“What a way to go.” Connor couldn’t help but laugh.
“I think they’re just sour because they see the possibility of a man having a good time without the ties of marriage, and that makes them crazy. You know how women are about marriage.”
“Most of them. Not your daughter.”
“Well, you know my daughter can be a tough nut to crack. The other day, with the necklace, was the most we’ve talked in years. I can only hope we can move forward.”
“I hope so, too, Ben. That’s a big shift for her. That whole wedding thing seems like a helluva leap, too. You better enjoy her in the pretty dress today, because I don’t think we’ll see her walking down the aisle anytime soon.”
“Carolanne might be the exception to the rule, but I wouldn’t rule out marriage for her, either. Deep down, I think they all want to be married.”
Connor wasn’t so sure about that. “Well, look, I better get a move on if I’m going to get to the church on time. The best man can’t be late. I’m sure there’s some bad luck rule about that.”
“I think as long as the groom shows up, no one cares.”
“Good. I don’t like having that much pressure on me.” He turned to leave. “Well, if you end up needing a ride, just give me a call.”
“Will do. Thanks,” Ben said.
Connor turned and jogged to the end of the driveway, then headed up the street. Just as he got to Main Street, Izzy’s blue limo cruised by. She tooted the horn, and Jill waved from the backseat, with Carolanne next to her.
Glad all I have to do is don some shiny shoes and a suit.
He hoped the romantic mood of the wedding would ease Carolanne’s anger. If it didn’t, their little walk back down the aisle after Jill and Garrett’s “I-dos” might be a little awkward, but then again, she could hardly make a scene with everyone watching. That might just play to his favor.
He took the long way around the block, hoping to pick up something from Mac’s Bakery for breakfast, but the store was closed.
That was odd. It wasn’t all that unusual for Mac to close the bakery when he’d worked it alone, but since Derek had come to town, Connor couldn’t remember it ever being closed, especially on a Saturday. Funny after they’d just been talking about how responsible Derek was. Maybe Mac was right about not leaving everything to Derek, and maybe Carolanne was right that he should stay out of it.
They could have been busy with the wedding, and they wouldn’t lose that much business, anyway, since most everyone would be headed to the wedding today.
On the other hand, if something had happened to Mac, God forbid—like Anita giving him that heart attack the old ladies were talking about—then at least the will was not in her name yet.
Chapter Eleven
Carolanne fussed with the back of Jill’s gown, straightening the satin ribbon that hung from the corset at the small of her back. The tiny pearls that adorned the choker-style neck and bodice of Jill’s dress shimmered like gemstones in the light. It felt like all those times they’d played dress-up in Pearl’s attic through the years, only this time everything fit.
Carolanne mentally checked off the last details. Something old. Something new. Something borrowed. Something blue.
A simple strand of pearls that Milly had worn at her own wedding years ago laced Jill’s wrist. Something old and borrowed. Check.
Pearl-and-sapphire earrings that Garrett had surprised Jill with at the rehearsal dinner completed the list. Something new and blue. Check.
“You’ve got all the ‘somethings.’ I think we’re ready.” Carolanne placed her hands on Jill’s bare shoulders. “You look so pretty, and I’m so happy for you.”
“Thank you for everything and for indulging me in all the tiny details.”
There was no mistaking the look in Jill’s eyes. Happiness wasn’t big enough. Elation, maybe. Will I ever feel that happy? “It’s perfect. Every single little task in that dictionary-size book of stuff you handed me as maid of honor has been checked and rechecked, and you’re worth every single detail.”
Jill laughed. “It wasn’t that big.”
“It wasn’t that small, either.”
“Guilty, but I wanted it to be perfect. You only get married once.”
Or not at all. “Well, your marriage will be forever. You and Garrett were made for each other.” Carolanne pinched a small section of Jill’s bangs into her fingers and scattered them, then grabbed a small bottle of hair spray and spritzed them into place. “There you go. No humidity will penetrate this stuff.”
“Thanks.” Jill blew out a breath and twisted in the mirror. “I love this dress, but it kind of weighs a ton.” She slumped and made a face.
“Small price to pay for living the dream. Besides, Garrett is going to be blown away when he sees you.” Carolanne picked up the box of flowers Teddy had sent over for Jill’s hair. “Spin around.”
Carolanne tucked dainty blooms into Jill’s updo, then checked it from the front and all sides. “This is it.”
Jill took in a deep breath and let it out. “You ready?”
Carolanne nodded. “All I have to do is stand there and hold your flowers when you exchange rings. My job is easy.”
“Then I guess we’re ready.”
Carolanne opened the door. The music from the main hall beckoned them to the big event. Carolanne watched as Jill knelt and gave words of encouragement to the twin flower girls and little Robbie. It probably wouldn’t be long before she and Garrett had their own little ones. Carolanne felt the distance beginning to change their friendship already. Tears welled. Not girlie tears because of the wedding. No, these were tears of loneliness. A loneliness she hadn’t prepared herself for.
She blinked back the tears and fixed a smile. “Here we go,” Carolanne said as Ally Craddock began singing “Grow Old Along With Me”—the signal that was to kick everything off.
Carolanne stepped to the door and swept dog hair off little Robbie’s suit from where he’d been petting Clyde, Jill and Garrett’s Bernese mountain dog, who was wagging his tail and drooling, seeming pretty happy to be a part of the festivities as co–ring bearer. Satisfied, or maybe procrastinating, probably the latter, she swallowed, took a breath, and planted a smile on her face as she gave the nod for the doors to open and stepped into the aisle.
It seemed so easy last night, but today she knew exactly what those kids felt like last night when they went running down the aisle. It was all she could do not to break into a sprint to get it over with.
She smiled at neighbors and friends with each carefully paced step. Garrett looked a little nervous. His right leg was bouncing like he was going to break out into a chorus of “Hound Dog,” and when her eyes met Connor’s, her stomach did a flip.
Connor’s smile made those little crinkles around his eyes. She saw him dressed in a suit all the time, but today he looked extra handsome.
Each step felt painfully slow, and her eyes kept connecting with Connor’s. Stop looking at me like that. The way he looked at her made her feel like she was traipsing half-naked down the aisle. She glanced down just to be sure it was her imagination. She looked back up to see his smile again, and that made the butterflies in her stomach go crazy.
Carolanne finally made it to the altar and stepped into position. She turned to face all of the friends who had gathered for the joyous occasion. Thank goodness I made it without a wobble or catastrophe, and now all eyes will be on Jill.
Connor winked and nodded, just as an “aw” rose from the room.
Robbie marched like a little soldier with Clyde’s leash in his hand, taking his role as ring bearer with serious intent. Clyde wore a black vest and bow tie, trotting to the beat of the music, and Robbie never faltered. Missy and Chrissy started down the aisle right behind Robbie. The pacing couldn’t have been more perfect.
The doors closed behind Robbie and the girls. Carolanne wondered whether that was customary or if it was to keep those kids from darting back outside.
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p; Missy clung to her basket like it was filled with golden Barbie dolls, with her lip stuck out so far it was a wonder she didn’t trip over it. Chrissy tossed her rose petals, alternating from side to side, determined to make up for her sister’s defiance. The girls ended up practically running down the aisle, and at one point, Chrissy tossed the petals so wildly that one landed right on Robbie’s slicked side part.
When Clyde spotted Garrett at the other end of the aisle, he took off, and Robbie also hit an all-out sprint, trying to keep up. The faster Robbie moved, the faster the Huckaby twins moved to catch up to him, at one point almost passing him.
Once Robbie had reached the front of the church, he turned for reassurance from his Uncle Scott.
Scott gave him a thumbs-up. Everyone laughed as both Garrett and Connor slapped Robbie with a high five, T-ball style. Then Robbie joined Scott in the front pew, and Scott took Clyde’s leash as the dog lay down in front of them, panting.
Missy and Chrissy did a U-turn and ran to sit in the second row between their mom and dad.
“I did good, didn’t I?” Missy squealed from the top of her lungs as she wiggled into the pew.
Chrissy shushed her, then turned to watch for Jill. “Here she comes,” she squealed. “So pretty! Like a princess!”
The crowd rustled as everyone turned toward the back of the church to catch a glimpse of the bride.
First, the two large inside doors swung open; then two robed teens stepped in toward the outer doors and pulled them open. Jill moved like an angel into the ray of sunlight of the open doors, then right on cue took her first step down the aisle on the ninth beat.
Carolanne heard Garrett suck in an audible breath with Jill’s first step, and although Carolanne had seen Jill in the gown all morning, it took her breath away, too. She tugged the handkerchief Milly had given her from the bouquet of flowers and dabbed at the unexpected tears.
Each of the flowers in Jill’s bouquet meant something. Roses and miniature gardenias to represent love and joy, and daisies because they were Pearl’s favorite. Alstroemeria. I’d carry I’d-still-marry-ya’s. She’d once seen light-apricot ones with a little yellow center. Perfect.
“Finally,” Garrett said in a hush but loud enough for Carolanne to hear.
Carolanne gave him a nod. She knew that the deal had been for Garrett to say the least amount of words allowed in a ceremony because, in his words, he just wanted to get on to the kissing part.
She stepped forward to take Jill’s bouquet for the ring exchange. Her hands shook, and she prayed the fancy flowers wouldn’t go tumbling down the stairs.
Before Carolanne had been able to shake the worry over dropping the flowers, Reverend Burke raised his hands to the congregation. “I now present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Garrett Malloy.”
That was fast. Garrett ought to be thrilled.
The organ sent a joyous thunder through the space.
Jill and Garrett walked down the aisle, and everyone stood for the recessional. Since the ring bearer and flower girls had taken up residency with their parents, it was only Connor and Carolanne left before folks could begin leaving.
Connor moved to the center and stood with his hand out for Carolanne.
She stood there for a moment, hoping the dizziness she felt was just the excitement of seeing her best friend get married, and not fear ripping through her like a tidal wave, which was what it felt like. Connor dressed like that and standing there with his hand out felt somehow like committing.
She swallowed back the anxiety, but she couldn’t move.
“Come on. I’ve got you,” he said.
That’s what I’m afraid of. She felt herself getting warmer, and when she looked up, it felt like all eyes were on her.
Connor took a step closer.
She smiled wider, hoping she’d convince herself she was OK. She clung to Connor’s arm as he led her down the stairs to the aisle.
“Are you going to forgive me yet? You know I couldn’t have known you were going to be in the office that day.”
She nodded and kept smiling.
He hugged her hand in the crook of his arm. “Awesome.” He patted her hand again and then stepped up behind Jill and Garrett. “Congratulations, man.”
“Thanks, Connor,” Garrett said with the biggest smile Carolanne had ever seen on his face.
She and Jill hugged, and they both started crying.
“Not before pictures,” Carolanne said as she pulled her handkerchief back out. “Here, let me fix that.”
The photographer snapped two more pictures, then shouted one last command. “Give me a head start. I want to be out front when you open the doors. So count to twenty before you start out, deal?”
“Deal.” Garrett started counting backward. “Twenty, nineteen, eighteen…”
Carolanne nudged him. “I don’t think she literally meant we had to count it off.”
“Hey, I plan to be a good listener. I’m starting now.”
Jill swatted him playfully. “I like that in a guy. You really might be a keeper.”
“I better be,” Garrett said, then gave her a quick kiss. “That’s twenty. Open the doors.”
Two young men opened the giant arched doors and Jill and Garrett made a dash for it.
Carolanne could see the crowd of friends in front of the church cheer and toss dried lavender as the bride and groom walked all the way to the curb to Izzy’s navy blue stretch limo.
The lavender flew like so many snowflakes in the air around them. Garrett swept Jill up into his arms, just like in the old An Officer and a Gentleman movie, and made the last dash for the limo.
Carolanne rushed behind them to help Jill get into the car with all that dress to maneuver.
Jill gasped and sputtered as she climbed into the car. “Tossing lavender sounds neat, but it’s kind of like running through a gnat storm. I should’ve gone with the bubbles.”
Carolanne swept the fabric behind Jill like it was a pile of snow, and then Garrett slipped inside the back of the limo next to her.
They rode off as friends and family began to disperse to follow them to the reception.
Carolanne stepped back, feeling the love those two shared even from a distance, and that filled a spot in her heart that she thought had closed long ago.
Chapter Twelve
Connor hustled the wedding party over to Scott Calvin’s restored 1940 Pontiac Woodie in the side parking lot, then jumped behind the wheel to lead the long line of cars that flowed like a stream of colorful floats in a parade from the church on Old Horseshoe Road out onto Holland Parkway to the brand-new Adams Grove Artisan Center. The wedding guests would get a sneak peek of the new building, which would host its grand opening on Memorial Day weekend, just a week away.
When they pulled in front of the artisan center, Connor took a twin in each hand. Carolanne followed alongside, holding Robbie’s hand and Clyde’s leash in the other. Jill and Garrett waved from the long country-style porch of the artisan center.
“Y’all look like one big happy family,” Garrett said.
“Don’t we, though?” Carolanne laughed at the thought. She’d never thought of herself as the marrying or mothering kind, but she seemed to be managing kids, man and beast just fine. She dropped the leash and let Clyde run to Garrett.
Carolanne caught up with Jill and they all went inside to get ready to greet the guests.
“Oh, Garrett. Look at the cake! It’s gorgeous.” Jill made a beeline toward the cake.
Carolanne darted in front of Jill. “No time for that, my friend. Folks are starting to head up the walk.”
“That’s the bad thing about being the bride—you don’t get to see anything!”
Garrett walked up behind her and tugged her close. “You get me. I’m the prize.”
“You’re a prize, all right,” she said in a mocking tone.
Carolanne rushed off to position their bouquets into the centerpiece on the wedding party table like Teddy had instructed her. Teddy h
ad placed cards right where she was supposed to put them. I could hardly screw this up. She fussed with the greenery. Jill’s smaller bouquet to toss later was sitting next to the large arrangement. It was almost as pretty as the one she’d carried down the aisle.
She stepped back from the table, still admiring Teddy’s work, then backed right into someone. “I’m sorry.”
Connor grabbed her by the shoulders to steady her.
“You’re beginning to make this sneaking-up thing a habit. Quit scaring me.”
“Didn’t mean to scare you.” He scanned the room. “This place looks amazing. I could see lots of people wanting to book it for events.”
“That’s the idea, but it wasn’t me. Jill handled all of that by herself. It does look pretty, doesn’t it?”
“Pretty as you.”
“You’re such a flirt.”
“It was a compliment. Why can’t you just trust my intentions?” He leaned in, but Carolanne braced her arm between them.
How can I answer that? “You scare the heck out of me.”
“We’ve known each other our whole lives. Why would you be afraid of me now?”
“Not scared of you, scared of what you’re making me feel.”
“Well, that’s different. That’s good. It’s time that razor wire fence you’ve piled up around your heart gave way.”
“Not so fast. We’re partners. We could ruin everything.”
“We won’t let that happen.”
She crossed her arms. “You can’t promise that.”
He pulled her back to the corner of the room out of earshot of the other guests and leaned in close. “You liked that kiss the other night as much as I did, didn’t you?”
She glanced across the room.
“No one’s looking. All eyes are on the bride and the groom. Look at me. I’m talking to you.”
“I hear you,” she said.
“Admit it.” He pulled her close and tickled her. “Say it.”
“Fine. Yes. I admit it—the kiss was nice.”
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