, her makeup smudged, and her hair a sweaty mess. She made an attempt to wipe away her ruined eyeliner, and when she did, she noticed the purple bruise forming on her cheekbone. Oh shit, Alex is going to freak! She thought, touching the area gently. Huffing out a breath, Kelly started her car and headed home.
*****
“Jesus Christ, what happened?” Alex asked when Kelly walked through the door. “Relax, honey. The floor kissed my cheek while I was practicing with Raul.” Kelly said when Alex hopped off the couch and turned Kelly’s face toward the light. Brushing her thumb carefully over the bruise, Alex placed a gentle kiss on Kelly’s lips. “Baby, you need to be careful of those floors. They act all nice and sweet, then when you least expect it, bam! They get their revenge on unsuspecting doctors.” she quipped playfully. Kelly glared at her, batting her hand away. “How was your practice with Ryan?” Kelly asked, plopping gracelessly onto the couch and pulling her foot onto her knee to massage away the tenderness. Alex sat next to her on the couch and pulled Kelly’s legs into her lap. Wrapping her fingers around Kelly’s foot, Alex gently worked at the tender places. “It went alright. Zane’s a natural, he got it down right away. I will be lucky if I get it down by the time we come back from our honeymoon.” she said, applying pressure to the ball of Kelly’s foot. “Oh God, that feels wonderful.” Kelly moaned, laying her head back on the arm of the couch. Alex felt arousal wash through her with each little noise that Kelly made. Saying nothing, she continued her massage for several minutes before Kelly raised her head and gave her a tired smile. Seeing the fatigue in her lover’s face, Alex patted her on the thigh and stood. “Come on, baby. Let’s go to bed.” she said, offering Kelly her hand. Too tired to protest, Kelly allowed herself to be pulled up the stairs.
*****
“Daddy!” Kelly exclaimed when Kevin and his family walked out of the airport terminal. “Hi, princess!” Kevin said, wrapping his arms around his daughter and hugging her tight. “I’m so glad you guys are here!” Kelly said, excitedly hugging her brother, sister, and step-mother. “I get to carry the rings!” Kevin Junior exclaimed excitedly, his smile lighting up his face. Placing her hands on her hips, Kelly smiled at her little brother. “You do? Who says?” she asked playfully. Crossing his arms over his chest, the little boy gave his sister a serious glare. “Shay did. He said I can do it.” he replied. Laughing, Kelly ruffled the child’s hair and opened the door of the SUV to help him in. While Kevin and Kendall stowed the luggage, Kelly strapped her younger siblings into the car.
“Are you getting nervous?” Kendall asked once the group was all set. Carefully maneuvering through the crowded parking structure at PDX, Kelly nodded. “I swear each morning the butterflies in my stomach get a little bigger. Alex doesn’t seem to be bothered at all. I think it’s because she’s been there before.” she said with a chuckle. “Sweetheart, it doesn’t matter if it’s your first wedding or your fiftieth. The nerves are always there.” Kevin said, reaching over to lay his hand gently on his daughter’s shoulder. Kelly flashed the man a bright smile. “She sure hides it well.” she muttered, more to herself than anyone else.
Chapter 31
“Alexis Renee! Get down here!” Andrea yelled up the stairs. Alex huffed out a breath and opened the bedroom door. “Mama, I will be right there!” she yelled, irritation evident in her voice. Alex had been hiding in her childhood bedroom for the last forty-five minutes. She had become agitated with all of the people milling around her mother’s house all morning in preparation for the wedding. She had made it through getting her hair and makeup done, and had been waiting patiently for Marsha to arrive with her dress, when she had become overwhelmed by su
dden memories of her first wedding. Afraid that she might start crying in front of everyone, Alex had locked herself in the room. “Now!” came her mother’s voice again. Growling, Alex opened the door and made her way down the stairs.
“What is it Mama?” Alex asked irritably. Andrea turned to make eye contact with her daughter, ready to give her a piece of her mind for running off. Seeing Alex’s puffy, red-rimmed eyes, Andrea’s anger fell away. “Oh, baby. What’s wrong?” she asked, stretching her arms out to her daughter. Grateful that no one else was in the foyer, Alex collapsed into her mother’s embrace. “I was remembering when Callie and I got married.” Alex replied through her tears. Andrea gently stroked Alex’s back, her heart breaking as her daughter’s tears flowed. “Sweetheart, I understand, I really do. When I married Hank, I was happy on the outside, but on the inside I felt like I was betraying your father. It took a long time for those feelings to go away. I love Hank, just as much as I did your dad. Once I realized that Alec would have wanted me to be happy, those feelings of regret disappeared and allowed me to love my husband with all my heart. Callie was an amazing woman, Alex. She loved you, and she would want you to be happy with Kelly. Hell, she would have adored the woman!” Alex remained silent, letting her mother’s words wash through her. Pulling away from her mother, Alex wiped her eyes and regarded the woman lovingly. “Thank you Mama.” She said, leaning in and kissing the woman on the cheek. Andrea rewarded her daughter with a brilliant smile. “Come on. There is someone waiting for you in the den.”
Alex took her mother’s hand and followed her through the arched doorway. Earlier, it had seemed as if every square inch of the huge house had been crawling with people. Now, as Alex gazed around the room, she was surprised to see that there were only three people standing before her. The trio had their backs to her as they inspected the large family portrait on the wall. The photo had been a Mother’s Day gift to Andrea from the whole family. Alex watched as the man pointed and muttered something to the woman next to him. “I’ve found her.” Andrea said, catching their attention. When the threesome turned, Alex realized who her guests were. “Alex, this is Mr. and Mrs. Ashland. Folks, this is my daughter, Alex Walker.” Andrea introduced. Smiling brightly, the man extended his hand toward Alex. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Alex. Congratulations on your wedding.” he said. Alex thanked him, her smile just a bright. “I am so glad that you agreed to join us.” she said.
*****
“Oh Mom, I’m so nervous!” Kelly sighed, checking her makeup in the mirror again. “Kelly, just relax. I know that seems impossible, but I promise, everything will be fine.” Karen said with a small smile. “I don’t understand why Alex insisted on being separated, I didn’t sleep worth a damn last night without her.” Kelly turned toward her mother. Karen gave her daughter an appraising glance. “Kelly Shane, you look gorgeous.” Karen said softly. Kelly smiled and ran her hands down the side of her dress. “You don’t think it’s too much?” she asked. Karen took her daughter’s hand and led her to the edge of the bed. “Sweetheart, the dress is fabulous. Alex isn’t going to be able to keep her eyes off of you.” Karen assured. Walking over to the nightstand, Karen rummaged around in her purse. When she found what she was looking for, she walked over and sat beside her daughter. “Kelly… I know I haven’t really said this enough,” the woman began, taking Kelly’s hand “I’m so proud of you. I wanted to get you something to show how much I appreciate all you have done for me over the past year.” Placing the long, thin box into her daughter’s hand, Karen wiped away the tear that had trickled down her cheek. Kelly looked from her mother to the box in her hand. “You’re my mother, you don’t need to thank me for anything.” she said softly. Lifting the lid off the box, Kelly’s hand fluttered to her mouth as she let out a gasp of surprise. “Do you like it?” Karen asked cautiously. “It’s beautiful.” Kelly replied breathlessly. Smiling, Karen took the box and motioned for Kelly to lift her hair. “Here, let me help you put it on.” she said, slipping the item from its place. Kelly let her hair fall back into place and turned to hug her mother. Just then, the pair heard a knock at the door and Angie poked her head in. “It’s time.” she said, smiling at her best friend.
*****
Alex stood at the altar, doing her best to hide her nerves. In a matter of moments, the woman she loved would come walking down the aisle to join her and profess their commitment to their friends and family. Looking out over the people who filled the seats on both sides of the long white runner that served as the aisle, she smiled to herself. She couldn’t believe that she was doing this again. After Callie’s death, Alex had resigned herself to being alone and devoting her time to her children. The past two years with Kelly had changed that and offered her the chance to spend her life in happiness instead of mourning. Letting her eyes wander over the crowd one last time, Alex was grateful for the supportive and loving acceptance of her family and friends. “Quite the turn out, eh?” Hank asked from beside her. Nodding, Alex turned to face the man who would be giving her away. “Hank, I can’t thank you enough for all that you have done.” Hank beamed and leaned over to kiss Alex on the cheek. “You don’t have to thank me, Alex. Just because you don’t carry my name or my genes doesn’t mean that you aren’t my daughter.” he said. Alex smiled and gave the man’s arm an affectionate squeeze. Before she could say anything else, the wedding procession began. Turning her attention to the deck at the end of the aisle, Alex waited with bated breath for the woman she loved to make her appearance.
*****
Don’t throw up, don’t throw up, please God, do not throw up. Kelly repeated to herself. She was standing at the back door that would lead her out to the white runner while Angie and Andrea made sure that everything was set. She waited while Andrea fussed with the bouquet and Angie did a quick check of her hair and makeup. I can’t believe this is finally happening! Kelly thought excitedly. In mere moments, her life would change forever. The butterflies she had been experiencing over the last couple of weeks had steadily turned into bats, and now that she standing here waiting for her cue, those bats were making a desperate attempt to escape. “Take a few deep breaths, honey. It will help.” Andrea said, noticing the woman’s stiff posture. Kelly smiled at the woman and did as she was told. After a couple of deep inhales and slow exhales, Kelly felt herself steady. “Thank you so much for everything, Mama.” she said aloud. Andrea waved off the thanks and returned the smile. “There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for my children, Kelly. You are one of us, and have been for a while now. You never have to thank me for that.” the woman replied. With a nervous chuckle, Kelly looked out onto the deck. Standing next to the door, Kevin looked at his daughter and beamed with pride. This time last year, if someone had told her that she would be getting ready to walk down the aisle on her father’s arm, Kelly would have laughed in their face. So much had happened in the last twelve months, and her head was still spinning from it. As the women in front of her took their cue from Ryan, Kelly took a deep breath and prepared herself to meet her destiny.
*****
Alex watched anxiously as the wedding procession started. She smiled as Cheyenne walked out of the house and met Jon at the top of the deck steps. When the couple reached the bottom, Brandy and Lee followed. Judy and Lauren were next, then Chelsea and Billy followed by Angie and Steve. Alex recalled the excitement in her twin sister and her brother-in-law when the couple had offered them the titles of Best Man and Matron of Honor. As each couple reached the honey suckle covered arbor that served as the altar, they split up and took their places on either side of where the couple would stand. Alex admired the wonderful work Marsha had done on the day’s attire. Each member of Kelly’s court was outfitted in a knee-length, pale blue silk dress with a pastel green sash around the middle. At first, Alex had worried that the dresses would be too understated, but Marsha had assured her that they would be perfect, and as usual, she had been right. Her own court had been similarly outfitted. The men and Lauren were dress
ed in linen tuxedos the same pastel green as the sashes on their partners. The tie and vest of each tuxedo matched the pale blue color that the women wore. Alex joined the crowd with a delighted aww when Anya, Dej, Carrie, Addy, and Kylie made their way down the length of the aisle, wearing miniature versions of the bridal court dresses and dropping green, blue, and white rose petals as they walked. Following the girls, Kevin Junior looked both nervous and excited as he carried the white satin pillow that held the gold wedding bands toward Alex in his miniature tuxedo. Once the boy reached the arbor, he took the spot that had been marked for him earlier. Just then, Here comes the Bride began to play and Alex stared at the deck. The crowd of family and friends stood and turned their attention to the house to watch while the bride made her entrance.
*****
When the music started, Kelly stepped through the door and laid her hand through the arm that her father offered. She smiled nervously when she heard the collective gasp from the audience that stood with their eyes on her. “You look beautiful, Kelly.” Kevin whispered as the pair began their descent. Kelly smiled at her father and looked out over the yard toward the woman she was ready to call her wife. She gasped at the sight of the gown that Alex had made a point of keeping secret. Throughout the planning of the wedding, Kelly had attempted to get Alex to reveal something, anything, about what she had planned to wear. Alex’s response had always been either a shrug of the shoulders, or a mischievous smile. Now, as her gaze roamed over the woman waiting for her, Kelly was even more impressed with Marsha’s seamstress skills. Alex stood to the left of the dais, wearing an emerald green tuxedo style dress. The skirt fell to the woman’s high heeled boot covered ankles. The bodice was composed of a button down, long sleeved, white silk blouse. Over the blouse, Alex wore a sapphire blue vest and matching tie. As she approached the arbor, Kelly felt her pulse quicken. When she and Kevin reached the top of the altar, all of Kelly’s trepidation and anxiety suddenly disappeared as her father took Alex’s hand and joined it with hers.
