Above All Else (Sandy Cove Series Book 7)

by Rosemary Hines

  “Nah,” Tim said. “Traci’s just putting on a few pounds,” he teased.

  Soundly clapping him on the back of the head, Traci grinned and hugged Sheila. “We’re due in December. It’s a girl.”

  Madison and her mother exchanged smiles as they shared a moment of joy. By the way Michelle looked at her, Madison could tell her mother was probably imagining a future announcement of the same kind from her and Luke.

  After the excitement, the hostess called their name for their table, and they began what would be Madison’s last family meal as a single girl.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  Madison awoke bright and early the next morning. She lay in bed looking around the room and thinking about all the years she’d woken up here. So many memories of times playing with friends, doing homework, and just retreating from life for some alone time.

  Then she flashed on a memory of her and Miles lying on the floor in each other’s arms giving in to their flesh. Shuddering at the thought, she quickly dismissed it. I won’t let Miles spoil this day, she thought determinedly.

  Rising to her feet and parting the curtains, she could see that the sun was working to peer through the morning fog. She shot up a silent prayer for a sunny day, and then stretched for a moment and started getting dressed. There was much to do, even this morning. Although the wedding wasn’t until late in the afternoon, she had appointments for hair, nails, and makeup—all before noon—followed by lunch and then some formal photography before the ceremony.

  She and Luke had decided not to see each other until she came down the aisle. But the photographer would be taking a myriad of other shots on the church grounds before that. Some photos of Madison with the ocean in the background, group shots of her with her bridesmaids, as well as Luke with his groomsmen, and some portraits of Maddie with her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, as well as a few of just their immediate family—Mom, Dad, and brother Caleb.

  After she was dressed in her casual garb for the morning appointments, she took one more lingering look at her gown hanging on the closet door. Carefully fingering the soft fabric, she felt almost like a princess about to get ready for the big ball. Smiling, she thought of all the times she’d played dress up, donning sparkling costumes, tiaras, and little girl high heels.

  Today would be the real deal.

  Before she went downstairs, she looked in the mirror. “Here goes,” she told herself with a smile. Then saying a silent prayer of thanksgiving, she walked out of her childhood bedroom and into her new life.

  With a head full of curlers and surrounded by her bridesmaids, Madison sat still while Tara, a friend of Lucy’s who’d become a cosmetician, applied Maddie’s makeup. “I’m going to add a little gray here to give you a wide-eyed look,” she said. After applying the shadow, she handed Madison the mirror. “What do you think?”

  “I like it,” Maddie replied.

  The photographer, who was taking candid wedding prep shots, leaned over Madison’s shoulder and took a picture of her looking into the mirror. “Nice,” she murmured to herself as she backed out of the way again.

  Soon it was on to hair. Tara helped the bridesmaids first, and then turned her attention to Madison. Carefully unwinding the curlers, she began teasing and spraying as she guided the curled tendrils into place and set the tiara at the crown of Madison’s head. All that remained would be to secure the veil after her gown was on.

  When Tara was finished, Madison stood back and gazed at her image in the mirror. Wow. I do look like a princess, she thought.

  Her mother came over and stood beside her, also looking into the reflection. Neither of them noticed the photographer snapping away, as they turned and looked at each other, both of them with tears in their eyes.

  “Don’t get me started, Mom,” Madison chided. “My makeup will be ruined.”

  Her mother smiled. “I love you, sweetheart. This is going to be the beginning of a great future for you and Luke.”

  After a light lunch, it was time for Madison to slip into her gown. With her mother holding it open on one side, and Lucy on the other, Maddie carefully stepped into the sea of white and stood tall as it was guided up around her.

  “This dress is so amazing,” Lucy said. “I love it more every time I see it.”

  Madison smiled. “Me, too!”

  After her mother had zipped it up, Tara stepped forward with the veil and anchored it in place behind the tiara, gently spreading it out across Maddie’s shoulders and back.

  “Don’t move,” Michelle said, as Madison soaked in the image in the mirror. “I want your father to see you.” She disappeared for a moment and then returned with Steve in tow.

  Madison slowly turned around, hoping the veils would stay perfectly in place. “What do you think, Daddy?” she asked.

  Steve stood staring at her, his eyes pooling with tears. Finally he managed to say, “I think my little girl is all grown up.” He wrapped his arms around her momentarily, and the photographer caught it in a quick shot.

  “I’ll always be your little girl, Dad,” she said, wiping a tear from his cheek.

  Pride filling his eyes, Steve replied, “Yes, you always will.”

  The sun was shining and a cool breeze wafted off the ocean, as Madison, her bridesmaids, and her family slipped into the room next to the church foyer, where they would await the start of the ceremony.

  True to his word and his practice, Pastor Ben came in and gathered Madison and her parents into a corner of the room where he prayed with them and their transition from being Madison’s covering and her spiritual leaders to her close alliances and friends. Then he asked Steve to also pray for Madison’s role as a new wife and partner to her husband, Luke.

  As they hugged afterward, Kelly walked up. “It’s time,” she said.

  Ben smiled, gave Steve a pat on the arm, and quipped, “Stiff upper lip, now Dad,” before disappearing through the side door.

  Kelly lined up the bridal party out in the foyer, with Madison’s great grandmother Joan and her grandparents Sheila and Rick at the front of the line. Caleb offered his arm to Grams, and Joan locked hers with his. She turned and smiled at Sheila before being escorted down the aisle to her seat up front.

  Next Grandma Sheila was escorted in by her husband Rick.

  Lucy assumed her mother’s usual role of pacing the procession, so that Logan, who had appeared through the same side door Ben had exited, could escort Kelly up to her seat as mother of the groom.

  Caleb was back to walk his own mother down the aisle next before taking his place in front with Luke, Logan, and the other groomsmen.

  One by one, the bridesmaids walked gracefully in, their bouquets clasped firmly in front of them. Then Lucy, maid of honor, turned and winked at Madison before leaving her alone with her father.

  “Are you ready, princess?” Steve whispered into Maddie’s ear as the music switched to the traditional bridal chorus.

  She turned and looked into his eyes and saw a combination of pride and joy mixed with a tinge of sadness. “I love you, Daddy,” she replied. “Let’s go.”

  As they entered the sanctuary, seeing all the guests on their feet facing her in eager anticipation, she breathed deeply and smiled. She’d planned to look to each side as she entered as a silent greeting to these loved ones, but she found herself keeping her focus on Ben and the altar until she got close enough to see Luke off to the side. Peace and deep happiness settled over her as she locked her gaze on him.

  Luke was so handsome. With his head tipped slightly to the side and a loving smile on his face, he looked as eager to marry her as she was to be his bride.

  As they approached the altar, Ben opened the ceremony by greeting everyone and then asking, “Who gives this bride in marriage?”

  Steve replied, “Her mother and I do.”

  As Luke moved forward, Madison’s father gently moved her arm off of his and onto Luke’s. Steve kissed her on the cheek and then took his seat beside Michelle.


  After opening in prayer, Ben began talking about his son Luke and how he had grown into a fine young man who loved the Lord and wanted to dedicate his life to serving Him. He spoke of Luke’s passions in life and led into his relationship with Madison, one that had begun when they were both young teens and had blossomed into a lifelong commitment.

  While her future father-in-law began to talk about Maddie, she was so touched by his love and praises for her. Speaking so highly of his son’s bride, Ben painted a picture of a young woman who was the very best suited for his number one son. What a joy to think that this godly man, her father’s good friend, and their family pastor would now be second in line to Madison’s own dad.

  The marriage of two families along with hers and Luke’s hearts.

  Soon they were exchanging vows and rings. As Luke slipped her wedding ring onto her finger, Madison’s eyes blurred with tears.

  “I love you,” he whispered.

  “I love you, too,” she replied so softly that the air carried her words away.

  Then Ben explained to the guests that Luke and Madison would be taking communion together as husband and wife. He ushered them over to the table with the elements and the three of them bowed heads together as Ben prayed and then Luke followed suit. Next, Luke served her communion and they partook together.

  Leading them back to the center, Ben spoke about the sanctity of marriage, sharing a few Bible passages, and then exhorting the guests to stand in unity with Madison and Luke and help them uphold the vows they had exchanged.

  “There will be tough times,” he promised the newlyweds. “But never times when God will not meet you and carry you through together as a couple. And we,” he gestured to the congregation, “will all be there to support and encourage you, too.”

  He closed the ceremony in a prayer and benediction, and then Ben said, “And now, by the power vested in me by the state of Oregon, I pronounce you husband and wife.” Leaning toward his son, he added, “You may kiss your bride.”

  Applause broke out in the sanctuary as Luke leaned down and kissed her, gently at first and then with deep feeling. Madison’s heart reeled. She was married! Her dream had come true!

  Ben turned them toward the guests and said, “I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Luke Johnson.”

  The music began playing and Madison took Luke’s arm as they descended the stairs at the altar, stopping to hug and kiss Kelly, Michelle, and Madison’s grandmothers. Then, before they turned to walk out, Madison turned to her father and gave him a big hug. “Still your little girl,” she whispered into his ear before linking arms with her husband and leading the recessional out of the church.

  The reception was a blur of greeting their friends and family, trying to eat some of the delicious dinner, and then the dances that followed. Madison and Luke were inseparable as they mingled with the guests. It wasn’t until the mother-son dance that they left each other’s side.

  Watching Luke on the dance floor with his mom was such a touching moment for Madison. She’d always known Luke to treat his mother with utmost respect. And she could see his tender affection for her as they swayed together to the music and spoke quietly to each other, occasionally laughing softly in some secret memory.

  Then it was Madison’s turn. Steve was at her side immediately, leading her into the center of the wooden floor before taking her in his strong arms. As they danced, Madison caught her mother’s eye on the sidelines. She looked so happy and a bit nostalgic. Maddie thought about the times she’d danced as a little girl, standing on her father’s feet. They exchanged smiles as he pushed her off into a twirl, eliciting cheers from the onlookers. As the song ended, he pulled her in close one last time. “Luke is a very blessed man,” he said to her.

  “Thanks, Daddy,” she replied, kissing him on the cheek once again.

  “And now, for the bride and groom’s first dance,” the MC announced.

  Luke met her and her dad on the floor and took her hand. The tinkling of silverware on glasses signaled the guests’ call for a kiss. Luke leaned over and kissed her, lingering for a moment as the song began playing. Then he whisked her into his arms and she felt like Cinderella at the ball as they danced in perfect harmony. As the song ended, Luke lowered her into a dip before giving her a hug.

  A roar of applause and more tinkling of glasses evoked another kiss. Each one sent Maddie’s heart racing with joy and anticipation.

  Finally it was time to cut the cake. They’d agreed not to smash it into each other’s faces, but that didn’t keep Luke from licking the extra frosting off of Madison’s fingers. She loved the feeling of intimacy that was building over the evening. And, although she was a little nervous, she could hardly wait for the reception to end so they could begin their first night together as husband and wife.

  By nine o’clock, they were both ready to leave. The bouquet had been tossed, with Lucy the lucky recipient, and the garter had been shot through the air and caught by one of Luke’s college friends. As the guests continued to enjoy the live band and cake and coffee, Luke put his hand on Madison’s back and asked, “Are you ready?”

  She nodded.

  While her husband went to flag the MC about their departure, Madison walked over to her family’s table to say goodnight. Great Grandma Joan looked tired, and Sheila and Rick were preparing to take her home. Michelle had slipped off her shoes and was leaning into Steve as his arm draped over her shoulder.

  “I’m glad we get to be here for your send off,” Sheila said. Then she leaned over to her mother and added, “We’ll leave right after they do.”

  “No rush, honey,” Joan replied. But her eyes looked heavy. “It was such a beautiful ceremony, sweetheart,” she said to Madison. “I wish my Phil had lived to see it.”

  Madison felt sad for Grams. She tried to be such a trooper. But it was clear that she’d be happy to be finally home in heaven with her beloved husband.

  “If it’s at all possible, Grams, I’m sure he was watching.”

  Her great grandmother smiled. “I hope so, dear.”

  Luke walked up that moment and the MC spoke into the microphone announcing the couple’s departure. “If you’d all just gather over by that exit,” he said, gesturing to the door, “we’ll give them a bubbly send off.”

  The guests grabbed the tiny bottles of bubble solution and clustered around the double doors. Luke clasped Madison’s hand in his and led the way through the tunnel of bubbles that filled the air. As they reached the door, he turned and smiled, waving to the guests before they headed out to the awaiting limousine that Tim had rented for them as a wedding gift.

  “No way are you leaving in a plain old car,” he’d quipped. “My niece will leave the ball in class.”

  Luke helped her climb into the limo, lifting the train of her dress and helping her settle into her seat. As soon as he was in, he pulled off his necktie. “That’s better,” he said with a grin.

  As the chauffeur pulled away from the curb, their lips met once again, this time both feeling a new freedom to give in to their passion.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  Before Madison could step into their hotel room, Luke stopped her. “Where do you think you’re going?” he asked with a sly grin. Sweeping her off her feet, he carried her over the threshold. “I’ve been looking forward to doing that for a long time,” he said, planting a kiss on her lips before lowering her to the ground.

  Madison laughed. “I would have let you carry me over the threshold after each date if I knew it meant that much to you,” she teased. As Luke rolled their overnight bags inside, she turned to look over the room.

  Pink and red rose petals created a path to the big king-sized bed and covered its surface in a big heart shape. On the table in the corner was a large basket filled with goodies. Sparkling cider with two stemware glasses labeled bride and groom, chocolates, and a variety of exotic cheeses and crackers were nestled into the iridescent cellophane lining and crinkle cut red and pink paper. Red confetti hearts were sp
rinkled over the table, surrounding the basket. And heart-shaped Mylar helium balloons that said “Just Married” were tied to the chairs.

  “Wow,” Madison said. “Did you know about this?”

  Luke smiled. “Lucy mentioned something about needing to drop off a few things for you in our room when she came home at lunch time. But I didn’t know this was what she had in mind when she said a few things,” he replied. “Shall we break open this bottle while it’s still chilled? Or I can put it in the little fridge over there,” he said, pointing to an under-the-counter unit.

  “I think we should indulge,” Madison replied. “The cheese and crackers actually look pretty tempting, too. I didn’t eat much dinner.”

  He nodded. “Me neither.” Pulling out one of the chairs, he said, “Mrs. Johnson?”

  “I’m liking the sound of that,” Madison said, kissing him before she sat down.

  Luke opened the sparkling cider and poured her a glass, handing it to her before he poured his own. “A toast to my beautiful bride.”

  They gently clinked glasses then interlocked their arms before drinking. “Now for the food!” Madison announced, pulling out a box of crackers and opening the cheese. “How do you suppose they kept everything cool from lunch time until now?”

  “So, I’m thinking that might have been why Logan took so long dropping off my car here for us to use in the morning. You knew he left during the reception for a while, right?”

  Madison shook her head. “No. I had no clue.”

  “I’m guessing my car will have some things tied to the rear bumper and some writing on the back window,” Luke said. “Logan and Caleb were gone for over an hour.”