Marred

by Tess Thompson

  Sophie and Maggie linked arms as Honor opened the box.

  The locket was adorned with gemstones the same color as Hugh and Zane’s eyes. Violet had had it specially made from one of her former vendors. Photos of both Zane and Hugh were glued inside.

  Honor lifted the necklace from the box. The gemstones caught the light and made a pattern on the ceiling. “Oh, ladies, it’s so pretty.”

  “Open it so you can see the inside,” Violet said.

  “Violet thought of it,” Maggie said. “She had it made just for you.”

  “This way Hugh is walking down the aisle with you,” Violet said.

  “And it’s your something blue,” Maggie said.

  “For once, I don’t know what to say,” Honor said. They all embraced in a group hug, like a huddle before a football game.

  “It’s time to say I do,” Kara said.

  “Let’s do this,” Honor said. “Then we can party.”

  Kara and Brody’s house had been transformed into a holiday wonderland. Lights were strung throughout the living room, everything in cranberry and silver, including the decorations on the thirty-foot Christmas tree. Silver snowflakes hung from the ceilings. Strings of berries and candles in glass containers wound around the mantel and shelving.

  The ceremony was to take place in front of the large gas fireplace. Honor had decided against chairs. Instead they would form a semicircle around the couple as they exchanged vows. Regardless, Kara had insisted that Honor must have a grand entrance on Brody’s arm. She would enter from the foyer and have her walk down an aisle defined by white rose petals.

  Violet waited with Dakota, Jubie and Jackson in the foyer. Dakota held tightly to the pillow with the rings carefully tucked under a ribbon. Violet fanned her eyes to keep from crying. Jubie, eyes like saucers, gripped her flower basket with both hands. Jackson adjusted his tie. Behind them, Honor fidgeted beside Brody.

  “Is it time yet?” Honor asked.

  “Almost,” Jackson said.

  “Stop wriggling,” Violet said to Honor. “We don’t want your veil to fall off.”

  “What if I trip?” Honor asked.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll hold you upright the whole way,” Brody said. “You’re not that much bigger than a football.”

  From inside the living room, Maggie played the first notes of the Beatles’ “Long and Winding Road”. They’d had a piano brought in for the occasion. Violet didn’t even want to know how much that cost.

  “It’s your cue,” Violet said to Dakota.

  “I remember, Mama.” Dakota stepped into the room holding the pillow out in front of him. Kyle coached him from the front of the room, but he did fine, standing straight and walking slowly as he made his way toward Zane. When he arrived, he flashed his mother a jubilant grin, then moved close to Zane. Jubie’s tiara sparkled under the lights as she tossed rose petals left and right. Violet took Jackson’s arm and they entered the room. With her skirt swirling around her legs, it was like she floated down the aisle on Jackson’s arm. Kyle smiled at her and blew her a kiss. Dressed in a dark blue suit and a cranberry hued tie that matched her dress, he took her breath away. Her man.

  When they arrived in front of the fireplace, Jackson took his place next to Zane. As they embraced, Violet heard Jackson say, “Be in one another’s pictures.”

  Zane smiled. “Yes.”

  Violet stood next to Jubie, who gazed up at her with a look of relief. She squeezed the little girl’s shoulder.

  Maggie paused in her playing and turned toward the entry to the living room.

  It was time for the bride. Honor appeared just outside the double doors that led into the living room. She held a cascading bouquet of red and white roses that shook slightly in her hands.

  A spot of sun broke through the clouds and shone down on her golden hair from the skylight above her head. Next to her, Brody looked even larger than usual, regal like a lion in his gray suit. He offered his arm and she took it.

  Maggie played the first refrain of “Glasgow Love Theme” from the movie Love Actually. Just then, Honor’s veil fluttered as if someone had opened a door. She removed her hand from Brody’s arm and reached up to the locket that hung around her neck and brought it to her lips. Hugh made it after all.

  Brody whispered to her and she nodded, then slipped her arm into his once more. They entered the long room and walked slowly toward them.

  Violet stole a glance at Zane. His gaze never moved from his bride as his face contorted into a thousand shapes and tears streamed from his eyes. The notes from the piano continued as Honor made her way to him. When Honor arrived, she handed her bouquet of roses to Violet and turned to face Zane. The guests, as instructed, formed a semicircle around the couple. The music ended. Maggie came to stand next to Sophie. The sisters clasped hands.

  Jackson handed Zane a tissue. He wiped his eyes and smiled down at Honor.

  Doc glanced quickly down at his notes before beginning. “Friends, we’re gathered here today to celebrate the union of Zane Shaw and Honor Sullivan. They’ve asked me to keep this simple. Apparently, the groom wants to get this over with as soon as possible.”

  Everyone laughed.

  “Zane, your father told me more than once that you two belonged together. He wanted more than anything for you two to figure that out and make it official.” Doc’s voice shook with emotion. “How he wished for this day. I can’t help but think he’s here with us in spirit if not body.”

  Both the bride and groom nodded and dabbed their eyes.

  “Now, without further ado, it’s time for the couple to exchange vows.”

  Honor and Zane took each other’s hands. Zane began. “I’m not much of a word guy but even if I was, there aren’t any to describe the enormity of my admiration or love for you. You’re the greatest thing that will ever happen to me. I promise to let you be yourself. I’ll support your dreams and never make you compromise your ambition to satisfy my ego. I’ll fight for us, for you, and for our family from this day forward, until death parts us. At which point, I’ll wait for you to arrive in heaven, so we can start right back up.”

  Honor smiled up at Zane. She opened her mouth, then closed it again. For a moment, Violet thought she might not be able to talk, but she took a deep breath and started.

  “Zane Shaw, the first person who loved me unconditionally was your father. If it were not for him, I would not be standing here today surrounded by all these people who love me. The first time I spotted you sweeping the floor at the bar, I felt something change in my heart. I had no hope of you ever loving me, or frankly, noticing me. But you did. And you do. I mean, seriously? You and me? I’m the luckiest girl ever. Who else on this earth would ever put up with me?”

  From the circle, Kyle winked at Violet. Sophie openly wept as Maggie wrapped her arm around her sister’s waist.

  Zane wiped his cheeks. “It’s my privilege to put up with you.”

  Honor continued, her voice husky. “I promise to be your best friend, to remind you how totally great you are, and to make sure you feel loved and supported every single day. I promise not to poison you with my cooking by ordering a lot of takeout from The Oar. I promise to try with all my might to bring Hugh’s legacy of kindness and decency and integrity into our relationship and our family. I love you with all my bruised and damaged heart.”

  Doc spoke next. “Jubie, Zane and Honor would like you to come forward now and take their hands.”

  Jubie gave her basket to Violet and stepped forward. They all clasped hands, making a triangle.

  Zane cleared his throat and glanced at Honor before turning back to the little girl. “Jubie, you’re the most special gift anyone could ever ask for. Even though it’s not official through the courts, it’s official in our hearts. I promise to be the best father I can be. I’ll be your biggest fan and love you with all my heart. I’ll be there for it all. School plays and soccer games and tea parties or anything else you choose to do.”

  “Probabl
y not soccer,” Jubie said.

  “Whatever it is, I’ll be there.” Zane said.

  Honor’s voice trembled. “Jubie, you know I lost my mother when I was young. Ever since then I’ve wanted a family of my own. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined having a wonderful girl like you to love. I’ll never try to replace your mom. She will always be in your heart.” Honor tapped her chest. “Just like Zane’s dad is in mine. Someday you’ll see her in heaven and you’ll both be so happy to see each other again. But I promise to be your mom here on earth. I’ll love you and look after you and make you eat your vegetables, even if I don’t cook them.”

  Jubie grinned and threw her arms around Honor’s waist, then did the same to Zane. “I promise to make you eat your vegetables too,” Jubie said.

  Laughter and a few sniffles echoed in the room.

  Doc smiled down at Jubie. “Now you can go back to stand by Dakota.”

  “Okay, Doc.”

  Dakota beamed as Jubie took him by the hand.

  “Zane Shaw, do you take Honor Sullivan to be your wife from day this forward?”

  “I do.”

  “Honor Sullivan, do you take Zane Shaw to be your lawfully wedded husband from this day forward?”

  “I do.”

  “With the authority vested in me by the great state of California, I pronounce you husband and wife.”

  The reception was held in a heated tent in the backyard. One long table was covered with a silver tablecloth etched with swirls. Shiny round canisters held votive candles. White roses and hydrangeas were displayed in tall glass vases. White lights hung from the rafters dangled over the table like tiny fairies.

  Zane and Honor sat together on one end of the table with Jubie at the corner by Honor. Violet and Kyle sat together with Dakota. Mollie was asleep in her car seat at their feet.

  After dining on salmon, baby potatoes, and grilled vegetables, the time for toasts arrived. Violet stood and swallowed nervously. Kyle squeezed her hand. “You got this. Just speak from the heart.”

  She clinked her knife against a glass to get everyone’s attention. When everyone quieted, she began. “Hey. I guess it’s my turn. Speeches aren’t really my thing, but here goes. I don’t know if I ever told you this, Honor, but when I moved back to town, you were the first real friend I’d had in a long time. Maybe ever. You didn’t judge my baby bump or my lack of a husband. You were simply nice to me just because that’s who you are. You’re hilarious and clever and more fun to be around than anyone in the world. But when I first met you there was a sadness under the surface that I could relate to. That sadness disappeared when you and Zane fell in love. I know women aren’t supposed to need a man these days. You certainly don’t need anyone to take care of you. That said, the way Zane protects you and loves you—and the way you protect and love him—is more than I could ever wish for my best friend. And to Jubie, welcome to our extended family. We all love you and pledge to be your village from this day forward. Congratulations.” She smiled and gratefully sank into her chair.

  “You did great, honey,” Kyle whispered in her ear.

  Jackson stood next. “I’ve been practicing this speech for weeks. You know, always the over achiever. But as I stand here now, I can’t remember one word of it. All I know is this. There were magical forces that brought you two together. Honor, a girl who had to fight to survive every day of her childhood, walks into Hugh Shaw’s bar looking for a job. Instead, she finds the father she never had, and the man she’ll eventually fall in love with.” He wiped his eyes. “Sometimes great things happen to great people.” He looked directly at Zane. “We’ve been friends…brothers…since before we could talk. You’re one of the great ones. Always have been and always will be. I wanted this for you—to have a love like I have with my Maggie. That it’s Honor seems so obvious now, but as all the women in this room know, the Dogs aren’t always the brightest at recognizing the right woman when she appears. Except for me, of course.” He exchanged a smile with Maggie. “Hugh told us when we graduated from high school to be in one another’s photos. We’re doing a good job of it.” He raised his glass. “Here’s to the Dogs and the women who love us. To our growing families. To our loving parents, whether here or in heaven. To this beautiful couple and their precious Jubie. May you always be as happy as you are on this day.”

  Everyone cheered and toasted.

  Violet leaned against Kyle, exhausted. She’d been feeling off for the past few hours. The shrimp cocktail hadn’t appealed to her, which was weird. Normally, she loved all seafood. Even the champagne tasted funny. Her breasts were tender. She’d felt more emotional than usual too. Her stomach flipped over, remembering the night she’d forgotten to take her pill. No, please no. I can’t be pregnant. Not now.

  My God, Mollie was only a couple months old. That would mean she and a new baby would be like eleven months apart. Irish twins. Dakota, thank God, would be almost five by then. But three children under five? Would that be the tipping point into insanity?

  No, no. This couldn’t be happening. She’d been on the pill for years to combat terrible menstrual cycles. How could she be pregnant? That night in San Francisco when she’d been so shaken up, she’d forgotten to take one. She’d taken it the next night when she remembered, but it must have thrown everything off.

  Another baby? What would Kyle think? Would this scare him away, make him reevaluate her? She was a woman without a degree or any skills, basically a freeloader. Her father’s words floated around in her head. Loser. Failure. In love with failure. Whore.

  “Lettie, are you listening to me?” Kyle asked.

  She apologized. “What did you say?”

  “I asked if you wanted to dance.”

  Stifling a yawn, she nodded and pretended to be unworried. “I’d love to.”

  On Christmas Eve, Violet sat on the toilet with a pregnancy wand in her hand, waiting to learn her fate. The seconds moved like molasses. Finally, two minutes passed. She took in a deep breath and looked at the wand. Two pink lines. A silent scream echoed through her brain.

  A knock on the bathroom door made her jump.

  “Lettie, are you in there?”

  “Yes.” Her voice gave her away. He would know she was crying.

  “What is it? Let me in.”

  She stood, still holding the wand in her hand, and unlocked and opened the door.

  “Honey, what’s wrong?”

  She waved the wand in the air, unable to speak through the sobs.

  He stared at it with a blank expression before his eyes widened. “Is that what I think it is?”

  She nodded, crying harder.

  “Are you? I mean, was it positive?”

  She nodded again.

  “For real?” Was that delight in his eyes? “Oh my God, Lettie, I can’t believe our luck.”

  “Luck? What’re you talking about? It’s terrible. Awful timing. We’re already so busy with the other two. And I wanted to wear a wedding dress.”

  He pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead and each cheek. “We’ll get married right away. Before you’re showing. Next week if you want.”

  “I wanted a real wedding,” she said. “Not one with a big fat stomach.”

  He laughed and lifted her chin to look at him. “Lettie, you’re missing the big picture here. We’re having another baby. Do you know what a gift this is? Heck, let’s have a half dozen of them.”

  “You’re crazy.”

  “Crazy in love with you.” He kissed her on the mouth and lifted her onto the counter, and wrapped her legs around him. “Do you know how happy you make me? Giving me another baby—I’m thrilled.”

  She rested her cheek on his chest. “I’m embarrassed this happened again.”

  “Your dad’s out of your life. You don’t need to ever feel like that again.”

  “But what am I supposed to do with my life? Just be a mom? Is that enough for you?”

  “There’s no harder or greater job in the world
. Later, when they’re grown, you can do something else. Or whenever you want for that matter. There’s no shame in wanting to be a full-time mom. I know it’s not what your friends are doing, but that’s okay. God gave you such a gift with children. You’re a great mom, Lettie. I’m so proud of you.”

  More tears, but they were happy this time. “Thank you. Thank you for letting me be myself.”

  “Oh, baby, thank you. Tomorrow, we’ll tell everyone. The Wags will help you plan a shotgun wedding.”

  She punched him. “Shotgun wedding? Oh my God.”

  “You’re going to look so hot pregnant.”

  “You have a one-track mind.”

  He grinned. “I was going to wait until Christmas morning to give you one of your presents, but now seems like as good a time as any.”

  Kyle took her hand and they walked downstairs. Dakota was by the tree shaking one of his presents. Mollie was under her mobile gurgling and kicking her legs.

  “I thought I told you to leave the presents alone,” Violet said.

  “Sorry, Mama.”

  “Dakota, I’ve decided to give your mom her big present now.” He pointed to a small package under the tree and asked Dakota to give it to her.

  “I know what it is, Mama.” Dakota handed her the slim package.

  “You do?”

  Kyle put his finger to his lips. Dakota mimicked the gesture.

  Violet peeled back the paper. It was a car key.

  Dakota jumped up and down like a kid on a pogo stick. “It’s outside, Mama.”

  “You got me a car?” she asked.

  “It’s not a car.” He picked Mollie up and gestured toward the door. “Come see.”

  They stepped outside into the cold, damp air. A black Honda minivan was parked next to a silver Lexus SUV. “Where are our cars?”

  “I traded my car in for that one.” He pointed to the SUV. “It’s big enough for all of us, but still nice enough to take clients around in. You, however, get this baby.” Kyle took the key from her and pressed a button. The side door of the minivan slid open. “It even has a vacuum built inside.”