In the middle of her twentieth round trip, a voice rang out.
“Emily, what are you doing?”
She twisted and saw Julia and Sarah approaching from the far end of the parking lot. Sarah was pushing a stroller with a towheaded, apple-cheeked toddler inside. Distracted, Emily lost her grip on the box.
Julia caught it before magazines exploded all over the platform. “Authentic 1857 cook stoves? Kewpie dolls from around the world?” she asked, after taking a look inside the box. “Have you acquired a catalogue fetish? Where did these come from?”
“The bowels of Aurora Johnston’s third-floor depository,” Emily said. “She wants them all sent back to their owners.”
Sarah whacked her stepsister in the shoulder. “I can’t believe you sent poor Emily to Aurora. That woman would tempt a saint to commit murder.”
“She’s not so bad,” Emily said. “Cranky as all get out, but I think she argues mostly for something to do. I’m of the opinion that she’s bored.”
“Bored?” Sarah said. “You can’t be serious?”
“She’s helped me expand my vocabulary, at least. I am now inventing new ways to say difficult old lady. Other than the tree-limb-cutting incident, I still maintain she’s harmless.”
“What tree-limb-cutting incident?” Julia asked.
Emily grabbed the last box from her car. “It was only a small cut and, fortunately, the saw wasn’t rusty. And if I style my hair right, you can’t even see the bruise.”
“Wait,” Julia said in alarm. “What bruise? Why did Aurora have you handling saws?”
“It was just one saw,” Emily said. “Could one of you get the door?”
“Oh, sorry,” Julia said, springing into action. “Sarah, hold the door while we bring these boxes in.”
Sarah did one better. She wedged the stroller in the entryway, propping the door open so she could haul packages in, too. Within a few minutes, all the catalogues were at least inside the post office. Julia summoned the postmaster, who emerged from the back a few minutes later.
Humpty Dumpty ran the post office, Emily thought, holding back a hysterical laugh. Jeffrey Jefferson came up to Emily’s chin and was as wide as he was tall. His balding head was topped with a doughnut ring of what had to be dyed black hair. His polyester, government issued uniform pants were hiked up to his chest and topped by a white, buttoned shirt and a gray tie.
Mr. Jefferson took one look at the pile of boxes and bags and went stark white. “What are those?” he asked, eyeing the mail-order mountain like he expected it to detonate at any second.
“Aurora Johnston no longer wants these catalogues in her house,” Emily said. “She would like them sent back.”
Jeffrey Jefferson shook his head hard enough to make his double chin waddle. “We don’t do that.”
“Why not?” Emily asked, enjoying the rare treat of being able to look down her nose at someone. “You put them in her mailbox. You should be able to return them to their rightful owners.”
Still shaking his head, Mr. Jefferson spun around and shouted. “Bernice! Bernice, I need you!”
The back door opened again, and a stout, fortyish black woman appeared. It wasn’t hard to figure out she was the one in charge.
Emily told her tale before Bernice even had to ask. “I want to mail these back to whoever sent them.”
Bernice eyed the mess. “Child, are you crazy?”
“No, but I work for a testy senior citizen who doesn’t take no for an answer. These catalogues were delivered to Aurora Johnston’s home without her permission. She wants them vacated from the premises.”
Bernice nodded. “Shoulda known that Johnston woman was behind this.”
“You know Aurora?” Emily asked.
“My sister runs the cleaning service that goes over to her house. I’ve heard tales, believe you me.”
Emily chuckled. “So you understand my predicament.”
“We could burn ‘em,” Bernice said. “O-roar-ra would never know.”
“Don’t count on it. Besides, I kind of like the tit-for-tat of returning the blasted things.”
Bernice’s dark brown eyes twinkled. “Can’t stand ‘em myself. I’ll get some people with handcarts. We’ll haul them in the back. Might take us a few weeks, but we’ll see they get back where they belong.”
Emily smiled with gratitude. “Thank you. You’ve been a marvelous help.”
Bernice let out a little grunt. “Anyone who can put up with O-roar-ra deserves all the help she can get.”
When the last of the boxes had been loaded onto the cart, Emily thanked the helpful postal worker. “Bernice, why don’t you have the title to go along with the running of this place?” Emily asked.
Gleaming white teeth showed as Bernice threw her head back and laughed. “Mr. Jefferson has another month before he retires. I’m just waitin’ my turn. Politics, you know. His daddy was postmaster, and his granddaddy before that. Fortunately for me, JJ never married. No more Jeffersons left to carry on the tradition.”
Emily was still laughing when she went back out to the front room. Sarah was reading to the little girl, while Julia pursued such interesting fare as change of address forms.
“You two didn’t have to wait for me,” Emily said.
“We didn’t mind,” Sarah said, putting the book down. “We’ve been running around all day, trying to finish a million different things before Saturday, and this is the first moment we’ve had to relax.”
Sarah stood up and plopped her daughter back in the stroller. Julia fastened the strap, taking a moment to tickle the little girl’s chin, earning a huge belly laugh in response.
“Hey, we haven’t even introduced you yet,” Julia said. “This is my niece, Mary.”
Emily hunkered down in front of the stroller. “Hi ya, kid.”
Mary grinned.
“She’s adorable,” Emily said.
Julia chuckled. “Knows it, too. She’s also the reason I came back here, so I suppose I’ll never hear the end of it when she’s finally able to complete full sentences.”
With the baby situated, the three women and the little lady made their way out to the parking lot.
Julia gave Emily a hug. “I’d love to help you move more of Aurora’s things, but Saturday is still looming, and we have way too much to do.”
“What’s happening on Saturday?” Emily asked.
“You don’t know?” Julia asked in surprise. “I thought everyone in the Western hemisphere knew. I’m getting married on Saturday.”
“We’re all in a bit of an uproar,” Sarah said.
“Congratulations,” Emily said. “I didn’t know the wedding was so soon.”
Julia grabbed Emily’s arm. “You have to come.”
Emily’s lungs seized up. “I couldn’t intrude.”
“Intrude? Are you kidding? The entire town is coming. What’s one more? Besides, I’d like you to be there.”
Despite the awful impending sense of doom, Emily couldn’t refuse such a heartfelt request. “All right. What’s the dress code, and where and when do I need to show up?”
“Covington Fall Community Church, two ‘o clock. Think garden party,” Julia said.
As Emily trudged to her car, she reflected that given a choice, she’d rather hang out with O-roar-ra and her narcoleptic dog.
Chapter Nineteen
God decided to smile the day of Julia’s wedding. As He should, Emily reflected. Seth was a minister after all. He should receive a proper sendoff from the Big Boss in the sky. Because Julia had said garden party, Emily decided to go shopping. Those yellow dresses in the window of the clothing boutique had been on her mind for weeks. She’d driven by a couple dozen times, and each pass had caused her to salivate.
She’d chosen a strapless eyelet number paired with a white underskirt. Strappy, low-heeled sandals and white dangly earrings completed her ensemble. She’d gathered her hair back and secured the thick curls with a dainty, white, butterfly clip. Emily
had never felt more like a girl.
Finding someplace to park at the church was a mission. She ended up three blocks over and had to hoof her way back. She came to a halt as she first caught sight of the glorious old building. Aged brick added warmth and character. Arched, stained-glass windows gleamed in the afternoon sun, and a tall steeple stretched into the sky, calling forth God and His angels. She took a minute to marvel at the sight and thought she might have enjoyed exploring the simple, hometown church if not for the fact she was here to see someone tie the knot.
She had to stamp out her irrational dread of weddings. Hadn’t everyone told her she needed to deal with her problem? Not that she had a problem. There was nothing traumatizing in her past. Not if one didn’t count the incident with her sister… which Emily didn’t.
So caught up in telling herself everything would be fine, Emily found herself inside the church, without even being aware she’d climbed the stairs.
A lanky, sandy-haired man came forward at once. “Good afternoon. Bride or groom?”
“Bride.”
“Are you here by yourself?”
Aren’t I always? Emily erased the thought as soon as it flitted through her mind. She liked being on her own.
“Seems so,” she said. “Julia invited me at the last minute. Not enough time to scrounge up an escort.”
The man smiled. “Are you Emily?”
“Yes,” she answered in surprise.
“I’m Sarah’s husband, Eric. She said to be on the lookout for you, and I was to take you to sit with the Thomas family.”
“Who?”
“Ethan Thomas is Addison’s fiancé,” he explained.
“Oh, yes, I know him.”
“He’s one of the groomsmen, but the rest of his family is here. They’ll take good care of you.”
“Okay.”
Once she’d been delivered, he glanced at his watch and then strode up the aisle to the back of the church. Then Ethan Thomas and a couple other men she didn’t know disappeared out a door at the front of the church.
The organ shifted into Pachelbel’s “Canon in D.” Eric emerged in the doorway with Grace on his arm. After she was seated, he followed the other men. A moment later the groomsmen filed out. Seth, looking sinfully handsome in a black tuxedo with a gold cummerbund, took his place at the center of the aisle.
The bridesmaids appeared in the door frame. Addison came down the aisle first, followed by Meredith and then Sarah. The organ transitioned again, beginning the opening refrain of Handel’s “Water Music.” Emily could feel the tension mounting as everyone waited for a glimpse of Julia. Emily’s heart sped up in anticipation, despite the cold sweat all over her body. She stood with the rest of the guests.
Julia emerged and stood alone in the archway. A collective “oh” of appreciation spread through the congregation as she stepped into the candlelight. If possible, she was even more stunning than she had been at the fitting. She didn’t glance at anyone along the way, but kept her eyes focused on the man at the front of the church.
Emily shifted her eyes to Seth and caught her breath. No need to wonder what he thought. There were no words to describe the expression on his face. Not enough ways to describe such unmitigated joy. When Julia reached the front pew, Seth reached for her hand. His fingers enveloped his bride’s in a sweet caress.
A fist socked Emily in the gut, and she fought back an audible gasp of pain. She dug her fingernails into her palms, hoping the sting would help contain the flood of emotions. Had anyone ever looked at her with such naked longing? The answer, of course, was an emphatic no. Even scarier was the notion that perhaps no one ever would.
The organ reached a crescendo and faded away, and an older, distinguished man in a black suit walked out onto the stage.
He smiled at the gathered crowd. “Ladies and gentleman, family and friends, we’re here together to celebrate the miracle of God’s love. And to praise Him for bringing this couple together. I’m just getting to know Julia, but I’ve known Seth for a number of years. In fact, ten years ago I had the good fortune to welcome him into my family as my son-in-law.”
Emily started. She’d had no idea. How on earth was the man able to handle such an emotional upheaval?
“Sadly, God saw fit to take my daughter home,” he continued. “There has been much sorrow over these last couple years, but today our tears are ones of joy, and I can say with full confidence that my Elizabeth would be ecstatic to see her beloved Seth find such sweet happiness again.”
Someone, Emily didn’t even know who, stuffed a tissue in her hand, and since there seemed to be no hope of stemming the tide of waterworks, she used it and hoped the woman had more.
The minister continued. “This union is about triumph and hope. Both of these young people have known great pain and loss. They’ve been disappointed and hurt, and they could have refused to take the gift God gave them out of fear, but they took a chance. On each other. They trusted God to provide as He most certainly has today and always. And so it is with a joyful heart that I ask you now, Julia Marie Richardson to repeat after me…”
Emily blubbered through the rest of the ceremony, through the vows, Meredith’s song, and the exchange of rings, and didn’t start to recover until the minster pronounced Julia and Seth husband and wife.
“You may now kiss your bride,” he said.
Cheers went up as Seth drew Julia close and kissed her in a way Emily was certain could never be considered ministerial. The roar from the guests grew even louder as they turned, flushed and radiant, and started back up the aisle. The wedding party filed after them.
As soon as she was able, Emily made her escape. She needed air. Not to mention a stop in the bathroom to repair the ravages created by thirty solid minutes of crying.
After putting her face to rights, Emily followed the wandering crowd out to a beautiful courtyard.
“Emily, my love!”
She smiled as Andrew Laughton approached. He reached her side and executed a flawless bow. Then he took her hand and twirled her around, making her dress flair out like petals on a rose.
“Miss Sinclair, you put the very buds of summer to shame today.”
Emily giggled. Good grief, she hadn’t giggled since the eighth grade. “Flattery will get you everything, Mr. Laughton.”
“Oh?” he said, sounding intrigued. “Shall we test your theory? What if I were to ask you to run away with me and be my love?”
“Somehow, I think you’d sprint in the other direction if I said yes.”
Something in his eyes shifted. “For you, I would be tempted to plant my feet forever.”
Emily couldn’t help but respond to such blatant adulation, even if most of it was pure blarney. The man had a silver tongue, and he used the weapon with the skill of the most brilliant fencer.
Soft music began.
A DJ had been set up at the far corner of the courtyard, and he picked up a microphone. “Ladies and gentlemen, I have the pleasure of introducing Mr. and Mrs. Seth Graham, who will now have their first dance together as husband and wife.”
Seth led Julia out to the middle of the grounds and tucked her against his chest. A vise clamped around Emily’s lungs, and for a moment her vision shimmered as though she were looking at a mirage. Her breath came in short, shallow puffs. Emily hadn’t ever experienced a panic attack before, but right now she seemed to be doing a good job of freaking out.
Then out of the corner of her eye, she caught a flash of color. Nate was staring at her from across the courtyard. He wore a charcoal gray suit with a blue shirt and dark tie. He might be gorgeous in jeans and a T-shirt, but Nathan Cooper in formal wear took her breath in a different way. She’d never seen him cleaned up before, and the effect could only be called devastating. He dipped his head in greeting and then walked away to talk to an older couple.
Emily couldn’t tear her gaze away from Nate. She’d spent a few restless nights reliving the kiss in the back of his truck. Even now, the memory c
aused shivers to run down her spine. From a simple kiss.
She pulled her attention away, determined to push him from her mind, and ended up with a full-on view of Julia and Seth. Seth lowered his head and kissed his bride. Emily closed her eyes to shut out the image, and counted the minutes till she could leave.
****
Nate tried to concentrate on what David and Olivia were saying, but he wasn’t having much luck. Not when Emily stood across the courtyard looking like a flower just plucked from a garden. He’d been concentrating on not looking in her direction, but he’d been aware of her all day. How could she be ignored when she looked so enchanting? When soft curls kissed her bare shoulders? A man could only take so much temptation, especially when the memory of her pressed against him seemed to be imprinted on his brain.
“Nathan, are you all right?” Olivia asked. “You seem distracted. Is it your mother?”
He snapped to attention. “Yeah,” he said, hating to use his mother’s illness as an excuse, but not willing to admit to the real reason. “I don’t like leaving her alone anymore.”
“She’d want you to enjoy yourself.”
“I know,” he said, at the same moment he noticed Andrew Laughton abandon Emily and head for the food table. Nate smiled at Olivia. “I’m going to grab something to drink. It’s hot out here.”
Nate reached Emily in four quick strides. He opened his mouth to call out to her, but before he could, she smacked right into him. A shoe connected with his shin, but he managed not to wince. He grabbed her arms until she steadied herself.
She smelled like a garden, and her skin felt softer than silk. “Afternoon.”
“Hi.”
Touching her had been a bad idea. He dropped his arms and stepped back. “Nice wedding.”
“Lovely.”
“Beautiful day for it, too.”
“Sure is.”
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