“I’m so glad you’re here. It means a lot to Howard. And I see you’ve met Melanie.”
“I’m so excited to be here to share your big day with you and my brother. An extra bonus was to finally meet my lovely niece and great-niece. Isn’t life wonderful sometimes?”
“That it is. Can I get you something to drink?”
“Coffee sounds wonderful. We’ll just take that empty booth.” Isabel grabbed Melanie’s arm again and ushered her to the booth. “I plan on getting to know every single detail about this young lady. Then I want to know if there’s anything you need help with before the wedding.”
As she scooted into the booth, Melanie’s nerves kicked in again. She didn’t know how much of her story her dad had shared with his sister. This family thing was complicated. She’d learned over the years to keep her feelings inside, not sharing her inner self with anyone. The last time she’d tried before coming to Peakview was with Sophie’s father, and that had been a disaster. Nope. Opening up to family was a new experience to her.
Isabel took a sip of her coffee and smiled. “So how do you like living in Peakview? I imagine it’s quite the change from Ohio.”
“I adore it here. Sophie is so happy in her new school, and I feel safe when she’s out of my sight. I love this small town. And, of course, Dad is always looking out for both of us.”
Melanie looked up and saw tears forming in Isabel’s eyes. “What’s wrong?” she reached over and touched the older woman’s hand.
Isabel dabbed her eyes with her napkin. “I owe you an apology. I’m so sorry. I don’t know if Howard told you but Connie, your mom, came to my house all those years ago and told me she was pregnant. I didn’t believe her and sent her away. I should have taken her seriously. I ruined Howard’s chance to watch you grow up and your chance at having a father.” Tears were now streaming down her face. “I don’t blame you if you hate me.”
Melanie got up, fighting back her own tears, and slid into the other side of the booth next to her aunt putting her arm around her. “I could never hate you. I lived with my mom for thirty-one years. No one knows how hard she was to believe better than me. I think she tried to be a good person, really I do, but in the end her addictions were always a stronger pull.” Melanie leaned back and smiled. “Besides what’s past is past. Nothing any of us can do to change that now. So let’s move forward. I’m so happy I found all of you and look forward to many years as part of your family.”
Isabel smiled back at her. “I was wrong about one thing, I thought Connie could never to anything right, but just look at you and Sophie. She did okay creating the two of you. I’m sorry you lost her so young.”
“Me, too. But in a strange way her death led us here, so there’s a blessing in every dark cloud. It’s only been a few months, but I already can’t imagine our lives without Dad.”
Violet glanced over at the booth for what seemed like the millionth time in the last few minutes. It was obvious that the two ladies were engaged in a very serious conversation. The mother in her wanted to go over and hug them both, but she knew they needed to work things out on their own. She busied herself, wiping down the counter and refilling the sugar containers, until she heard Melanie laugh and saw her return to her seat opposite her aunt. Violet walked over to fill their mugs. “May I join you?”
“Of course.” Melanie scooted over to allow Violet to sit down beside her. Whatever they had been discussing, it appeared to be settled now. “Are you ready for Sunday?”
“I’m so ready to be Howard’s wife.” She smiled and looked down at her engagement ring.
“That’s a beautiful ring. Melanie did you help pick it out? My brother has never been one for fashion or bling.” Isabel laughed, reaching over and grabbing Violet’s hand for a closer look.
“I really didn’t. I was with him, but he picked it all by himself. The minute he saw this ring in the window, he knew it was the one.”
I’ll have to compliment my baby brother. I didn’t know he had it in him. Now, I want to hear all about the wedding plans.”
***
The four weeks since Howard proposed had flown by. Violet couldn’t remember ever being so busy or excited. They’d picked today’s date—June 22nd as their wedding day. Howard was such a gentleman that night of his proposal. He absolutely refused to take their physical relationship any further before the ink dried on their marriage license. He stated that he had too much respect for her and the memory of Stan. She was flattered and touched by his concern for her reputation but at the same time wanted to get on with it. She longed to lay naked by his side and make love for the first time in so many years. Her body throbbed with anticipation every time he got near.
After a lengthy discussion, they decided to forego a long engagement. Both of them sure about their love for each other, and at their ages, they simply didn’t want to waste any more time alone. It wasn’t going to be a fancy affair. At 2:00 p.m. at the Little Chapel by the River, Pastor White would officiate the small ceremony. Jeff and June Walker agreed to stand up with them, Justin and his crew had flown in on Friday, and of course, Melanie and Sophie and Howard’s sister and family would attend. Violet had always enjoyed Isabel when the family made their yearly visit to Peakview, but now that they’d be sisters-in-law, she’d formed a special bond with the slightly older woman this past week. She’d never had a sister, and it felt good how easily they accepted her. After the ceremony they’d all drive out to the Walker Ranch for a reception with their friends and neighbors. June graciously agreed to host the party.
Violet lifted Lucky from on top of her chest, and sat up in bed. This was it, her wedding day! She couldn’t stop grinning. Mrs. Howard Crandall—she loved the sound of it.
Shortly after Howard’s proposal, Melanie and Sophie had moved into their permanent home above the bookstore. Howard, with the help of several other men in town, worked furiously to spruce up and modernize their vacated cabin to serve as the newlywed’s shared home. At Howard’s insistence, Violet remained at the apartment above the café until today. This morning, before the ceremony, Justin agreed to help move her essentials out to the cabin where he and his family were currently staying until the wedding. When she and Howard returned from their three day honeymoon to Estes Park, they’d move right in.
It was bad luck to see the groom on the wedding day before the ceremony, and who was she to push her luck? Still, her heart ached when he wasn’t downstairs to start her day with coffee. They chose a Sunday for the wedding since the café was closed. Melanie agreed to keep it open for the next few days while they honeymooned.
Violet climbed out of bed and slipped into some comfortable clothes, when the front door opened.
“Mom, you up?”
She rushed into the living room to give her only child a huge hug. “I’m so glad you and Sarah and kids are here.”
“We wouldn’t have missed it for the world. It’s not every day that you get to attend your mother’s wedding.”
“You know that a part of me will always love your dad, don’t you? Are you sure you’re okay with this?”
Justin laughed. “Mom, all we want is for you to be happy. I know that’s what Dad would want that, too. No one expected you to spend the rest of your life alone. And we love Howard. Sarah always said the two of you should get together. He seems like already a part of the family. Now what can I carry down to the truck for you?”
After Justin loaded everything and headed back out to the cabin, Violet stared at the clock. Whatever was she going to do to fill her time for the next four hours? She pulled on a jacket and decided to take a drive out to Walker Ranch and see if she could help June get ready for the reception.
***
Howard awoke at four a.m. sharp. Usually an early riser, he could have slept today in since Melanie absolutely forbid him to work at the garage before the wedding. Not today, his nerves already kicked in. Sixty-five years was a long time to remain single. What did he know about making a woman happy? He
didn’t want to let Violet down.
Climbing out of bed in the dark, he headed for the coffee pot. Now what was he supposed to do until 2:00 p.m.? He hated to admit it but he was a little scared. If you had asked him a year ago if he’d ever get married, he’d have laughed in your face. Him, a confirmed bachelor? No, way. Until recently, he believed that ship sailed years ago. But now, he was about to take the plunge.
How did this all happen? He couldn’t say exactly. All he knew was that he was about to become one with the love of his life. All he wanted was to make her happy. Stan left big shoes to fill. No one understood better than him what a great man her first husband has been. Stan befriended him before anyone else in this close-knit community. Howard tried hard to be a good friend and neighbor to everyone in Peakview, but he prayed that he would be a good husband as well. He was set in his ways, and he said a small prayer for God to allow him to become flexible.
He glanced around the small rustic cabin that he called home for so many years, now devoid of his belongings which already were moved next door to the more spacious home they’d soon share. He liked this place. It felt safe. It was not without some sadness that he left it behind, to soon be rented out to flatlanders seeking a mountain vacation. With one last look back at his well-worn bed, he picked up his remaining items and walked out the door, locking it and his single life behind him.
***
Violet parked her vehicle in front of the Walker ranch house. “Anyone home?’ She called opening the screen door and letting herself in.
“Violet. What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be home getting ready for the wedding? Is something wrong?” June, wiping her hands on her apron, entered the living room to give her friend a hug.
“It’s three hours until the ceremony and there’s nothing I haven’t taken care of already. Everyone has been so helpful. Takes me about five minutes to get dressed. I was going stir crazy in that apartment, I drove out here to see what I could do to help.”
“That’s very nice of you, but everything’s under control. I’ll put you to work if it’ll make you feel better. Come on in the kitchen and enjoy a cup of tea.”
Violet followed June into the other room. The aromas coming from the over were divine.
“The ham and turkey are still roasting. Most of the platters of food are safely in the fridge. Are you nervous?”
“Not really. More just excited and ready for this day to get over so Howard and I can settle down in our life together. I know it’s going to be wonderful. I love him so much.”
“I can definitely testify to the wonders of a second marriage. I live happily with Ed, my ex, for a lot of years. But with Jeff…I can’t even describe how great life has become. We’re very lucky women to have met such amazing men at this time in our lives.”
Violet took another sip of her tea. “Can I ask you a, well, personal question?”
“Ask away, I’m an open book.”
“In the bedroom…how has that been?” she looked away, embarrassed by her own question.
June laughed. “Relax, it’s amazing for us, and I’m sure it will be for you, too. Takes a little more planning and preparation then when we were twenty, if you know what I mean, but it’s so worth it. I worried about sex too, but if you love each other, it will fall into place naturally. Not that it’s any of my business, but I take it that you haven’t gotten together sexually yet?”
“No. Howard says he respects me too much to do anything sexual before the wedding. How could I not feel flattered by that? Although, there have been several times over the last few weeks, when I was tempted to just rip off his clothes. I want him so much.”
“Only a few more hours now. Please wait until after the reception, though. I’d hate for all of this food to go to waste.”
Violet laughed as her shoulders relaxed. What was she worried about? All she cared about showing Howard just how much she loved him. She helped with some of the last minute preparations and enjoyed their female conversation until Jeff and Luke returned from the barn.
“Ready for your big day?” Jeff grabbed a carrot stick from the closest platter, only to have his hand slapped playfully by June.
“As ready as I can get. Thanks again opening up your gorgeous home for the reception.”
“We’re happy to do it. You and Howard are two of our favorite people.” Jeff lovingly draped his arm around his wife’s shoulders and kissed the top of her head. “But thank my wife, not me. She’s done all of the work.”
Violet turned to Luke who tried inconspicuously to taste test some of the food himself. “How’s that house you’re building coming along?”
“Good. Stop by anytime, and I’ll give you a grand tour. The plan is to have it livable by the end of the summer. ”
“Now all you need is a wife and a few kids to fill it up.” Violet teased.
“That won’t be happening anytime soon.”
“I’ll keep my eyes open for cute young girls coming into the diner.”
Luke laughed, his cheeks turning a light shade of pink. “Just concentrate on your own marriage for now. If I decide to go in that direction, I’ll find someone myself.”
June shooed Violet out of the house. “As much as I’ve enjoyed this visit, go home, take a nice long bubble bath, and concentrate on making yourself into a beautiful bride. I’ll see you at 1:30 sharp at the church.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Violet took her time soaking in the tub, letting the bubbles wash away all of her nerves. Her bags were packed for the honeymoon. The reservation made on a small cabin near Estes Park. It would be good to get away with Howard for a couple of days, but she didn’t want to leave the café for longer than that. Melanie and Sophie were filling in while she was gone, but they had the bookstore to run, and she didn’t want to impose for too long. Besides she and Howard really weren’t the “lay on some tropical beach” type anyway. Two days was perfect.
Just as she dried off and put on her warm fuzzy robe, the door opened to an excited Sophie, carrying a huge plastic case and curling irons.
“Your makeup artist has arrived, Grandma!”
It was flattering that as soon as Howard announced their engagement, the girl immediately started called her grandma. ‘No need to wait for the wedding,’ Sophie said. She couldn’t love this one more if she were her own flesh and blood.
“My goodness, what do you have planned for this old woman?”
“Sit down on the couch, your nails first. You said you wanted pink, so I brought several shades for you to choose from.”
Violet had thought long and hard about what she wanted to wear for her wedding. She’d look ridiculous at her age in a long white gown, besides she’d done that once, and she wasn’t sure it was considered good etiquette to wear white again. After a long day of shopping in Denver with the help of Melanie and Sophie, she’d settled on a soft off-white suit with a skirt that hit her just below the knees. She then picked out a satin light pink blouse to wear underneath. The outfit flattered her not-so-perfect figure. At the urging of both younger women, she also came back with matching light pink pumps and undergarments.
Sophie opened her case, and Violet selected a pale pink. Sophie went to work like a professional, filing and shaping the short nails before applying the polish.
“Let’s paint your toenails too,” she exclaimed finishing the last finger.
Violet seldom wore nail polish. It was impossible to keep it from chipping working all day in the café, her hands in and out of water. Her hands did look nice with the touch of color. “We don’t need to paint my toes, no one’s going to see them with my shoes on.”
“It’s not for the guests, silly. It’s for Mr. Crandall.” Sophie winked at her grandmother and removed her slippers despite her protests. After finishing all of her nails, Sophie plugged in her curling iron and went to work on adding some soft curls to her short gray hair. Then she got out her makeup kit and added some eye shadow, mascara and blush to the older woman’s fa
ce.
“Grandma, you look beautiful.” Sophie held up a mirror so Violet could see the results. “Let’s get you to the church.”
Sophie linked her arm with Violet’s as they walked across Main Street to the bookstore to meet Melanie who’d drive them the short distance. What a beautiful day to start her life with Howard! The clear, blue Colorado sky was absent of even one cloud, and the warm June sun beat down from above. Warm, but not hot—just right. This time of year, one expected a quick afternoon rain shower most days, but not today. No, today God smiled down on them and blessed them with clear skies.
“Oh, Violet. You look amazing.” Melanie’s head popped up as they entered the store.
“Thanks. You know, if you want to, you can start calling me Mom.”
Tears formed in the corners of the younger woman’s eyes. Oh no. There I go saying the wrong thing again. Melanie had lost her real mom only last year, it was probably too soon for her to want to call someone else by that name—if ever. She hadn’t meant to upset Howard’s daughter, it’s just that Sophie called her grandma and she wanted them to all feel like family.
Melanie grabbed a tissue and dabbed her eyes. “I’d love to call you Mom. Thank you for suggesting it. It may take me a while to get used to though. You’re our family now, right kid?”
“Yep. What do you think of the look I gave Grandma?”
“She’s beautiful without any help from your makeup kit, but yes, you did a great job of making her look extra special. Shall we head to the chapel?”
As instructed, Melanie pulled around to the rear of the chapel and they entered through a back door to the tiny room where Violet was to stay until cued by the music to enter the sanctuary. Howard, the light of her world, would be waiting . They’d rehearsed it all last night and she felt ready for the traditional wedding service to begin. She smiled remembering how Reverend White asked if they wanted to write their own vows. “Heaven sakes no.” She’d exclaimed. “That stuff’s for the young kids. We old people will do well to remember where to walk and where to stand. We don’t need the extra pressure of remembering our ‘lines’. Just the standard, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health will do just fine.”
Breakfast for Two (Peakview series Book 2) Page 16