“No,” Jon said. “I mean like the mother in the story you told me long ago.”
“Which one?” She smoothed her long black dress.
“You know, the kid who thought his mother was the most beautiful woman in the world, but she was ugly. Are you trying to be like her?” Jon asked as she washed off some of the aftershave lotion.
Daniel came into the room holding Lucky’s leash. “I’m taking Lucky out for a walk.”
“Hurry, or we’ll be late for Meredith’s wedding,” she said and finished applying her makeup.
As soon as Daniel returned, she helped him with his tie. Then Jon gave Lucky a treat and a good-bye hug, Eric grabbed the present for Meredith, and they all piled into the Land Cruiser. Alex buckled Jon in his car seat, and Daniel sat next to him. Eric put the gift on the floor and buckled himself in the front seat.
Just as she approached the freeway, Jon yelled, “Stop. I need to go home.”
“Why?” Alex asked.
“I need to get my bear if I’m supposed to be the ‘ringbear.’”
“No.” Alex said. “You’re the ring bearer like you practiced. “You don’t need your bear.”
Jon started to cry.
“We’ll be late,” Alex said.
“I’ll run in and get it,” Daniel said. “I’m sure he’ll forget about it when he walks down the aisle.”
“I’d never forget about my teddy.” Jon crossed his hands over his chest.
“If you really need him, I’ll go back,” she said.
“Teddy always makes me happy.”
Grateful her little boy knew exactly what it took to make him happy, she wished it could be that easy for the older boys who seemed to be struggling with life now that Gabe wasn’t around. She drove back to the house.
Daniel ran in and returned with the bear, the one with the missing ear and the stomach that had been perfectly sewn up by Dr. Gabriel Rose.
Jon clutched his bear to his chest. “Bear, I love you.”
“Doofus, how come you never gave him a name all this time?” Eric asked.
“Sometimes I call him Honey because I loved Honey so much,” Jon said.
“That’s lame.” Eric turned back to the front. “I’m taking a nap.”
“Football practice must have been exhausting,” she said, amazed at how he’d sprouted up so quickly these past few months, shaving and voice deepening, and recently, he’d been sweeter to her than he’d ever been.
“Jon, you’ll be up very late, so I’d like you to try to sleep too,” Alex said.
“I’m not tired,” Jon said, rubbed his teddy bear against his cheek, and was asleep within a few minutes.
“Daniel, did you put away the ribbon and wrapping paper?” she asked, glancing at him through the rearview mirror.
“Yeah, I put them in the pantry.”
“Good,” she said. “I was afraid Lucky would try to play with it and get tangled up in the ribbon like Honey did when she was a puppy.”
“I still miss Honey,” Daniel said.
“I know,” she said. “Do you remember the night you guys told me you were going to live with your dad, and I told you about the string that would tie us forever?”
“I remember,” he said solemnly.
Alex knew he missed not only Honey but also Gabe. She hated talking about Gabe, but she knew the boys needed their father. Since Gabe had a jail sentence pending, the boys were having difficulty coping.
“Remember I told you how the string would tie you to me forever? Well, you can use the same pretend string and tie your father to you.” It was painful for her to say kind things about Gabe, but the older boys had already faced the community’s gossip. They couldn’t handle any more negativity.
“Love you,” Daniel said and that made her heart swell.
As she pulled up to the valet at the St. Regis Hotel, she saw Meredith getting out of the limo. Beautiful, she did look like Catherine Zeta-Jones—actually, even more dramatic.
“Boys, wake up,” Alex called to Eric and Jon.
“I’m ready,” Jon said with a start. Then he unbuckled the straps and bounded out of his car seat.
“Jon and I have to go to take pictures,” Alex said. “Will you boys be okay?”
“We’ll wait in the lobby,” Daniel said.
Alex and Jon went to join the wedding party.
Meredith was directing everyone. Terrie, the matron of honor, was busy trying to comply with all of Meredith’s directives. Although Terrie had initially refused, Meredith had the makeup artist work on Terrie. And Terrie, usually pale and plain, looked divine.
“Our Meredith marrying. Who would have thought?” Liz chided. As always, she was stylish in her tea-length black dress with rhinestones draped down the back and her long strand of glistening pearls.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Meredith snapped.
“Calm down,” Liz snapped back.
“Bride’s nerves,” Terrie said, a soft apology for Meredith.
Just as they were finishing up with the pictures, Judi arrived. “My mom wasn’t feeling well, again,” she lamented but quickly turned her attention to the bride. “Meredith, you look breathtaking.”
“That was my plan.” Meredith winked.
“At least you gave up on us wearing tuxedos,” Alex said.
Meredith had eventually backed down and agreed that it would be fine for the First Friday Book Club women to wear dresses, as long as they were black. Providing a dramatic background for her white gown was imperative.
The procession was ready. First the justice of the peace walked down. Then Meredith’s nephew walked her mother down the aisle.
The groom’s parents followed.
Each one of the First Friday women walked down the aisle with a groomsman: Terrie walked with Warren’s older brother, Judi was escorted by Warren’s business partner, Liz walked with Warren’s best friend, and Alex linked arms with Warren’s younger brother. They stood, flanking the justice of the peace, two couples on each side of the altar.
Warren, the groom, approached and the wedding party and guests all turned around.
Then Alex watched as Gracie, the adorable flower girl, and Jon stood in the back, giggling together. They didn’t appear to be paying attention. Alex was worried Jon wasn’t going to walk down the aisle. But, just as they’d practiced, Jon walked down the aisle with the rings and the bear on the pillow. Gracie followed, sprinkling rose petals all over the rolled-out white satin aisle.
Then, to “Here Comes the Bride,” Meredith, radiant beyond belief, walked down the aisle with her father.
As Meredith and Warren exchanged vows, she appeared to soften. She even let Warren swoop her off her feet when he kissed her.
After the ceremony, the bride and groom left the chapel, followed by the wedding party. The guests exited, row by row. While everyone mingled outside the ballroom, white-gloved waiters offered steak kebabs, stuffed mushrooms, and jumbo shrimp.
Alex watched as the ballroom doors were opened. Inside the room, the chandeliers twinkled onto the tables, each with a white linen tablecloth and a dozen red roses in a Lalique crystal vase—breathtaking.
Before taking her seat, Alex went over to check on her children, who were seated with Meredith’s nephews and Gracie, Warren’s niece. Jon and Gracie were still giggling, and the older boys were chatting with Meredith’s nephews. Eric gave her a look, imploring her to leave. Since everything seemed fine, she proceeded to her table.
At the First Friday table, the women and their spouses were already seated. There was one chair left for Alex. The perfectly choreographed celebration began: Meredith and Warren danced their first dance, “The Wind Beneath My Wings.” Then couples joined them on the dance floor.
It was at times like this when she missed Seth. She’d also missed him every d
ay at work. He’d given her the entire practice, refused to take anything for his share, and moved to Arizona to be with his children. Although the practice had become extremely successful, she missed the camaraderie Seth had afforded her. But, she realized, friends can’t always become lovers just because we wish them to be.
The band leader then called the parents of the bride and groom to the dance floor and played “Sunrise, Sunset.”
Wistfully, Alex turned and looked over at the children’s table. Eric got up from his chair and walked up to her. Certain he was going to insist on going home, she asked, “What’s wrong?”
“May I have this dance?” he asked.
Pleasantly surprised, Alex smiled. “Of course. I’d love to dance with such a handsome gentleman.”
It was something Daniel would have done, but Eric’s request pleased her. It reaffirmed the sweetness each of her boys possessed. While she and Eric danced to “Sunrise, Sunset,” her father’s favorite song, she started to cry. Here she was dancing with her own son, a world away from her past.
“Thank you for the loveliest dance of my life,” she said and kissed Eric on the cheek. Then she walked him back to his table. She checked on Daniel and Jon, both of whom appeared to be having a great time, seemingly engaged in animated conversations with the other kids.
As Alex started back to her seat, she stopped and looked at him.
He smiled at her, obviously recognizing her.
Her knees weakened. She walked toward him.
He stood up, even taller and handsomer than she remembered.
She looked into his green eyes, the color of the glass from the old Coca-Cola bottles. “What are you doing here?” she asked, surprised to see David, the gynecologist from the Flying Samaritans.
“I’m the groom’s … um … my wife was Warren’s sister.” He pointed to Gracie. “My daughter’s the flower girl.”
“But I didn’t see you at the rehearsal or when we were taking pictures,” Alex said.
“I had to finish up at the hospital,” he said. “Her grandmother brought her here and helped her get dressed. It’s been two years since I lost my wife, and I’m still not good at the girl stuff.”
“I didn’t know,” she said.
“I don’t talk about it,” he said. “It hurts too much. I can forget at work, especially the Flying Sams, but when we’re home at night, I feel so bad for Gracie.”
“David, why didn’t you come up to me after you saw me walk down the aisle?”
“Warren and I don’t really keep in touch. When I saw you walk down the aisle with his brother, I figured you were married to him. I saw a ring on your finger, and …”
“Oh, this,” she said, wondering why she’d never taken off the ring from Luke, the one with the two hearts entwined. Maybe she wore it as a reminder of the other side of love—where dreams implode and no one is who he seems.
“Let’s dance.” David took her hand.
Magical—the only word to describe their dance.
After the music stopped, Alex and David stood, unable to part.
He motioned to Gracie and Jon, still engrossed in conversation. “What could they possibly have to talk about?”
“Jon can carry on about anything for as long as someone will listen, and it looks like Gracie’s enjoying it,” she said.
“She only has me, and I guess I’m not as much fun.”
As they started to walk back to their respective tables, the emcee announced it was time for the bouquet toss. Alex knew her friends would push her back to the dance floor, so she didn’t even try to slip away.
Dramatic as ever, Meredith held the bouquet—feigning inability to part with it—and finally tossed it.
Alex didn’t get the bouquet, but when she looked across the dance floor and saw her sons, her First Friday Book Club women, and David, she realized sometimes, when we lose the ones we love, we find ourselves.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
There were many talented people who helped me along the long road from gestation to publication of Sex Happens. I want to give a heartfelt thank you to the following: First and foremost, I want to thank Lindi Stoler, a book strategist, who helped me with many of the details and guided it down the right path. I also want to thank Sandy Ponsot and Tessa Kershnar for believing in my novel even before I did, Ryan Rivera for creating the fantastic cover, Tracey Trottenberg and Ruth Klein for convincing me that my dream was within reach, Louella Nelson and the Wednesday night writers’ group for their valuable critiques, and Bethany Kelly of Publishing Partner for expertly and professionally handling the details of the publishing process. I am also grateful for the support and friendships of my eWomenNetwork and National Association of Professional Women communities. And last, but definitely not least, I want to thank my family for their love and encouragement during the entire process.
THE PEOPLE I WISH I HAD KNOWN THEN…
Ann Bennett. Brilliant brand profit builder, author, and international speaker. Creator of Renegade Branding, helping conscious entrepreneurs to liberate their rebel spirit, express their authentic voice, and build a profitable brand platform so they can be visionary leaders. Website: www.AnnBennettMarketing.com. Phone: 646-345-6671
Sandra Biskind works with business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs to help them have an even greater impact in the world by discovering and deleting the unconscious blocks stopping them from having the prosperity, love, health, and well-being they are meant to have. Transformational life coach, speaker, international #1 best-selling author of the Codebreaker Platinum Series: Peace: Power Up Your Life; Love: Ignite The Secret To Your Success; and Awareness: Discover How Life Really Works. Website: www.thebiskinds.com
Chellie Campbell created the Financial Stress Reduction® Workshops and is the author of The Wealthy Spirit and From Worry to Wealthy. Email: [email protected]. Phone: 310-476-1622.
Reina Carrillo is the “Future Mayor of Inglewood in 2022.” “I am about Self, Health, and Wealth.” Working with World Financial Group, she helps families and individuals save and make money. Her crusade is “No Families Left Behind.” Website: https://reinacarrillo.wfgopportunity.com/ Email: [email protected]. Phone: 323-627-0855
Wendy Darling is a relationship and results expert, creator of the transformational change system, the Miraculous Living Method. She works with singles who want to finally attract love, couples who want to replenish their relationship, and executives and their teams (train and certify coaches/practitioners in the MLMethodology and programs). Website: www.wendydarling.com. Phone: 760-231-8234
Ruth Klein is a brand strategist and productivity guru, author of six best-selling books, and an international speaker who helps people find their voice and craft their brand message in order to become thought leaders in their industry. She’s been featured in O, The Oprah Magazine, and is a winner of the Woman of Achievement Award—National Association of Professional Women. Website: www.RuthKlein.com. Phone: 310-741-1583
Stacey Golden-Lisnock. Unlimited legal consultation and identity theft protection is available for individuals, families, and business owners for a low monthly membership fee. Power is in knowledge and access to legal counsel, without the fear of daunting expenses. Visit the website to see the features, benefits, videos, and pricing. Website: www.staceygolden.legalshieldassociate.com. Phone: 714-642-1771
Liz Papagni. Marketing Initiative Worx (MIW) is a strategic marketing and branding firm that helps companies drive their business by taking their marketing to the next level. Website: www.marketingiw.com. Email: [email protected]. Phone: 714-595-0963
Renée Piane. International love designer and relationship re-invention expert, author of GET Real about LOVE. Voted Top International Love Coach, TV and radio personality, and inspirational speaker. Get back in the game of love with this powerful role model and mentor for people who are looking for love, healing a broken h
eart, or wanting to reignite passion in their existing relationships. Website: www.ReneePiane.com. Phone: 310-827-1100
Cappi Pidwell is Ms. Mindset. I help people reprogram their subconscious mind for fast, easy, powerful change from inside out. Address: 23276 South Pointe Dr. #112, Laguna Hills, CA 92653. Phone: 949-510-2510
Sue Podany. Berkshire Hathaway California Properties. When your life is changing and you need to move, I am here for you! Website: www.OCSue.com. Email: [email protected]. Phone: 949-632-6343
Stacey Podres. Sky Diamonds Inc. Purchasing fine jewelry since 1938, including gold, diamonds, coins, sterling flatware sets, Rolex & Cartier. Email: www.SkyDiamondsInc.com. Phone: 949-230-8005
Terese A. Santos. Business, beauty, and self-care coach and speaker, and co-founder of Youlab Ageless Living. Look-Feel-Age “Younger” with Youlab’s CLEAN Skin Care & Plant-based Nutrition Therapy. Website: www.liveyounger.youlabglobal.com. Email: [email protected]. Phone: 949-421-8071
Tracey Trottenberg. Founder & CEO Amazing Women International Inc. Best-selling co-author of Faces of the New Feminine Leadership. An award-winning speaker and feminine leadership and conscious communication expert, Tracey has taught thousands of women—entrepreneurs, executives, coaches, speakers, and authors—how to dig deeper within to pull out the gold to share their story, speak from any stage, and stay feminine. Enjoy our free “Speak Your Truth” 3-part video training series: www.speakwithsoul.com/videos. Website: www.amazingwomen.org. Phone: 310-930-1296
Eric Catania-Turcio. Spiritual healer/medium, television personality. I work to make relationships better each day. Palm Springs, CA. Website: www.angelmessagesbyeric.com. Email: [email protected]
Audra Wrightson. Award-winning interior designer, specializing in kitchens and bathrooms, and complete home remodeling. Delivering your dream home, the first time around! Owner of Audra Interiors Inc., founder of “Suite Dreams”—Interiors for Nurseries, Kids & Teen Spaces. Website: www.audrainteriors.com. Email: [email protected]. Phone: 714-904-7431
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