“No, I couldn’t. I have a wedding to get to. Here, take her.” She handed the dirty, smelly dog out to the deputy.
“Oh, man. She stinks.”
“Don’t be such a wimp, Ricky.” Alex clambered out, closed the window behind her and reached for the dog, heading in a rush toward Kellie’s car. “Let’s book. I’m going to be late for my own wedding.”
Kellie wrinkled her nose. “You’re not bringing that animal into my car. She’s got crap—literally—all over her.”
“We’ll keep the windows open and I’ll hold her on my lap. Let’s go.”
Kellie pulled into the drive at Primrose, drove onto the lawn around the line of cars, and stopped at the front door.
Alex jumped out of the car carrying the little dog. Her hair that had been carefully done up was coming loose and hanging in her face. Her Rescue Me t-shirt was covered with dust, cobwebs and something that smelled indescribably bad. She raced up the steps and into the entry way where Uncle Jack and Lex both waited to escort her down the aisle.
Alex came to a screeching halt by the open doorway to the parlor. Evan stood in front of the fireplace talking with the minister. He looked up and, when he saw her, began to laugh.
“I’m sorry. I got a last minute call. I’ll get dressed. Give me five minutes.” She held out the little dog, but got no takers. “I’ll put her in the upstairs bathroom until the ceremony’s over.”
Evan strode across the room, cupped her chin with his hand, and kissed her. “That’s my girl. I’ll meet you in the back yard.” He sniffed and wrinkled his nose. “I hope that smell is the dog.”
Kellie accompanied Alex up the stairs. Once the stray was closed in the bathroom with food and water, Alex hustled to get cleaned up and into her wedding dress.
With misted eyes, Kellie smiled. “Oh, Alex. You look so beautiful.”
“Thanks.”
“Do you wish Mom was here for this?”
Alex fought the lump in her throat. “In a perfect life, that would be wonderful. But life isn’t perfect. I’m happy to share this day with the people who are here. Like you.” She sniffed. “Come on, let’s get me hitched.”
They reached the staircase and she held back for Kellie to go first. Soft classical music wafted throughout the house. She followed Kellie through the hallway and kitchen to the back door.
A white canopy stood at the far end of the back yard. Guests in folding chairs sat to either side of the white aisle runner. They all stood as Pachelbel Canon played to accompany Kellie, the Maid of Honor, down the aisle.
The Wedding March sounded and Jack and Lex each offered his arm to Alex. “You ready?” Uncle Jack asked.
She glanced at Evan, waiting with a broad smile on his face. “I’m ready.”
The ceremony was simple and quick. Evan held her hands as they shared their first kiss as husband and wife. When they turned to face their guests, Aretha blared from the sound system singing Rescue Me. The guests applauded as Walter, who had served as ring bearer, led the newly married couple up the aisle.
AFTERWORD
In the middle of a cotton field, in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, there is a peaceful oasis for homeless animals. It is known as the Tunica Humane Society. Built by passion and determination, this place of refuge and healing for abandoned and abused animals has become known worldwide for its simple motto written on their shelter wall: Love Lives Here. A small group of individuals banded together years ago to prove to the world that a No-Kill Shelter can exist, even in the most difficult of conditions, where animals are discarded like yesterday’s trash. In a perfect world, all animals would have a loving home and there would be no need for animal shelters. In the imperfect world in which we live, all shelters should strive to be like the Tunica Humane Society. A place of love and acceptance where every animal’s life is valued beyond measure.
Sandy Williams,
Director and Founder of the Tunica Humane Society
http://www.tunicahumanesociety.com/
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Linda Rettstatt likes to know what makes people tick and she loves a good story. This combination fuels her passion for creating stories that capture your mind and touch your heart. Her writing garnered the 2012 EPIC eBook Award in Mainstream Fiction for her novel Love, Sam. Linda grew up in SW Pennsylvania and suffers a bout of homesickness every October when she thinks of the fall leaves and trails at her beloved Ohiopyle State Park. She now lives in NW Mississippi with her cat, Binky, who only allows her to share the apartment because she brings home the kibble.
If you enjoyed RESCUED, visit Linda’s website
http://www.lindarettstatt.com
where you can find links to more of her books.
You can follow Linda on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/linda_rettstatt
Visit Linda Rettstatt, Author on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/LindaRettstatt-Writing-for-Women/142119167526
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