On Ice (Contemporary Romantic Thriller)
Page 34
A hush fell over the assembly as Father Paul strode purposefully toward the front of the church.
A huge lump formed in Maddy’s throat as the strains of a haunting tune wafted through the air accompanied by a gentle rhythmic drumming. She realized there was a vocal accompaniment, a sort of melodic chanting.
Brett followed Father Paul to stand in the front of the church. He wore western boots and jeans with a formal jacket with tails. He looked like he had stepped out of an antique postcard.
Mrs. Jolly-Goodnight dabbed her eyes with a tissue.
Genna, her hair grown to a respectable length, was chosen to be Rene’s lone Maid of Honor. She wore a pale lavender gauzy dress copied from the 1800’s and a wreath of flowers in her hair.
Sara and Miranda walked down the aisle scattering flower petals gleefully in their wake. They, too, wore garlands in their hair and pale pink dresses from the same period. The girls finished their parade in front of Brett and stood grinning up at him. He stooped to kiss each girl on the cheek before they ran giggling to land in Maddy’s lap. The dresses were adorned with rows of pin tucks and fine embroidery. Maddy realized the hours of painstaking labor spent in making the intricate garments.
The onlookers drew a breath as one. The audible sigh brought Maddy’s attention to the back of the church where Rene stood holding her son’s hand.
Seth maintained a solemn expression as he led his mother to her husband-to-be.
Rene, her gaze locked with Brett’s, wore a sheer, cream-colored antique style dress. She looked as though she had stepped out of a museum showcase. Her curls had grown out and were caught up with flowers and lace. A simple blue grosgrain ribbon hung around her neck supporting a newly hand-carved ivory bear figure.
Tears blurred Maddy’s vision as Rene joined Brett. The wedding ceremony was a mere formality for two people who were meant to be together.
Ted patted her shoulder. She noticed that all of the couples looking on held hands as Rene and Brett promised everlasting love and fidelity.
The newlyweds gazed tenderly at each other for a long moment before leaning together for a kiss. Applause broke out in the church. The unruly group clapped, whistled and cheered as Brett led Rene down the aisle and out of the church.
Maddy mopped her eyes and stood gazing after her baby sister and her groom. The children clamored around, demanding they be taken to the reception.
Although a tight squeeze, they managed to fit into the car long enough to drive three blocks to the hotel.
“You look lovely,” Maddy said when she embraced Rene.
“Thanks,” Rene said. “I was afraid you wouldn’t like my dress.” She fingered the bear fetish nervously.
“It’s you,” Maddy said, smiling.
“It is, isn’t it? Mayor Wolfe carved another pendant for me. He said she’s my bodyguard.”
“I like your hair, too. It’s grown out enough to have some style.”
“Nadine insisted on trimming it for the wedding. I’d grown accustomed to looking like a wild woman.”
Maddy chuckled. “Rene, you are a wild woman. Have I ever told you that you’re my hero?”
“Hero? I’m not a hero. I was just determined to survive and keep my children safe.” Rene smiled, tilting her head to one side. “Besides, you’ve always been my hero, you know?”
“Yeah, I know,” Maddy said. “But I didn’t deserve to be. When Mark began stalking me, I did everything wrong. You were the one who made things right.”
“I couldn’t have done it without you. You made it possible for us to escape. I was too frozen to move. And I was ashamed. I thought everything was entirely my fault.”
“I’m proud of you, Rene. You’ve accomplished so much.” Maddy folded her into an embrace. “By the way, when you throw that bouquet, try to lob it to T.J. or Terrence will never forgive you.”
“Enough girl talk. I think this is our dance.” Brett offered his hand to Rene.
Rene placed her hand in his and gazed into his eyes as he swirled her onto the dance floor. “I’m so happy,” she whispered.
“No more than I,” he said. “I promise to love, honor and cherish you and not to step on your toes.”
“It’s okay,” she said. “I can handle you. I’m a very strong woman.”
# # #
About the author:
J.D. Faver lives near Houston, Texas with two spoiled, rotten cats, Emily and Daisy, and a rescue dog, affectionately called Heart of Darkness, Horrible/Adorable, or Minx for short. She writes humorous contemporary romance and romantic suspense, both seasoned with plenty of steamy passion. Even the darkest murder/suspense is riddled with numerous snarky sentiments. She is actively involved in several writer’s organizations, including National RWA and three of its local chapters, West Houston RWA, Houston Bay Area RWA and Northwest Houston RWA. She loves to spend time with family and friends. She writes daily but has time for other interests including painting, cooking and gardening.
She Tweets. http://twitter.com/#!/JDFaverauthor
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She loves to hear from readers. http://www.jdfaver.com
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Other books by J.D. Faver
KILL SHOT
http://amzn.com/B005LDJVRE
BAD HABIT
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BADLANDS
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BAD GIRL!
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A TWIST OF FATE
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PAINTED LADY
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Available soon:
DEAR NEMESIS