His One and Only Bride

by Tara Randel

  Chapter Thirteen

  PUSHING HER WORRIES to the back of her mind, Zoe pasted on a smile when she picked Mitch up the following Saturday for Wyatt and Jenna’s wedding. Time had flown by since the announcement a month ago.

  “Jenna was pretty adamant about a backyard wedding,” she said, pulling into the driveway a few hours before the ceremony. “Think it’ll be a problem for picture taking?”

  “I doubt it.” He winked at her. “Just let the professional do his magic.”

  The intimate exchange made her chest tight, from both attraction and concern. She was definitely falling for Mitch again. Her heart had softened, even though her head called her a fool.

  He looked great today, dressed in black slacks, a white button-down shirt and a sports coat. She’d chosen a cranberry-colored short dress with a deep vee in the front, a slim gold belt at the waist, the hem skimming her bare knees, along with strappy gold sandals to finish off the look.

  “Hey. You okay?”

  Zoe put the car in Park. “Sorry. Just thinking ahead.”

  “That’s what everyone loves about you. You’re always prepared.”

  She sent him a sideways glance. It was fine and dandy that everyone loved her, but did Mitch? Should she ask? You’d think after ten years of marriage she’d know the answer, but in their case, it was the exact opposite. They had more questions now than in the good old days.

  She reached into the back seat for her wedding-script binder, her fingers brushing against Leo’s car seat.

  There’s more at stake now.

  She did not need that bossy voice, sounding suspiciously like her own, reminding her of her current state of affairs.

  “C’mon, slowpoke.”

  Zoe took hold of the binder and joined Mitch, his camera bag slung over his shoulder, as he walked up the sidewalk to Jenna’s rental house. His stride was much more steady than when he’d first arrived home. Had it really been over six weeks? His hair had grown out, covering the telltale scars from the accident. He’d gained weight and his skin had returned to its normal tanned color. She knew he still suffered headaches occasionally. When the bad ones came upon him, he laid low, returning when he was feeling better. She’d gone with him to the doctor appointments in the beginning, but even now he had his schedule under control. Which meant he didn’t need her as much. The idea stung.

  Her thoughts were making her crazy. She knew all she had to do was sit down with Mitch so they could talk about their options. Stay together? Divorce? Leave the status quo? And still, she put it off. Why? Maybe if she figured that out, she could take a positive step forward.

  Pull it together.

  Time to get into the joyous wedding spirit.

  “Any idea where the happy couple is going to live after the wedding?” she asked, focusing on other people’s lives.

  “Wyatt is moving in here until they find a new house. Jenna’s lease renewal is coming up and Wyatt’s cottage is way too small for the entire family.”

  A family that consisted of the bride, the groom and Jenna’s two adopted daughters. “The girls are as excited as Jenna,” Zoe said as they reached the door and she pressed the bell. Taking a step back, she surveyed the front yard. “It’s a beautiful day for the ceremony.”

  The bright morning sun rose into a clear blue sky. The temperature promised to rise later in the day, but for the noon wedding, a constant breeze would keep the humidity at bay. There had been talk of rain, but thankfully, it was holding off for a few more hours. Moving into the Florida summer, afternoon showers would become commonplace, but on this early mid-July day, they couldn’t complain.

  The door opened to reveal one of the twins. Bridget, she thought.

  “Welcome,” said the little girl of eleven, her brunette hair already styled in an intricate updo.

  “So serious,” Mitch teased.

  “I’m practicing. It’s my job to greet the guests.” The young girl’s eyes narrowed. “Why are you here so early?”

  Mitch held up his camera bag. “I need to start taking pictures.”

  Zoe angled her thumb in his direction. “I’m his ride.”

  The door opened wider as Bridget ushered them in. “I’ll tell Jenna you’re here for pictures,” she announced and ran off.

  “Where’s Wyatt?” Zoe asked as she closed the door.

  “Had errands to run.”

  Brisk footsteps echoed down the hallway. “Good, you’re here. We can get started,” Nealy said in her no-nonsense tone. “Mitch, Jenna isn’t quite ready for her prewedding shots. Why not get the lay of the backyard? Dane is out there making sure the tent is set up correctly.”

  “Got it.” He leaned over to give Zoe a quick kiss, then disappeared through the kitchen.

  Nealy’s brow rose. “Guess you guys kissed and made up?”

  “I’m trying to be more in the moment and not borrow trouble.”

  “Glad to hear it.” She hooked Zoe’s arm through hers. “Now come help me with the bride.”

  Nealy dragged her to Jenna’s bedroom. When she opened the door, Jenna twirled from in front of a full-length mirror. “I’m not ready for this.”

  “You’ve been ready since you met Wyatt,” Nealy disagreed.

  Despite Jenna’s nerves, she was a vision. A long creamy white off-the-shoulder dress hugged her petite frame. With a short pixie-style cut, her hair required only the fresh gardenia lying on the dresser, its sweet scent lingering in the room.

  Beside the flower lay a beautiful bouquet made with small barely-budding white roses scattered within coral and aqua-colored seashells, the handle wrapped with white satin. There were also two smaller bouquets, a collection of rounded shells held in place with lace, which Zoe assumed were for the girls. By the looks of it, Jenna had taken a tropical Florida wedding to heart.

  “I know I should be excited, but this is so...”

  “Permanent?” Nealy suggested.

  Jenna waved a hand. “I don’t have a problem with permanent. After growing up in foster care, I’m all for roots and family.”

  “Then what is the problem?” Zoe asked as she set her belongings on the bed.

  Jenna blew out a breath. “Is it normal to be nervous?”

  “I wouldn’t know,” Nealy snorted. “When Dane and I eloped, I was too young and excited to be nervous. Then Dane filed for the annulment and we broke up, so...”

  Jenna sent a beseeching glance at Zoe.

  “I suppose. My wedding day went by in a blur. If I was nervous, I can’t recall.” She took a seat on the edge of the bed, pulling the wedding binder to her chest. “You and Wyatt wrote your own vows and I gotta tell you, there isn’t going to be a dry eye in the house once you recite them to each other. You two have a very special relationship. Don’t doubt or second-guess it now.”

  “Yeah,” Nealy said as she lifted the delicate flower. “That’s Zoe’s job.”

  The comment smarted, even if it was the truth. “Someone has to be in charge today. You wisely chose me, so I’m telling you, you have nothing to be nervous about.”

  Jenna placed a hand over her belly. “I’m really happy you’re both here.”

  There was a knock on the door, followed by Mitch’s deep voice. “Is the bride ready for pictures?”

  “Now?” Jenna twirled to view her reflection in the mirror. “Do I look okay? Should I let him in?”

  Nealy went into event-planner mode, calming the bride. Rising from the bed, Zoe patted her friend’s arm and went to open the door.

  “Be patient,” she told Mitch on the way out, trying to ignore the butterflies in her stomach. Why was she suddenly nervous around him? It wasn’t like she was the one getting married. Maybe it had to do with the way Mitch’s dark eyes sparkled, or the secret smile he sent her.

  Pushing away this new response to her husband, she tried to br
ush past him.

  “Don’t worry,” he said, leaning close to her ear. Telltale goose bumps raced over her skin. She swore Mitch smiled wider, even though she tried to hide her response.

  “I...um...should check out where I’m supposed to be later,” she stammered. “I’ll see you in a little while.”

  With that, she hurried down the hallway. Why on earth was she suddenly acting like a giddy teen rather than a woman who’d been married for ten years? Okay, she most definitely was falling for Mitch all over again. Could that be why his long stares and secret smiles made her heart race? And his kisses? Oh, man. “This is silly,” she muttered under her breath.

  In the kitchen, she sidestepped the employees from Jenna’s catering business, who were busily preparing lunch. The savory scents wafting from the uncovered containers made her stomach rumble, despite having eaten breakfast. A young man wheeled a box into the room; champagne, she imagined. The team had things under control, so she slipped out of their way, ready to journey out back to see where she would stand when she officiated the ceremony.

  Once outside, all thoughts of nerves and crushes on her husband left her mind as she viewed the backyard, which had been transformed into a wedding wonderland. “Incredible,” she said, walking from the patio to one of the two large decorated tents.

  Several rows of chairs were set up at the far end, covered in white cloth. Beside each aisle seat, a slim white post with a hook held a mason jar tied with a white tulle ribbon and a sprig of baby’s breath. Tiny shells and a handful of sand lining the bottom of the jar were visible through the clear glass.

  A small arch had been set up with enough room for the bride and groom to gather under as they repeated their vows. Matching tulle draped the structure to soften the look.

  Long tables covered in white linens with brightly colored centerpieces, consisting of shells, flowers and candles, had been set up on the periphery. After the ceremony, the chairs would be moved to the tables and lunch would be served. From here, the freshly lit candles mingled with the earthy scent of the yard. Tall moveable fans were placed in the four corners, ready to be used once the temperature started rising. The staff would work from the kitchen and the porch, leaving plenty of room for guests, who would enter by the side gate, to mingle in the yard.

  Before long, people started to arrive as Zoe went over her script one last time. She looked over the small crowd, mainly family and close friends. Max and Lilli arrived, still clearly in the honeymoon phase, followed by Wyatt’s family. Wyatt hovered near the back door, waiting until it was time to take his place by Zoe and watch his bride walk down the aisle.

  A satisfied smile curved her lips as the guests took their seats. She saw her mother enter the backyard, dressed in a flowing, gauzy dress, her eyes alight as she spoke to someone over her shoulder. Zoe frowned. Had her mother come with someone? She hadn’t mentioned it when they’d discussed the upcoming wedding. Her question was answered when the police chief appeared, taking Samantha by the elbow to lead her to their seats.

  Her mother and Bob Gardener? When had they become an item? And why didn’t she know about it?

  “Zoe.”

  “Huh?”

  “Zoe? We’re ready.”

  She snapped out of her shock to face Wyatt. “Right. Sorry. Your wedding.”

  “That’s why we’re all here,” Wyatt chuckled.

  Straightening her shoulders, she flipped on her professional persona. “Of course. You’re ready?”

  “I have been for months.”

  She grinned. “Then this should be a breeze.”

  As Wyatt turned to face the door, soft music flowed from corner speakers. The sliding door opened to reveal the twins in matching style dresses, one yellow, the other green. Bridget still had her serious face on, but Abby grinned at the guests as they proceeded down the white-runner aisle.

  The music turned to the wedding march. Everyone rose. Zoe felt Wyatt tense beside her until Jenna stepped out, stunning in white accented by the colored shells of the bouquet.

  Zoe snuck a glance at the groom, blinking back tears at the total rapture on his face. This was why she officiated weddings, to see the joy on the couples’ faces. This was how all couples should feel, how she felt the day she’d married Mitch. Like the world was yours and together you were unstoppable. She turned to the crowd, meeting Mitch’s intent gaze. Could he be thinking the same thing? Oh, she wanted him to.

  Wyatt stepped forward to meet his bride and together they turned to face Zoe, who started the ceremony. Once they exchanged their vows, tissues came from purses and pockets to wipe away happy tears.

  “I now pronounce you husband and wife,” Zoe told the couple.

  With a whoop, Wyatt scooped Jenna into an embrace, lifting her off the ground as he kissed her. The crowd clapped as they walked hand-in-hand down the runner, stopping at the far end for another kiss. All the while, Mitch stayed discreetly out of view, snapping pictures of his best friend marrying the woman he loved.

  The mood shifted from hushed to high energy as the beat of the music picked up and everyone mingled or offered their congratulations to the couple. Zoe closed her binder. Another ceremony in the books.

  “You did a beautiful job,” her mother said as she joined Zoe before she could join the revelers.

  Taking a breath, she asked, “Are you here with Bob?”

  Samantha’s cheeks went a vivid shade of red. “Yes.”

  “Are you two dating?”

  “We have been for a while.”

  “How long is a while?”

  “Six months.”

  Zoe blinked in disbelief.

  Her mother smoothed a hand over her loose skirt. “I’ve been meaning to tell you, but I wasn’t sure how you’d react.”

  “Why would I react? If you’re happy, then I’m happy for you.”

  Her mother frowned. “But...”

  “I don’t understand why you’d keep it a secret. From me, of all people.”

  “The past year has been good for us. I didn’t want to make things awkward, but Bob and I recently decided to make it official.”

  “Awkward?” Zoe frowned. She thought they’d moved out of the awkward stage where her mother did things on a whim without telling Zoe. Acted like the child instead of the parent. Or at the very least, she’d decided to finally act like a family. “That explains why Bob would stop by at odd hours to ‘help you’ get ready for a show. You were dating him right under my nose.”

  “You make it sound sordid. Everyone loves the chief.”

  “Including you?”

  “I think so.”

  She thought so? “You’d better be sure. This isn’t like when I was growing up and you dabbled in relationships. He’s clearly besotted with you.”

  “I would never hurt him.” Her mother stepped back. “And this isn’t your concern. You have your own relationship problems to deal with.”

  Just like her mother to throw the onus of the argument back at her.

  “We aren’t talking about my marriage.”

  “Maybe we should. That is, if you even have one. Mitch has been back almost two months now. Are you ever going to tell him where you two stand?”

  She’d been working on it. Getting better, she thought. But her mom was right—Mitch deserved an answer. But he’d hear her decision before Samantha did.

  “This isn’t the place to discuss family problems.”

  “I agree. And I’m not sorry I kept this from you.”

  Samantha twirled and marched off to her boyfriend. Her boyfriend? Zoe shuddered. Did that sound weird or what?

  “You okay?” Mitch asked, camera in hand as he sidled up to her.

  “My mother has a boyfriend, which she failed to tell me about.”

  Mitch cringed, guilt crossing his features.

  “You knew?”
<
br />   “The chief swore me to secrecy.”

  “How many other people knew?”

  He shrugged.

  “Great. Just great,” she muttered and headed to the other side of the yard for a cold drink. Just when she thought she was getting a handle on one area of her life, another went haywire.

  * * *

  “YOU’RE UPSET,” MITCH said as he joined Zoe. He hated the hurt in her eyes. Had put it there himself too many times in the past.

  “Why wouldn’t I be? This is huge and my mother kept me out of the loop, as usual.”

  “She didn’t mean to hurt you.”

  “Then why not tell me?” Zoe’s face became downcast. “I thought things had changed. Mom was so much help when I moved in, then after Leo was born. I felt like we finally had that mother-daughter relationship I’d always longed for.” She shook her head. “It was a fantasy.”

  He doubted Zoe would agree, but he had to make her see she was wrong. “From the outside, it looks like you do have that bond.”

  “What do you mean?”

  How to put it in words? He decided to just say it. “I’ve had the opportunity to watch you two since I’ve been home. At first, I was surprised at how easily you and Samantha get along now, so unlike when we were kids. How many times did we meet at the beach and you’d cry over another argument with your mom? Or vent when she forgot one of your events?”

  “Leo probably had a lot to do with the change.”

  “I’m not so sure.” He lowered the camera, letting the strap around his neck carry the weight. “She doesn’t say it, but I believe she’s proud of you, Zoe. With everything on your plate the last few years, you’ve shouldered it and kept going.”

  “I had to.”

  “Sure, but not everyone handles the stresses in life well. You became a mother, town mayor, even a widow for a short while, all because life threw you curves and yet you survived.”

  She tilted her head. “Why are you telling me this?”

  “To suggest that you should give your mother a break. She’s gotten more settled in her art career. In life. Seems you both have.” He paused to let the truth sink it. “Maybe she sees you can take care of yourself and it’s okay for her to have her own life. To lean on someone else now.”