It All Started With a Lima Bean

by Kimi Flores

  “Okay but only for a minute, we have to get going.” He popped his shoes off and curled in bed behind her, bringing her back up to his chest. “You’ve got to take a shower before we go.”

  “Do I smell that bad?” Tempted to smell her underarms, Abby remember all the times Leah told her that was not sexy and to never do it in front of Caleb.

  “You smell like you drank too much last night and it’s probably not a good idea to have our final meeting with the pastor smelling like a winery.”

  “Don’t make me laugh I have a headache.” And boy did she.

  “Well you are better off than Bri. She’s trying to stop puking.” Running his fingertips up and down her arm, he then kissed her temple.

  “Should I go help her?” Sitting up too quickly, she then held her head with both hands.

  “No Stefen is in there with her.” Caleb pulled her back to snuggle.

  “Is it okay for him to be in there with Bri? He wasn’t very nice to her.”

  “You have to remember that they are siblings. They fight hard and love harder.”

  “If you say so.”

  “So why did you guys drink so much last night?” He pulled her hand to his lips for a kiss.

  “Oh man, I don’t know but it will never happen again.”

  “That’s what they all say.”

  They’d spent the last week working on final arrangements for the wedding, and besides minor details, the backyard was set up, ready for the next day’s big event. They’d already gone through the rehearsal the day before, and Abby was more than ready to spend this evening relaxing with those that were closest to her. She also couldn’t wait to show Madison the gift she’d kept secret for so many weeks. There was a little surprise for a few of the adults tonight as well.

  Madison had been put to the side a little lately, and Abby’s plan for the evening was to make it special for her. Knocking on the bedroom door she asked, “Are you ready in there Pumpkin?”

  The door opened to Madison standing with her new brown and white giraffe print sundress with pink trim and a pink bow on the waist back. “Mama, I chose the dress you got for me after the zoo since it reminds me of Daddy asking you to marry him.” Was there anything this little girl could say that wouldn’t make Abby’s heart swell? And with the little lisp she had pronouncing the word ‘since’, the cuteness never stopped either. “All ready for our movie night.”

  They’d bought a projector and outdoor screen in anticipation of this night. The screen sat in front of Madison’s present so the little girl wasn’t too surprised at the set up when they got into the backyard. Blankets and picnic baskets lay on the grass, to the side of where the reception would be held the following day. The list of guests for Madison’s special evening included Leah, Dani, Bri, Stefen, Grace, Robert, Abby’s mom, Dave, Julianne and of course Caleb, along with herself. All, but Abby, stood in a line, holding up pieces of paper, waiting for the little girl’s arrival.

  Confusion covered Madison’s face until Caleb approached, and handed her an invitation. “I heard there was a special evening going on here tonight.”

  Madison took the invite from his hand and read the simple words out loud.

  She looked up from the invite, still confused until Robert and Dave moved the movie screen to the side exposing her surprise.

  The highest pitch squeal came out of Madison’s mouth before she took off running toward the little girl-sized reproduction of the dollhouse she’d gotten for Christmas. Thanks to Robert and Dave’s carpentry skills, the structure of the house looked exactly like the dollhouse. The front doors and window shutters were open so everyone could see inside. A small sofa, coffee table, and side table were the only furniture that fit, but she was able to manage getting lots of girly accessories sprinkled here and there including a lamp with a feathery and beaded shade.

  Abby struggled, fighting back her tears just as she heard Caleb’s breath hitch beside her. “Oh my gosh, you didn’t.”

  She followed his line of sight to see what he was talking about. Oh no. He wasn’t happy about the other surprise she had. Chancing a glance back at him while all of the other adults joined the squealing Madison, she saw his face was pale, and his eyes shed tears. “I’m so sorry. I thought that would make you happy.” Standing in front of him, she pleaded for his forgiveness, her own tears threatening to fall.

  He swiped his eyes with the palms of his hands trying to avoid anyone else seeing him cry, then drew her in by her hands. “That is one of the most beautiful, selfless things I’ve ever witnessed. I can’t believe you had Rene’s paintings resized and replicated to fit into Madison’s playhouse.”

  Relieved, she said, “You scared the crud out of me. I thought I had crossed the line, and you were going to leave me at the altar tomorrow.”

  “Not a chance in hell. You are stuck with me.” Holding her in his arms, he leaned down to reach her mouth for a kiss.

  Feeling Madison tugging on their shirts, they both looked down. “Mama, you remembered that I wanted a big dollhouse we could have tea parties in.” Little arms grabbed and held onto her upper thighs. “Thank you, thank you so much Mama. I love it.”

  Abby squatted down and noticed Grace was standing in the background watching all of this unfold. “Did you see the paintings in there?” Madison nodded as Abby grabbed Caleb’s hand and pulled him down with her, giving him a glance so that he knew to continue the explanation.

  She hoped he understood that’s what she wanted him to do because he looked choked up. He finally spoke. “Those were painted by your mommy in heaven as a gift to you. She wanted you to remember her always.”

  Madison leaped up and down, yelling, “Yeah, my mommy made pretty pictures for me. I want to see them again.” She took off running, right past her Grammy. Grace’s expression changed before she turned around and walked back to the playhouse. She stood with her hand covering her mouth looking at her deceased daughter’s artwork as though it was the first time she’d ever seen it.

  “Babe, hasn’t she ever seen those before?” Abby questioned as they stood up in unison.

  “No. After everything went down, I just put them away and quite honestly forgot they were there until we found them last week, but you must be rubbing off on me because I have an idea. Where are the originals?”

  Having a clue of where he was going with this, she smiled, “Framed and packed up in the garage.”

  “Follow me.”

  Today was the day Abby was going to marry the man of her hopes, dreams and wishes. Standing in front of the full-length mirror, she admired her beautiful dress. The sheer straps felt so delicate it was almost as though they weren’t there at all. An intricate pattern of beads swirled over the bodice, which fit her like a glove and accentuated her curvy frame. Her eyes followed the lavish material down to the hem where the same pattern was stitched in fine detail, minus the beads. Swirling slightly, she delighted in the way the chiffon outer layer flowed all the way down to her sage colored heels. She sighed out aloud at how pretty it was and could not stop looking at it.

  Alone in her bedroom for the last moments within her own home, Abby began to reflect; this time last year, she had no hopes of ever finding a man to love her. Believing she was to be all by herself for the rest of her life was a painful memory. She’d experienced so much hurt before she met Caleb. But then, she did meet him, and her life was forever changed. Not only had this man loved her, but he also helped her heal from the most testing situation she’d ever experienced. This man, her beloved soon-to-be-husband, loved her before she’d become whole. He’d accepted her, baggage and all. What had she ever done in her life to deserve such a gift?

  Smoothing her dress down, she imagined the expression on Caleb’s face when she walked down the aisle to meet him. She smiled picturing his face. His short thick black hair perfectly balanced between messy and well kept, dark brows above his beautiful coffee brown eyes, and his perfectly symmetrical nose that led to his sensual lips that she loved
to kiss, turned up into a dazzling smile.

  Thoughts of her father came flooding into her mind. Once she learned the importance of forgiveness for her own growth, Abby forgave him for leaving her and her mom. Although she would have loved to have a father here on her wedding day, it would have just been for show. They didn’t really have a relationship. If he had come today, his presence would just be a façade, and she did not want that on her special day.

  Madison burst into the room wearing her cream-colored flower girl tutu dress and ballet slippers with a feathery flower clip in her messy up-do, and interrupted Abby’s thoughts. “Mama, it’s time to go soon.” The butterflies in her stomach she’d previously been able to avoid suddenly made their presence known as soon as her mother and Grace walked in the room. As expected, both women wore the same ‘mother-of-the-bride’ expression. Utter delight and pride.

  Grace, being the refined woman that she is, stepped aside to allow Abby’s mom to approach her first. “You are so beautiful Sweetheart. I’m at a loss for words.” Oh no, the waterworks were beginning already.

  “Please don’t make me cry yet, mom. It took Leah forever to get my make-up on.” Moving her eyes up so the tears would not fall, Abby fanned herself.

  “Get used to this emotional rollercoaster today Pumpkin, because we just got started.” Her mom laughed.

  Grace came up to her next. Abby was so thankful that her mom had kindheartedly allowed Grace to enjoy the festivities right alongside her. There wasn’t a resentful bone in her mom’s body. In all honesty, Abby imagined her mom being relieved that there was someone else to help with all of the mother-of-the-bride duties. “Your mother is right Darling. You do look stunning although I’m not just referring to your dolled up appearance. You are absolutely glowing with pure joy.”

  Abby vigorously fanned her face now that the tears were polishing her eyes. She couldn’t look at this kind woman who had welcomed her into the family she held so close to her heart.

  “May I place the veil on you now?” Abby hadn’t realized that Grace had anything in her hands when she walked in.

  “Please.” Her voice came out faintly as emotions slammed into her. This wedding was about so much more than her marrying Caleb. She was going to be this woman’s daughter as well.

  “Thank you for asking to wear my veil, Abby. My Rene chose a new one for her wedding that went along with her more modern style, but I secretly wished my daughter had chosen mine. Now she has.” That was it; she could no longer hold back. Leah would just have to redo her make-up before the ceremony. “Sweetie, please don’t cry.” Grace held onto her after fixing the veil. Abby’s mom joined them in a three-way hug and cry.

  “Okay, enough of this. My baby girl has a wedding to get to.” Her mom announced getting everyone in the houses attention.

  Bri, Dani, Maria and Julienne all crammed into the room before Leah said, “Oh no chica, look at your make-up. That will never do. I’ll fix you up right before we get there. Let’s go girls; it’s game time.”

  Caleb was a nervous wreck. He paced back and forth on the side of the yard where the ceremony was to take place. Looking down at the very relaxed Stefen who wore a tux and sat on one of the white folded chairs by the aisle, he asked, “What time is it?”

  “Five minutes after you asked me last.” He huffed.

  “So they should be here in about fifteen minutes then.” The weather was perfect, but his palms were sweating anyway. When they’d decided to get married at the same time of day that he’d proposed, he hadn’t considered the fact that he’d be counting down the minutes all day until he could take Abby as his bride.

  “Yes, now would you please calm down? You’re starting to make me tense.” Moving his head from side to side, Stefen cracked his neck then got up and walked away.

  Trying not to roll his eyes, Caleb glanced upward and took in the sight above. Thin white material draped loosely above his head creating a tent like feel. Hanging from the material, directly above the aisle were several small chandeliers. Several more were scattered in the reception area toward the back of the yard. He’d gone with Abby to pick them up from a local antique shop. She’d explained that in memory of this day, the chandeliers were going to be placed throughout their home once they got back from their honeymoon. She was so sentimental in a practical way. God he loved that woman.

  Just then, he saw Grace, if she was here then so was Abby. Before his internal freak-out could begin, he forced himself to think about something else. Grace smiled at him from across the yard before starting toward him. “Look at you, son. Hands down, the most handsome man here today.” She cupped her mouth and whispered, “Shh, don’t tell dad I told you that though.” He was beside himself with joy that Grace and Robert were there representing his parents. His own mother and father were unable to make the wedding due to previous engagements. He was not surprised when they’d told him.

  “Thanks mom. I’m so happy you are here today.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek.

  “So Mister, when we got home last night, there was a little surprise waiting for us.” She gave him a knowing look. “I’m not sure when you guys slipped out and hung those pictures for us, but you really made my night. Thank you for sharing those with us. We’ll make sure to get them to Madison when she is old enough.”

  He rubbed his palm up and down her arm when he noticed guests starting to arrive. He must have had a look of panic because Grace held the sides of his face and turned him to look at her. “Stop that right now. Relax, enjoy, and take it all in. Remember that surfer’s saying you’ve told me about?” He nodded, knowing the exact phrase she was referring to. The one he’d repeat in his head on his most intense days. One of the biggest lessons you learn about surfing is how to operate in the present. That’s really what the foundation of the entire surfing experience is. Acknowledging that she knew he’d understood her, she added, “Just apply it to today instead of surfing.”

  “Thanks mom.” She kissed him on the nose before walking away. He started going through a checklist in his head making sure he hadn’t forgotten anything, like eating. He made sure to eat a while before. He didn’t want to be one of those grooms that fainted at the altar because he hadn’t eaten.

  Soft music began to play signaling everyone to take their places. Caleb hadn’t noticed the minister slip behind him under the refurbished wooden altar covered in sheer material, flowers he recently learned were called hydrangeas and a large chandelier hanging in the center. Looking past the pastor, Caleb took a deep breathe. At that very moment, he couldn’t be more at ease that they’d decided to have a backyard wedding because his back yard happened to have an incredible ocean view. Taking his place, he didn’t dare take his eyes off the water behind them absolutely perfect timing. The sun high enough above the horizon to give them time to complete the ceremony before it dipped into the sea.

  Turning his body to face the crowd, he saw that all of his groomsmen, Stefen, Robert and his friend and manager Chris, had also taken their places beside him; all in the same stance with their arms cross low in front of their bodies. Everyone appeared to be seated.

  The music subtly switched to the song they’d chosen together, “God Bless the Broken Road”. Bri appeared at the end of the aisle. Caleb and Stefen saw her at the same time. Stefen let out a protective growl. Having the identical response internally, Caleb understood. Bri’s dress was sage green and although classy, too short and extremely tight. Trying to recover from seeing his cousin so scantily clad, he focused on the next girl coming down the aisle, Dani. She was a beautiful, voluptuous curvy girl similar to women during the 1950s. Also wearing sage green but her dress was a completely different style. She chose a floor length gown with straps that accentuated her full bust. He was unable to make out what shoes she wore though. Leah appeared next, he really loved Abby’s best friend like a sister. He felt so protective of her, and would be there for her through any situation. She wore a strapless knee length sage green dress and the highest,
slenderest heels he’d ever seen. Leah definitely enjoyed her shoes, but Caleb couldn’t figure out how she was walking down the aisle without tripping. Stefen noticed her as well, his cousin let out an audible grunt. Not the protective kind like with his sister, this one was more animalistic. Caleb distinctly wanted to punch Stefen in the gut, grab one of those pieces of material hanging above, and cover Leah up, but he kept his cool. This was his bride’s day. She deserved all of his attention and effort. These girls were all going to be the death of him nonetheless.

  He could see his sweet girl right behind Leah, dropping pedals of flowers, smiling to the crowed as she went. She was such a ham, but adorable at the same time. She was so excited to show off her flower girl dress. He’d caught her several times wearing it in her room practicing dropping pedals. Close behind her came Abby’s friend, Melissa’s son. He was carrying a sign but had it facing the seated guests. Caleb couldn’t read the words until the little boy stood right in front of him and held it up. It said:

  The music changed to the only song he was interested in hearing today, The Wedding March. His eyes immediately located her. Even though he couldn’t see her face through the sheer material of the veil, it did not keep his heart from stopping. Her mom, Kathleen accompanied her. It was completely appropriate for her mother to be the one to give her away. It had been the two of them for most of Abby’s life and Caleb was so thankful to the woman who brought her up to be the incredible woman he’d fallen so hard for. It seemed to take an eternity for them to reach him. He could see her face just a little bit through the veil now. She was breathtaking as usual, but there was an added radiance to her today. Not wanting to be conceited about it, but he prayed that glimmer had something to do with him.

  The ceremony began with Kathleen giving Abby’s hand to him once the minister asked who would, and then they turned to each other. Unable to concentrate on the words pastor spoke, Caleb decided to keep his focus on Abby. She was tearing up, so he reached under the veil and tenderly wiped under her eyes.