“You just said the ‘L’ word, and you said it a lot,” I say with disbelief.
“Yes, I did, and I’m going to say it again. I love you, Savannah. You’re the reason I wake up smiling, and the reason I fall asleep with a smile, too. I hope the feeling is mutual, because I hate to tell you this, you’re not getting rid of me now.”
“Fletcher,” I let his name hang in the darkness for a little while. “I…I,” I stutter before giving up on saying anything verbally. I decide to show him how I feel instead. Rolling so my body is on top of his, I give my heart permission to open up to him as I softly press my lips against his.
“Oh, Savannah,” he whispers into my ear, “please kiss me like that again.” He gently pulls against the back of my thighs so my body lies flush against his. He’s every bit as passionate with his show of love for me, and before I fully comprehend what is happening, I find myself naked with a man for the first time in years.
“Fletcher, I haven’t…”
“Shhhh, unless you’re going to tell me to stop, it’s not important,” he mumbles as he leaves a soft trail of kisses across my collar bone. “I’ll go slowly, I promise, but only if you truly want this? You have to want me.” His eyes search mine for the tiniest hint of hesitation.
“I do. I want you, Fletcher. I need you,” I admit, caving to the carnal desire. With a gentle touch, he slowly acquaints himself with all of the curves and lines of my body. My skin prickles with goose bumps, but inside I’m burning with desire. I’ve been with other men, but experiencing these intense emotions along with the physical sensations of sex is foreign to me, and it’s absolutely incredible. I’ve missed out on so much all these lonely years. Fletcher makes me feel beautiful, sensual, and most of all, loved.
I want to show him pleasure and make him feel as special as he’s making me feel. Under the brightness of the moon, we become one flesh, and I’m carried away to a world that until now has only existed in my deepest fantasies. The sensations: his lips searing against my sensitive flesh, his hands roaming my most intimate places, his manliness filling me to my core, and his passion consuming every bit of the desire that I hold—they’re overwhelming and magnificent. I can’t hold it in anymore. In the midst of our lovemaking, I cry out into the night, repeatedly professing my love for the man who has awakened my soul. My old life is gone. Fletcher Reilly has captured my heart, and now it’s his forever.
The morning of Lizzy and Ben’s wedding arrives, and Fletcher picks me up from my apartment bright and early. I’m dressed in the typical shorts and t-shirt combo, but I have my dress, which is tucked away safely in the garment bag slung over my shoulder. I hop into the truck and give Fletcher a quick kiss before buckling my seatbelt.
Even though the affair has limited guests, it’s completely abuzz with activity. Caterers unload crates from the back of a black van, a rental company sets up tables and chairs at various spots on the lawn, a huge white tent is being set up to provide shade during the reception, and at the hub of all of the activity is none other than Lizzy’s mother, Prissy Cole. Prissy’s dressed in white from her wide brimmed hat to down to her strappy sandals. Her ample girth is tucked into layers of spandex, covered by white knit pants, a white sleeveless blouse, and a wispy white over shirt. A thick gold chain wraps around her even thicker neck, while gold hoops peep from behind her puffy platinum hair.
“Oh, Savannah, my darling! Look at you! It’s been far too long, my dear. You look amazing, and you’re absolutely ravishing! I presume that this very handsome young man is the reason for that?” She flirtatiously smiles at Fletcher. “How nice to meet you. I’m Prissy Cole, Elizabeth’s mother. Who might you be?”
“Fletcher Reilly, Ben’s best friend, and Savannah’s boyfriend. It’s nice to meet you, ma’am.”
“Ma’am!” she chuckles obnoxiously as she tosses her hand over her heart. “Oh, such manners.”
“I guess it’s the military in me, ma’am.”
“Oh, be still my heart. Which branch, dear?”
“Army, but I was medically discharged quite a few years ago.”
“Well, thank you so much for your service. My husband and I contribute to many veterans assistance programs.”
“It was an honor to serve, and I thank you for your contributions.”
She laces her arm in his, “Now Fletcher, may I borrow you for a little while? There are a couple of things I’d like done, but there’s no one here strapping enough to handle …”
Fletcher gives a fleeting look backwards, and all I can manage to do is shrug my shoulders before Prissy has him near the water’s edge. I continue into the lake house in search of Lizzy, and smack into Carlton Cole as soon as I open the door.
I drop the garment bag, but Carlton manages to hang onto his scotch on the rocks; not a drop splashes outside the glass.
“Whoa there! Howdy, Savannah. Boy, you sure are a sight for sore eyes. How have you been?” Carlton Cole has salt and pepper hair, but it’s mostly salt at this point. He, like Prissy, is dressed completely in white, from the semi-unbuttoned cotton shirt he sports, down to the loafers on his feet.
“Hi, Mr. Cole. It’s good to see you, too. How have you been?”
“I’ve been okay, Savannah. But I’ll let you in on a little secret—the day just got a whole lot better since you arrived.” He lets out an obnoxious laugh while hugging my shoulders with his free arm. He reeks of alcohol and cigar smoke. “So tell me. Have you run into Prissy? Has the stick popped free from her ass yet? I need to know because Lizzy sent me out here to see if her mother’s relaxed any.”
“She seems fine to me, Mr. Cole.” I say, wriggling out of his grip. “In fact, she’s using my boyfriend to help her with some last minute arrangements. She seemed in a very good mood when I spoke to her.”
“Good. I plied her with liquor. Let’s hope it’s enough to get us through this ceremony. So, little Savannah’s done grown up and landed her a man? That’s great news. Fabulous! Cheers!” He holds up his rocks glass, drains the last of the liquid, and moves into the kitchen for a refill.
“Uh, is Lizzy in the bedroom?” I ask, more than ready to leave the conversation.
“Oh, yeah. She surely is. She’s right back there.” He points in the general direction of the bedroom.
“Thank you,” I say, slinging the garment bag over my shoulder once again.
“Right. You girls have fun playing dress up,” he says, stumbling out of the house and pointing towards the men assembling the tents. “Ho, there! Tent person! Lemme show you something.”
I jet inside because I have no desire to witness that impending disaster.
“Lizzy?” I ask, softly rapping on the bedroom door. Her arm frantically searches for anything to grab on to, and my shirt is the first thing her fingers make contact with. Once she has a ball of fabric in her hand, she yanks me into the room with her.
“They’re driving me crazy, Savannah. I can’t handle this. Please, make them go.”
“Deep breaths, Lizzy. Take slow deep breaths,” I instruct in the most calming tone I can muster.
She nods, while inhaling. “What’s my dad doing?”
“Supervising the tent crew.”
“Oh great. Cooter Brown is leading the tent erection. Wonderful. Nothing can go wrong there. What about my mom?”
“She’s using my boyfriend to do menial chores because she thinks he’s hot.”
Lizzy’s face softens. “Awww, your boyfriend. I love hearing that more than you could ever know. And though I’m sorry about my mother, you should have figured that would happen when she laid eyes upon him. He’s is a total hottie, and you know how Prissy simply adores those young strapping men.”
I smile while playfully rolling my eyes. “What can I help with?”
“Nothing. I have someone coming over to do our hair and makeup. Ben’s in charge of making sure everything is set on his end. Everything is running on schedule, so we’re good.”
I pretend to check her for fever.
“What have you done with my friend? Lizzy? Blink twice if you’ve been abducted by aliens or something.”
Lizzy giggles. “I’m fine. I’ve learned a lot by being around Ben. What’s the most important thing about today?” she asks, plopping onto the bed.
“Your marriage.”
“That’s right. I’m here. Ben’s here. The priest will be here. This wedding is happening regardless. It doesn’t matter if I’m in a tank and sleep pants or that beautiful dress hanging over there. I’m pledging my love to the man I want to spend the rest of my life with, and that’s all it’s about. As long as I’m Lizzy Thibodaux by the end of the night, frankly, I couldn’t care less about what happens in between.” She pauses to hold up an index finger. “However, my parents wreaking havoc and running amok, that’s something that will grate on my nerves no matter how calm I am about everything else.”
I smile. “It’s going to be fine, you’ll see. I’ll run as much interference as possible.”
“Bless you!” she exclaims, peeping out the window. She starts to squeal while running in place, “Andi’s here to do our hair and makeup! Will you show her in?”
“Sure.” I open the front door and show the young woman with spiky blue hair and multiple piercings to the bedroom. Lizzy waits until Andi sets down the large cases she’s carrying before giving her a gigantic hug.
“I’m so excited! It’s my wedding day,” she sings.
Andi laughs then introduces herself to me. She looks at my bone structure, touches my hair, and looks me over while holding her index fingers to her lips. “Okay, let’s make you gorgeous,” she says, snapping one of the cases open.
Andi works her magic on us, and by the time she leaves, Lizzy and I are absolutely glowing and radiant. We have our hair secured in the same elegant twist, but hers holds a beautiful crystal barrette for her veil. My dress is a very simple sapphire blue strapless number that falls just above my knees. Her dress is cut much like mine, except hers is white and reaches the floor. Simple, yet elegant. I grip her hand in mine.
“Are you ready?” I ask.
“I’ve never been more ready for anything. I love him so much, Savannah. I’ve grown tremendously in the time I’ve known him, and I can’t wait to see what wonderful adventures our life together will take us on.” She gets quiet and her face suddenly bears a serious expression. “I was going to wait to tell you this, but I just as well get it over with.”
“What’s wrong, Lizzy?” I ask, my stomach suddenly in knots.
“Ben’s business is booming, so much so that he’s opening new restaurants…”
“What great news! Why would you be afraid to tell me that?”
“We’re moving to Dallas, Savannah. It won’t be for a few months, but the sooner we can get over there the better.”
I feel like I’ve been kicked in the stomach. I never once imagined a life where Lizzy wasn’t more than few minutes from me. Blinking heavily to hide the rogue tear that tries to break free, I scramble to find congratulatory words. “That’s wonderful, Lizzy. I’m sure you’ll love it there.”
“Hey, now.” She embraces me. “I might not be around the corner, but I’ll always be no more than a phone call away. Plus, we’ll be traveling back and forth between the restaurants, so we’ll be coming to town often. You and Fletcher can come to Dallas whenever you want, too! It’ll be fine. Savannah, your friendship will always be one of the most important things to me, so be ready for lots and lots of phone calls.”
The shock begins to wear off, and because I’m feeling a little more secure about the news, I nod. “I’m going to miss you so much. Who can I share the strange work calls with now?”
“Duh, you’re going to share with me! I might not be across from your cubicle, but I’ll still be your vent buddy. You can give me a rundown of every shift if you want to.”
Prissy, now dressed in an iridescent sequined pant suit enters the room. “It’s time. Ah, what a glorious day. Here I am, celebrating the union of my daughter and my future son in law, and I simply couldn’t squeeze another drop of happiness into my cup. Father’s on his way in so he can walk you down the aisle. My, don’t you both look beautiful! Absolutely breathtaking,” she sings. Normally, such words would be welcomed and appreciated. However, Lizzy and I knew the truth behind them. Her mother is only sugary sweet when she’s three sheets to the wind. Normally, she’s hypercritical and blatantly condescending.
“Thank you, mother,” Lizzy says with fake enthusiasm.
While Prissy isn’t looking, Lizzy makes the “she’s been drinking” sign with her hand. I nod emphatically, and Lizzy rolls her eyes.
“Ah, there’s my princess! Come on. Saddle up so we can make an honest woman out of you.” He taps on his elbow. “Giddy up now.”
“Oh, dear God,” Lizzy mumbles under her breath.
“Remember what’s important,” I whisper to her as I take my spot at the door. My signal to go is a light knock, so I flash Lizzy a quick smile as I take my simple bouquet of roses and make my way to the altar that has been set up on the dock.
Fletcher looks so debonair in his suit, and I can tell by the way he’s looking at me that he’s smitten. The attention makes me blush, and as I cast my eyes downward, an appreciative smile crosses my lips.
The service is short and sweet, but the wedding party is asked to stick around for photos. By the time we finish up, I’m absolutely starving. Fletcher and I make our way to the buffet, and then find a secluded table near the outer edge of the tent so we can observe the festivities, yet not be smack dab in the middle of them.
“I can’t believe how good this food is,” Fletcher says, practically devouring his plate. I can’t do anything but nod in agreement because I’m doing the same. He smiles when he notices that I’m shoveling in a forkful of jambalaya.
“What?” I ask, raising my fingers to my mouth because I’m suddenly embarrassed.
He smiles broadly. “Nothing. You know that I love you, right?”
“That’s what you tell me, “I say, taking a big swallow from my drink.
“It’s the truth. I’ll be yours always.”
I put down the drink and smile sweetly at him. “And I’ll be yours always.” We lean in to share a delicate kiss but are interrupted by Lizzy’s screeching.
“What are you two doing hiding in the corner? It’s party time! Come on, we’re about to kick up the music!” She has a champagne glass in one hand and hard lemonade in the other. I’m not anticipating her night to end well if she keeps chugging like she is.
“Have you eaten?” I ask her over the sound of the music that is now blaring. She’s not paying attention to me because she’s screaming for the DJ to crank it up. I’m behind her frantically giving him the “no” signal. He gives a wink in our direction, and I’m not sure which one of us it was intended for until the music softens to a level less deafening.
“Lizzy, have you eaten anything?”
“No, why? Is the food bad?” she asks while moving her hips and snapping her fingers.
“No, it’s delicious, but we both know that you can’t hold your liquor when you drink on an empty stomach.”
“Pshh. That’s an old wives’ tale,” she says giggling.
“Wives’ tale nothing. Trust me on this one, please. Fletcher, would you mind fixing her a plate?”
“Not at all,” he says, leaving us so he can toss a little of everything onto a plate.
“I feel wonderful! I don’t need no stinkin’ food,” Lizzy says with a pout.
“Should I just go ahead and start calling you Prissy now or after you’re completely smashed?” I ask.
“Ouch! That hurt, Savannah. That really hurt.” She’s quiet for a minute. I can tell by the way she’s squinting that she’s trying to focus her vision. “Okay, maybe I’ll eat a little bit,” she says, sitting across from me.
“There’s my beautiful bride! What’s going on over here?” Ben asks, finally joining us. He looks just as toasted as Lizzy.
“Oh, yeah. I didn’t do that. I’m on it, boss,” Ben says, stumbling as he joins Fletcher at the buffet. We manage to get some food into the bride and the groom, and almost instantly, they’re acting slightly giddy, but no longer slurring and stumbling like full on lushes.
“I hereby release you two from drunk jail. You’re free to go,” I say, waving my hands in a shooing motion.
“Thank you so much for intervening. You know me well. I’d already had four, and we know that my clothes usually start coming off somewhere around number six,” Lizzy explains.
Ben snaps his head around. “What? How did I not know this?”
“Well, you know now,” Lizzy says, taking his loosened tie in her hand so she can drag him to the dance floor that is set up just outside the tent. “Come on, y’all! I’m going to request a slow song, and the DJ has to do what I say because I’m the bride.”
Fletcher and I shake our heads as we follow them out.
The sun has set, and the walking paths are lined with beautiful torches, lamps, and luminaries, the soft glows from which help to illuminate the dance floor. I love being in Fletcher’s strong arms, slowly swaying back and forth to the rhythm of the music. Dancing is another activity that I generally avoid, and after thinking back, I figure the last time I did it was for a high school dance. Luckily, it’s like riding a bike. Plus, Fletcher is a confident and strong lead. It’s so relaxing, so unbelievably perfect that I completely lose track of time.
We’re interrupted briefly for a few of the traditions: the cutting of the cake, tossing the bouquet, and such, but then we’re right back on the dance floor as soon as it’s over. I’m gazing into the eyes of the man I love when the shrill feedback from a microphone stops everyone in his or her tracks.
“I need everyone’s attention,” Carlton Cole slurs each and every word as he captures the undivided attention of the small group of guests. I steal a glance in Lizzy’s direction, and she looks semi-mortified. I whisper to Fletcher that I’ll be right back before rushing to the front of the small crowd that has conglomerated around him. I give Lizzy a brief nod to let her know that if he makes a fool of himself, I’m going to be all over it. I just hope I’ll be strong enough to rip the mic from him if the need arises.
Yours Always Page 12