by Sarah Gay
Tori felt her head begin to throb again. “Excuse me?”
“It’s really not that bad.” Zee came to her side, taking her hand. “Walk along the overwalk with me. We can look down at the drop at the end of the metal walkway. Then you can decide if you want to swing.”
“Okay.” Tori took in a nervous breath. “Let’s take it slow.”
“Slow?” Zee squeaked. “When I’ve made a life-changing decision, I like to dive in head first, fast, super-fast.”
“Is this a life-changing decision?” Tori countered.
“Sure, every decision could be life-changing. I had a friend that decided to do something every day that scared her.”
“And she’s still alive?”
“She’s now an executive for a Fortune 500 company.”
Zee motioned to the grate at their feet. “What do you think?”
Tori squeezed his hand as someone reached into her chest and crushed her heart. “That’s a serious drop. I don’t think I’m going to do it.”
“Let’s decide that when we get to the launch pad.”
“Launch pad?” Tori examined the two guides who were waiting at the end of the walk-way for their next victims. “They’re going to launch me?”
“Figuratively speaking.” Zee laughed. “I’ll give you a deep muscle massage of your neck and back after this to relieve the tension I can see building with your every step.”
When they reached the drop-off, the two employees, one seated and one standing, clipped a few cords onto her waist, and pulled here and there. As she looked down into the low, lush forest, a hand gave her an ever so gentle push on her lower back; just enough to send her off the edge to her sure demise. Those were her thoughts as her spleen traveled up into her throat, thus preventing her from screaming. By the time she caught her breath, she was swinging back toward the tower for the second time. A guide at the bottom of the swing pulled on a rope connected to Tori that slowed her motion and pulled her to him.
The guide unhooked her as quickly as she had been clipped in. Her legs trembled as they carried her behind the rustic wooden fence, where she had been instructed to wait for the next victim.
“Yeah!”
Tori knew that scream. She looked up as her son fell, fell, and fell some more. His legs spread out to their sides from the wind resistance. The hand that had squeezed her heart was now digging its long fingers into her heart valves, impeding all blood flow from circulating through her body. She sat on the muddy ground the second he touched down.
He threw his hands in the air. “That was awesome!” he screamed as he danced his way to her. “Can we do that all again?”
“At this rate, I’m going to own that Fortune 500 company.”
Ethan sat on the ground next to her and smiled up with his soft blue eyes. “If you married Zee, then we could come here all the time.”
Tori knew to expect this from Ethan, but not this soon. She could tell Ethan was forming a bond with Zee. Ethan may be ready, but was she? Merely hearing the word marry conjured up sentiments of betrayal.
21
Tori strolled through the building they called the atrium. It smelled liked cedar chips, moist dirt, and orchids. Her mind flew back to running down the pebbled path of the local indoor botanical gardens. The dining facility for the pre-wedding dinner was walled almost entirely in glass, affording a complete view of the sun melting into the sea as it set. Tori found it charming and romantic.
Based on Zee’s description of his sister, Meri, Tori had expected a stern, cold environment, a stale conference center of sorts, but this room was magical, with its hanging floral plants and unkempt vines.
Tori and Ethan found their name tags at one of the round tables nearest the ocean that seated ten guests.
“I’m starving,” Ethan whined, grabbing his stomach. “When can we eat?” He eyed the buffet-line of chaffing dishes against the far, glass wall.
“Soon, baby. We’re waiting for Annie and Paxton.” Tori scanned the room before grabbing the pre-set dinner roll on the upper side of her plate and handing it to Ethan. “Here, eat this.”
Ethan took a hearty bite, then opened his mouth mid-bite, almost losing his roll.
“Ethan, what in the world?” Tori said, following Ethan’s eyes to a drop-dead gorgeous woman.
Tori’s mind shot back to her days of modeling, when, at an international photo shoot, the top European model strode through the hall, causing all attention to snap in her direction—but this girl was more poised and elegant in her Valentino gown and Cartier necklace. Ethan had reason to drop his roll.
The stunning woman made eye contact with Tori and proceeded in their direction.
“You must be Tori and Ethan,” she said with a smile. “Your reputation preceeds you.”
“My reputation?” Tori questioned.
“When I was apprised of you dating my brother, I Googled you. Love your work.”
The jealousy Tori first felt upon seeing Meri transformed into admiration. Meri’s eyes were the same oceanic aquamarine as Zee’s, but they were set against a clear, pearly, feminine face, and black, straight hair.
“Meri, right?” Tori extended her hand. “So nice to meet you.”
“None of that,” Meri responded, pulling Tori in for a hug. “We need to talk business after the wedding. I’d like you to review the plans for my next hotel, and assist me with the interior design. This place is not decorated exactly as I would have liked.”
“Always business.” Zee sighed, coming to Tori’s side, and lightly skimming his hand on her lower back before resting it on her hip. A warm, squiggly bolt shot through her back at his touch.
“I know.” Meri shook her head. “I’m the big, bad, business woman.”
“I didn’t say that Meri, but we can relax for one evening.”
Tori could feel the tension growing between them. “I’d love to talk about it before I head out, Meri. Thank you.”
Meri nodded as she visibly took in a calming breath.
“You never told me how stunning your sister is,” Tori remarked. “You are radiant, Meri.”
This brought a bright smile to Meri’s face.
“I love that about you, Tori,” Zee said, taking a piece of her hair in his fingers. “You’re not intimidated by anyone. Most women cower and run when Meri comes around.”
Meri narrowed her eyes at Zee.
Tori cleared her throat. “That’s because, we as women, sometimes have a jealous, competitive, nature about us,” she said, calming the storm between Meri and Zee. “Meri shouldn’t be less of what she is merely to satisfy the insecure.”
Meri’s smile returned. “Thank you, Tori. I need to check on the food now.” She walked by Zee’s side, but spoke loud enough for Tori to hear. “If you don’t marry and worship her, you’re a complete idiot.” She turned to Tori and winked before sauntering in the direction of the kitchen.
“You need to stop teasing her,” Tori said firmly. “You’re not kids anymore.”
“You’re right. Why do I revert to the annoying big brother when she’s around? I don’t do that with Kai.”
Tori stared him down.
“Do I?”
“Annie told me that when you and Kai got together last, you wrestled him to the ground, rubbed his face in the sand, and told him he smelled like sea kelp.”
“Oh.” He looked up at the ceiling. “This…is why I need you by my side, Tori.” He took her hands in his. “You make me want to be a better person, a better brother, a better son, a better man…a better lover,” he whispered, pulling her in for a kiss. They exchanged a sweet, simple kiss. Any more than that would’ve prevented Tori from being able to hold an intelligent conversation.
“Ethan,” Zee said, grabbing Ethan by the shoulder. “You must be famished. Grab your plate and let’s hit the buffet.”
“Now, that’s what I’m talkin’ about,” Ethan said, sprinting in the direction of the food.
Annie and Meri stood in the corner, l
aughing. Tori was drawn in by their spiritedness. Her walk quickened when they waved her over.
“I want in,” Tori began. “What’s so funny?”
“Well,” Annie said. “I have a few cousins who showed up uninvited.”
“I was in a huff.” Meri nodded, “I’m a planner. But—”
“But,” Annie giggled, “then she realized that they were real cowboys; and cute ones ta boot.”
“I want one.” Meri sighed, motioning to three men, resting against a stone pillar. They sported cowboy hats, boots and big belt buckles.
“They’re the real McCoy,” Tori exclaimed. “Aren’t they?” Her gut twisted. Her husband had been the genuine article as well, growing up on a farm in Idaho. He dropped his spurs and cowboy hat to play football in college, but he was always a cowboy at heart.
“Hope living forever on the pages of my novels suits the two of you.” Annie whistled. “Because you’re both serious heroine material.”
Tori had mixed feelings about being a main character in a romance novel. “Just make me nice.”
“Nice, as in goody-two-shoes nice? Because that’s boring.”
“Like you can talk?” Meri bumped Annie with her hip. “You’re the most prudish one here.”
“Excuse me.” Annie snapped her fingers as she circled her hands in the air like a diva. “It’s vintage, not old; Victorian, not prudish.”
“As long as you own it.” Meri laughed. “And as long as you don’t judge others for not being as Victorian as you are.”
“Who’s judging?” Annie retorted. “I promise not to judge you for sinning differently than me, if you can promise me the same in return.”
Meri smiled. “You got it, sister. I’ve always wanted a sister!” she yelled, giving Annie a hearty embrace. “Or two,” she said, pulling Tori in for a group hug.
Tori warmed at their affection, but a pit formed in her stomach. She missed Gussie and Rambo’s scratchy tongue on her ankle.
22
Tori examined herself in the mirror. The floor-length, dark gray, chiffon gown gathered at her waist and flowed effortlessly as she spun in circles. How had Annie been so exact on her size? Gussie must have been hit-up for Tori’s measurements.
“You look beautiful,” Ethan said, his sweet bunny eyes staring up at her.
Tori reviewed his tuxedo. “And you are beyond handsome.” She reached down to adjust his pant leg, but realized that the hem of his pants rested two inches above his ankle.
“Did Gussie measure you, Ethan?”
“What?” he questioned with a furrowed brow.
“Do your pants feel okay? Not too tight?”
“They’re fine,” he said, wiggling away from her in an, I’m not a little kid anymore way.
Tori didn’t want to call attention to his high-waters, which could cause an upset before the ceremony. Her son understood fashion. He was picking out his own designer hats at the age of five. He had at least a dozen, ranging from flat caps, to winter beanies, to trucker hats. His favorite was a collegiate baseball cap that his dad had given him for his fifth birthday. To Tori’s chagrin, he still tried to wear that one.
Tori rubbed lotion into her hands, loosening her wedding band. She couldn’t be a married bridesmaid. That would be tacky. She slowly twisted the ring off her finger, gave it a kiss, and placed it in the inside pocket of her purse for safe keeping. She would return it to her finger after the wedding.
“Mom, you look sad. What’s wrong?”
“Don’t worry about me. Let’s try to be positive today, for Annie. This is the happiest day of her life.”
A rapid knock interrupted their talk. Annie stood in the hall, dressed in her wedding dress, sobbing.
“Annie?” Tori said with concern. “What happened? Is the wedding still on?”
Annie scrunched her face, “Of course, why would you even say that?” She burst back into tears.
“Are you feeling sick?”
“Well, I sure hope to have morning sickness sometime soon, but no, my stomach is fine.”
Ethan pulled at Tori’s dress. “What’s morning sickness, mom?”
Tori’s face flushed. “Ah, well, it’s something women feel sometimes when they haven’t eaten early enough in the morning, but that’s a discussion for another day.”
Annie sniffled loudly into her tissue.
Tori was without words, but felt compelled to calm Annie. “It’s okay, sugar. Are you feeling a little nervous about the wedding night?”
“No.” Annie laughed. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I just started crying—out of nowhere.”
“I cried too, on my wedding day.”
Annie’s tears stopped. “You did?”
Tori took Annie’s hands in hers. “It’s good luck to cry on your wedding day. And it’s your wedding day, and no one else’s but Paxton’s. That’s the only thing that you need to worry yourself about today, your adoring Paxton.”
“Good luck?”
“Absolutely. Now, let’s fix your make-up and get you married to your Tarzan.”
Annie nodded her head. “I like the sound of that.”
Twenty minutes later, they were on their way to the café where Meri headed them off on the sand path.
“There you are,” Meri panted as she leaned into her knees out of breath. “We need to get to the beach, right now. It looks like the rain is coming early today. We’ve got to hurry.”
“We’ll eat as soon as it’s over.” Tori squeezed Ethan’s hand as they quickly followed Meri. “Okay? Can you make it another hour without food?”
He nodded.
“Thanks.” Tori squeezed his hand. “You’re my little trooper.”
Tori stopped at a white bench labeled shoe removal. Meri had thought of everything. Tori smiled as Ethan removed his shoes and socks. No one would be the wiser that his tux was a few inches too short; cuffing the bottom of his pants passed as natural beachwear.
“Those in the procession, wait over here behind the curtains,” Meri instructed, pointing to a stiff cream curtain draped over and pinned to an iron stand.
The guests energetically found their seats as Tori adjusted Ethan’s tie and cummerbund.
“Isn’t everything amazing?” Annie whispered into Tori’s ear.
Bewildered, Tori said, “How do you keep appearing out of thin air like that?”
“I guess you could call it my hidden talent.”
“And you seem so poised.” Tori bowed slightly. “You’re amazing.”
“Here we go,” Annie breathed out the words nervously.
Tori had a sudden flashback to her wedding. “Wait. Do you have something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue?”
“My mom hooked me up with something blue,” she said, lifting her dress to produce a lacey, powder-blue garter hugging her upper thigh. “She told me to rub it between my fingers if I get nervous. Maybe she thought it belonged on my arm? Something tells me the guests would be uneasy if I lifted my dress mid-ceremony.”
Tori laughed. “No one would ever forget your wedding.”
“That’s for sure.” Annie nodded. “I’d better go to the other screen. I need to check in with Zee and Meri. They’ll be walking down the aisle first. Then you and Ethan, your handsome escort, are second.” She winked at Ethan then whispered, “Wish me luck.” She swung her arms as she tiptoed to the other curtain.
The promenade music began.
Tori took in a deep breath. “You ready to walk your momma down the aisle?”
“I guess.” Ethan shrugged his shoulders.
A hotel attendant waved to Tori. They were on. As Tori stepped out from behind the curtain, a gust of wind blew her hair across her face. With the ocean breeze, it might have been better to have her hair styled in an up-do, but that didn’t seem appropriate for the beach. Zee said he preferred her natural look. Here it was. She wore minimal make-up, her hair down, and applied fresh smelling antiperspirant for a light scent, no perfume today. S
he felt free. Was it the mid-morning ocean breeze? Or was it him?
She cast a glance at Zee. His bronzed skin complimented his cream, light-weight linen suit. He belonged on the beach. This was him. She now saw him for what he was, a product of the sea. No, he was the sea. His eyes were the waters themselves, his body was the force of the ocean, and his soul, his soul was a fusion of all the aquatic creatures that brought the sea to life.
He winked at her, causing Tori to jump as a spiraling electric bolt shot though her body. She realized, in that moment, that she’d been staring at him during her entire walk down the aisle. Did anyone else notice her misstep? She took her place next to Meri as Ethan stood to Zee’s side.
Once the wedding march music began, whether anyone noticed Tori or not, it didn’t matter. An angel emerged at the end of the aisle. Her feet were bare, she carried a simple bouquet of white lilies, and wore a crown of fresh flowers on her head. Tori could have sworn that she heard the voices of fluttering seraphs around her, whispering their jubilation at the union.
23
All eyes were on the bride; all eyes except for Zee’s. Annie was a vision, but there was only one woman today who had any effect on Zee, and her effect was ungovernable.
He strained to control his thoughts and emotions, but was powerless as a gust of wind blew at Tori’s dress, causing it to cascade and billow around her like a mystical creature in-flight as she walked down the aisle toward him.
She maintained eye contact with him the entire way, as if no one else in the party mattered, not even the groom to his side. That’s when Zee knew that they would become one, one in heart, one in mind, one in purpose. She would walk that same path to him someday, and they would walk the rest of their days together, side-by-side, as one. He’d make sure of it.
A tug pulled at Zee’s sleeve.
“The ring,” Ethan insisted, “they’re asking for the ring.” His eyes opened wide with concern.
“Oh, right,” Zee mumbled, reaching deep into his pocket for the ring. He held it high in the air, which attracted a wave of applause and laughs.