by E. L. Todd
Alexandra eyed Abby, a look of gratitude in her eyes.
Jane grabbed an ashtray and lit a cigarette. She took a puff then breathed out the smoke.
Alexandra immediately put her hand on her stomach.
Abby intervened. “Mom, put that out.”
“Why?” She took another puff. “I’ve always smoked.”
“I have asthma and it makes me sick.”
She rolled her eyes. “It’s my house. I can do what I want.”
“Then we’re going to leave,” Abby said firmly. “We came all the way here to see you and you’re being nothing but rude. Now put it out.”
Jane rolled her eyes then smashed the tip to the glass ashtray. “You happy now?”
“I’d be happier if I didn’t have to argue with you over everything.”
Jane sat on the moth-eaten couch. “When’s the wedding?”
Alexandra rubbed her hands together. “Tomorrow…”
“Wow.” Her mom took a deep breath. “Thanks for dropping a bomb on me.”
“Always making it about yourself,” Abby mumbled under her breath.
“What was that, brat?” her mother snapped.
Alexandra eyed her, pleading peace with her eyes.
Blaise cleared his throat. “We wanted to hand deliver the invitations.”
“Well, it’s short notice.” She rested her feet on the coffee table. The three of them stood awkwardly. “I’ll talk to your father when he gets home.” She looked at the clock. “Which will be soon.”
“What does he do?” Blaise asked.
“Truck driver.” She rested her head on her hand. “What do you do?”
“I’m in law school.”
“So you have no income to support my daughter?” her mother snapped.
“Actually, I own a cotton farm in Savannah.” Blaise kept his voice controlled, but the anger was still evident.
The front door opened and their father walked inside. His suspenders held his pants up, but they still were low when he bent over. He dropped his bag on the floor then adjusted his glasses. He was substantially overweight. Fast food napkins were sticking out of his jeans.
“What’s going on here?” he said with a thick accent.
Blaise’s eyes widened in surprise at the sight. He glanced at Alexandra then turned back.
“Your daughters are home,” Jane said in a bored voice. “And Alexandra is getting married.”
He put his hands on his hips and studied them in the doorway. “Well, that’s exciting news.” He seemed a little more enthused than Jane, but still partially uninterested. “You came all the way down here to tell us this?”
Blaise stepped forward and extended his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir. I’m Blaise.”
He shook it. “Blaise? That’s an odd name.”
“Don’t be rude,” Alexandra blurted. She covered her mouth when she realized what she said.
Her dad eyed Blaise. “I’m sure this boy can take a joke.”
Blaise straightened his shoulders. “I came here to ask your permission to marry your daughter.”
He nodded. “I don’t even know you, boy.”
“And I hope I get the opportunity,” he said politely.
“When’s the wedding?” her father asked.
“Tomorrow,” he said with a straight face.
“Tomorrow?” Her father eyed him. “That sounds pretty fast.”
They all shifted their weight, knowing the news was about to be announced. Abby was dreading the discussion. She knew exactly how her parents would react. They would not be supportive, just livid. Her sister was stupid for coming here.
“Well, we felt rushed to have the ceremony,” Blaise said. “Time is of the essence.”
He looked at Alexandra. “You pregnant?” He eyed her stomach.
“She better not be,” Jane snapped.
Alexandra swallowed the lump in her throat. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead. “Actually, I am.”
Her father narrowed her eyes at Blaise, the anger clear. “And you think I’ll give you my blessing now?”
Blaise hooked his arm around her waist. “We are both very excited. It was unexpected and bad timing, but we couldn’t be more thrilled. I’m more than capable of taking care of Alexandra and our child.”
Her father glared at Alexandra, the disappointment on his face. “Knocked up? That’s disgusting.”
Abby felt her blood boil.
“I’m guessing you’re here for money?” he snapped.
“No,” Alexandra said immediately. “Not at all.”
“Then why would you show up here the day before your wedding?” Jane said. “That seems a little odd.”
“I thought you’d like to know your daughter is getting married and having your grandchild.” The emotion caught in her throat. “I guess I was wrong.”
Abby knew this would happen, but she didn’t like being right. The depression on her sister’s face killed her. “Who cares what they think, Alex? I’m all the family you’ll ever need.”
Alexandra gave her a small smile.
Blaise pulled her toward the door. “We should get going.”
“I think that would be best.” Her father glared at Blaise, giving him a look of hatred.
Alexandra gave her father one more look. “Does that mean you won’t be coming?”
“Why would we?” her mother snapped. “We’re ashamed. We wouldn’t be caught dead at your wedding.”
Abby was getting sick of this. “Mom, you got pregnant with me before you married Dad. How dare you judge her? You’re a hypocrite.”
“I did not,” she snapped.
“I can do basic math. You had me five months after you got married. I can connect the dots. I knew we shouldn’t have come here today. I won’t let you hurt my sister or ruin the most amazing time of her life. We’re leaving and we aren’t coming back.” She walked out the door.
Blaise looked at her father before he stepped out. “I’ll take care of her—and I’ll do a much better job than you did.” He pulled Alexandra out the door and walked out. The three of them didn’t look back as they got into the rental car and drove away.
Abby sat in the backseat and stared at the side of Abby’s face. The tears were starting to leak. She didn’t know what to do, so she rested her hand on Alexandra’s shoulder, comforting her.
Alexandra rested her hand on top.
Blaise kept glancing at her, his hand resting on her thigh. “I can’t believe you came from them. You’re so beautiful, smart, and caring. It’s amazing.”
“It’s because we wanted to be the exact opposite of them,” Abby explained.
Blaise rubbed her thigh. “You don’t need them, Alexandra. I’ll be the family you’ve been missing.”
“I know.” Alexandra sniffed.
Abby rubbed her shoulder. “You’ve been the greatest role model. I’ve always been lost, hopping from one thing to the next. I’ve never had good taste in guys, and I’ve never been strong like you. And I’m proud of you, Alex. You’re such an inspiration.”
Alexandra nodded. “You can be so sweet sometimes.”
Abby chuckled. “Don’t get used to it.”
“I’m so scared…”
“Of what?” Abby asked.
“What if I turn into them?” She touched her stomach.
“That’s impossible,” Abby said firmly. “You’re going to be a wonderful mother.”
“I have no doubt,” Blaise added.
“You really think so?” Alexandra whispered.
“I know so,” Abby said. “And if not, I’ll slap you until you start thinking straight. I got you covered.”
Alexandra chuckled. “Thank you.”
“You can always count on me.”
Alexandra turned in her seat and looked at Abby. “Toby is an idiot for letting you go.”
The words touched her heart.
Blaise looked at her face in the rearview mirror. “And I couldn’t agree more
.”
Abby leaned back in the chair and hid her face. Toby was a dream she would never have. Every time she looked at Alexandra and Blaise, her heart pained. Even though she and Toby argued like they hated each other, their underlying love was unstoppable. But they would never be together again. All she could was hope she’d find the love her sister found in Blaise. Maybe one day…
Chapter Twenty One
Abby had no idea weddings were so stressful. The fact it was in a different state didn’t make it much easier. When she wasn’t calming Alexandra down, she was finishing the decorations at the creek.
The pasture was small and quaint. But it seemed romantic to Blaise and Alexandra. It was where they had their first time, according to her sister. The trees swayed from left to right gently. The faint sound of running water fell on her ear quietly. The peace and tranquility of the place immediately reminded her of someone, a person she wished was there.
“The lights are set up.” Martha came beside her and placed her hands on her hips. She was wearing a pale green dress that went over one shoulder. Her hair was pulled back, and makeup was pasted on her face. She looked classy and beautiful, nothing like she did when she wore her tight jeans and boots. She knew Alexandra’s two friends were responsible for the change.
“You look nice,” Abby blurted.
She winked. “I can clean up pretty good.”
Abby laughed. “I always wondered where I got my sense of humor from.”
“Well, it definitely wasn’t from your mother.” She took a deep breath and sighed. “That bitch is unbelievable. I can’t believe she isn’t coming to her own daughter’s wedding.”
Abby gave her a serious look. “But she is.”
Martha smiled. “I’ve always loved you two like a daughter. It’s unfortunate your mother doesn’t feel the same way.”
“I’ve let that fantasy go a long time ago.”
“That’s probably best.” She walked past the white chairs and did on more count. The flowers were in place, and the gazebo at the end of the aisle was pristine white. All the decorations came together beautifully. Abby was lucky Alexandra’s two girlfriends were so willing to help. They really pulled everything together. Martha came back to her. “Did you bring a date?”
“Oh.” Abby completely forgot about Fernan. “I did. He’s not here yet.” She looked at the time. “Even though he should have been here two hours ago.”
“Maybe he got lost.”
Abby pulled out her phone and called him. It rang then went to voicemail. She left a short message then hung up. “He’ll turn up. Fernan wouldn’t bail on me without an explanation. He’s too polite to do that.”
“He’s your boyfriend?”
“No,” Abby said quickly. “Just a friend.”
“Well, I’m sure there will be lots of southern boys to meet at the reception.”
Abby looked away. “I’ll probably be too busy taking care of Alex to notice.”
Martha gave her a hard look then squeezed her shoulder. “It’ll work out, kid. I know that’s hard to believe right now.” She walked away and conversed with the pastor. Abby didn’t know what those last words meant.
She finished the final preparations then went into the trailer to check her appearance. Her brown hair was pinned back in a golden clip, and the green dress she wore had a slanted cut. It brought out her eyes. Since it was Alexandra’s big day, she forced a fake smile to her lips then walked out, determined to convince everyone but Martha she was fine.
The guests started to arrive, and Abby helped them into their seats. Alexandra’s side was packed with people. It didn’t seem like anyone knew her very well. They just said she was the town hero. Lines of gifts were stacked on the table. When Abby saw a Tiffany’s box, she was tempted to steal it.
When everything was ready, Blaise appeared down the aisle. He laughed with his friends while they waited at the end. He seemed calm and excited. Abby walked to him then pulled him aside.
“Is there anything I can get you?” she asked. “Water? Beer?”
He smiled. “Abby, I’m fine. You’re the one who looks like she needs a drink.” He patted her shoulder. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for Alexandra. Everything looks great.”
“Thank you.” She fidgeted with the bracelet on her wrist. “Are you sure there’s nothing I can do?”
“No, I’m solid as a rock.” He held his hand out, which didn’t shake. “I just want to marry my girl. The sooner the better.”
Her heart melted at his words, and the emotion came with it. “I’m so happy for her.” She blinked her eyes quickly. “You’re such a great guy, Blaise. And you love her so much. I hope I find that someday.”
He hugged her tightly. “I have no doubt you will.”
She rested her head on his shoulder, enjoying the small respite from her maid of honor duties. “I’m excited to have a brother.”
“We can pick on Alexandra together.”
She chuckled. “I would love that.”
“And you’re going to have double the trouble on your hands.” He pulled away and winked at her.
“What does that mean?” Her heart raced.
“We want to have another right away. She wants them to be close in age.”
“Seriously?” The excitement escaped her voice. “But she can’t possibly do that with school.”
“She said she would take a year off. The university approved the time of absence.”
She clapped her hands. “I’m even more happy for her. She’s getting everything she deserves.”
“No, she isn’t,” he said seriously. “But I’ll spend the rest of my life trying.”
Her eyes softened. “I love Paul. I know you hate him for obvious reasons, but he is a wonderful guy. But I’m very happy she ended up with you. I’ve never seen so much joy on her face at one time.”
“Well, you haven’t seen her face in the bedroom.” He winked again.
Abby rolled her eyes. “Right when I thought we were having a touching moment...”
“I’m so emotional right now that I need to loosen up.” He clapped her shoulder. “Can I get you anything?”
She laughed. “I’m fine. Did you write your vows?”
He rolled his eyes. “Now you’re starting to sound like my future wife.”
“We have a few annoying things in common, unfortunately.”
“If only she had a brother…”
“I’ll let you go. I should attend to the bride.”
“Have you seen her?” he asked.
“I’ve seen her all day.”
“How does she look?”
“Gorgeous, like always.”
He rubbed his hands together. “I’m excited.”
She rolled her eyes. “Keep it in your pants.” She walked down the aisle.
“I won’t be doing that tonight.” He laughed as she walked away.
Abby passed the guests in their seats. They were fanning their faces from the heat. The sun was starting to set, letting the lights come to life. The quiet den was beginning to glow as bright as a lit city.
She entered the trailer and walked inside. Alexandra was standing in front of a mirror, her hand on her stomach. Her strapless gown trailed behind her. The buttons in the back covered every inch of the back of her dress. A silver ribbon was tied around her waist. She wore makeup, more than she usually did. Abby always knew her sister was pretty, but she didn’t realize how beautiful she was until she actually dolled herself up. She stared at her for a moment. “You can’t even tell, Alex.”
Alexandra met her gaze in the mirror. “Really?”
“I swear.”
She released the breath from her lungs. “I’m nervous.”
“Why?”
“I just am.”
“Are you having doubts?”
“Of course not,” she said immediately. “It’s just a lot of pressure. What if I fall?”
“Are you kidding me?” Abby said. “Martha would never let
you fall. She’s superwoman.”
That brought a smile to Alexandra’s face. “That’s true.”
“You got nothing to worry about.”
She took another deep breath. “You’re right. How’s my fiancé?”
“He’s eager, let’s just put it that way.”
Alexandra rolled her eyes. “He never thinks about anything else.”
“I can’t imagine why…”
Alexandra adjusted her hair then grabbed her boutique. “I think I’m ready.”
“You think?” Abby asked incredulously.
“I mean I am,” she said quickly.
Martha opened the door. “Is the bride ready?”
Alexandra straightened her shoulders. “Yes.”
Abby smiled at her. “You look hot as hell.”
Alexandra laughed. “Thanks for calming my nerves.”
Martha extended her arm. “Let’s get this show on the road.”
“Okay.” She stepped out of the trailer and followed her aunt. They moved to the area hidden by the bushes. Her bridesmaids all stared at her, complimenting her perfection and beauty. Abby stared at the scene, feeling nothing but happiness for her sister. After everything they’d been through, she deserved to be with someone that pushed her to her true potential. Blaise always put her needs and desires before his own rather than make decisions for her. He gave her the independence and courage she needed, but he balanced her at the same time. The revelation pained her immediately.
The music started and the bridesmaids were escorted down the aisle. Abby squeezed the flowers in her hands, channeling her anxiety into the stems. Cole, Blaise’s brother, walked her down the aisle. The harmonic sound of the harp echoed under the trees and down the walkway. Abby stared at Blaise’s face, watching him stare at the location where Alexandra would appear. There was no doubt or fear in his eyes. Just pure adoration for the woman he loved.
Abby took her place to the right and waited for the music to change. When a new song came on, the audience rose. Like an angelic vision, Alexandra appeared, Martha beside her. Her dress trailed behind her, but she kept her posture and moved forward. If she was nervous, she didn’t show it. Her eyes immediately moved to Blaise’s face. When her smile appeared, her tears did as well. Her eyes coated with wetness, the arrival of impending tears. The sight made Abby well up. Any time she saw her sister cry, she did too. When she looked at Blaise, she saw the same coat of tears. They didn’t fall, but his eyes started to redden.
