Waves of Solace

by Ariel Bonin

  She adjusted her head on the pillow to admire the wedding dress that hung from Caren's tiny closet door. The lacy, sleeveless dress in a stunning shade of ivory came to just above her knees and dipped into a deep V-neck, scalloped lace edging there and at the hemline. Her neighbor, the same one who had given her the pair of sandals, offered her the dress when she found out about their upcoming nuptial. Lindsey had refused at first, saying that she didn't need anything extravagant, but the woman had insisted. Once Lindsey saw it, she was sold by its simple beauty. Andrew would approve, too. The neckline was a tad dramatic for her liking, but she knew he certainly wouldn't mind.

  Caren stirred next to her and rubbed her bleary eyes. "Good morning," she slurred.

  "Good morning to you, too."

  "You're getting married today!" Caren exclaimed happily on a large stretch, her arms extended upward.

  Lindsey laughed. "Think you can make it through the day? We were up pretty late last night."

  Caren sat up slightly and rested a comfortable hand on her belly. "Worth it," she retorted. "I know I've got at least one dance in me before this baby knocks me on my ass again."

  "May I?" Lindsey asked, holding out her hand.

  "Go for it." She even took Lindsey's hand and guided it onto her belly. She was starting to show now. Nothing drastic, but her stomach had a slight curve to it.

  "Have you felt it kick yet?"

  "I don't think so. It's probably too early. I thought I did once, but it could have been gas."

  They both laughed. "I know all about that." The words were out before Lindsey could stop them.

  Caren's eyes filled with pity and she rested her hand on top of Lindsey's. "Did you feel your baby kick?"

  Lindsey nodded sadly.

  "I'm so sorry. That must have been horrible for you."

  "It did suck," was all Lindsey could say. That about summed it up.

  Caren squeezed her hand. "You and Andrew are going to have a baby. I know it." She must have seen the doubt in Lindsey's expression, because she followed it up with, "And if you don't, you have two wonderful children who will love you anyway."

  Lindsey smiled through her looming tears. "Thank you."

  Abruptly, Caren sighed. "All right, enough sad talk. Today is a happy day. Let's get you ready."

  _____

  Caren and Robert's bungalow was a flurry of activity until early in the evening. The poor guy had come out of the spare room to discover a table full of women eating breakfast, and the crowd didn't let up after that. Lindsey thought it was a bit much, but their excitement was almost contagious. Whenever she remembered that she was marrying Andrew, her breath would catch as butterflies swooped low in her stomach. Everyone needed this day of bliss, including her—especially her. Not many details had been disclosed to her about the reception, but she was sure it would be a great party. As long as the day ended with her as Mrs. Flynn, they could plan whatever they wanted.

  At quarter-to-five, Caren was outfitted in a casual sundress, the fluid shape accenting her rounded belly even more. Lindsey was already in her dress and sandals. A bouquet of pink orchids sat on the table, tied together with a strand of twine.

  Caren held Lindsey at arm's length. "Rob and I are gonna head to the beach. You got it from here?"

  Lindsey took a deep breath and nodded. "I'll see you down there."

  Now alone in the house, she turned to check her appearance in the full-length mirror. When she saw her reflection, she was suddenly all too aware of what was happening. The butterflies exploded and she was at a loss for breath. Caren had wanted to braid her hair into an intricate up-do, but Lindsey didn't go for it. Her hair hung in cascading waves over her slender shoulders. The only thing she did allow was a crown of flowers made by a student from her Intermediate class. She looked exactly the way she wanted to today, and yet, she couldn't budge. After an indefinite amount of time, it occurred to her that she had unfinished business and it couldn't wait. She flicked her dark gaze to the ceiling and spoke softly.

  "I want you to know that I still love you, but I have to do this. Andrew makes me happy. You made me happy, too. Things are different now, though. I hope you can forgive me for moving on." Her thoughts drifted from her late husband to her parents. Her mother hadn't been alive to see her married, but her father had walked her down the aisle. Hot tears pricked her eyes. "I miss you, Daddy. I wish you were here." She held back a sob as anxiety threatened to overwhelm her. "I can't do this alone."

  "Ya don't have to," a voice said from the doorway.

  Lindsey spun around and swiped at her cheeks, the vision of Charlie Knox never more welcome than it was at that very moment. He picked up her bouquet and placed it in her trembling hands.

  "Thought you got lost," he murmured. "I'm a pretty good tracker, though."

  "Oh, yeah?" she asked with an arched brow.

  "Mhmm. Don't know if ya heard, but husband season started today. Might be able to bag ya one." He offered a bent elbow and she looped her arm around his.

  "Okay, big talker. Lead me there."

  They exited the bungalow, a warm breeze catching her hair. She swept it out of her face with her pointer finger as she continued to clutch the bouquet.

  "Ya look really pretty, Lindsey. Andrew's a lucky guy." She couldn't hide her blush and Charlie smiled.

  They crested the path, the beach now within view. She could see the chairs and their awaiting guests. Her heart began to pound and she tightened her link with Charlie. He patted her hand. "I got ya."

  At the end of the aisle, Lindsey finally saw Andrew. He looked considerably stressed, clad in tan slacks and a light blue button-up, until he saw her, too. His cobalt gaze didn't falter as Charlie walked her to him.

  _____

  Andrew was sure that he stopped breathing. She was an angel. His angel. The halo of flowers on her head was the perfect touch. When she got closer, he was aware of how clean and uncomplicated she looked. A part of him was afraid that she'd arrive all dolled-up, not looking at all like the Lindsey he'd come to know and love.

  She and Charlie halted before him. The man unlinked arms with her, kissed her hand, and then clapped Andrew on the back. He gave an indebted nod to his friend and grasped Lindsey's hand. Caren jumped up to take her bouquet, allowing the couple to hold both hands.

  "I was worried there for a minute," he whispered with a crooked grin.

  "I'm sorry. I'm here now—and I'm not leaving your side."

  "You're not wearing any makeup," he blurted quietly.

  Lindsey broke out into a mega-watt smile. "Was I supposed to?"

  He shook his head. "No, you're perfect exactly as you are." His eyes swept over her face. "You're so beautiful."

  As Lindsey's smile widened, Tyler cleared his throat. The young man stood tall at the front. Before everything had gone to hell, he'd been bored one night and ordained himself on the internet. Not for any particular reason—just for kicks—and now he actually had an occasion to use it.

  "We are gathered here today to celebrate the joining of two hearts, and to add our best wishes to the words which shall unite this couple in marriage. If there should be anyone who has cause why this couple should not be united, keep it to yourself because this is happening, people." A low chuckle resonated from the wedding guests. "Andrew, did you prepare your vows?"

  "Yes, I did." He squeezed Lindsey's hands and gazed into her eyes, getting lost in their warm color. "I thought I'd never love another woman again. You saved me, made me a better man. I promise to watch over you and keep you safe until my last breath. I love you, Linds. Today, tomorrow and forever."

  As Lindsey basked in Andrew's love, Tyler made his socially awkward presence known. "Short and to the point, I like it."

  Andrew laughed. "Thanks."

  Lindsey had his attention now. "Andrew, you're my best friend, my light in the dark. You brought me out of a bad place and gave me a second chance at life. I owe you everything I have, but all I have left to give is my heart. It's
yours…and always will be. I love you."

  Andrew had to fight the urge to kiss her. He could tell she was struggling with the same battle. Her gaze dropped to his lips and he gave her hands a reassuring squeeze.

  Tyler's voice slipped through their romantic haze. "Andrew Flynn, do you take Lindsey Richardson to be your wife? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others and holding only unto her?"

  "I do," he said with as much sincerity as he possibly could.

  "Lindsey Richardson, do you take Andrew Flynn to be your husband? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him, forsaking all others and holding only unto him?"

  She beamed and said softly, "I do."

  Andrew's heart rate doubled when he remembered what came next. He and Tyler had talked about it beforehand, thus the man knew his part to play.

  "Will you be exchanging rings?" their officiant asked.

  Lindsey shook her head. "No, we've decided not to do that—"

  Andrew reached into his pocket and she paused. His hand grasped her gift, and then revealed it in the waning sunlight. Her eyes bugged and she gasped.

  "My knife!" He placed the sheathed weapon in her hands, tilting the handle so she could see it for herself. Etched skillfully into the wood, thanks to Charlie, were the words: Until death do us part. Lindsey chewed her bottom lip and Andrew could tell she was trying not to cry. Her glistening brown eyes flicked up to meet his and she whispered, "Thank you, Andy."

  He smiled. "You're welcome. I'm sorry I had you in a panic this week. I just wanted it to be a surprise."

  "It is. It's perfect." She frowned. "I don't have anything for you, though."

  "That's okay. I get to have you as my wife, that's enough."

  The women let out a collective "awe."

  Unfazed by the moment of affection, Tyler continued on to say, "By the power vested in me by the World Wide Web, I now pronounce you, husband and wife." He swept his hand from Andrew to Lindsey. "You may kiss your bride."

  Andrew placed his hands on her waist and leaned in, brushing his lips over hers as she reached for him. They kissed briefly, knowing there would be more time for it later. They separated and smiled blissfully. Caren stepped up to give Lindsey her bouquet, and the pair threaded their fingers together to hold hands.

  As they walked down the aisle to a chorus of cheers, Tyler said, "I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Flynn."

  _____

  After stopping at their bungalow to return Lindsey's knife—she didn't want to actually lose it this time—the happy couple walked at a leisurely pace to the reception, their arms linked, with Andrew's opposite hand resting affectionately on hers.

  "I can't believe it," Lindsey said in amazement. "We're married now."

  "Mmm, my wife," he whispered, stopping to steal a kiss from her. Her fingertips grazed his scratchy cheek.

  "My husband," she murmured against his parted lips. Her mischievous eyes darted in the direction of their bungalow. "We have the luxury of no post-ceremony photos, maybe we could start a new tradition?" she asked suggestively.

  "Uh uh. As much as I'd like that, we need to wait until after. Zoey will be at Tommy's tonight and Caren wants Jacob, says she likes the practice." His intense gaze froze her in place. "I'm gonna take my time with you, Mrs. Flynn."

  There were those butterflies again. At least this time they weren't causing her any distress, unlike earlier.

  As if he could read her mind, he asked, "Where were you today? I thought maybe you'd hijacked one of the fishing boats and taken off."

  She released a breathy laugh. "No…I just had to say goodbye to someone. I'm sorry if I worried you."

  "Not a problem. I forgive you."

  "And you can thank Charlie. I wouldn't have gotten there when I did if it weren't for him."

  "I'll be sure to do that. I'm just glad you're here now."

  After yet another kiss, they emerged from the sandy path at the dining pavilion. The underside of the roof was decorated with candlelit lanterns. White bed sheets serving as makeshift tablecloths covered each picnic table, along with more candles. The mouth-watering smell of bacon hung in the air and they noticed a pig roasting on the large pit nearby. All the ceremony guests were mingling, glasses of wine or water in hand. To Lindsey's astonishment, a band played off to the side. She recognized some of the members, as a few were her students' parents. Putting together the instruments, she placed their sound somewhere between bluegrass and folk. The music added a certain spark that was necessary for a wedding celebration.

  The band leader, a tall man with graying hair and a fiddle, summoned the ensemble to cease playing when he caught sight of Andrew and Lindsey, and whistled loudly between his teeth. "Here's the couple of the hour—Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Flynn!"

  Everyone set down their glasses and began to clap and whoop wildly. Andrew guided Lindsey to an open area in front of the band, what she could only assume was the dance floor, and took her bouquet to place it on the closest tabletop. He clasped his left hand with her right, and slid the other around her waist, urging her against him. Hannah, with the strap of an acoustic guitar around her neck, took a seat in front of the band. The whole lot remained completely silent as she adjusted her instrument, dragged the pick across the strings, and began to sing.

  Lindsey immediately recognized the song as "Unchained Melody." Goosebumps stood out on her bare arms at the lovely tone of Hannah's voice and the simplicity of the song on the acoustic guitar.

  "Did you know about this?" she whispered at Andrew's ear.

  "Not really. I knew there would be some kind of music, but I didn't expect this."

  Lindsey smiled at Hannah as her view rounded to the band. The girl's mouth curved slightly as she carried on.

  Andrew touched his lips to her cheek and she relaxed in his arms. "I love you, Lindsey Flynn."

  Her heart swelled to an impossible size. The name gave her chills, but in a good way. "I love you, too, baby."

  When the song was over, everyone clapped again for the couple, and for Hannah's stellar performance. Lindsey rushed over to the girl and hugged her after she handed off the guitar.

  "That was amazing, Hannah! Where did you learn to do that?"

  The statement earned her a sheepish grin. "My mom taught me. Way back it was her and my dad's favorite..."

  Lindsey glanced around at the socializing guests. "Is he here?" She didn't remember seeing him at the ceremony, granted, most of her attention had been on Andrew.

  "No…he's still at home." Her disappointment was palpable.

  Lindsey wrapped the girl in another embrace. "Thank you for what you did tonight. I'm sure it wasn't easy, but you were incredibly thoughtful to share it with us. I'll never forget it."

  _____

  The reception ran well into the evening. They all loaded up on pork and roasted vegetables, only to dance it off. Charlie made time to dance with Caren and Zoey, but he stunned them when he got Ana on the floor and brought out her playful side. They'd seen it here and there in the past, but not lately. Alcohol may have been involved, so that helped, but nevertheless, they looked like they were enjoying themselves.

  Everyone got to dance with one another—Zoey with Lindsey, Caren with Andrew, and so on. During the last dance, Lindsey found her way back to Andrew and they came together, her head resting on his shoulder. She closed her eyes, inhaled his spicy scent and melted into him. The band leader was performing an acoustic version of "Wonderwall," a song she'd always loved. It was beautiful. At one point, the clinking sound of silverware against glass echoed around them and she lifted her head to see that they were alone on the floor. Remembering the old-time wedding tradition, she tipped up her lips to receive a tender kiss from her husband.

  At the end of the song, Andrew and Lindsey began to bid their adieus. On the way out, the groom shook Brian's hand.

  "You really outdid yourselves. Thank you. We had an amazing day."

  Brian grinned at the jovial t
wosome. "Y'all deserve it. Congratulations."

  Andrew instructed Zoey to stay out of trouble at Tommy's, while Lindsey kissed Jake goodnight.

  "Aren't you forgetting something?" Caren asked, glancing downward.

  Lindsey looked at her left hand and saw that her bouquet was still clutched there. "Oh! I guess I should throw this, shouldn't I?" Caren nodded with enthusiasm. "Why are you so excited anyway? It's not like you can catch it," she teased.

  "Traditions, Lindsey, traditions," Caren scolded playfully. "Line up, single ladies!"

  When the small group of about ten or so were gathered together, Lindsey tossed the pink bouquet over her shoulder. Hands shot up, but only one caught it. Zoey smiled at Lindsey, and the woman gave her a wink.

  "Good night! Thank you! We'll see you tomorrow!" the pair called out as they made their way to the narrow path.

  In between kissing and laughing, it only took a few short minutes to arrive at their bungalow. Andrew surprised Lindsey by sweeping his arm behind her knees to carry his bride up the steps and over the threshold. When they got inside, he noticed something unfamiliar on the table and set her down. She lit the closest lantern to illuminate a bottle of champagne and two crystal flutes. Andrew held the tapered neck to read the label.

  "Damn, they got us the good stuff." He slanted it so Lindsey could see.

  "Holy crap, I guess so!" she exclaimed. "I've only read about that stuff in People magazine."

  "Well, then, what are we waiting for, Mrs. Flynn?" Andrew unwrapped the top and, while directing it away from them, popped the cork. It flew straight into the low ceiling, causing a minor dent, and sprinkled the floor with drywall dust. The pair burst into a fit of laughter. "I'll fix that later," he said as he picked up a glass and filled it with the bubbly liquid. He handed it to Lindsey. "Here you go, wife."

  "Thank you, husband," she replied with a flirty smile. They would probably tire of that kind of talk by tomorrow morning, but for now, it was still new and exciting.