Avery heard the sound of a car as she prepared for bed. She put on her robe and peeked out the curtain. Lauren’s car was in the driveway and she saw Shilah hobbling along her path with Jack’s assistance. At the sound of a light tap at the door, she opened it. Jack smiled and winked at her, and Shilah struggled to pull something out of his inside pocket. He looked like he’d been in a UFC fight. He had a swollen black eye, and she could tell by the way he moved he’d be hurting for days.
He shoved a long, slender box at her. The once lovely wrapping paper looked like it had been mauled by an angry cat, and the box seemed misshapen. Avery looked from the package to Shilah’s swollen eyes.
“This is for you. I should have brought it to you on Christmas.” She took it from him and opened it. It was a necklace she’d admired in Arizona, but hadn’t realized that Shilah saw her looking at it. She wondered when he bought it.
“Shilah, it’s beautiful.” She turned to Jack. “Just leave him with me. I’ll take care of him tonight.”
“Mmm hmm. Well, just be gentle, ma’am.” Jack trotted out to the car.
Shilah made his way gingerly to her couch. Avery left him and retrieved an ice pack in the kitchen. She returned and was unsure of what part of his battered body to ice first. Noticing his hands were badly swollen, she placed it on top of them and he winced. She took a seat close beside him.
“What happened?”
“Jason.” It was a simple answer, but it was all the answer she needed.
“He was trying to start shit with Aaron. He must have a death wish. He was screwing with everybody in the bar. Then he disrespected you.” Shilah shrugged and winced.
Avery’s jaw dropped at his words and she delicately removed the icepack, carefully inspecting his hands.
“Shilah, you shouldn’t have done this to yourself.” Her voice was quiet as she looked up from his hands to his eyes.
“I’d do it again in a heartbeat. I’m not proud of the beating I gave him tonight, but if he ever speaks your name in my presence again, I’ll snap his neck.”
Avery touched Shilah’s cheek and he placed his hand over hers, taking her hand and kissing it.
She felt her heart swell in her chest and struggled to gather the breath she needed for the words she wanted to tell him.
“Do you have any ibuprofen?” he asked.
“Are you sure you don’t need to go to the hospital?”
“I’ll be okay.” She left him and went in search of painkillers. As she closed the medicine cabinet, she analyzed her gaunt reflection in the mirror. The words of advice from her friends bombarded her.
“What are you running from?”
“He told me he took you to meet his parents. That’s some serious shit for a guy, Aves.”
“Take chances.”
She brought him a glass of water and the pills. As he swallowed them, she spoke.
“I’m so sorry I wasn’t able to open up to you. With my mom and all the stuff about Ryan…”
“You don’t need to explain.” He shook his head and his long hair fell into his face. He pushed it away and met her eyes.
“Yes, I do,” Avery insisted. “There were just so many things I took for granted, that ended up being a lie.”
“I know. Lauren told me.”
Avery smirked. “Goddamn, Lauren.”
Shilah rested his head on the back of the couch. Then he rolled his head to the side to meet her eyes.
“I understand why you’re scared to trust me. You need to understand why I’m hesitant to put myself out there and have you pull away from me.”
She thought of his frosty exchange with his father and nodded. “I want a do-over, Shilah. I missed you so much.”
He looked deep into her eyes, and warmth spread throughout her body.
He cupped her face and kissed her softly. She carefully rested her head on his shoulder. She pulled a blanket over them and snuggled close to him.
“So I’m guessing we’ll need to wait a few days for the makeup sex.” Avery joked. Shilah chuckled.
Nicole hopped out of her Jeep and plunged her boots into half a foot of snow. The temperature was unseasonably warm and the sun blazed in the azure sky. She carefully made her way through the snowy cemetery to the spot where her first love was buried. She approached his tombstone and brushed a drift away from his name.
“Hey, baby.” The term of endearment fell off her lips naturally. Her love for Ryan, no matter how strained or unhealthy, had always been very organic. She pulled a laminated, scribbled picture out of her pocket and propped it against his grave marker, wedging it in the snow.
“Ike drew a Viking for you.” She smiled broadly as she looked at the yellow construction paper marred with a purple crayon. She breathed deep inhalations of cold air as she decided where to begin.
“I still can’t believe you’re gone. I think a part of me will always be waiting for you to come through the door.” The wind whipped at her ponytail and she put her hood over her head. Ryan’s smile hadn’t faded from her memory, but with each passing day it got harder to remember what his voice sounded like. A twisted part of her considered demanding the DVD from Avery, but Nicole knew in her heart it would hurt much more than it would help.
“I’ll never forget your face because I look at it every day when I look at Ike. You and I are bound together. As long as I have Ike, I’ll always have a part of you.”
She focused on the reason she’d come, and her mind rifled back in history to her first wedding reception.
Ryan walked off to do shots with his med school pals and was meeting and greeting in classic Harper style. She’d spent a lot of the reception sitting and watching him, wondering if she would spend the rest of her years as a silent observer to his one man show. The Lawrence Welk style band began to play some old tune from when her grandma was a girl, and Aaron appeared before her. She’d carefully avoided being alone with him the entire weekend. Seeing him in his perfectly tailored black Armani tux was torturous.
“You look beautiful tonight, Mrs. Harper.” There wasn’t a trace of humor in his voice. She felt a lump in her throat and her eyes stung. Maybe it was the release of pent-up stress leading up to her wedding or maybe it was the tragic look that hung in Aaron’s eyes.
Without a word, she took his hand and let him lead her to the dance floor. Her legs felt like Jell-O as he enfolded her in his arms. Rigid at the recollection of their last physical encounter, Nicole tried to thrust the memories of his taste and his touch from her mind. She could feel her face and chest on fire. Finally after a full minute without eye contact, she reluctantly looked up at him.
Aaron’s face was an open book. He opened his mouth and Nicole braced for whatever she was about to hear. Ryan’s abrupt appearance next to them startled her, and gauging from the way Aaron loosened his hold on her, she knew he was also taken aback.
“I’d like to dance with my wife, Aaron.” His tone was harsh and biting, and made Nicole flinch. Aaron and Ryan seemed locked in a silent battle for an awkward moment, then Aaron released her.
“Congrats, Nicki.” He blew her a kiss and walked away. His jaw clenched, Ryan took her by the hand and wrapped his arms around her. As his focus shifted to her, she watched him attempt at a smile that fell flat.
“A little over the top there, sport.” Nicole managed in a calm tone, standing firm and refusing to dance. His drunken eyes fixed on hers and the look her gave her warned her not to start a fight.
“How about if tonight is just about the two of us. For once.” He said it in a stage whisper, but Nicole looked around to be sure no one was within earshot. Ryan seemed to gather his wits and pulled her closer. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have left you alone for so long.”
“Poetic words, Ry,” Nicole responded, and a million little moments passed between them. Their fights, the breakup, and all the times he’d left her alone with Aaron to occupy her time. She saw the wheels turning behind Ryan’s eyes and the sudden look of determination he wo
re failed to surprise her.
“Dance with me, my lovely Cheesehead bride.”
Nicole blew out a deep breath and shoved her hands deeply into the pockets of her winter coat. She looked away from Ryan’s grave and cast her eyes out at the partially frozen river peeking through the barren trees. She set her jaw and turned back to Ryan.
“I love you, ya know. And I know you loved me. I think that’s why we were such experts at hurting one another.” She stopped as she tried to thrust away the constricting sensation in her throat.
“You knew Aaron and I loved each other before we did. All your stupid accusations about him weren’t bullshit. Dammit, Ry. I wish you could fucking talk back to me. I’d just love to hear that infamous Ryan Harper commentary about now.”
Birds sang to each other in nearby trees and the wind whistled quietly. She heard the distant sound of traffic on the interstate. She waited to hear his voice, but the utter absence of him made her burst into liberated tears.
A few minutes later, she wiped the tears away with the back of her palms. Pulling the shining gold band from her pocket, she surveyed the inscription engraved on it. It was Latin, and Ryan had told her it said: “Our love is forever.” She’d brought it along with the intention of leaving it, but on the ride out had decided to keep it for Ike. She put it back in her pocket.
“Aaron and I are getting married today. It would be awesome if today could just be about us. It's time for you and I to let each other go.” She turned, and without looking back, made her way toward her Jeep and back to Aaron Foster.
“Avery, you’re glowing. I take it things are going well?” Lauren placed a tablecloth over one of the tables at CoffeeSmith’s. Aaron and Nicole’s wedding was scheduled for 2:00 P.M., and though Nic wasn’t concerned with details, Lauren and Avery had made a pact to make it as lovely as possible. Avery simply nodded in response to Lauren’s probing, her hand going to the stunning turquoise necklace from Shilah.
“Oh. Did I tell you I accepted an offer on my house?” Avery smiled at the surprised reaction she got from Lauren.
“What the hell? I didn’t even know you were selling your house.”
“Yeah. Honestly, it just had too many bad memories and too much space. I just need to simplify my life and move forward.”
“Okay. That’s great and all, but where are you going to live?”
“I have something in mind.” She smiled to herself at the thought of buying Nicole’s house. It was perfect now that Nic had worked her magic in it, and it certainly held nicer memories. She had considered inviting Shilah to join her, but wanted to wait a little bit longer for them both to get their footing as a couple again.
Jules appeared in the kitchen doorway carrying two serving trays. They finished covering tables with champagne-colored tablecloths and put out simple white flower arrangements and fixings for afternoon tea.
The bell chimed on the door, and Shilah and Jack entered CoffeeSmith’s carrying crates of champagne glasses. They both seemed nervous.
“Hey babe?” Shilah set his box down on the nearest table and rubbed his palms together. Avery turned expectantly to him.
“Yes?”
“Okay. Here’s what happened. I had to slam on my brakes because Lauren’s babysitter was on her cell phone and pulled out in front of me. The other box of glasses slipped off the back seat.”
“They were spares, Shilah. Stuff like this always happens.” She shrugged.
“Where do you want this wine glass Christmas tree?” Jack asked as he stared at a diagram Nicole had drawn.
“What are you talking about Jack? You mean the champagne fountain? God, you are such a redneck.” Lauren laughed at him. Avery watched as Jack held up the picture for Shilah.
“Yep. Wine glass Christmas tree. Nailed it,” Shilah agreed.
The bell chimed again and as Sean and Trish walked in with Aaron, Jack turned to Lauren.
“Where the hell is the silencer for that thing? I cannot listen to that shit all day!” he complained.
“Dead man walking,” Shilah called loudly and Avery elbowed him. Aaron grinned at them both from ear to ear.
“Where’s my blushing bride?”
“You’ll see her when the music starts,” Lauren replied.
“That’s stupid,” Aaron complained.
“That’s tradition. It’s the only traditional thing she insisted on, and I am holding her to that shit,” Avery informed them all. Aaron shrugged off his pea coat and looked down at his gray suit jacket.
“Anyone got a lint brush?” Aaron asked. Sean whipped one out of his inside pocket and held it out to him. Jack laughed and clapped his hands together.
“What?” Sean’s eyes darted defensively.
“A man’s not a man unless he carries a lint brush.” Jack smirked. Sean rolled his eyes and picked up his guitar case. Avery directed him to the back of the café, where he set up to play near the bank of windows overlooking the deck and the river. Avery thought they’d done a nice job of decorating the wedding arch with flowers, pearls, and greenery. Jack shooed Shilah away after he nearly dropped two additional champagne glasses. He spent the next ten minutes erecting a perfect pyramid of glasses, to the obvious shock and awe of his wife.
Lauren and Avery ran the red aisle runner from the front of the restaurant to the arch by the windows. Lauren huffed and puffed a little toward the end, and Avery bit her tongue. She didn’t want Lauren going all hormonal on her.
Avery looked over in time to see Aaron pull two ring boxes out of his inside pocket. He opened them and handed the rings to Shilah. She couldn’t make out what they were saying to each other, but Shilah wore a proud and honored expression that tugged at Avery’s heartstrings. She smiled, and at that very moment, Shilah looked her way. Seeing her, he looked delighted and blushed. Aaron leaned in and whispered to Shilah, who laughed and shook his head. Aaron’s sardonic expression caused Avery to roll her eyes.
The irritating doorbell chimed again. Jack swore at the interruptive sound and Lauren’s babysitter, Shaina, entered with Ike and Lauren’s girls in tow. Avery crossed the room to Shaina, whose pale eyes looked fretful. She took Ike from her.
“I tried to keep him clean, but he already has ketchup on his suit.” Avery fixed Ike with a scolding look and Ike gave her a charming grin. Though she fought a valiant effort, her face broke into a dazzling smile.
“He’s fine,” Avery replied, spotting the two perfect red fingerprints on his cream-colored suit coat. Shaina looked relieved at her response and crossed to Jules, who placed several serving bowls of lemon curd and Devonshire cream onto the buffet table. Avery watched as Shaina reached out and tapped Jules on the shoulder. Jules turned and smiled at her. Shaina reached out and tucked a strand of Jules’s hair behind her ear. Avery turned to Lauren and noticed she was also watching the exchange. Lauren caught Avery’s eyes and nodded with a pleased expression.
The doorbell rang once more and a small, bald man entered. He introduced himself as the Justice of the Peace and as Lauren took him to meet Aaron, Avery saw her parents pull up. When they reached the door, she juggled Ike to the other hip and opened it for them. Trailing after them, she saw the rest of the Harpers. Everyone wore nervous expressions, except her eldest nephew, Jake, who merely waved to her with a Ryan-like Cheshire grin.
“Grandpa!” Ike shouted, and Avery threw a sideways glance at Aaron. His surprise was obvious, but he straightened his tie, as if preparing for whatever might come.
“I’m glad you came,” Avery said as her father reached out and took Ike. John raised his eyebrows at her.
“Of course, we came, Avery,” Sandra replied pointedly and moved past her, making her way toward Aaron. John trailed after her, still carrying Ike.
“This place looks adorable. Lovely job.” Jo glanced around as she took off her coat.
“Thanks.”
“What is that supposed to be?” Her nephews, Jake and Andy, moved toward Jack, who stood on a chair pouring pink champagne i
nto the glasses.
“Don’t come any closer,” Jack threatened. Sean approached the table and acted like he was going to remove a glass from the bottom.
“Want some champagne, Sean?” Jack drawled.
“I don’t drink pink anything,” Sean responded. Jake and Andy guffawed. Mitch waved and winked at Avery as held the door for Angela, who waddled through the door, followed closely by her husband. Faith and Anna raced up to her to compliment her dress. Lauren quickly stepped in and instructed Faith to have everyone sign the guestbook, and pulled Anna aside to give her pointers on her duties as candle lighter.
Avery made her way to where Aaron stood speaking with her parents. Aaron now held Ike, who continuously grabbed Aaron’s nose and made a strange honking sounds. As her mother reached out and readjusted Aaron’s boutonniere, she blinked rapidly, afraid of tearing up. She felt Shilah’s arms come around her and melted as he kissed her on the cheek.
Nicole smoothed her hands over her ivory silk dress. She placed one final bobby pin in her hair to secure the rose she wore and marveled at her own sense of calm. She’d been so nervous at her first wedding that she’d been unable to eat and barely slept the day before. This time she’d slept like a rock and was already picking at one of Lauren’s famous cinnamon scones.
She heard a light tap on the door and turned to see Avery poke her head in.
“Can I come in?”
“Sure.” Avery entered with two glasses of pink champagne. She handed one to Nicole and after Nicole took a drink and swallowed, she spoke.
“Dad would like to talk to you before the wedding.” Feeling her jaw drop, Nicole let the fact that they’d come sink in and searched Avery’s face for clues to the atmosphere downstairs. Avery sipped her champagne nonchalantly, and Nicole took another drink herself.
“All right.”
Avery walked to the door and opened it. “Dad, come in.”
The Perpetual Quest for the Perfect Life Page 25