Handle With Care (Special Delivery Book 3)

by J. A. Armstrong

  Grace leaned closer to Brooke. “Don’t look now,” she said, gesturing for Brooke to turn.

  Brooke had hired a string quartet. She suddenly could not hear the music. In fact, she had lost total sense of everything except the woman looking at her from a few yards away.

  “Don’t hold your breath,” Grace advised, noticing the waver in Brooke’s stance.

  Brooke tried unsuccessfully to steady her breathing. My God, Tess. Tess’s hair spilled over her shoulders in soft curls, with one tight curl wrapped on top of her head that was adorned with pearl-like beads. Brooke shook her head in awe. She had held true to her promise and had never so much as peeked at Tess’s dress. The only thing she did know was that it was ivory. It was simple. The embellishments were subtle, a beaded pattern that wove itself in intertwining scrolls across the bust. The dress clung to Tess sensually. It hugged her hips slightly before it fell in a straight line, nearly brushing the ground. I can’t believe she’s marrying me. The dress reflected Tess’s personality perfectly. It was understated, yet elegant. It’s simplicity projected an air of sophistication that needed no trumpets to sound its call. That was Tess. Brooke continued to hold her breath as Tess approached.

  “Oh, God,” Tess mumbled.

  Chris Sinclair snickered. The expression on Brooke’s face echoed the tone in his daughter’s voice. He could not blame either of them. Admittedly, he was biased, but Chris was positive anyone looking at Tess would have lost their breath. He had only seen his daughter dressed formally a handful of times. When Tess had emerged into the common room of Rebecca’s hotel suite, Chris had found himself staring. Tess looked radiant. Brooke’s face at this moment said it all. And, he could not deny that the woman waiting to marry his daughter was a strikingly beautiful woman. He heard Tess sigh and gently tightened his hold on her arm.

  “Told you, Mom,” Davey tried to whisper.

  Tess looked at Davey briefly. “Yes, you did.” Tess glanced across their backyard and shook her head. She nodded to a few people. She guessed the number at about fifty. She acknowledged a few of their close friends and Brooke’s colleagues. A long, white runner that was lined with blue and white sprays of flowers led to a small white archway at the far end of the yard. White, wooden, folding chairs accommodated the guests. Tess noticed behind Grace, a large vase full of flowers that complimented the bouquets she and Dani carried, lilies, white roses, blue status highlighted with a spattering of lush greens. How did she put all of this together?

  Tess’s gaze drifted to Brooke. She had spent long hours pondering what Brooke might be wearing. She hadn’t expected the vision that greeted her. Brooke was wearing an ivory pantsuit. Tess wondered if it had been made specifically for Brooke. It seemed to flow over her curves as if it had been sewn on her. Brooke’s hair was swept up, a delicate headpiece brought out the chestnut and blonde highlights in Brooke’s hair. And, then Tess’s eyes met Brooke’s. She smiled. Could she be more beautiful? Tess sighed again. Who are you kidding? She’s as beautiful in a pair of scrubs or sweatpants, Sinclair. Tess’s smile grew. Wait, a minute—Sinclair or Campbell? Tess fought the urge to giggle at the thought just as she reached Brooke.

  Chris Sinclair placed a light kiss on Tess’s cheek and turned to Brooke. “You take care of them,” he said seriously.

  “Always,” Brooke promised.

  Chris smiled and put Tess’s hand in Brooke’s before making his way to his seat. Brooke led Tess the two paces ahead to stand in front of Grace.

  “Hi,” Brooke whispered.

  “Hi yourself,” Tess replied with a playful and loving smile.

  “You’re beautiful,” Brooke told Tess.

  “So are you, love.”

  Grace looked at the pair before her, searching for their silent acknowledgment that they were ready to begin. Davey moved and stepped beside Brooke while Dani moved beside Tess. Grace began her opening remarks. Brooke and Tess both kept their eyes forward, listening and waiting for Grace’s direction to begin their vows. Grace turned to Brooke.

  Tess noted the unevenness in Brooke’s breathing and squeezed her hand. It was at that moment the Brooke’s world momentarily spun and then went dark. Brooke started to waver and Tess immediately placed her hand firmly in the middle of Brooke’s back, holding her steady. She handed Dani her bouquet and grabbed Brooke with both hands when she felt Brooke begin to buckle.

  “Brooke,” Tess said as quietly as she could manage. Brooke snapped to, but Tess could see the glassiness in her eyes. “Did you eat today?” Tess whispered.

  Brooke shook her head no. “Too nervous,” Brooke answered honestly, forgetting where they were standing.

  Tess put her hand on Brooke’s cheek. “Are you okay to do this now?” she asked. Brooke nodded. “Brooke….”

  “I’m okay. Honest,” Brooke promised. She was still feeling a bit dizzy. She smiled at Tess. “I think I held my breath too long,” she admitted. Tess chuckled.

  “Brooke,” Grace began. “Are you ready to speak your vows to Tess?”

  Brooke nodded. She turned to Tess. Tess clasped Brooke’s hands firmly in support and offered Brooke an encouraging smile.

  Brooke took a deep, cleansing breath and exhaled it slowly. “Sorry, about that,” she apologized to Tess. “I’ve been waiting so long to see you. I knew you’d be gorgeous, you always are. I didn’t expect you to take my breath away so literally.”

  Everyone laughed at Brooke’s candor and sincerity. Tess just kept smiling.

  “I’m not great with words. You of all people know that,” Brooke began. “I do love you, Tess. And, when I say that, I mean that I love you more than anything or anyone I have ever loved in my life. You and Dani and Davey, you are my life. You make me laugh. You listen to everything I have to say and you have never once told me what I should feel. I don’t ever remember a person that I could laugh with and cry with and never have to worry. Even when I know I test your patience, you are still there to hold me, to let me hold you.

  I think back on the memories we have already created. How many people can say they fell in love as the result of pizza debacles and puking kids,” Brooke said. Tess laughed. “I mean, I landed Wonder Woman, how many people can say that?” Brooke declared. “None. Only me, because there is only one and that is you,” she said.

  Tess listened to Brooke and felt as if she were falling in love all over again. Brooke’s vows were pure Brooke, unscripted, unedited, just Brooke. It was Brooke’s humor, honesty, and the compassion that lit her eyes that made Tess fall in love with her. It was her silliness, her quirkiness, her intelligence, and her sincerity. She shook her head slightly, realizing how grateful she was for what she had found with the woman standing before her, rambling slightly and somehow making perfect sense.

  “You are my best friend,” Brooke continued. “No one else would ever have been able to get me to attempt cooking. And, no one else would care that I walk outside in my bare feet in December. No one else would ever have stocked mint chocolate chip ice cream and Gatorade in her refrigerator for me long before we had even kissed. That was you. That is you. That has always been you. Giving. You are the most amazing, giving person I know. The truth is, I don’t tell you that enough. That I am grateful for you. I am grateful for Dani and Davey. And, if someday there is someone else, I will be grateful for that too. Most of all, because you are a part of it. And, I want you to be a part of everything in my life because you are a part of me.” Brooke closed her eyes and took a breath.

  “You okay?” Tess leaned in and asked.

  Brooked nodded and opened her eyes. “I read your note this morning. You say I give you strength and courage. You give me that every day. You let me be a part of your family. I promise you, Tess, I will spend the rest of my life cherishing that—cherishing you and our family, no matter what comes to pass. I promise you, I will be there. I will be there to hold you, to dry your tears, to make you laugh, to support you, and even to frustrate you. I will stand beside you and our family. Forever.”<
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  Brooke released an uneasy sigh. Tess winked and squeezed Brooke’s hands.

  “Tess?” Grace signaled Tess to begin.

  Tess smiled and steadied herself. “Do you know why I love you so much?” she asked Brooke. Brooke shook her head slightly. “Because you are the most honest and most compassionate person I have ever met. It’s what makes you so beautiful. It lights your eyes. You don’t see it. I see it every time I look at you. I hear it in your voice. I feel it in your touch. It’s never surprised me that you spend your time away from home fostering life. You are so full of life and yet you understand the fragility of life. Your gentleness astounds me,” Tess said. She smiled and Brooke noticed the mischievous glint in Tess’s eyes. “I half expected to find you wearing a green dress with Gatorade bottles filled with green carnations,” Tess joked. Brooke rolled her eyes. Tess laughed. “Of course, I stocked your ice cream and your Gatorade. Brooke, I wanted you home. I wanted my home to be your home—our home. I would’ve painted the entire place green if I thought it would get you to stay. Do you know why I was so happy to have Murphy with me?” she asked. Brooke shook her head. “Because I knew if you would leave him, you trusted me. And, I also knew you would be back. I didn’t want you to leave,” Tess said honestly.

  “Brooke, I think we all try to remember when we fell in love. For a while, I thought you were a dream that had come true. I wondered how I could be so lucky to have someone so wonderful love me for all that I am. But, then realized that you had never been a dream. You had always been a part of me. Somehow, I think you have always been here,” Tess said. “In my heart even before you were in my life. I just didn’t know it was you. I was waiting for you. I think I have always been waiting for you. Maybe even beyond what I can remember. This wedding? You made sure that we could make our commitment on this day because you knew that it was special to me. That it was a day when I remembered my best friend, my big brother,” Tess looked over at Gary for a second. “And, I needed both of my brothers here. Because, Brooke this is about family—our family. You said I let you be a part of my family. You are my family, Brooke. You are at its center. Our children will grow and one day we will watch as they stand in front of us and begin families of their own. And, you will still be at the center, not just beside me, but part of me. I know better than to promise that everything will always be perfect. We’ve both known loss and sadness. But, even when those things challenge us, I will be with you, not just beside you, but part of you. The strength you need when you can’t find it, the courage you seek when you are running on empty. You give those things to our children and to me so freely. And, I will spend my life endeavoring to show you how grateful I am for you. I promise to always listen and to hold you in both happiness and through hurt. I love you, Brooke. All that I am and all that I have to give are yours. Forever.” Tess wiped a tear from Brooke’s cheek.

  “Brooke? Do you have a symbol you would like to give to Tess?”

  Brooke turned to Davey. He handed her Tess’s ring.

  “Tess,” Brooke began. “I give you this ring as a symbol of my promise to always love you, to cherish you, to care for you, and to remain faithful to the commitment I freely make today. Please accept it as a token of my love, affection, and devotion, now and always.” Brooke slipped the ring onto Tess’s finger.

  “Tess?” Grace looked at Tess.

  Dani stepped up and handed her mother Brooke’s ring. Tess accepted it with a wink and turned to Brooke.

  “Brooke, I give you this ring as a symbol of my promise to always love you, to cherish you, to care for you, and to remain faithful to the commitment I freely make today. Please accept it as a token of my love, affection, and devotion, now and always.” Brooke offered Tess her hand and Tess slipped the ring onto Brooke’s finger.

  Brooke looked at Tess. Tess offered her a compassionate smile. Brooke was overwhelmed. Tess could see Brooke’s inner struggle to control her emotions. She wondered if anyone other than Brooke’s mother and Rachel would believe how deeply sensitive Brooke was.

  Brooke closed her eyes for a brief second as Grace began to speak. Please, just finish. I really need to hold her. Just for a minute. Please.

  “Brooke and Tess have affirmed a life-long commitment to one another before you today. They will need your love, your understanding, and your support as they begin this new journey together. May the wind carry them gently into their future together. Like leaves of one tree, they are now two parts of one soul, ever drifting, but always seeking refuge in the comfort of each other’s arms. And now, that you have exchanged these rings and exchanged these vows, according to the laws of the State of Massachusetts, it is my pleasure to pronounce you partners and spouses for life,” Grace gave her proclamation. She tried not to laugh at Brooke’s expression. “You can kiss her now,” Grace told Brooke.

  Brooke reached out and took Tess’s face in her hands. “I love you,” she said as she brought their lips together.

  Tess surrendered instantly to the tenderness in Brooke’s kiss. She could feel the passion that rested in wait as Brooke sought to communicate her feelings. The kiss continued for a long moment, gentle and searching. As Tess pulled away, she was surprised to find Brooke’s arms pulling her into a tight embrace.

  Tess caressed Brooke’s back lovingly and whispered in her ear. “I’m right here, love.”

  “I know,” Brooke whispered back. “I just needed to hold you for a second,” she admitted before releasing Tess and turning to face their guests.

  “One question,” Tess leaned into Brooke.

  “Yeah?”

  “Is the cake green?”

  Chapter Nine

  “Mom?” Davey came up to Tess, who was engaged in a conversation with Rachel’s husband Mike.

  “Hey, Davey. Are you having a good time?” she asked her son.

  Dani and Davey had been dancing and running around for a couple of hours. Tess shouldn’t have been surprised that Brooke had hired a band. They only had sixty guests including themselves and the kids. Brooke had spared no expense. Immediately after the ceremony, Rebecca had beckoned everyone into the house for a toast while a crew set up tables for the reception Brooke had planned. Nothing was extravagant, but the detail that Brooke had put into the set up amazed Tess. Enchanting was the word she had come up with to describe everything.

  “Mom,” Davey said again. “Aren’t you and Brooke s’posed to dance or something?”

  Tess and Brooke had been so busy talking to people, that neither of them had really eaten much, and when Tess took a moment to think about it, she had barely talked to Brooke. It seemed one of them was constantly being pulled away from the other. I can’t even imagine if there were hundreds of people.

  “I’m not even sure where Brooke is,” Tess confessed.

  “She’s talking to Grandma.”

  “Grammy is right there with Rachel,” Tess observed.

  “Not Grammy—Grandma,” Davey said. He pointed across the yard.

  Tess fought the urge to run over. Oh, God, please let her stay on her best behavior.

  “Go ask her,” Davey said.

  “Go ask who, what?” Tess wondered.

  “Go ask Brooke to dance!”

  Tess laughed. “What if I want to dance with you first?”

  “Uh-uh. Uncle Gary said you’re s’posed to dance with Brooke first.”

  “Well, it’s not Uncle Gary’s wedding, is it?” Tess replied.

  “No.”

  “Then it’s settled,” she said, taking her son’s hand.

  “What are we gonna dance to?” he asked.

  “Depends on what they know,” Tess answered.

  ***

  “You outdid yourself,” Tess’s mother complimented Brooke.

  “I had help,” Brooke replied. “I hope she’s happy with it,” Brooke said, stealing a quick glance at Tess talking to Davey.

  “She’s glowing,” Mary admitted. “I’ve only seen that expression on her face once before.” Broo
ke was curious. “When she held the twins the day they were born,” Mary told Brooke.

  “I wish I could have seen that.”

  Mary regarded Brooke thoughtfully. “She’s a good mother.”

  “Yes, she is,” Brooke agreed. She was hoping the conversation would not take a nasty left turn.

  “I just wish she’d get a different job now.”

  Brooke shrugged. “She likes the hours. It lets her be home for the kids.”

  “She could do more.”

  “More means different things to different people,” Brooke replied.

  “She’s too smart for that.”

  “I think she just wants to concentrate on our family right now,” Brooke said knowingly. She and Tess had numerous discussions about job changes, schooling, and even potential moves in their future. “That’s Tess. For her, being Mom is number one job. That takes more intelligence than what I do,” Brooke commented. She caught a glimpse of Tess leading Davey toward the band. What are they up to?

  “Brooke!” Dani practically slid into Brooke.

  Brooke laughed. “Slow down. How much soda did you drink?”

  Dani shrugged. “How come you aren’t dancing?”

  “What? I’m talking to Grandma,” Brooke pointed out the obvious.

  Dani shook her head. “You are supposed to dance with Mom. Anybody who knows anything knows that,” Dani said.

  “Well, your mom has been busy too,” Brooke observed. Dani folded her arms across her chest. Brooke tried not to laugh. Just like her mother. “Well, she has.”

  “Go ask her,” Dani said.

  “Now? Why now?”

  “Why not now?” Mary offered. She winked at her granddaughter.

  This is seriously weird. First my father is making pancakes, now Tess’s mom is making nice. What did my mom put in that wine last night at dinner? “Looks like she’s busy,” Brooke observed as Tess led Davey to the small patio that was serving as their dance floor.

  “He was supposed to tell her to ask you!” Dani huffed indignantly. “Not ask Mom to dance with him!”