by Barbara Lohr
Is a blue bird blue? Harper held her breath. Sometimes it was better to lead the man to a foregone conclusion, not that she’d planned it this way. Not at all. Her phone jangled. It was Julep. “Can you get Bella some lunch?” she whispered to Cameron.
“Sure thing.” Just then the dog romped into the dining room, pawing at the shimmery lime ribbon draped around his nose.
“Pipsqueak,” Bella scolded.
“Be with you in a sec, Julep,” she told her friend, trying to get away from all the noise.
Excited to be a part of everything, Pipsqueak started barking. Harper was relieved to see the three of them disappear down the hall, Bella working at untangling the dog from a string of lights. Harper walked down to the parlor and plopped down on one of the Victorian sofas covered in velvet. It was like sitting on a brick ledge. “Phew, at last we can talk.”
“Did I get you at a bad time?” Julep asked.
“No, I was just going to call you.”
“Oh goody. I hope I was doing something outrageous in your mind.”
“Kind of. I was just talking to my sister, who had some terrible news.” She filled Julep in about the dress.
“Hallelujah. From the comments you made about that dress, I'd say this is a welcome disaster.”
“Exactly, but time is short. Do you know any consignment shops that would carry dresses?”
“Oh my dear,” Julep said in her thickest Vidalia accent. “There's only one place for a Savannah girl’s wedding dress. Bleubelle's.”
“The name practically drips with southern charm.”
“You mind if I tag along?”
“You are leading the way, Julep. And thank you.” They agreed on the time for Tuesday.
When she joined Cameron and Bella in the kitchen, she told them about the planned trip with Julep. “Can I come?” Bella asked.
“Oh sweetie,” Harper said giving her a hug. “You will be in school. But I do want to order a very special dress for you. Maybe we can go online tonight and work on that, okay?”
Looking up she caught Cameron's glance. His eyes held the look of grateful love. Just what any girl would want to see in a husband’s eyes.
Husband. Soon she could call him that, and her heart brimmed with that one word.
That night she had a terrible time falling asleep. Next to the bed, her notebook had pages folded over or ripped out. It was a total mess, but this wedding could not be set aside.
When she finally did fall asleep, she had a terrible nightmare. In the dream, she was trying to reach Cameron but ribbons of red and green woven into a wall blocked the way. She could not break through. Finally, she was able to swim up and out of sleep. Damp with sweat and sick from the threads of the dream that still clung, she pushed up on her elbows.
The third floor room felt too big and too lonely. Making her way carefully downstairs in the floppy dancing reindeer PJs that she saved for Christmas, she slipped in behind Cameron on the sleeper sofa. He usually slept commando, and she wound her arms around him, laying her head on his warm back. One hand flat on his heart, she felt the steady beat. Her fears fell away. He turned with a sleepy grin. “What is it, sweet thing? What's wrong?”
“A bad dream,” she mumbled and snuggled closer. Man, he was a furnace. Careful not to bump his right foot, she fit her body to his. “I couldn't find you. Couldn't get to you.”
“I’m always here for you.” His arms tightened and he kissed her forehead. “Always.”
One of his hands slid over the flannel. “But what the hell are you wearing?”
“My reindeer PJs.” She giggled. “I only wear these over the holidays, remember?”
“Hmm. Right.” His hands stroked the soft flannel. “Probably bad for your health. Way too warm.”
Harper kissed his chest. Gave it the slow tip of her tongue and he shivered. “You’re the best nightmare medicine ever.”
“Glad to hear it. But darlin’ these pajamas are just like wrapping paper.” Oh, so gently he slipped the top over her head while she inched off the bottom. “The gift is really hidden inside.”
Chapter 16
When Julep picked her up the following Tuesday, Harper was so excited she could hardly speak. And that hardly ever happened. “All I've thought about since we talked is this dress,” she admitted, climbing into Julep’s low-slung Mercedes. “Whoa. Pretty awesome, Julep.” She ran a hand over the burled trim on the dash.
“Tuck is all about cars.”
“Isn’t every man?” Harper said, thinking of their own garage.
“He insisted on this, not me.” The V8 engine rumbled under them as Julep pulled away.
Settling back into the black leather, Harper said, “So tell me about Bleubelle’s.”
The ride down Abercorn felt short because Julep described her own wedding and the role Bleubelle’s had played. Sounded like something from Gone with the Wind. “My Daddy wouldn’t have it any other way. And Mama? Just as bad.”
When they reached the unassuming shop in a strip mall near Bonefish Grille on Abercorn, Harper felt her heart pumping. Busy with a million other things, she hadn’t realized until now just how much this dress meant to her. How much she'd been missing by not shopping for it.
“I've already called,” Julep told her. “Courtney’s waiting for us.”
Getting out of the Mercedes, they walked up to the window where three mannequins were dressed in gowns that exceeded any childhood wedding expectations. In fact, Harper felt like a little girl pressing her nose to a candy store window. “Oh, Julep, the dresses are beautiful. Beautiful and expensive, I bet. And you probably have to order them, right?” The designs were high fashion. Fitted gowns with restrained trains. Capped sleeves tailored to fitted bodices, all beautifully detailed with pearls. Not a lot of fuss or frills here. Just stunning elegance.
“Usually, yes. But Courtney does have some samples.” Opening the door, Julep ushered her inside.
“But why would she sell one to me?” Harper whispered. “I don’t see any sale signs.”
“Because my wedding was the biggest order they’ve ever had. I think it had to do with my eight bridesmaids.” And Julep chuckled. How Harper loved this girl.
“Eight? I have two.”
“You’re smart. Why, I hardly ever talk to most of those girls anymore. Although, I will be in their weddings.”
“Come right in, ladies,” an attractive young woman came into the outer display with an air of quiet competence. “So good to see you again, Julep.” The two women air-kissed. “And you're expecting! Mercy, doesn’t time fly?”
While the two of them chattered in the breezy, southern manner that could take forever, Harper was drawn to the racks that edged the rectangular showroom. Dealing with the heavy gowns wasn’t easy, but she began to search.
“Come on, Harper.” Julep waved her over. With one long, lingering glance at the rack, Harper joined her. The two of them followed Courtney into the inner sanctum where they settled onto a puffy banquette. Right then, Harper decided this was a once in a lifetime experience. She was going to enjoy it. While another younger girl materialized to ply them with sweet tea and macaroons, Courtney showed them gown after gown, narrowing her choices from Harper’s comments. She didn't want a train. Didn't want a lot of lace or beading. And she certainly didn’t want long sleeves. Later, she realized that she'd nixed any gown that looked like her mother's wedding dress.
Unfortunately, she was drawn to high-end numbers, the kind of gown sold on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. “This must be so expensive,” she murmured to Julep when Courtney left the room for a moment.
“Don’t even think about it. Sample prices.”
So Harper decided to just take her time. “Just one thing,” she finally interjected, hating to bring it up. “I’m getting married on Christmas Eve. You won’t be able to get another sample in by then, right?”
Courtney and Julep exchanged a look. “Now don’t you worry about that. I’ll handle it,” Courtney assured
her.
When the number narrowed to six, they reached the try-on stage. Harper felt like Cinderella. Julep helped her in and out of the gowns that rustled with silky wonder. Walking out into the show room in the heels she’d brought, she pirouetted in front of the three-way mirror.
Since she’d never liked fussy clothing, her final choice was a simple strapless gown with a heart-shaped bodice that accented her figure. The three-tiered silk organza skirt flared into asymmetrical layers. At the waist was a small bouquet of flowers in a demure pink—which of course she intended to change.
As Harper twirled in front of the mirror, Julep narrowed her eyes. “Sweet and simple, but oh, so sexy. I love it.”
Although the gown was a sample size, it was a little large on Harper and Courtney assured her the changes would be made. A woman came in with a pincushion and measuring tape, and then told her when the dress would be ready. And the price was actually something Harper could afford.
“And now lunch is on me,” Julep told her when she came out dressed again. Why argue? By this time, Harper had learned that you didn’t argue with Julep Tucker.
As they headed down Abercorn, they took in the Christmas decorations. All of the windows were decked out in green and red. “We went to the Bedfords’ party last Saturday,” Julep told Harper as she drove. “You just wouldn't believe how many compliments were flying through the air about your decor. And Brittany gave you the credit. You are going to be very busy.”
“That's good news. We had to cancel. Cameron didn’t want to go in his cast and I didn’t want to travel when he was uncomfortable.”
In the Griffin Tea Room, they ordered the high tea. Harper preferred the African Autumn blend while Julep chose Smokey Cinnamon and Apple. The shopping expedition with her new friend had given Harper a thrill she’d always remember. “Oh Julep, this has been a wonderful morning. Thank you.”
Selecting a thin cucumber sandwich, Julep smiled. “A woman should be excited about her wedding.”
“I know,” Harper said nibbling on a tasty tuna tea sandwich. “I guess the wedding has become a list of chores for me. It's been so stressful since Thanksgiving.”
“You're in the home stretch. How is your mother-in-law coming along?”
“Oh, she and Lily sent me a tentative list for the buffet. I have to sit down with Connie and go over it. We’re hoping that the weather will be mild enough that we can eat outside. Cameron's ordered a tent.” Digging through her purse, she came up with the list that Cameron had printed off for her. “This is just a rough menu.”
Scanning the typed page, Julep reached for a miniature éclair. “Mind if I make some suggestions?”
“Not at all. Gee, that lemon tart looks good.”
“It's yours. I'm swearing off lemon this month.” Julep took out a pen. “Let’s see. Just a few more things, like hush puppies.”
“Oh my God? They're not there? It's a good thing I've shown you that list.”
All too soon, the lunch ended. When the waiter brought them the check, Julep insisted on paying, even though Harper protested.
“Have you set up a wedding registry?”
Harper just looked at her. Sure, she always went to a bride’s registry for her gift when she was invited to a wedding. But they didn’t need anything. As if she could read her mind, Julep smiled. “What am I ever going to get you for your wedding? Let's make this day my wedding gift to you.”
Who could argue with that? “Sounds fabulous.”
“Why don’t we do some window shopping?” Julep asked once they walked out into
Madison Square. “I don't get down to Bull Street that often.”
“Sounds wonderful. Makes me feel like a student again to come down here.” How Harper's life had changed.
“How is the decorating going?” Julep asked.
“Exhausting, to be honest. Cameron’s frustrated because he really can’t help with his ankle. In fact, he's doing far too much now. And his guys are all busy with jobs they need to finish before Christmas.”
“Maybe I could come over with Patricia and a couple of her girls.”
“Who’s Patricia?”
“My cleaning lady. She has a lot of young girls who might enjoy decorating, as long as you direct them.”
Finally, Harper could see a light shining at the end of the tunnel. “Oh, that would be such a help, Julep, if she has some hours. I don't care what she charges.”
Wearing a sassy smile, Julie wagged a finger. “Remember everything today is on me. And that includes anything we mention.”
Well, Harper wasn’t quite comfortable with that. But she’d deal with that later. “ I can see the wheels moving in Cameron's head as we decorate. And I think he can see that the decor doesn't match the vintage furniture, and I use that word kindly.”
“That's a good thing right?”
“It sure is. I'm hoping someday we can look at some things together.”
Julep tugged her into one of the shops, and before Harper knew it, her friend was snapping up ornaments and table decorations that fit her new theme. She especially liked the silver jingle bell doorknob wreaths and a welcome mat sporting a reindeer. When they turned out to Broughton Street, Julep took Harper to a gift shop with coastal holiday decorations. Harper picked out a three-foot tree made of white shells. “I should've moved the car closer,” Julep grumbled.
“Here, let me take the heavier bags.” Arms full, they giggled all the way up the cobblestone sidewalk to the car. For the first time, Harper felt not just the stress but also the giddy excitement of her Christmas wedding.
Their Christmas wedding. And that was the best part.
Chapter 17
When Harper got home, Cameron asked if she’d had any success. “Not telling...but yes. And you can’t see my dress when I bring it home. That’s not allowed.”
Although the wedding was unfolding in close quarters, she desperately wanted her gown to be a surprise. “Not for us girls,” she later whispered to Bella. “You can have a sneak peek after they make the alterations.” A beaming smile and tight hug from Bella’s spindly arms were her reward.
Ornaments and garlands in hand, they continued to put up Christmas decorations, while Cameron tapped in hooks, arranged stuffed elves on the highest shelves and held up sparkling ribbons so she could gauge the effect. They were a great team. The house began to take on a festive air, despite the museum-like furnishings. Grabbing Jack’s trimming shears one day, Harper led Bella outside to cut short branches from one of their pine trees. The fragrant boughs filled the house with a piney smell that had always meant Christmas for her. They were all relieved when neither she nor Bella had any breathing problems.
Yes, it was beginning to look and feel like Christmas. She’d become Cameron’s wife. No other gift could ever top this. The realization still brought her to a sudden halt. She might be grocery shopping or filling up at a gas station. Mrs. Cameron Bennett. She practiced writing it on her notepad, just to make it more real. Gazing at the name, her head spun.
When her mother called full of apologies about the wedding dress, Harper had to work at sounding disappointed. She’d be picking the dress up at Bleubelle’s soon.
“All these years I’ve been thinking one of my girls would be married in that dress, feeling as happy as when I married your father,” her mother lamented during their phone call.
“Oh, I am, Mom. No problem with that. I am happy. You know that.” But the happiness would have nothing to do with a dress. Not really. Her joy had everything to do with the man.
“Of course, dear. Of course you’d say that.”
Travel plans were shaping up. Most of the Kirkpatricks had a family tradition of alternating holidays with their in-laws, which had always seemed fair and right. When Malcolm and Mark sent their regrets, it wasn’t a total surprise. They both had children and busy lives. “But we’ll see you soon, won’t we?” Malcolm asked.
“There’s talk of a party in Chicago. You know, when the ice fl
oes melt.”
“Don’t laugh Harper. We had another snow emergency last night.”
“Good lord.” With each day, she felt more relieved that the wedding would be in Savannah.
The Saturday of Christie’s birthday party came. Harper took Bella to her friend’s, looking so pretty in a new red dress, a plaid headband holding back her dark hair. The gold-wrapped gift on her lap held a container of giant pop pearls. “Have a great time,” she said, walking her to the door. “And don’t forget to thank Christie’s mother.”
A wave of relief washed over her as she drove home. Her role as a nanny had given her a taste of what it felt like to be a parent. Is this how her mother had felt when they were growing up in Oak Park? Was her heart in her mouth every time she sent them out into the world? If kids were mean or they didn’t get picked to play on the volleyball team, did her mother’s heart sink? Being a parent had its downside. Harper could see that now. But Bella and Cameron were definitely worth it.
“You’ll make a great mom,” Cameron said when she raced up the back stairs and burst into the kitchen, eager to return to her decorating.
“Really?” But they’d never talked about any family plans. Maybe they should. “How would you, ah, feel about that part of it?”
“You make it sound like homework, Harper,” he teased.
“The idea is just new, I guess.”
“Hold that thought.” He kissed her on the nose. “No need to rush anything.”
When she went to pick Bella up, she was so relieved to see her happy smile. “Christie’s mom wants to make a playdate with us,” Bella announced as she snapped her own seat belt. Bella was growing up. “She’s gonna call you. I gave her our phone number. And she has a new baby brother.”
“Oh?” This was news, but then the school was new for them. Pulling away from the curb, she slowly started home.
“Yeah, they just picked him up.”
Laughter bubbled in Harper’s throat but she swallowed it fast. This was too good to miss.