Don't Make Plans

by Ava Armstrong

  “The money – it’s exactly what I needed right now. I want to quit my job and sell this house. Sasha gave me the gift of freedom. Then this – oh, Kent – it is so beautiful.”

  “You’re gorgeous when you’re happy.”

  “I never imagined this could happen. I’ve got to help Sasha live.”

  “Do you want a big wedding or something small and personal?”

  “I never thought about it.”

  “You don’t have to think about it now. I have a better idea.”

  Kent guided her to the sofa. “I love this couch.”

  A soft breeze blew through the open window. Frogs peeped. An owl hooted. The night was alive with the sounds of summer.

  “Let’s go upstairs to the bedroom…” Paige whispered.

  He followed her as she ran up the staircase.

  “I’ll be right back.” She turned on the shower and soaped her body, then rinsed. Her wet hair fell onto her shoulders. When she reached for the doorknob, it had been open. All the while, Kent had been watching, smiling. She kissed him and moved into the bedroom. He followed. She turned on the small bedroom lamp; it cast a golden glow over Kent’s muscled figure as he reclined on her bed.

  “I’ve been dying to do this…” she whispered. She lifted his T-shirt and he hastily removed it. She kissed his mouth and laid her body next to his.

  “I’m full of scars…” he started. She put her finger on his lips.

  “Shh…show me each one.”

  As he obliged, Paige felt an overwhelming desire to kiss each one. Kent seemed nervous at first, but then she sensed his relaxation and enjoyment. When she got to his pajama bottoms, she pulled them off gently with his help. By now, she was fully aroused, and Kent was touching her.

  “You’re beautiful.” She murmured.

  “Full of scars.” He whispered.

  “But they brought you here, to me.”

  His mouth covered hers. “I love you, Paige.”

  CHAPTER 23

  Paige slipped into the beautiful white lace dress. Sasha zipped her and swept her hair up expertly.

  “Not too much make-up, dahling. Wedding make-up should be soft and subtle.” Sasha applied things with a slight dab of her finger. When Paige gazed at herself in the mirror, she looked like herself, only better. Sasha was an expert with make-up, hair, and accessories. Paige hugged her.

  “I’m so happy you’re my maid of honor.”

  “Ah, now, don’t cry. We don’t want to mess you up.” Sasha laughed.

  Justin came rushing into the room. “Mom, you’ve got to go now. You should see the crowd at the VFW. The pastor is there. Gramps said you gotta come now!”

  “Okay. I’m coming.” Paige took a deep breath and let it out. She was trying to imagine the crowd, it couldn’t be that big. She only had a handful of friends, but Gramps and Sasha had done most of the planning, so it was all a big surprise for her.

  Sasha’s limo took them to the VFW and Justin ran in first to let everyone know she had arrived. When she walked up to the front door she noticed the decorations, all handmade with cute messages printed in bold letters. When the door opened, the first faces she noticed were her friends, Lisa, Amanda, Melanie, Cloe, and her former manager, Nancy. They were all teary-eyed. Sasha was whispering orders and Paige followed.

  At the far end of the room, at the makeshift altar, she noticed Kent wearing the charcoal linen suit. He looked so handsome and was smiling from ear-to-ear. Justin stood next to him. There were many people there she’d never met before. She assumed they were friends or acquaintances of Kent’s. For a second, her eyes rested on the couple sitting in the front row – it was mom and dad – they’d come from Florida. A hush fell over the crowd when she became visible in the entry hall. All eyes were on her as the familiar wedding song played on the organ in the corner. She walked with Sasha by her side, her matron of honor, who always dared do things Paige had only dreamt of. Paige kept her eyes straight ahead, but sensed emotion traveling through Sasha, the crowd, and Kent, like an electrical current.

  * * *

  He’d never seen a vision so lovely in his life. Kent couldn’t stop staring at Paige in her wedding dress. Sasha had insisted on picking it out, and he didn’t get involved. It looked like it was handmade for her perfect shape, the insets of lace showed just enough skin to give her the appearance of an angel. A short lace veil covered her face. He couldn’t wait to put the wedding ring on her finger. He’d imagined this moment, but this was much better than his dreams.

  His eyes were drawn to the first few rows of people and he noticed Rob smiling at him. Standing beside him was April. Kent thought she was crying. D-man and the whole gang from his physical therapy group were there. Some were giving him thumbs up, smiling and waving. But, the biggest shock of all was when his eyes picked out his father and Sheila, his two sisters and their husbands. He was astonished they were there watching him get married to the love of his life.

  As Paige drew nearer, she became even more beautiful. The music stopped and the audience was seated. The pastor had them repeat traditional wedding vows. Kent placed the ring on Paige’s finger. He gazed into Paige’s beautiful hazel eyes through the lace veil. He meant every word, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, ‘til death do us part… Then the moment he’d waited for. He lifted the veil as the pastor announced, “You may kiss the bride.”

  Even though he knew it was a little on the wild side, Kent kissed her as if they were in a room alone together. He brought her close in an embrace, then moved his mouth over hers devouring its softness. The guys from the VFW were cheering and whistling. He heard Paige’s girlfriends urging him on.

  The pastor announced, “I present: Mr. and Mrs. Kent McCabe.

  Everyone moved to the area set up next to the bar. An elaborate hors d’oeuvres buffet with beer and wine was served, courtesy of the VFW. Kent couldn’t have been more proud. The receiving line was much longer than he imagined it would’ve been. Gramps and Sasha were in the corner watching. Every so often, Kent would nod their way. Eventually, they came through the line and Kent hugged Gramps.

  “Thanks… this was over the top.” Kent felt tears coming.

  “Hey, we’re one big family now. You, me, Paige, Justin. It’s all coming together, K&P Salvage, and look at you – smiling, happy – this is what it’s all about, Kent.”

  For once, Kent was speechless. Sasha gave him a hug and he was stunned by her kindness.

  “She’s beautiful, your wife. I love the sound of that!” Sasha laughed.

  “Yes, I do, too. Thank you, Sasha, for everything.”

  Then, lastly, his father and Sheila gave him a hug. Words of kindness were exchanged, and his two sisters congratulated him. He was glad they came, regardless of all that went before. None of that mattered now. It was history. Everything fell into place, as if it was supposed to happen this way.

  He felt Paige whispering in his ear. “Things always have a way of working out. I love you, Kent.”

  THE END

  Thank you for reading, “Don’t Make Plans.”

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