“Abby, you’re making a snap judgement without thinking this through.”
“Mom, I could say the same. You haven’t seen Jolene in ages and now you want her to come live with you?”
“I’m trying to consider your father. Jolene is his cousin. I think he’d be less resistant to the idea of someone coming to help if it was family.”
“We can discuss this later when everyone has had a chance to think it through.” No one ever listened to the youngest in my family but I thought I’d try just the same.
Mom smoothed out her clothing and held her head up high.
“There’s nothing to discuss. The decision has already been made. In a few weeks when Payton moves out, Jolene will be moving in.”
Abby looked shocked. “Ok, please tell me this is a joke? Don’t you think we should all talk this over first?”
“Why? Last time I checked you have two little children at home to care for, Abby. Rebecca has a newborn, and Payton will be a newlywed with a child of her own to look after. I’ve been crying out for months now saying that your father’s dementia is getting worse. Now, I finally have a solution, and whether you like it or not, Jolene is coming to live with us. Case closed.”
There was no point in pushing the envelope. Abby looked annoyed and mom seemed to have her mind made up. Just as I turned around to head back to the party I bumped right into Payton.
“Can you three please kindly tell me what’s going on? I thought we were all here to celebrate my wedding but all you can seem to do is bicker with one another.”
“Somebody said the word wedding! You better hand over the pin before Rebecca gets after you.”
Jolene yelled from a few feet away.
“So, who’s going to tell me what’s going on?”
“Nothing is going on. We were all about to join the party before you came walking this way.” Abby tried her best to clean things up but Payton wasn’t going for it.
“Nonsense, Abby and Rebecca carried on with each other the whole time I was opening my gifts, and now mom is involved. What’s…going…on?”
Since I had the reputation for always being the troublemaker I figured why stop now.
“Mom asked Cousin Jolene to come live with her and daddy when you move,” I blurted out.
“Rebecca! Was that necessary?” Mom was ticked.
“Somebody had to tell her.”
Payton faced mom. “Cousin Jolene?” she asked.
“Yes, Cousin Jolene. And, before you give me the third degree, I’m going to tell you just like I told your sisters, she’s family. And, having family around beats dealing with a stranger. Period. End of story.”
“But what about us? We’re all here to help you.”
“Payton, I don’t doubt for one minute that you’ll all be around. But we need around the clock care. All of you need to be there for your husbands and your children.”
“I think you’re letting fear lead you on this one, Mom. But, who am I to try and influence you? I just hope you aren’t going to regret your decision. Jolene can be even more of a handful than daddy. There’s a reason why she lives miles away and we rarely see her.”
Payton didn’t realize while she was talking that Jolene had walked up behind her. I tried to warn her but she wasn’t picking up on my signals.
“Payton…” Jolene had a stern look on her face. She stood a little over five feet tall, wore her hair cut short with a straw hat and dressed like something out of the 1980s.
“Cousin Jolene, I… I didn’t see you there.”
“How could you with your back turned? I just wanted to stop by and give you my well wishes before heading back to the hotel.”
Mom tried to stop Jolene from leaving.
“Jolene, you haven’t been here that long. Is everything alright?”
“Everything is fine. I just need to rest these old bones of mine. It probably wasn’t a good idea that I tried to drive here on the same day as the shower.”
“Well, you know you can stay at the house, Jolene. You don’t have to waste your money at a hotel.”
“I know, but don’t you worry. They’ll be plenty of time for us to be under the same roof, Helen. Plenty of time.” She started walking out of the door before turning around.
“Besides, it seems like your daughters need some time to get used to the idea.” She turned to leave but yelled over her shoulder…
“Let it sink in, ladies…Cousin Jolene is coming to Pelican Beach!”
The glass doors closed behind her. The women at the shower tried to act nonchalant but let’s face it, Jolene had already made her presence known. For the next few weeks I’m certain Payton’s shower would be the talk of the town.
Payton
“Slide to the left and slide to the right and slowly dip her back. Nice job… from the top. Slide to the left… slide to the right… and slowly dip her back.”
Our bodies glided in unison as we followed the lead of our dance instructor. It was our last session and we had made great strides in preparation for our big day.
“Cole and Payton, you did a wonderful job today. My next client won’t be here for another hour. You’re more than welcome to use the studio for a little longer if you’d like.”
Cole extended his hand toward me.
“What do you say? One more dance before we hit the road?”
“Sure.”
Our instructor left the music playing and I rested my head on Cole’s shoulder. If I could close my eyes and dance forever in his arms that still wouldn’t be long enough.
“Do you think we’re ready to hit the dance floor this Saturday?” He stroked the back of my head while swaying to the music.
“I don’t see why not. We’ve been practicing with the best. As long as I have you by my side that’s all that matters to me.”
“Alright, but if I stumble and trip over my own feet I just need to know you’re prepared to catch me. Remember, out of the two of us, I’m the one with the two left feet.”
“I’ll catch you, babe.”
We continued to sway and sneak in a few sweet kisses on the dance floor.
“You know, I was just thinking… I can’t believe the wedding is finally here. It seems like the journey we traveled to get here has been tremendous.”
He kissed me on the forehead before asking, “What do you mean?”
“Think about it, since you proposed so much has happened. Rebecca and Ethan surprised the family with John William, you broke your leg earlier in the year, your mom fell in love…”
“Hey, hey…he’s just a boyfriend. Let’s not rush things.”
I thought it was funny the way Cole always displayed his protective side when it came to his mother’s heart.
“You get the idea. It’s been quite the year and those were just the highlights.”
“It sure has been quite the year. I had to sit through two rounds of cake tasting with you. If someone would’ve told me that my future wife was going to scream and holler over blue velvet cake I would’ve requested it right from the start.”
“Oh, man! I’ll admit I was being picky…but that cake…oh it’s to die for! And, it’s nothing like what I initially wanted. We’ll have to save some from the wedding and freeze it to eat on our anniversary.”
Cole’s smile started to fade as the song began to end.
“What is it, babe?”
“It’s nothing.”
“No, it’s something alright. Tell me what’s on your mind.”
“I just thought about one of the low moments from the year… for me that would be when Jack showed up.”
“I almost forgot about that. You don’t have anything to worry about, Cole. Jack is a thing of the past. I think he received the message loud and clear.”
“Let’s hope so.”
While I yelled to thank Amanda, Cole picked me up and carried me out of the studio.
“What would you say if you saw two love birds parked on the beach and relaxing in each others arms?�
�
“I’d saaay.. they’re pretty lucky to be so in love. Why? Do you know two love birds who fit the description?”
“I sure do!”
He put me down and opened the door to his truck.
“Let me guess. Are we heading to the beach?”
“That’s for me to know and you to find out.”
Before long Cole was backing his pickup through the public access entry to Pelican Beach. The sun had set and we probably had no business driving out here after hours. But, my man didn’t care. We were about to commit to a lifetime together and that’s all that mattered.
“I’ll meet you at the back of the truck.” He smiled like he was up to something.
“Cole Miller, I’m a respectable woman and I will not be caught in public frolicking around the back of your…”
“Payton, I meant so we can sit up and watch the stars.”
“Oh… ha ha…just kidding.”
“I got your ha ha.” He teased.
“Come on, last one to the back of the truck is a rotten egg.”
He pulled out a lightweight blanket and a cooler and set everything up just so.
“Cole, you are so thoughtful. When did you have time to plan all this?”
“I pulled it together not long before I picked you up this evening. I figured it might be nice to squeeze in one last date before we officially become Mr. and Mrs. Miller.”
“I love you, Cole.”
“I love you, too.”
He planted a loving kiss on my forehead and then reached for two glasses.
“I know this seems a little cheesy but I decided to go with cider, grapes, cheese, crackers, and deli rolls.”
“I don’t think it’s cheesy at all. I think it’s thoughtful and romantic.”
“You sure? We can always go grab something else if you want to.”
“And miss out on this romantic scenery? No way.”
Cole leaned back and rested against the cabin while eating his grapes.
“I was just thinking… imagine what life would be like if you weren’t at the Inn the day we met.”
“I guess we would’ve carried on with life as usual not realizing what we were missing.”
“Yeah, I guess. It just reminds me that everything happens for a reason.”
“It sure does. I hadn’t been back here long when we met but I was on a mission. I was listing all the sites in the Pelican Beach area where I could take clients for photoshoots. Although, I only had freelance work in mind at the time. I had no idea I’d actually open up a store. The store came under your influence!”
“Are you still happy with the decision?”
“For the most part, I’d say so. Sometimes I miss just being a free spirit but overall, I think it’s better to have a presence in the community.”
“Well, if you ever want to go back to freelance work I’ll support you, or if you decide you want to expand the store, I’ll support you with that, too!”
“Aww, thanks, babe. I was thinking I’d give it another year, and if things continue to go well, I’m going to make the landlord an offer to buy the store. Natalie’s been wonderful about helping me to build my online presence and I’m pretty certain it will continue to grow.”
“I haven’t heard you mention her name in a while. I guess everything is going well with her.”
I hesitated to get too deep with work talk on what was supposed to be a romantic evening. Besides, I knew if I went into all the details from the stealing incident, Cole might not approve of my decision to keep her as an employee.
“Things are going fairly well. I recently increased her hours to full time. I could really use the extra help and since her mother has been really sick, I’m hoping it will help with their financial situation.”
“Payton, that’s sweet of you and all... but did you offer her the job because you really need the help and can afford it? Or do you feel sorry for her?”
“I knew you would say that. Don’t worry, I promise we can afford it and her help is very much needed. Now, enough about work. I could’ve sworn you were just about to come a little closer and hold me.”
“I sure was. Come here, beautiful.”
Payton
“Payton and Cole, the wedding is absolutely amazing, and darling, your dress looks stunning. Simply stunning!”
“Thank you, Alice. Of course, I have sweet Emmie to thank for finding it for me.”
Emmie blushed as I put her in the spotlight. She made the whole family proud today as she stood with my sisters as a bridesmaid. The bridesmaids wore silk mauve dresses that looked lovely with the men’s light gray suits.
“Come here you two. Let me give you a hug. I wish you only the best as you begin this new chapter as husband and wife.”
“Thanks, Mom,” Cole said.
A gentleman walked up and joined Alice by her side.
“There you are. Perfect timing. Cole… Payton… I’d like for you to officially meet Stanley.”
Cole extended his hand and gave him a firm hand shake.
“Yes, that’s right. You did mention you were bringing a plus one to the wedding. Stanley, nice to meet you.”
Stanley wore a navy blue tie to match Alice’s dress. They made a lovely looking couple.
“It’s nice to finally meet you, Payton and Cole. I’ve heard so much about you. I’ve also heard a lot about this young lady over here…”
Emmie extended her hand.
“Hi, I’m Emmie. Are you grandma’s new boyfriend?”
Stanley smiled at Alice first, before responding.
“Well, I guess we are going steady, aren’t we, Alice?”
“Where are you going?” Emmie asked out of confusion.
“We’re staying right here, darlin. Come on, let’s go introduce Stanley to our friends and family, and let your parents mingle with their guests.”
“Grown ups are so confusing.” Emmie’s facial expression was priceless.
“Alice, you and Emmie go ahead. I’ll be right behind you.”
“Okay, come on, Emmie.”
Stanley turned to address Cole.
“Hey, uh, I know you probably have some reservations about me, Cole. If I were in your shoes I’d also want to know who’s spending time with my mother. When you have time after the wedding I’d like for all of us to get together and spend time getting to know each other better. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised to know that I’m one of the good ones and I have nothing but good intensions.”
He gave Cole a pat on the arm, wished us both well, and then walked away.
“He seems like a nice man,” I said.
“So far. We’ll see.”
“Ohh, Cole. Stop being so silly. Let your mother live her life.”
“I will… I will. Hey, enough about him. You look like you belong on the cover of a magazine. I’m so proud to call you my wife.”
Cole nuzzled his nose against mine.
“Alright you two. They’ll be plenty of time for all that later on. Stand together here with your sisters, and Helen, and William. I want to take a group picture.” Cousin Jolene returned this week and promised to be on her best behavior for the wedding.
“Helen, pull Will closer to you. Closer… closer…that’s it! Alright, now we need the husbands and the kids to join in. Rebecca and Abby, call your husbands and kids. There’s so many of them running around here I don’t know which one belongs to who.”
“Cousin Jolene, you know we already have a professional photographer taking photos, right?”
“Payton, you know better than everybody else how long it takes for those pictures to arrive. Now smile!”
The husbands joined in with my niece and nephews and took the most disorganized photos imaginable. But, for the sake of keeping Cousin Jolene happy we all went along with the photo.
“Thank you, everybody, that’ll be all. Now which one of these waiters is going to help me find a glass of brandy on the rocks?”
She walked off deter
mined to flag down a waiter.
“Good Lord, does she ever take it easy? How about a club soda, Cousin Jolene.” Rebecca followed behind her to try and do a little damage control.
“Mom… Abby… come here for a second. How does everything look? Do you think the guests are enjoying themselves?”
“Everything looks wonderful and everyone is having a fabulous time. What are you worried about?” Abby said.
“It really does, Payton. The crew that you hired is doing a top notch job. Valet is running smoothly, the tables look gorgeous, the tents are beautiful, even the dance floor, for goodness sake. I don’t know how you pulled it all off,” Mom said.
“Really? Okay, I just want everything to be perfect for the guests.”
“Payton, it’s your special day. Relax and enjoy it. You and Cole have literally created a romantic beach getaway for your wedding, I think they’ll be just fine.”
“Thanks, Ab.”
“Speaking of Cole, here’s my son-in-law now.” Mom spread her arms wide and made such a fuss over Cole. She was tickled pink that our union had finally come to fruition.
“Will and I are so proud to have you and Emmie as official members of the family.”
“Thanks, Helen. I can’t express how much it means to me as well. This beautiful woman has made me the happiest man in the world today. I don’t think it can get much better than this.”
“Aww, it will get better. I think there are great things in store for your future. You just wait and see.”
“Welcome to the family, man.” Abby’s husband Wyatt shook Cole’s hand and gave him a hug.
“Between you and Ethan I’m finally starting to feel a little less outnumbered by all the women.”
“Wyatt, I don’t know who you’re trying to kid. You’ve always been spoiled rotten by all the women in the family and you know it.” Mom was insistent, and Wyatt didn’t argue with her.
“Yes, ma’am, just as spoiled as I can be.” He winked at Cole in passing.
Abby shook her head.
“Well, either way you look at it I think you make a perfect addition to the family, Cole. Just watching you two exchanging your vows today brought back such sweet memories of when me and Wyatt were married. Oh and watching daddy escort you down the aisle, Payton, brought tears to my eyes.”
A Pelican Beach Affair (Pelican Beach Book 3) Page 11