by Barbara Lohr
Whoa, really? “So you've heard I'm not a great cook?” Everyone broke up at that. But she was serious. That list of yummy food? She never made any of it. Never even tried. She could do a lot of damage here.
“How would you like to drive with me to the airport? Seth called and he's been able to switch their flight to the one your parents and McKenna are on. It'll save us one trip. Jack will drive the SUV.”
“No problem.”
Lily was at the coffee maker, pouring mugs for everyone. “Coffee, Harper?”
“No, I don't think so. Usually I have my orange juice first.” Right, that was so not the truth.
The rest of the day Harper felt like a transportation service. Fine with her. The busyness kept her mind occupied. When she heard Esther and Connie raising their voices in the kitchen about what went into a pecan pie, she had to intervene. “Cameron must have some bourbon in the house.” Esther’s voice held a fretful note.
“I wouldn’t know.” Now, that would be the day when Connie didn’t know everything that was in this house. Connie was a little conservative about things like that. Since she and her husband were teetotalers, she never cooked anything with alcohol. That issue had never come up.
Just when the argument was getting heated, Lily sauntered out of the pantry holding a bag of chocolate chips. “Have you ever had chocolate pecan pie?” she asked the room in general. Harper wanted to hug her. Cameron’s sister had probably always played the peacemaker in their family. “Best thing ever.”
Since no one protested, Lily slit open the bag, pouring at least half of it into the syrupy mix. A serious chocoholic, Harper couldn't wait to sample it, until she remembered that chocolate was off-limits too. Too much caffeine. She’d been spending time on the Internet. That's when she went back into the powder room to study the snow globes.
On the trip to the airport, Harper felt both excited and nervous. Would the two families get along or would it be stiff and awkward? And would her family notice something different about her? Since the Blodgetts didn't know her that well, they weren't picking up on anything. But her family? She just didn't know. Luckily, Bella was riding in the Bentley with Cameron.
When they reached the airport, the flight from Chicago was delayed. So she took one of the giant rockers at the head of the exit ramp while Bella sat in the other. They both rocked while Cameron paced the perimeter of the small courtyard and Jack visited the golf shop. Keeping an eye on the people streaming down the concourse, she saw McKenna’s flaming red hair the moment she came into view.
“You see her, Bella?” And she pointed.
Jumping from the rocker, Bella ran to the head of the ramp. Big Mike and Reenie came first with many hugs and carry-ons that were probably stuffed with gifts. And then it was McKenna and Logan. She hadn't seen McKenna since Selena’s and Seth's wedding. Now McKenna was about seven months pregnant and due in February. “I don't know if I can get my arms around you,” she teased.
“Just you wait, little sister,” McKenna shot right back, giving her a quick hug.
Harper froze. Did McKenna see something?
“Hey, you okay?” Her sister pulled back. “Got the wedding jitters?”
Their mother gently nudged McKenna aside. “What wedding jitters? Nonsense. You're not nervous, are you, sweetheart? Why, it's high time.” Now, what did that mean?
Smelling like Old Spice shaving lotion, her father kissed her cheek. “How’s my little girl?”
“Nervous,” she admitted.
“You?” He pulled away, his eyes laughing. “Never.”
“So good to see you, Dad.”
“My turn.” There Bella stood, arms outstretched. Of course, Harper's father picked her up and swirled her around, just as he used to do with her. “How's my princess? Have you been good? Is Santa going to come to you this year?”
When he set her down, she put her hands on her hips. “I certainly hope so, Grandpa.” So little and yet so old. That was the expression Harper caught on Cameron’s face. How would things change once Bella was a big sister? Seth loped up the ramp holding Selena’s hand, and they went through the whole welcome routine again. Bella loved Harper’s huge family. They seemed to fill a hole that had been empty way too long. Harper’s hand went to her stomach until she realized what she was doing and dropped it. They headed for the baggage claim area. The laughter and teasing continued all the way to the parking garage.
What a good visit they had that day. Once again, Cameron played tour guide. Harper had a chance to stay home and visit with McKenna and Selena, since they’d both been here before. That night they all went to bed early. The next day was Christmas Eve, their wedding day.
But Harper could hardly sleep. She kept going to the window, wondering if Cameron was awake too. Sure enough, the light fell from his window onto the verandah below. But this was the last night they’d spend apart. The thought comforted her.
After a quick breakfast, Harper drove to Adam’s salon, along with McKenna, Selena and Bella. At the end of the appointment, Harper slipped him a copy of their vows. “I’ve been waiting for this, you know,” he said, whisking the sheet from her fingers.
“Sorry. So much to do.”
“Sure you’re feeling all right?” Adam gave her a scrutinizing glance, no doubt wondering why she’d dashed to the bathroom once or twice.
“Nervous,” she supplied.
“This is so right for you,” he whispered with a tight hug. “And you will make a beautiful bride.”
Overhearing them, McKenna joined in. “You got that right.”
A bride. The words switched a light on inside her. The glow lasted all day. Their families were here. All was right with the world. When they reached the house all kinds of wonderful smells filled the air.
“It stinks in here,” Bella said.
“And don’t you look beautiful,” Harper’s mother exclaimed, scooping Bella up and saving her from a certain beheading from Esther. “And now I think we could use some help, right, Esther? Isn’t there a job Bella could help us with?” As Harper swirled to the powder room, she heard Esther teaching Bella how to devein a shrimp.
“Everything okay?” Cameron asked when she reappeared.
“Perfect. Don’t hover, okay?”
“Don’t all grooms hover on their wedding day?” He gave her a saucy smile. Sliding his arms around her, he tried to touch her tummy. She tapped his hand.
“None of that either,” she said between set teeth. “It’s so obvious.”
“That I love you?” he whispered.
“Oh, Cameron.” He was hopeless. Love didn’t seem like enough for what she felt for this man. Just then Pipsqueak raced from the parlor, an ornament swishing from her tail.
“Come here, you!” While Cameron was diverted, Harper dashed upstairs.
Chapter 22
Piano music drifted up the staircase from where a pianist had set up a keyboard in the wide hallway. While her mother was arranging her veil, Harper felt a wave of panic. What if she couldn’t get through this day without making a fool of herself? She flattened one hand against her stomach. What if she didn’t make it to the bathroom in time? Downstairs the place was packed, and she was wearing a gown that felt wide as a hot air balloon. “What is it, sweetheart?” Her mother stopped fussing.
Harper sucked in a deep breath. Buck up, girl. “Nothing, Mom. It's just that I hope everything is ready downstairs.” No way was she admitting to her situation. Not today. Besides, she’d tucked a few saltines into her tiny, white satin bridal bag. If she just kept her stomach reasonably full, she should be fine.
Cameron would see to it. Like always, he’d take care of her. Her nervousness eased.
Kissing her on the cheek, her mother whispered, “It's fine, Harper.”
“Thanks, Mom.” The last month had been such a rush. With Christmas, the wedding, Cameron’s accident and now a pregnancy, it felt as if life had rushed at her from all sides. But he’d always been there.
She could
almost feel his comforting arms around her now. Not only was she his wife, she was having his baby. Contentment eased her jittery stomach.
Looking up, she found her mother staring at her, eyes sweeping the gown. The butterflies returned. Harper checked her dress and patted the hair that Adam had swept up into an elegant wave. “What, Mom?”
“I think this dress is way prettier than the one I wore years ago.” And she winked.
“You really think so?” And she checked the magnolia leaves at her waist to make sure the red berries were still in place.
Appearing in the doorway, McKenna glowed in a red gown that flowed with liquid grace over her baby bump to the floor. Holly was pinned in her hair to match her bouquet. Selena came in right behind her, her long dark waves a stunning contrast to the red dress. The three of them had decided on Candy Apple lipstick. “I don't know where you got those dresses,” Harper told them. “But they are gorgeous. Love the one shoulder strap. Very Grecian.”
Putting her hands on her hips, Selena said, “Talk about gorgeous. Your dress is pretty hot. Strapless?”
Suddenly self-conscious, Harper ran a hand across her bare chest. “Do you think it's too much?”
Casting a pointed glance at Harper's cleavage, Selena chuckled. “Too much of that? Not possible and I'm sure Cameron will agree.” McKenna joined the laughter.
When she heard Pipsqueak yapping, she knew Bella was on her way up. There had been no restraining her once she was dressed in her flower girl dress. No waiting. She had dashed down to show everyone.
Bustling into the room, Bella shoved a blue Tiffany’s box at Harper. “Daddy said to give you this.”
“Oh, my.” What was this? He’d been acting so weird since she gave him the news.
Bella eyed the gift. “Can I open it?”
“Not this one,” Harper said, taking it over to the dressing table. Her hands trembled as she opened the box. McKenna, Selena and her mother all leaned in. A wave of sighs swept the room when Harper took out a necklace with a beautiful heart made of tiny diamonds. Her eyes filled.
“Cameron has such wonderful taste,” her mother said. “Let me help you put it on.”
“Of course he does, Mom.” McKenna exchanged a look with Selena. “After all, he chose Harper, didn’t he?”
“Do I get one of those too?” Bella asked, patting the bodice of her dress. “I don't have a necklace.”
“Believe it or not, your daddy did give me a box for you.” Opening the upper drawer of her bureau, Harper took out an identical box. Of course, Bella was ecstatic when she opened the gift. Her heart was smaller, white gold with one diamond, but equally beautiful. McKenna helped her put it on.
“Just like yours...Mommy.” Bella smiled up at her.
If it hadn't been for this little girl, Harper never would have been here. Bella’s need had called to her, or so Harper supposed.
“Mommy.” Bella repeated the word slower, softer. Harper loved hearing it. Behind her, she heard sniffles and tissues being swiped from the box on her dresser.
“Okay, let’s not ruin our makeup.” Harper blotted her own eyes. Just then the sound of the wedding march wound up the staircase. The pianist had been given a schedule and looking at the clock, Harper realized they were already ten minutes late. They all grabbed their bouquets.
“Your father will be looking for me.” With a quick kiss, her mother disappeared, Selena and McKenna right behind her.
“Do I look all right? Do I?” Bella asked.
“You look perfect,” Harper said, taking her hand. “Let's get going. Be careful, use the handrail.” Although Julep had repeated her offer to have Bella stay with them after the wedding, Harper wanted her here. After all, the house was decorated for the holidays, and they hadn't had time to really enjoy it. She pictured cozy evenings, just the three of them. Well, four. They’d reached the landing. The wedding march continued and Bella squeezed her hand.
Standing at the top of the steps, she watched McKenna walk down to where Adam was stationed, looking very official in his navy jacket and red tie. Who knew what her old friend was going to say? She hoped it wasn’t too outrageous. The only thing that mattered as far as their families were concerned was that Adam had the authority to legally marry them.
On either side of Adam, chairs arced back into the library and the parlor, plenty of room for their seventy guests. At the very front, her parents sat next to Esther, with Lily and the family on her other side. Both women were already dabbing their eyes. Her own mother didn’t surprise her, but Esther's obvious emotion did. Scattered throughout the two rooms were her siblings. Catching her eye, Julep gave a small wave from where she sat with Tuck.
When McKenna reached the first floor, Logan was there to offer his arm. Selena went next, with Harper’s brother Seth watching her with pure adoration in his eyes.
“Your turn, honey.”
Dropping Harper’s hand, Bella began her descent and Harper held her breath. Just as they’d rehearsed the night before, Bella kept her right hand on the banister while her left hand held the basket of holly. From the expressions on the faces of the guests, she made quite a picture.
But there was only one face Harper needed to see. One pair of blue eyes filled with such love for her. Love that rocked her so deeply that she had to reach for the railing herself. “My wife,” Cameron whispered as they turned to face Adam. “Love of my life.”
“Oh, Cameron.” She clung to his arm.
The service passed in a blur. Oh, she was aware of Adam speaking. Knew that he'd injected some humor into the comments, which was no surprise. Somehow she overcame her dry mouth when it came time to recite their wedding vows. The truth was, “I do” was enough for her. But the guests chuckled at the words that were open and honest and very much them. At the end, Cameron kissed her and the house filled with applause and laughter. Harper even thought she saw ornaments on the tree shiver from the noise.
In the side garden, the tent stood ready. Connie and Esther had been supervising the menu all day, along with the staff members Candace and Miles had supplied from Extraordinary Celebrations. Because they wanted to enter the garden without passing through the kitchen, they exited through the front door, which they seldom used. Leading the way, the family stood on either side, showering them with artificial magnolia petals that Jack would have to sweep up the next day.
When they reached Victory Parkway, they turned, now in full view of the holiday traffic on the busy street. Horns honked and people shouted “Congratulations” through open windows.
“Are we making a spectacle of ourselves?” she asked Cameron, feeling giddy.
“Darlin’, I could not care less.” Cameron laughed, patting her hand. He still had a slight limp, and she was glad that this would probably be the longest walk they’d take today. Once inside the tent, there was a short reception line. The decision had been made to just have candid shots taken and that seemed to be fine, with the photographer darting here and there.
A table for the bridal party had been set up at the end of the long, narrow tent. Without further ceremony, they passed through the sumptuous buffet. “Your mother did us proud,” she said to Cameron as they slowly moved past the steam tables.
“Down home cooking.” Heaping his plate with deep-fried turkey and jambalaya, he left plenty of room for black-eyed peas and mustard baked beans. Harper tried to keep her plate simple. The turkey would be fine and then a small serving of sweet potatoes. This wasn't the time to try the okra, and she took a pass on the boiled peanuts. But she was pleased to see that Bella ate something. Their little girl had come a long way.
As the group ate and champagne was served, Harper dipped into her bag for the soda crackers. Then came the toasts and the incessant clinking on the glasses, not that she minded all the kissing one bit. Harper was glad when the music started. Of course, the first dance was for Harper and her dad. “You have a good husband,” he told her. “And well, he’s damn lucky.”
“Thanks, Dad
.” He was being so cute.
Esther looked so flustered when it came time for Cameron to step onto the floor with her. The cardinals on her pretty Christmas sweater sparkled in the glittery light suspended from the ceiling of the tent.
The last couple days had been a revelation. Harper had been so wrong about Esther. What she’d first seen as detachment now seemed to be shy uncertainty. Her son’s grand house might be difficult for Esther Blodgett to comprehend. Harper had once felt that way herself.
When the song ended, the band began to play another dreamy tune. Her dad whisked her mother onto the dance floor. Cameron turned to her but she held up one finger. “Be right back,” she told him, scooping up her dress. “Gotta visit the snow globes.”
“Don’t be long, darlin’.” His eyes warmed.
She nearly stumbled. Tearing her attention away from that man wasn’t easy, but she made it out of the tent. Getting up the steps was a real challenge with the long skirt. Suddenly she felt someone else lifting the weight. Harper turned, expecting to find Cameron or Julep.
“We don’t want this beautiful dress to get ruined.” Mrs. Blodgett’s cheeks flushed just the way Cameron’s did when he was uncomfortable.
They’d reached the back door and with her mother-in-law’s help, Harper smoothed her hands over the skirt. “Mrs. Blodgett, thank you.”
“Well, now.” Esther clasped her hands in front of her. “I think it’s high time you call me Mama, instead of Mrs. Blodgett. That is, if that sets all right with you.”
“Oh, well. Yes.” Harper almost felt light-headed but she nodded. Mama. She’d have to practice saying the word until it felt right.
Then that’s that.” Esther looked like she needed a hug, and Harper had one ready. Her new mother-in-law felt so small and vulnerable, the delicate backbone ridged along the sweater. “I really do love your son, you know,” Harper said, pulling back.
Esther Blodgett’s eyes filled, shocking Harper with the blatant emotion. “You’re the best thing that ever happened to my son,” the older woman said with a sniff. “Don’t take any guff from that boy. None of his highfalutin’ nonsense.”