Southern Belles, a Novel About Love, Purpose & Second Chances (9781310340970)

by Anderson, Sarah

  “It’s getting published?”

  “I didn’t say that. They have to read it and see if they like your story.” He said with a flat affect.

  “Oh my goodness—I could be a published writer?” I screamed, running over to him kissing his cheek spontaneously.

  “Oh wow, Oh, calm down there young lady. There will be none of that here.” He said pulling away.

  “I’m sorry I’m just so happy. This book is a part of me—it’s like another child.” I said ecstatically. “Thank you for passing that along. I know you didn’t have to—so thank you.”

  “Do you work around here—I mean other than on your book?”

  “Yes, sorry. I’m going now. Thank you again.”

  I ran out of his office and did a happy dance around the corner before I felt someone watching me.

  “Hmm.” I heard him clear his throat.

  “Working, I’m going now.” I smiled and continued on to my desk before turning around to catch a glimpse of him smiling.

  That night I got home and told my parents. I told Eric and called CeCe. I told her that it was; hopefully, only a matter of time before my first book was published. I asked all of them to pray that someone would see the heart I put into the book. CeCe encouraged me. She said that my book was destined to be a number -one best seller with the New York Times. I giggled at her comment and daydreamed about the possibility of that. I continued working at the newspaper while working on my journalism degree. I welcomed CeCe’s postcards and stories. She was madly in love and having the best time of her life. It was only a year ago that her life had been in shambles. A lot had happened over the past year and we were all blossoming into the lives we had dreamt about as kids.

  I waited patiently for weeks after my boss submitted the manuscript. I hadn’t heard anything. I bothered him about once a week but he hadn’t heard anything either. I began worrying about the manuscript being rejected or sold or anything that would cause it to fail. The longer it took, the more I began to doubt myself. Eric continued to encourage me but it was hard to comfort my heart which had birthed this story out of love and patience. It had taken several years to finish the book. I couldn’t wait any longer. Every time I heard the phone rang, I ran to it hoping it was the publishing company.

  On May 1, 1999 at about 4:30 PM, I received a call from a Mrs. Kisielewski from Chance Publishing. She said she had received my book amongst a stack of many others. She loved my book, with one exception—it needed a new ending. All but the last three chapters could stay. It needed to leave the reader wanting more at the end. We talked briefly and she said that if I could rework those chapters and get it back to her within four weeks, I may get it published. A few days later, I received the manuscript back with several remarks and positive feedback. I thought about the ending. My book portrayed two strong women, who stuck by each other through life’s challenges and joys with great characters peppered throughout. The ending left off with the two best friends finding happiness. My character ended up with a great guy that should probably have ended up with the best friend. I thought about Eric and CeCe. CeCe had found true love and it wasn’t Eric. I, on the other hand, had found a great friend but it wasn’t the love I wrote about when I spoke of Skylar’s character. I pondered this for many days, trying to figure out how I could rewrite the ending to allow the reader to feel like a part of their world.

  A week after the phone call with Mrs. Kisielewski, CeCe called. I could tell something was up. She had been on top of the world for several months now. She could barely contain herself.

  “Char, are you sitting down?”

  “No, are you okay?”

  “I’m fine—super fine actually.”

  “Good CeCe. What’s going on?”

  “Okay, are you ready?”

  “Yes CeCe, tell me already.”

  “Are you sure?” She asked giggling.

  “Yes—go ahead before I fall asleep.”

  “So, you know how I’m in love with the most incredible person in the world?”

  “Yes, you tell me every time we talk.”

  “Well I’m going to be a Mrs. soon—Christian asked me to marry him!”

  “Oh my goodness! Really?”

  “Yes, I’m so excited. I had to call my parents first and tell them before I called you. But you were next. It’s so cute too—he actually called my parents to ask for their permission.”

  “You haven’t known him that long—are you sure you’re ready for this?” I asked skeptically, not even having met him myself.

  “Yes, I’m sure. When you know—you know.” She quipped.

  “Please don’t get offended but you’re not pregnant are you?” I asked cautiously.

  “Okay, I would usually take offense to that but because I’m so stinking happy I’ll just ignore you said that. No—I’m not pregnant. Besides it’s not possible. We haven’t had sex. We want to do it right—with my past and his strong conviction not to take something from me until it’s his rightfully.”

  “Wow.” I said. “I’m sorry and I am very happy for you. When’s the big date?”

  “So, I know it’s kind of crazy but we don’t want to wait—well mostly I don’t want to wait. I want to attack his body and he won’t let me until our wedding night. Also, you know how I’ve always wanted to get married at the Greyfield Inn on Cumberland Island—they only have one opening all summer and it’s in three weeks. So my mother is booking it today and is sending out last minute invites tomorrow. I don’t really care who comes as long as you’re there.”

  “Three weeks—are you sure you’re not rushing this?” I asked, surprised by the engagement and a shotgun wedding.

  “Yes, we’re rushing it but it’s okay. Really, it’s okay, I’m happy.”

  “Just tell me what you need me to do and I’ll do it.” I said trying to support my best friend who was having a break in sanity.

  “I’m sending you a checklist—my mother will call you to get together soon. I won’t be able to come back until about three days before the wedding because I have graduation over here and my parents are flying over for a few days and then flying back with me.”

  “You won’t be here until 3 days before your wedding? Do you even have a wedding dress? What am I wearing?”

  “No worries, I’m picking out my dress here and I will be bringing back my bridesmaids dresses too.”

  “Oh, okay.”

  “You don’t need to worry dear. My mother is hiring a wedding planner today and she is paying her well to get everything done ahead of time. There’s only a few things on my checklist—no worries.”

  “Okay, well I just want to see you some before you run away with Mr. Perfect—and I never see you again CeCe.”

  “I promise we will spend time together. I will always make time for you and Lucy.”

  “I know. It’s just that it’s so sudden. I wasn’t expecting to hear that from you but I’m happy for you.”

  “It’s only a matter of time before it happens for you too Char. Eric’s great and a keeper for sure. In fact, if I weren’t marrying Christian, I might try stealing him away from you.” She joked.

  “Hmm…you’re funny CeCe. Thanks, Eric is great but I don’t know if he’s the one.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “He’s wonderful in every way. It’s just that the few hours I did spend with Skylar, forever ago, ruined it for anyone else. I know it’s ridiculous because Eric is pretty wonderful.”

  “Yeah, Eric is pretty wonderful. A good guy is hard to come by.” CeCe said firmly.

  “I know. Forget about me. I’m very happy for you and I’m happy too. It’s a day to celebrate your great news!”

  “Thanks, I’ll see you soon. I’ve got to call some more people and the rest of my bridesmaids—tell Richie he’s going to be a bridesman.”

  “Ha-ha, he’ll love that. I hope you got him something pretty to wear.” I giggled. “I love you and congratulations again.”

  “Oh wait—
I forgot to tell you…I cut my hair short and it’s so cute.”

  “You did? I bet it’s beautiful, CeCe.”

  “I love it—it’s just past my chin. I can’t wait to show it to you. Okay, I love you and can’t wait to see you and Lucy soon. Bye.”

  “Thanks, I love you too CeCe. Bye-bye.” I said, before hanging up the phone.

  The next few weeks flew by and I was still plotting up different endings for my book. Time was running out soon and I was busy with work and CeCe’s wedding. I was out of school for the semester and that helped to free up some of my time.

  CeCe called after graduation to fill me in on the ceremony. She said that she made sure to take plenty of pictures to show me when she got back tomorrow afternoon. Her parents were already home and getting ready for the wedding. She invited Lucy, Eric and I over for dinner tomorrow night at her parents to meet Christian and his parents.

  I accepted the offer, despite my busy schedule, so I could see CeCe and meet the love of her life.

  Chapter 20: Love, Georgia-Style

  “So, don’t wait up for us mom. We’ll probably get back late.” I said pulling on my sandals.

  “I love you nana.” Lucy smiled, with adorable dimples, big brown eyes and her beautiful bronzed blonde hair.

  “I love you too sugar face. You give Auntie CeCe a kiss for nana, okay?”

  “I will. She told mommy that she got a big present for me.”

  “Ooh—I wonder what it is.” My mom looked at her with the famous Buchanan dimples.

  “I don’t know but I hope it’s pink.” Lucy said.

  “Hey pretty girl.” A voice said coming in from the front door.

  “Eric!” Lucy squealed, delightfully, before she jumped up into his arms.

  “Hey there,” I called to Eric from the kitchen, as I put on my earrings.

  “There’s my other pretty girl. You look great.” He said, kissing my forehead with Lucy wiggling around in his arms.

  “Thank you.” I said hugging him back. “Is it nice outside?”

  “Yeah, it’s great— but a little breezy. It’s supposed to get cooler and rain tonight but there’s not a cloud in the sky now.

  I smiled, thinking back to the day at the beach when it poured on me, with barely a cloud in the sky. “Okay, I’m ready to go. I’m just going to grab a jacket or something.” I said kissing him, lightly, before heading upstairs.

  “Take your time; it’s okay if we’re a few minutes late.” He said as I climbed the stairs.

  I looked around my room to find something to go with my long, white lacey sundress with spaghetti straps. I didn’t want a big jacket. As I scanned the room I saw Skylar’s antiqued-looking sweater. I’d slept in it and worn it many times since the night he gave it to me. It was still comfortable and had shrunken a few sizes smaller, a few years ago, when Grandma Evi tried to do laundry using hot water.

  “Mommy, let’s go. I need to see Auntie!” I heard Lucy shout from the bottom of the stairs.

  I grabbed his sweater and headed downstairs. “Okay, I’m ready. I love you mom.” I said kissing her goodbye. “I love you too Evi.” I said moving on to her next for kisses and hugs.

  “Have a great time and tell CeCe we’ve missed her and can’t wait to see her at the wedding.” My mother said before we closed the door behind us.

  “Do you want me to drive dear?” Eric asked as we headed down the steps.

  “Sure, that would be nice. Then I can sit back and enjoy this gorgeous evening with you.”

  “That sounds good to me.” He smiled back, taking my hand into his before giving me a quick peck on the lips as we parted to get Lucy buckled in the car.

  “I can do it mommy.” Lucy said firmly.

  “Okay, I will watch just in case you want help.”

  “Okay, but I got it.” She said, before snapping the lock of the car seat belt together.

  “Great job Lu.” Eric congratulated her with a high five.

  “See mommy I can do it myself.”

  “You sure can. Good job baby.” I said kissing her as I ensured it was fastened tightly.

  “Mom—I got it!” Lucy said, shooing my hands away.

  “I know. I’m just making sure it’s not too tight on you love.” I said, backing up from her feisty little hands.

  “Good comeback.” Eric whispered to me as I got into the passenger’s seat beside him.

  “Thanks, she’s so…”

  “Smart.” I heard Lucy say from the backseat.

  “Yes, you are so smart.”

  “And pretty, and funny, and sweet,” Lucy said without looking up from playing with her doll.

  “Yep baby. You sure are pretty, and funny, and sweet. You’re a lot like your Auntie CeCe.”

  “I know mommy.”

  “I’m glad you know sweetie.” I said as Eric drove towards CeCe’s parents.

  “So, I’ll forgive you if you abandon me tonight.” Eric said, reaching over to hold my hand.

  “What?”

  “I know you’re going to be completely absorbed with CeCe. And it’s okay—because I know you haven’t seen her in five months and she’s your best friend.”

  “Oh, okay. I didn’t know what you meant.” I said, wrinkling my nose at him with a crooked smile.

  “I know; I’m a really good boyfriend.” He laughed, softly squeezing my hand.

  “Awe, you are so good to me.”

  “I can’t wait to meet Prince Charming.” Lucy blurted out.

  “Who?” I asked.

  “Prince Charming—Auntie’s boyfriend.”

  “Oh yeah, Prince Charming,” I grinned, looking at Eric.

  As we pulled into the driveway, Lucy who had been to CeCe’s parents many times by now was already unbuckling her seat belt.

  “Lucy, don’t unbuckle until we’ve stopped the car honey.”

  “Mom, I want to see Auntie.” She demanded jumping out of her seat.

  “Yeah, mom—I want to see Auntie.” Eric mimicked Lucy.

  “You hush.” I joked back as I stepped around to Eric.

  Lucy had already opened the door and was finding her way up to the front door.

  “Char…” Eric pulled back gently on my hand as I headed towards the door.

  “What?”

  “Char, I just wanted to tell you that you look beautiful and I…”

  “Mommy hurry!” Lucy said from the front steps.

  “Okay Lucy. We’ll be right there.” I said feeling something wet hit my cheek distracting me momentarily. “Was that rain?” I asked, looking up, feeling another small drop of water fall on my nose.

  “Mom!” Lucy shouted again.

  “Okay, we’re coming.” I said looking at Eric. “Let me grab my sweater.”

  “Yeah, it’s rain; let’s get inside in case it decides to stick around.” He said, waiting for me to pull my sweater on.

  “Eric, were you going to say something?” I asked as he and I headed towards Lucy, now standing with the butler just inside the door.

  “I was but it can wait.” He said, ushering us in.

  “Are you sure?” I asked as we were greeted with drinks and escorted to the veranda in the back.

  “I’m sure.” He said, kissing my cheek as we headed out the back entryway.

  “You’re not too bad yourself handsome.” I said picking up on his compliment a few minutes earlier.

  “Oh great—we get to go back outside.” Eric laughed.

  As we walked back outside I saw the beautifully landscaped trees covered in white lights. Full hanging ferns on the outer eaves swayed slowly in the breeze. The sunset fired up orange-lavender flames across the sky. I felt a few more drips of rain fall on my face. Lucy neared the stairs down to the lower level first, catching up to Bev before latching on to her leg. I then saw Bev and James, standing next to the backs of another couple, probably Christian’s parents. Eric let go of my hand and headed over to where Lucy was to pull her off Bev’s leg and shake Mr. Crawford’s hand.
Finally, I saw CeCe. She looked stunning standing in front of their beautifully lit-up pool which reflected the colors of the sky. She was radiant—almost glowing with her perfectly curled short, blonde hair framing her sun-kissed skin. She was smiling and looking down. As I descended the marbled steps my eyes followed CeCe’s gaze. I saw the back of Lucy’s Prince Charming. He was on bended knee with his hands folded into hers, looking up at her. The drips were now turning into regular, small pelts.

  “Hi Charlotte.” Bev called over to me first, smiling enthusiastically.

  CeCe looked up and screamed, “Char”.

  “We were just listening to Christian re-enact his proposal since none of us were there.” Bev said as Lucy jumped into her arms.

  “Charlotte Renee Buchanan what took you so long?” CeCe shrieked as she sprinted over to me, leaving Christian still on his knees.

  “CeCe!” I said, throwing my arms open to catch her embrace.

  She knocked me just about over as she made contact. “I’ve missed you so much Char!”

  “Ladies and gentlemen, I think we need to get inside before it pours down.” Bev said ushering everyone towards the house as a crackle popped overhead, showering down rain like fireworks falling from the sky.

  “I’m so glad you’re here. You’ve got to meet Christian!” CeCe said, still hugging me like a wrestler with his opponent in a headlock.

  With rain beating down like nails dropping from the sky, I saw Christian stand and look up as he ran his hands through his brown, wet hair. I watched as he turned around to head towards the house. Like one of the statues on the lawn, he was motionless. As my eyes met his, I became paralyzed. His chiseled cheek bones still perfect, were unhinged as he stood there with the rain streaming down his face. I had to be imagining this.

  “Girls, get in here.” Bev called from the door with towels.

  “Okay.” CeCe yelled back through the rain. “Honey, this is my best friend I’ve told you about for the last four months.” CeCe shouted as she turned towards Skylar.

  Christian was Skylar. I couldn’t move; my feet felt like they were cemented to the ground. I felt my breath leave my body. CeCe pulled my hand with her as she turned towards the house. Spun around quickly with CeCe’s spontaneous sprint towards the house, I peered back to see Skylar standing still, watching at me. His subdued expression drove waves of chills up my body. I thought about this moment every day since the first day I met him. I never thought it would happen, though, I dreamed it would—just not in these circumstances.