CHAPTER TWENTY
ELEANOR WOKE UP feeling what she could describe only as a bit fuzzy in the brain. She stared at the simple lavender-and-silver dress hanging on the door of her closet.
It was her wedding day.
She sat up with a start at the sound of the knock on her bedroom door.
Leon stuck his head inside the room. “You up, Auntie?”
“C’mon in, sugar.” Eleanor glanced at the clock on her nightstand. “How long have you been here?”
“Long enough to make you some breakfast,” he announced, entering with a tray.
“Thank you, son.”
“How did you sleep?”
“I think I was out almost immediately. I slept pretty good considering I was up well past midnight talking with Maggie and Estelle.”
“I’m still surprised that Aunt Maggie drove all the way from Raleigh,” Leon said.
“Although cousin Estelle said she slept the whole way down.”
Leon positioned the tray on the bed so she could eat comfortably.
Eleanor chuckled. “Must’ve been some good sleep ’cause she tried to keep us up all night. I kept trying to tell them I don’t need any more luggage under these eyes.”
Trey knocked before walking inside the bedroom. “Good morning, beautiful.” He planted a kiss on her cheek. “I need to know something before Leon and I walk you down the aisle.”
She picked up her fork. “What is it you want to know?”
“Do you love Rusty?”
“I do,” Eleanor responded. She met his gaze straight on. “Trey, I’ve always loved him. Not in the same way that I loved your uncle, but I have deep feelings for him. I’m always telling Leon that he should move on. Well, I realized that I needed to do the same.”
“I’m glad to see you’re taking your own advice.”
Eleanor swatted at Leon. “Alright, smarty-pants.” She smiled at her nephews.
“I want y’all to know this day couldn’t be more perfect. I have my two boys here to share in this special moment of my life.”
Trey kissed her cheek. “I have to fly out tomorrow morning, but there was no way I was going to miss your wedding, Auntie. I’m glad you’ve found a good man to share your life with. I’ve always liked Rusty except when he was my football coach in middle school.”
Eleanor laughed. “I’m so happy you’re here.”
“Me, too,” Trey stated. “Especially since I’m going to deploy to Afghanistan in a couple of weeks.”
Eleanor gasped and her eyes filled with tears.
He sat down on the edge of her bed. “Auntie, don’t cry. Everything’s gonna be fine. I wouldn’t have told you if I’d known it would upset you.”
“I’m just gwine miss you so much. I know that’s your job, but I hate you have to go over there.”
“I’m gonna be careful and I know you’ll keep me covered with your prayers. Today is your wedding day. Let’s focus on all of us being here together—family.”
“Finish your breakfast,” Leon said. “We leave for the church in less than two hours. Aunt Maggie needs to hem Trey’s pants. They’re too long.”
Trey stood up. “That’s right. I need to see if she can get started on that right after breakfast.” He walked briskly out of the room.
“Auntie, Trey is gonna be fine. Don’t get yourself worked up over his deployment. Not today.”
Eleanor smiled. “I won’t. I just won’t think about it today.”
Leon made his way to the door. “Good.”
He went downstairs.
Eleanor finished off her food, then climbed out of bed.
After a quick shower, she slipped on a flowy caftan and went downstairs. Leon jumped up from his seat to take the tray from her.
She sat down beside her sister, who asked, “Did you get any sleep?”
“Some. I wouldn’t have gotten any if I’d left it up to you and Estelle.”
* * *
ELEANOR AND RUSTY had both decided to keep their wedding a simple affair. However, the sophistication of the event would be carried throughout the ceremony and old-fashioned champagne and cake reception. Eleanor felt the intimate setting would emphasize what was important to her and Rusty as a mature couple versus the frills that most young couples often preferred.
She and Rusty both owned homes so they politely asked invited guests to opt out of bringing gifts. While planning the wedding, Eleanor chose not to have any bridesmaids.
She decided on a lavender-colored gown because it was the same color of the dress she wore to her junior prom with Rusty—the one and only time they ever went out.
It was time to leave for the church.
Eleanor headed to the dressing room with Leon in tow, carrying her gown and tote packed with other essentials.
Ten minutes later, Misty arrived to help with hair and makeup.
“If I’d had a wedding party, Talei would’ve been a gorgeous little flower girl.”
“She’s at home with my mama. They’re going to Charleston to buy fabric and some other materials. By the way, I ran into Rusty when I stopped by the café. He looks so handsome in his charcoal-gray suit. His shirt is the exact shade of your dress. Great job on the coordination.”
“We didn’t coordinate what we were wearing—he has no idea the color of my gown.”
Misty’s eyebrow rose in surprise. “Really?”
Eleanor broke into a smile. “These are the colors we wore to our junior prom.”
“This is so incredibly romantic, Miss Eleanor. It’s a sign that you two are meant to be together.”
She laughed. “It means we’re two old sentimental fools.”
Misty shook her head in denial. “This shows that you both put a lot of thought into the start of a new life together. I love it.”
Eleanor wanted her hair pulled back into a bun. Misty stuck pearl-tipped hairpins around it to match her earrings and necklace.
Surveying Eleanor’s face, Misty said, “You don’t need much more than a little powder, some mascara and lipstick.”
She handed Eleanor a mirror. “What do you think?”
“I love it. Thank you, sugar.”
Misty glanced around the room. “Where’s your bouquet?”
“I’m not carrying one,” Eleanor responded. “I don’t need all that.” She had also decided against walking down the aisle. As soon as she was dressed and ready, Eleanor left the dressing area with the photographer to take a few pictures outside the church.
“You look so beautiful and happy,” her friend Rose said. “You certainly made poor Rusty wait long enough. That man has loved you forever.”
“Everybody seems to have been aware of his feelings but me.”
“Well, you know he’s always been shy and then when you met Walter, Rusty didn’t stand a chance.”
“I think this is the perfect time for us to start our lives together,” Eleanor said. “I’m not sure I would’ve really appreciated him or been able to give him what he needed before.”
Rose smiled. “Better late than live a life alone with nothing but memories.”
Leon joined them, saying, “Pastor Nelson just arrived. Rusty’s on his way inside. The photographer took some photos of him outside the church.”
* * *
MISTY SPIED TREY standing near the door with an arrangement of orchids and lilies. She walked up to him, saying, “Your aunt just told me that she wasn’t carrying a bouquet.”
The florist made this for her.”
Smiling, Misty said, “I’m glad. Make sure Miss Eleanor carries it.”
“Have you met my aunt?” Trey asked with a chuckle.
“All you have to do is give her one of your winning smiles.”
“Okay, I see how you wrapped my brother around your little finger. You bat th
ose long lashes of yours and stroke his ego...”
“Trey, I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Amused, Misty walked away in search of Leon.
She found him standing outside while Eleanor was being photographed in her gown.
He glanced over his shoulder at her, smiling.
“She looks beautiful,” Misty said.
Leon nodded in agreement. “She sure does.”
“The florist sent over a bouquet for her to carry. Trey has it—I told him to make sure she carries it down the aisle.”
Leon gave her a sidelong glance. “You’ve worked with my aunt long enough to know she’s gonna do what she wants.”
“I’m telling you the same thing I told your brother—flash one of those charming smiles of yours.”
Leon pulled her into his embrace.
She settled there, loving the feel of his arms—she felt safe and secure. In this moment there was no other place she wanted to be.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
RUSTY’S NEPHEW PLAYED several selections on the violin while guests took their seats to wait for the ceremony to begin. A Rothchild cousin to Leon and Trey would perform a sax solo near the end of the service.
It was time for the ceremony to begin, Eleanor realized.
When the music started, Leon and Trey stood on either side of her.
“My brother and I are going to walk you down this aisle,” Leon stated. “We insist on it.”
“And the florist made you this bouquet, Auntie,” Trey said. “I really think you should carry it.”
Eleanor looked at the flowers. “It is pretty.”
“It looks really nice with your dress,” Leon contributed.
“Since she went through all this trouble, I’ll carry it.”
The doors to the sanctuary opened.
Escorted by her nephews, Eleanor teared up when she glimpsed Rusty up front with the minister.
Misty was right. He looked handsome in the dark gray suit. His silver cuff links complemented the silver studs on her gown.
He met her as she neared the altar. Taking her hand, Rusty said, “I’ve always loved that color on you.”
“Same here,” Eleanor murmured.
They had both agreed to forgo writing their own vows, sticking to tradition.
Eleanor blinked back tears of joy as she and Rusty repeated their vows. She forced away all thoughts of her medical condition and what it meant for her future. She just wanted to revel in this shared moment of pure happiness. The love she saw reflected in Rusty’s eyes was burned into her memory. It was a look she never wanted to forget.
After the ceremony, Eleanor and Rusty took more photographs before heading to the café for the reception.
“Mrs. Joshua Henry Sanford... Since everybody calls you Rusty...maybe I should just introduce myself as Mrs. Rusty Sanford.”
“I love them both,” he said, beaming with pride.
Placing a hand to his cheek, Eleanor said, “I adore everything about you—especially that sandy-red hair and your freckles.”
He kissed her. “You’ve made me the happiest man alive.”
“I pray we have a long life together.”
“We will, Ladybug. I believe this with my whole soul.” Taking her arm, he said, “It’s time for us to head to the shop for the reception.”
They walked over to the waiting car. Trey sat behind the wheel grinning. “Alright, you two lovebirds. Time to party.”
There was no evidence of the fire that had ravaged the kitchen a few weeks ago. Shiny new appliances, new cookware, plates and silverware...all purchased by Leon and Trey. She’d tried to talk them out of spending so much money, but her boys wouldn’t take no for an answer. Rusty had been generous with his donation of the supplies necessary to repair the shop. A group of men from the community volunteered long hours during the week to make sure the repairs were completed in time for the wedding.
I’m so blessed to be surrounded by loving family, friends and a caring community.
When they arrived at the café, Eleanor smiled and murmured, “All of you did a beautiful job in here.”
“We left the decorating up to Misty,” Rusty said with a chuckle.
In the center of the room, round tables were covered in white tablecloths with gardenia and orchid centerpieces. Place settings included dessert plates and champagne glasses. The tables in booths had been covered as well with elaborate candle displays in the center. Balloons and streamers hung from the ceiling. Soft music flowed throughout, a combination of jazz and R&B that could be enjoyed by guests of all ages.
Rusty and Eleanor navigated around the room, greeting and thanking their guests for coming. They made their way over to the booth where Leon sat with Misty.
“You did a fabulous job with the decorations.” Eleanor gestured toward the small table in the center holding the wedding cake. “It’s beautiful. I appreciate everything you’ve done.”
Rusty agreed. “Thank you for everything, Misty.”
“I didn’t do it by myself. Leon and Brittany helped.”
Eleanor smiled. “I love y’all so much.”
Rusty took her hand. “We need to speak with the pastor before he leaves, Ladybug.” He pulled an envelope from a pocket inside his jacket.
“This is one of the happiest days of my life,” she whispered.
Rusty kissed her cheek. “I feel the same way. I’ve waited most of my life for this day. I love you, Ladybug.”
“Never let me forget it.”
* * *
“THE CEREMONY WAS so sweet and romantic,” Misty said. She reached up and grabbed the string of a floating balloon.
Leon took a sip of punch. “Aunt Eleanor looks very happy. So does Rusty for that matter. I’ve always believed that those two belonged together.” He hadn’t realized how much he’d wanted to see his aunt sharing her life with someone who truly adored her.
“Look.”
He followed Misty’s gaze. Rusty and Eleanor were in the middle of the room dancing. As he watched them, Leon felt a bottomless sense of peace.
“I’ve enjoyed meeting other members of your family,” Misty said. “They really know how to have a good time.”
“It’s great seeing Aunt Maggie and everyone. We’ve always been a close family.” Leon stepped over a pair of shoes on the floor where someone had kicked them off. “I used to wish that they’d all move back to the island when I was younger, but now I realize we all have to walk our own paths even if they take us away from Polk Island.”
“I can tell family’s very important to you.”
He nodded. “You feel the same way.”
“I do,” Misty said. “I don’t know my relatives on my father’s side very well. They live in and around Atlanta. I’ve spent most of my time with my mother’s family. Most of my summers were spent in North Carolina with my grandparents.”
“Do you miss your dad?” Leon inquired.
“Not really. I’ve been so angry with him for so many years for the way he mistreated my mom. I used to adore him when I was younger, but my feelings changed when I was able to understand what was happening.”
“Understandable.”
After a slice of wedding cake and the champagne toast, Leon asked, “Would you like to dance?”
“Sure.” Misty slipped off her shoes.
He got up and led her to the dance floor. They danced until she needed to get some air.
They walked outside and sat down on a bench near the shop.
Fanning herself, Misty said, “Whew... I needed this little break. My feet were begging for it. I can’t hang like I used to—I could stay on the dance floor for a couple of hours straight.”
“I know what you mean,” Leon said. “I’m starting to feel old.”
She laughed. “Well, I’m not claiming tha
t. You’re by yourself with that.”
“I love hearing you laugh. It’s like you’re free and just at peace.”
“I haven’t felt like this in such a long time,” Misty said. “This is what life should feel like, Leon. It’s liberating.”
“I used to feel like that, but then tragedy struck, and things changed for me. Since I’ve met you, my life has gotten better. You’re a great example of moving past adversity. You inspire me.”
Misty was touched by his words. “That’s really sweet of you to say that.”
Rusty and Eleanor left the shop an hour later.
Leon hung behind to help with the cleanup, which thrilled Misty. She wasn’t ready to part company with him just yet.
“I’m meeting Howard, Junior and Renee for breakfast tomorrow morning. If you’re free, I’d like you to join us,” Leon said when they walked out of the shop.
“I’d love to join you,” Misty said. “And the timing is perfect. I don’t have to work until noon.”
“Who watches Talei for you when you work late?” Leon inquired.
“My friend Brittany.”
“She used to date my brother, you know.”
“She told me.”
Once the café was restored back to its normal look, Misty had no reason to keep Leon with her. She consoled herself with the fact that she’d see him in the morning. “I’d better get home. My mom has been dealing with Talei all day. I’m sure she’s ready for a break.”
Leon kissed her on the lips. “I’ll see you tomorrow for breakfast.”
* * *
THE NEXT MORNING, Leon and Misty met Howard and his children at the hotel for breakfast. They were seated in a booth near the window.
“Trey had an early flight, so he wanted me to pass on his farewells.”
“It’s wonderful being back on the island,” Howard said. “I hadn’t realized how much I missed being here.”
Harlequin Heartwarming June 2021 Box Set Page 62