by Teri Wilson
When he slipped the ring on her finger and stood, Goldie threw herself into his waiting arms.
Cup of Joe
Inspirational romance, Christian romance, Christian fiction, romance novel, christian romance novel, teri wilson, white rose publishing
Epilogue
Three Months Later
Joe ran his hand through his hair, dampened by the ocean breeze, and paced in the sand.
“If you keep doing that, you’re going to go bald.” Harold pointed at his own thinning hair and grinned. “Trust me on this.”
Joe didn’t have the heart to mention that perhaps Harold’s advanced age had more to do with the amount of hair on his head than anything else. Instead, he shoved his hands in the pockets of his tuxedo jacket. “Sorry. Nervous habit.”
Harold’s grin grew larger. “Along with the pacing, hmm? You’re about up to your knees in sand now. How much deeper are you going to get?”
“Hey, stop teasing the groom. That’s my job.” Cinnamon crossed over the dune, lifting the hem of her pale blue bridesmaid gown so it barely skimmed the sand. Although, technically she wasn’t a bridesmaid.
“Well, well.” Harold let out a whistle. “You are one fine-looking best man.”
For a brief moment, Cinnamon looked almost demure, and Joe could scarcely believe his eyes. He actually wondered if perhaps it hadn’t been appropriate to ask her to be his best man, even though his barista hardly seemed the conventional type. Even without the nose ring.
“Watch it.” She crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes at Harold. “I’m way too young for you.”
Harold’s jaw dropped open, and, after a pause, he laughed so hard he was forced to sit down on the worn wooden bench of the beach access. Even though it hardly made sense, Joe immediately felt better when he recognized Cinnamon as her usual handful.
Once Harold’s laughter had died down long enough for him to form a rational sentence, he jerked a thumb towards Joe and pleaded with Cinnamon. “See if you can calm him down, will you? He’s a nervous wreck.”
“What’s wrong, boss?” She slapped Joe on the back. “You’re not getting a case of cold feet are you?”
“Not on your life.” There wasn’t a flicker of doubt in Joe’s mind about marrying Goldie. To him, their short three-month engagement had seemed to last an eternity. Once this excruciating wait was over, Goldie would no longer be his fiancée, and he would at last be able to call her his bride.
“I didn’t think so.” Cinnamon pushed an unruly curl of red hair from her face. The sea breeze swirled around them, causing the sea oats on the dune to dance and sway, but fortunately the sand stayed put.
Those who didn’t know Joe and Goldie very well had tried to talk them out of marrying on the beach. They cited blowing sand and fierce wind as only two of the many reasons to hold the ceremony in a more conventional place, but Joe and his bride couldn’t be swayed. This pale ribbon of sand was the place where they worshipped together every Sunday. They couldn’t imagine starting their life together as husband and wife anywhere else.
Of course, it was also where they’d shared their first kiss.
The memory brought with it a stir of longing. The first of many more to come.
At this thought, the restlessness gnawing at Joe’s insides grew in its intensity until he couldn’t stand still a moment longer. He plunged his hand back in his hair and resumed pacing, kicking up sand in his wake.
“Hey, watch it.” Cinnamon frowned and brushed at the skirt of her dress. “You’re making a mess.”
Joe forced himself to stop moving and stand still. “Sorry. I’m a little restless.”
Harold laughed. “You’re a wreck. Plain and simple.” He looked at Cinnamon. “I told you. Do something.”
“What am I supposed to do? Believe it or not, this is my first stint as a best man.” She crossed her arms and wagged a finger at Joe. “You need to chill. Now.”
A look of utter confusion crossed Harold’s features. Joe doubted anyone had ever told him to chill before. “She means I should calm down. You know, cool it?”
“Ahh.” Harold nodded and Cinnamon rolled her eyes.
Joe shifted his weight and put his hands on his hips, to keep himself from raking them through his hair again. “The thing is…I’m not even nervous.”
Cinnamon’s eyeroll took on new life, until Joe thought her eyes might just roll right out of her head. “Whatever.”
Harold snorted. “I beg to differ.”
“I’m really not. I can’t wait to marry Goldie.” Joe gulped. “I think that’s the problem.”
Harold and Cinnamon exchanged looks.
“You’ve got it bad, huh?” Harold shook his head and heaved out a long breath.
“Oh, you have no idea, Harold.” Cinnamon’s voice dripped with drama. “I see him day in and day out. It’s pathetic.” Then her gaze traveled to the white folding chairs lined in neat rows on the shore. She smiled wistfully at the arch of flowers where Joe and Goldie would stand and vow to love one another until death do them part. “Pathetic, but sweet.”
“Actually Cinnamon, I owe you a world of thanks.” Joe tried to keep his tone light and casual. He knew Cinnamon hated serious talk like this, but this needed to be said. “You’re right. You do see me day in and day out. And you were rooting for me and Goldie all along. You helped bring us together.”
Her face grew a shade or two closer to the flaming red of her hair. “I was just doing my job. Making coffee.”
“It was more than that, and you know it.”
“Well, someone had to step in and do something. Otherwise you might still be camped out on Goldie’s porch.” Cinnamon turned toward Harold and winked. “It was the Goldie’s Latte Macchiato that eventually won her over and got him inside.”
Or the Blissful Whippaccino. Or possibly the Marry Me Mocha. If Joe closed his eyes, he could picture the exact look on Goldie’s face as she brought each of the drinks to her cherry-red lips. Every sip was a moment that would live in his memory until the day he died. And so long as Goldie was his wife, he’d die a happy man. “Isn’t it time yet?” Joe groaned. “I don’t think I can wait any longer.”
“Almost,” Harold planted a hand on Joe’s shoulder. The firmness of his grip left no doubt in Joe’s mind he aimed to stop the groom from pacing in case he got the urge again. “Almost.”
“I know what we should do.” Cinnamon picked up the pale blue fabric billowing around her legs and scooted closer. Whatever she had in mind had her eyes glowing with obvious excitement. “Let’s pray.”
Without waiting for a response, she grabbed Joe’s hand. He noticed she seemed to forget all about the sand, the wind and her pretty blue dress. Before he knew it, he found himself standing in a circle, hands linked with Cinnamon and Harold.
“Dear Lord…”
As Cinnamon began to speak, Joe closed his eyes and bowed his head. At first, he had to strain to hear her over the roar of the ocean. Her quiet words weren’t those of someone accustomed to praying aloud. But that precise bashfulness is what made the prayer all the more meaningful to Joe.
“Thank you for this beautiful morning, for the sun, the sea and the sand. But most of all, God, thank you for Joe and Goldie. Thank you for the love and happiness they’ve found with one another.”
Over the past months, Joe had had the privilege of witnessing Cinnamon’s gradual turn toward faith. She carried her Bible around in her backpack and her spiritual questions had become more probing than ever. He’d watched her bow her head on occasion at church and sometimes even at the coffee shop, but never like this.
“We ask you to bless their marriage and to watch over their life together. Joe and Goldie love you, Lord, just as they love each other. I pray that they will have many happy years together blessed with love, laughter and the joy of living in Your grace.”
Each word was a balm to his restless soul, filling him with peace. He couldn’t help but wonder when Cinnamon had become such a gifted p
rayer warrior. Sometimes he still saw her as that same girl with the rhinestone stud in her nose, searching for a reason to believe. Those times were growing few and far between.
“We pray this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.”
Harold added a gruff Amen as well. But when Joe tried to speak, he simply couldn’t. He just shook his head at Cinnamon and squeezed her hand, hoping she knew how much her words, and her faith, had touched him.
“Just doing my job. I am the best man, after all.” She shrugged, but Joe could see the tears welling up in the corners of her eyes. He did what he knew she would want—he pretended not to notice.
“Well, what are you two waiting for?” Harold waved a hand toward the guests, now all seated in the pristine white chairs, and Pastor Paul already standing beneath the floral arch. Joe’s fellow members of the church worship team stood off to the side, strumming their guitars to the tune of Ave Maria, which was the cue for the groom to take his place beside the minister.
Joe stopped himself from running to the scene in a cloud of flying sand. “It’s time.”
“That’s right, it’s time.” Cinnamon winked at Joe, once again reminding him of the twinkle of the forgotten nose ring. “C’mon boss. Let’s go get you married!”
ef
“Hold still.” Goldie bent down and fastened the ring of pink rosebuds circling Bliss’s neck. The Cavalier swung her head, sending her thick orange ears flying, and nipped at the tiny flowers. “You just have to make it down the aisle with Java. Then, as soon as the ceremony is over, you can roll around in the sand if you like.”
Beside Goldie, Eve let out a long, irritated sigh. “Here. Let me get the dogs ready.” She nudged Goldie’s hand out of the way and went to work straightening the floral wreath around Bliss’s dainty neck. Bliss warily eyed Eve, but sat still and let Goldie’s friend make the final adjustments.
“Really? You want to help with the dogs?” Goldie couldn’t keep the surprise from her voice. She looked down at Java, waiting for his turn with the flowers. Even the Husky seemed confused about Eve’s willing participation.
“Of course. I’m your maid of honor. It’s my duty. Besides, I want to help. You just relax. I don’t want you to worry about a thing.” Finished with Bliss, Eve turned her attention toward Java. “But if this one drools on my bridesmaid dress, he’s history.”
As if Java would dare. The dog was a perfect gentleman, just like his master. Goldie smoothed down the front of her strapless Vera Wang and sighed. “I can’t believe it’s finally time. Joe and I are really getting married today.”
“Finally? What do you mean, finally? You’ve only been engaged for three months.” Eve straightened, planted her hands on her hips and scrutinized the appearance of the two dogs. “It hasn’t exactly been a prolonged engagement.”
“When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” Peggy swished into the room, the blue organza fabric of her dress swaying around her legs.
Eve bit her lip, like she always did when she was concentrating on something. “That sounds familiar. Is it a line from a movie?”
“Yes, dear.” Peggy tsk-tsked at Eve. “When Harry Met Sally. We just watched it last night at Goldie’s bachelorette party, remember?”
“That’s right. Goldie’s wild party. How could I forget?” Eve may have tried to sound sarcastic, but her wink told Goldie she was only teasing.
Besides, Goldie wasn’t sure she had seen Eve have such a good time in months. The three of them had spent the night at Peggy’s house, watching romantic movies and eating popcorn, even though Eve worried the whole night she wouldn’t be able to fit in her bridesmaid dress if they didn’t stop eating and drinking. Cinnamon had joined them midway through the evening and brought along an impressive array of coffee beverages. Each one was richer and frothier than the last. They had joked that Joe and Goldie didn’t even need a wedding cake for the ceremony. Cinnamon’s coffee drinks were just as delicious.
And now, here they were, hiding in Joe’s Coffee Shop, while everyone waited on the beach for the bridal party’s big entrance. A sign hung in the front window declaring the shop closed for the day in celebration of Joe and Goldie’s wedding.
“Where’s Cinnamon?” Peggy craned her neck and glanced around the coffee shop.
“She already went down to the beach to join the groom.” Goldie practically giggled out the words. She couldn’t get enough of calling Joe her groom. And to think, in a matter of minutes he would be her husband.
“Oh. Well, she did look lovely. Although not as stunning as you do, Goldie.” Peggy shook her head, and tears began to shimmer in her eyes. “You are a vision. Joe won’t know what hit him when he sees you walking down the aisle.”
“You think so?” Goldie looked down at her beautiful gown and smiled. It, of course, was her something new. Peggy’s antique diamond-drop earrings dangled from Goldie’s ears and served as her something borrowed. Eve had provided the something blue – a very sexy, velvet, powder blue garter that she insisted was for Joe’s eyes only. According to Goldie’s friend, it was La Perla and much too nice to fling into a crowd of anxious bachelors. For that tradition, Eve had given her a substitute garter. Goldie couldn’t help but notice Eve seemed to think quite a bit about the unattached men who would be in attendance at the wedding. Along with the fancy garter, Eve had given Goldie a matching set of La Perla blue satin bridal undergarments, the very sight of which made Goldie blush, which was a sure sign she and Joe would have a memorable wedding night. Eve, the official honeymoon pet-sitter, had threatened to “lose” Bliss if Goldie even thought about taking her Sponge Bob pajamas on the honeymoon.
“It’s time for us to head down there.” Eve glanced at her watch and then looked up at the bride in surprise. “Goldie! Where’s your something old? We need to get going.”
“Here, I’ll help.” Peggy lifted the lid of a worn cardboard box sitting on the countertop.
The box was yellowed with age, but the delicate ivory veil nestled inside was in pristine condition. The three women held their collective breath as Peggy placed it on Goldie’s head. Goldie peered through the fragile lace, thin as a whisper, at her friends. It was as though she were looking at them in a dream, which was fitting, in a way. Marrying Joe was a like a dream come true. “How do I look?”
“Oh, Goldie. You take my breath away.” Eve’s voice shook with emotion, and she blinked back tears. “I can’t believe that is the same veil your grandmother wore when she married the big guy.”
“He would be so proud of you right now, Goldie.” Peggy reached over and squeezed Goldie’s hand with both of her own. “Proud and happy. Joe is a good man. Your grandpa wouldn’t have stood by and watched just anyone marry his Goldilocks. But he loved Joe.”
Goldie’s throat clogged with emotion, but it wasn’t sadness exactly. More of a bittersweet wish. “I know. It would have been so nice if he could have been here and walked me down the aisle.”
“Goldie, you don’t have to walk down the aisle alone. Harold offered to do it. Or we could walk with you.” Eve gestured toward Bliss and Java, holding their sits like veteran obedience dogs, so as not to crush the sweet floral wreaths around their necks. “After all, this isn’t the most conventional wedding party. Your flower girls are dogs and the best man is a woman.” Eve’s gaze darted toward Peggy, and Goldie knew she was thinking about the elderly members of the wedding party. But, wisely, Eve kept her mouth shut about that subject.
“It’s okay. I won’t be alone.” Goldie fingered the edge of the lacey veil and smiled. She wouldn’t be alone walking down the beach. She had Joe waiting for her at the end of the aisle, her friends, the memories of her loved ones who were now in Heaven and, best of all, she had God by her side. She wasn’t alone. She never had been. She’d learned that lesson and would always remember it. “I’m ready.”
The three women linked arms as they traveled over the dune
and headed toward the ceremony with Bliss and Java following close on their heels. The dogs were the first to go down the aisle. As soon as Joe gave a come signal, the Husky and the Cavalier trotted down the aisle like seasoned flower girls, or flower dogs as Goldie liked to call them. Their performance caused quite a stir of excitement among the guests. Eve stood shielding Goldie from view, but even from behind, Goldie could tell her friend was impressed as well. Perhaps pet-sitting for the dogs during the honeymoon would give Eve a greater appreciation for animals. Somehow, Goldie doubted it.
The dogs were followed by Peggy, then Eve, each as lovely as ever in their billowing dresses the color of the sea. And all at once, Goldie was the lone figure at the end of the aisle. The guests all stood to get a good glimpse of the bride and Goldie was sure several of them spoke to her and smiled. But all she could see was the man she loved, watching her with a look filled with hope and adoration. She could scarcely believe the one he waited for, longed for, was her. She’d never felt so blessed in her life.