“Not as beautiful as you.” I wasn’t even looking at the scenery. I only had eyes for Jenny.
“I can’t believe you’re having a destination wedding,” Julie said to Jenny. Only recently available for weddings, we were lucky to be able to book a small group at the picturesque Herb Garden.
“It helps to know people,” Liam said. “I’m friends with one of the guys who worked on part of the expansion a few years back, and he talked to some people.”
“Yeah, it makes perfect sense to have the wedding in DC.” They laughed.
“Well, since we live so far apart now, I didn’t see any other way. With you living in Miami with Richard, and me being in Chicago with Liam...” Jenny said.
“Who knew that Helen would send the world’s hottest pilot to pick us up that night?” Julie said. “How could I not fall in love with him?”
A few moments of companionable silence passed as each person thought about the events that had led up to this moment.
Even still, Jenny was being strangely quiet. “Is everything okay, sis?” Julie looked at her with a look of compassion and I realized that I wasn’t just getting a wife, I was also getting a new sister.
“Yeah. I just can’t believe this day. First, we testify in court and now I am getting married in this gorgeous setting. What a dramatic contrast.”
Her eyes flew open as she thought of something. “Oh my God, Liam. We forgot the dress!”
I just smiled. “No, we didn’t forget it. Helen stopped by our room and got it. It’s waiting for you in the Bridal Bungalow.”
Jenny let out a huge sigh. “I guess I’m a little distracted.”
“You have every right to be.” Julie finished off her glass of champagne just as the car pulled up to the parking lot. “It’s too bad you guys had to see each other before the wedding. It’s considered bad luck!”
I chuckled as he waited for Tony to open the door. “I think we’ve had all the bad luck we’re going to have.”
“Besides. It’s not like he saw the dress.” Jenny stepped out of the car and her nose was immediately hit with the scent of flowers.
Kissing her on the cheek, I said, “I’m going to go change. I’ll see you at the end of the aisle, Soon-to-be Mrs. Kelley.”
Jenny threw her arms around me and tucked her head into my chest. “I love you, Liam.”
“I love you too, Jenny.”
Wrapping her arms around the both of us Julie quipped, “Hey. What about me? Sisters need love too!”
***
Jenny
I was changing into my wedding dress in the small building to the side of the Herb Garden better known as the Bridal Bungalow. It was a small room that from the outside looked like a really upscale potting shed. But once you opened the door, the inside looked like a well-appointed dressing room. The room was filled with plants and flowers, and the decor was green and white. A makeup table with a lighted mirror flanked one wall and was directly underneath a skylight so that one could tell how they would look outside. There were hooks on the other walls for the bridal gown and bridesmaids dresses to be hung. A plush chair and ottoman occupied one corner. There was also a full body mirror so that the bride could check her reflection from all angles. A full sized refrigerator that was filled with wine and cheese and muffins and chocolate completed the room.
My dress hung on one of the hooks, and Julie had already changed into her Maid of Honor dress. It was a very small wedding, with only five people, largely because we were so far away from home.
Julie was helping me with my makeup, as she had in the Bahamas. “I’m honestly surprised that Liam wanted to get married again after everything that happened with his wife and daughter before. Close your eyes, I need to get this eyeliner on.”
Closing my eyes, I replied, “Yeah, I was too. When he proposed he said that he’d had a dream that she’d told him to do it.”
“I still think the way he proposed is the most romantic thing I ever heard of. Pucker your lips so I can do your blush.”
I puckered my lips as instructed and then said, “Yeah. Sending me on a treasure hunt through the Chicago Public Library to find clues that spelled out Will You Marry Me was pretty amazing. He’s a pretty amazing guy. I’m really lucky.”
“He’s the lucky one, Jen.” Just then Julie’s stomach growled. “I can’t wait to eat the food at the reception dinner. You sure they have vegan options?”
“Yes. Now that you’re one of those crazy vegan kale ladies it was more challenging. But Liam booked a table at Rasika.”
“The Indian food place? Cool!”
Julie finished buttoning the last button on the back of my dress. “Okay, are we ready?”
I turned to look at my reflection in the mirror. Looking back at me was a woman literally glowing with happiness.The dress was an off the shoulder cream satin gown that had a blue ribbon at the waist. The bottom of the dress flared out and had sheer tulle covering it with tiny blue jewels. My hair was up, and I felt like Cinderella getting ready to go to the ball. But instead of losing my shoe at midnight, I got to live the fairy tale for the rest of my life.
Grabbing my bouquet of calla lilies and morning glories, I couldn’t believe everything that had happened since that fateful day when I’d lost the Ito account. I was absolutely ready to marry Liam and live happily ever after.
We walked out of the Bridal Bungalow, shut the door, and hugged each other. “I love you, sis.”
As the music began to play, I stood at the entrance to the Herb Garden. Liam stood at the end of the aisle, facing me, looking insanely handsome in a tuxedo with a blue tie and cummerbund that matched the ribbon and jewels on my dress. My own personal James Bond.
To his side was Helen, and Richard was standing on the other side. The officiant was in the middle, and Julie walked me down the aisle.
Just as he said, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today...” a breeze blew through the trees, shaking a leaf off that fluttered right into the middle of my bouquet. I’m glad you’re here, Mom. This was, truly, the happy ending she’d have wanted.
THE END
Provocative Paradise: A Secret Stranger Romance Page 16