* * *
He tried her throughout the day on Saturday and she still ignored his calls. Undeterred, he continued on with what he had planned, hopeful that he’d see her at the wedding that evening and they could talk. He loved her and was pretty sure she loved him, too, and if that was true and they were meant to be together, they’d get past this. He hoped.
Chapter 15
“You look too beautiful to be sad. Cheer up, would you?” Jack smiled at his sister and Bernie loved him for worrying about her. She knew she looked miserable. Jack was leaning against the door of her bedroom bathroom as she added concealer under her eyes to hide the dark shadows, and a bit more blush than usual to give her cheeks some color.
“Much better. Now no one has to know you’ve been moping around all weekend.”
Bernie laughed in spite of herself.
“See, I made you laugh. Have you considered that you might be overreacting just a little? David’s a good guy. I’m sure he can explain what he was doing with your necklace. Even if he did steal it, so what? That was a lifetime ago. I kind of doubt he did, though. Doesn’t fit. He’ll be at the wedding. You really should talk to him.”
Bernie didn’t think it fit, either. She’d been too upset to talk to David on Friday and went back and forth on returning his call earlier in the day, finally deciding it would just be easier to go to the wedding with Jack and see David there. Maybe they could talk and work it out. She hoped so. But she was still concerned that he had her necklace and never said anything. Especially knowing how she felt about being lied to.
“Just put on a happy face and let’s go have a good time. With this crowd, it’s going to be hard not to have fun.”
“That’s true.” Bernie took one last look in the mirror. Her dress was a soft rose shade that helped give some color to her pale skin. She ran a brush through her hair one last time to fluff it up a bit and was ready to go.
They went to the wedding chapel first and the small building was quickly filled to capacity. Bernie started to tear up as soon as Maddie’s daughter Vivian came walking down the aisle in her flower girl dress, holding a colorful bouquet of tulips, Maddie’s favorite flower. It was early in the season for them, but they managed to find some and they looked lovely. Wade was waiting by the minister, and all eyes turned to watch Maddie walk down the aisle and join Wade.
The service was short and sweet, and when Maddie and Wade were pronounced husband and wife the whole room cheered. Bernie caught a glimpse of David sitting a few rows back on the opposite site. He looked so handsome in a navy blue suit and crisp white shirt. He smiled when he saw her looking his way, and she teared up again and looked down. She was feeling so raw and emotional. Weddings always did that to her, but even more so with things unresolved with David.
Everyone proceeded from the chapel to the barn. Lily and Bernie had been getting the building ready all week and it had come together beautifully. The decorations and all the floral centerpieces were breathtaking. Bernie was glad to see that she and Jack were seated at the same table, and Melissa, too. They had assigned seats and when they reached their table she saw that she was seated next to David. Of course. Maddie had said she was going to try to seat them at the same table. She sighed. It was either going to be a wonderful time or a tense and uncomfortable one.
She felt his presence behind her before he spoke.
“Hey, neighbor,” he said softly. She took a deep breath and turned to face him. His expression was so sweet and hopeful that it broke her heart and gave her hope.
“Can we go somewhere and talk?” he asked.
She nodded, and led him out of the main room and down the hall to a small empty room.
“I’ve missed you,” he said.
“I haven’t gone anywhere. I’m right here,” she said. But she knew what he meant. And she’d missed him, too.
“I’m sorry,” he began.
“For what?” she knew that she wasn’t making it easy for him, but she was hurt and confused and she’d so badly wanted this to work.
“I should have told you sooner about the necklace. That night, in fact, when you told me how you’d been lied to. I’ve had that necklace for so long that, to be honest, I forgot it was there, tucked away in that drawer. I thought about it the next day, though, and I wanted to tell you, but the moment never seemed right and then I just put it out of my thoughts again.”
“I wish you had told me.”
“I know. I wish I had, too. But I want to explain now. I didn’t steal it. That’s the most important thing you need to know. I’ve never stolen anything in my life and I would especially never steal from you, of all people.” He took hold of her hand, gave it a squeeze and looked in her eyes. “I hope you know how special you are to me. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. I’ve fallen completely and totally in love with you.”
Bernie’s heart leaped and she felt tears well up again, but still she waited for the long overdue explanation. “I remember vividly when you lost that necklace. You were heartbroken and I wanted to find it for you. I thought maybe that would make you like me or at least notice me as more than just the pest that pulled your hair and annoyed you all the time.”
Bernie smiled at that and he continued. “I looked, along with everyone else, but didn’t find it. You sat in front of me then, remember?”
Bernie nodded. “The clasp must have come loose and it fell into my backpack. I found it at the very bottom, almost a month later. I wanted to give it back to you then, but so much time had gone by and I was terrified that you’d think I’d stolen it. So, I said nothing. I should have told you then. I was eight. I didn’t know what to do, but I couldn’t bear the thought of you thinking I was some kind of thief.”
“And you never got rid of it. You kept it all those years.”
David nodded. “I didn’t know what to do with it, but it didn’t feel right to get rid of it. It’s sat in that drawer for years and as I said, I forgot about it, it’s been so long. But, from the bottom of my heart, I’m sorry I didn’t give it to you then and that I didn’t tell you about it recently. Can you forgive me?”
“You promise never to keep anything from me again?”
David grinned. “Of course.”
Bernie looked at him with love in her eyes. “Then of course I forgive you. I can’t stay mad at someone I love. It hurts too much.”
“Someone you love?” David pulled her in close and then kissed her long and hard.
“Let’s go enjoy this wedding,” Bernie said. They walked back to their table, hand in hand, and her brother Jack gave her the thumbs up when he saw it. Jaclyn’s eyes twinkled as she saw them walk by and Melissa smiled when they joined her at the table.
The reception was a blast and the food stations that Mrs. Weston had insisted on were a bit hit, Bernie noticed with amusement. Violet and Vivian were the first two on the dance floor and danced up a storm as the band played a lively range of music that had just about everyone up dancing. Kelsi looked like she was having the time of her life and was on the dance floor most of the evening along with her husband Shane who looked exhausted halfway through the night.
“It’s hard to keep up with her,” he admitted during a rare break for a glass of root beer.
“Come on, break time is over. We have to make the most of our night out. We don’t know when we’ll get another anytime soon,” Kelsi said as she dragged her husband back onto the dance floor.
Wade hopped up and grabbed the microphone before the band started on their next song.
“Would all the single ladies please gather over by Maddie? She’s going to throw her bouquet so we can see who gets to do this next!”
“Come on, let’s go.” Jaclyn had appeared by her side and took hold of Bernie’s arm to lead her over to the group of women that was gathering.
“This is silly,” Bernie protested as Melissa laughed beside her.
“You have to admit, though, it’s fun,” Melissa said.
“Oka
y, ready?” Maddie called out. “Here it comes!”
Bernie felt a gentle push and glanced back at Jaclyn who whistled innocently. “Look up,” she said.
Bernie did and the bouquet was coming straight at her head. If she didn’t catch it, it was going to hit her! So she caught it and laughed. Everyone clapped and cheered, and she carried it back to the table where David sat smiling as he watched the festivities.
“Very pretty,” he said. “Congratulations!”
“Thanks.” She looked down at the bouquet of tulips. “It really is pretty, isn’t it?”
“Do you want a piece of cake? I’m going up for some,” David said.
“Yes, I’d love a piece.” They’d cut the cake earlier but they were both too full, then. David returned with two slices of lemon cake with raspberry filling and vanilla buttercream frosting—made by Miranda, of course.
They danced some more and as another lively song started, Wade came over and stole Bernie away for a dance. “You don’t mind, do you?” he asked David, who laughed in response.
“Are you having fun?” Wade asked as they danced.
“So much fun. It’s a wonderful wedding and I’m so happy for you both.”
“The two of you look pretty happy, too. I’m glad to see it, and you caught the bouquet. Could love be in the air?” Wade teased her.
“Maybe.” Bernie couldn’t seem to stop smiling. She couldn’t remember when she’d felt so happy before. She was so glad that the day had turned around the way that it did. She’d hated being upset with David.
“She’s all yours,” Wade said as he walked Bernie back to her table and found Jaclyn to lead her onto the dance floor. David was deep in conversation with Simon, so Bernie decided to go visit with Michelle, the chiropractor at the spa and Charley, who worked in security at the ranch.
Bernie slid into one of the empty chairs at their table.
“Are you two having fun? It’s quite the wedding.”
Michelle smiled. “It’s been really lovely. I have to admit, I was a little nervous, coming by myself but everyone here is so friendly. I’ve had more fun than I expected to.”
“Me too,” Charley said. “It’s a shame everyone is going to have to leave soon.”
“What do you mean?” Bernie asked her.
“Well, the rules say no loud music after ten. It’s a quarter to!”
Bernie smiled. “The band really isn’t that loud, it’s more easy listening dance music now. And if anyone gets to break that rule, I would think it’s Wade.”
Michelle laughed, but Charley wasn’t smiling. “I don’t know about that. If any guests complain tomorrow, I’ll be the one that will have to deal with it.” She looked genuinely worried.
“If anyone complains, let me know, and I’ll talk to them,” Bernie said. “We can give them a gift certificate at the restaurant to make them feel better. That usually does the trick.”
Charley nodded. “Thank you. I know I sound like a nervous Nelly. But it’s my job to worry about these things.”
“Did you two have any cake yet? There’s still some up there, and it’s delicious.” Bernie noticed David looking for her, and made her way back to their table.
They stayed for another hour or so. Jack and Melissa were still up dancing, as David and Bernie got ready to leave. There was just a small group of people left and Bernie had told Jack earlier that David was going to drive her home. They said their goodbyes to everyone and when they got in the car, David asked if she wouldn’t mind stopping by his house for a minute.
“I know it’s late, but there’s something I really want to show you.”
“Sure. I’m really not that tired. I think I’m still on a wedding cake high,” Bernie said happily.
The house was dark when they pulled into the driveway, but it was a clear night and it looked like a million stars were directly above them, shining down and lighting up the lake. It was gorgeous to see.
“It’s so beautiful here,” she said quietly.
In the dark, she could just barely see the smile on David’s face. He led them inside and turned on the lights.
“So, I set this up earlier tonight, before I left, hoping that I’d be able to bring you back here tonight to see it. I hope that it means as much to you as it does to me.” He sounded a little nervous and Bernie wondered what he was up to. It was all very mysterious.
“Do you feel like a game of Scrabble?” he asked.
“Scrabble? Now?” Bernie was confused. They never played this late.
“I got a new Scrabble board. Check it out. We don’t have to play tonight, but I wanted you to see it. Go take a look.”
Bernie could see the game board on the dining room table and walked over to see what was so fascinating about it. As she got closer, she noticed that there were already tiles on the board. It looked like four words. Her eyes welled up when she got close enough to see what they said. In tiles, David had spelled out, “Will You Marry Me.” She turned to face him. His eyes were shining, too, and he was down on one knee, holding a small velvet box. He opened it to reveal a vintage diamond ring.
“So, will you marry me? These past weeks have been the happiest times I’ve ever had and it’s because of you. I look forward to seeing you every night and sharing every little part of my life with you. If you’ll have me?”
“Of course I will. I love you so much, David. I can’t believe you did this. It’s just perfect.” Her hand was shaking as he slid the ring onto her finger, and she stared at it before he pulled her to him and kissed her as if he never wanted to let her go.
“I don’t think I could be any happier,” she said when they finally broke apart.
“Do you want a big wedding like what we just came from? It was fun,” David asked.
But Bernie shook her head. “Not unless you do. Truthfully, I’d be just as happy if we go to town hall and my brother and your sister stand up for us. I just want to be with you. Now and forever.”
David grinned. “That works for me. Is Monday too soon”
Bernie laughed. “Yes. But how about next Friday and then we can celebrate over the weekend?”
“Perfect!”
Epilogue
Bernie and David got married on Friday and Bernie moved into David’s house the same day. Tiny and Buttercup had a few turf wars, but by that Sunday when they had a few people over, the two cats seemed to have decided on a truce or at least an unspoken agreement to keep out of each other’s way. Tiny was very happy with the water views and the regular parade of wildlife that roamed the fields nearby.
Jack was thrilled for his sister and Bernie couldn’t help but notice that he and Melissa seemed to be chatting up a storm. She liked Melissa and thought she might be good for Jack. She just hoped that Jack would tread lightly and not lead Melissa on if his feelings weren’t strong. She knew he wouldn’t intentionally hurt her or anyone, but his track record in these matters was less than stellar.
David had put a few space heaters on the porch so they could open the room up for the gathering, and Lily and Cody were out there sipping wine and gazing at the water view below. Wade and Maddie would have come if they weren’t off on their own honeymoon. Jaclyn and Simon were nibbling on cheese and crackers at the dining room table and when Jaclyn saw her glance her way she got up and walked into the kitchen where Bernie was opening a bottle of chardonnay.
“It’s a good thing I gave you that shove,” Jaclyn said.
Bernie laughed. “Which one? When you told me the fairies had spoken and I needed to be open? Or when you literally pushed me into position to catch that bouquet?”
Jaclyn smiled. “I’m just happy it worked out, dear. David is perfect for you. The fairies were right. They always are.”
“What about you and Simon?” Bernie asked. Simon was sitting alone but looked perfectly content as he sipped his coffee and gazed out the window.
“Simon is a dear friend. I always enjoy our time together. I should probably get back to him before he ea
ts all your cheese.”
Bernie gave Jaclyn a hug. “Thank you, for everything. I’m very lucky to have you in my life.”
Bernie wasn’t sure but she thought maybe she saw a hint of mist in Jaclyn’s eyes. “Same to you, my dear. And David is really the lucky one. You both are, to have found each other.”
Jaclyn wandered back to Simon and when Bernie looked up, David was standing on the porch looking around. When his eyes found hers, he smiled and she went to him. Lily and Cody had gone inside to freshen their drinks and they had the porch to themselves. David put his arm around her as they stood side by side, facing the water.
“We’re truly home now,” David said softly and Bernie knew exactly what he meant. Their home was each other, and they were both grateful to be there.
“To many good years ahead, a happy home, good friends and love.” David held up his glass, and she did the same and they lightly tapped them together.
“Love you,” Bernie said.
“Love you, too.” David tightened his arm around her and she leaned into him and sighed with happiness. So this was what love was like. It was exactly the way she’d always imagined it would be. But better.
~The End~
Author’s Note
Thank you so much for reading Bernie’s Birthday! I hope you enjoyed the story. If you have a moment to leave a quick review, I’d be ever so grateful.
Up next in a few weeks is Nashville Dreams, or what I think of as my sweet soapy saga. If you like Danielle Steel type stories, you might like this one. I’ll be giving an early release discount to those on my mailing list, so if you’d like to know when it releases, please join my list to get an email!
Also by Pamela M. Kelley
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River’s End Ranch
Bernie's Birthday (River's End Ranch Book 22) Page 9