As we walked back in from the gardens to freshen up before the ceremony, I ran into someone I didn’t expect to see yet. Someone I had been trying really hard not to think about all day.
Chapter Nine
“Charlee,” Ryan said as he looked me over from head to toe and then back up again. His arm accessory did the same, and her look definitely said peed-on Cheerios. Ryan’s was more of shock. I had never seen his eyes so wide. It looked like he had just been to the optometrist and had his eyes medically dilated.
I never felt so self-conscious in all my life. “Ryan.”
“We came early to walk through the gardens,” he said nervously. “Oh, and you remember Jacquelyn, right?”
Jacquelyn tightened her grip on his arm.
“Yes, of course. It’s nice to see you again,” I lied.
She sneered at me and nodded her head.
What did I ever do to her?
“Come on, CJ,” Dana called after me.
I bit my lip nervously. “I guess I better go.”
Ryan smiled, and my insides melted. It didn’t help that he looked all sorts of handsome in his light gray suit and his viridian-colored tie.
“I’m sure we’ll see you later,” he said.
I nodded my head in agreement and tried to walk off with grace and composure. I wasn’t sure how I did on the outside because my insides were having a dance party, and I think some of the butterflies were drunk.
“So who was that fine man?” Dana asked as I caught up to the group.
“That’s Ryan.” Maviny practically laughed.
“Dang, girl, he is fine!” Tasha practically shouted.
“Shhhh,” I begged. All I needed was for Ryan to hear.
“Who was the priss he was with?” Amy asked.
“Jacquelyn,” I tried to say without derision.
Krissy, who had been leading us, turned around. “Well, we need to come up with a plan tonight on how to get little Miss Priss away from Ryan and you into his arms.”
“Stop it right there. Ryan doesn’t see me like that, I’m completely not his type.”
“Please, girl,” Tasha cut in. “Did you see the way that man was looking at you? He’s definitely into you.”
Everyone was smiling at me, including Ann and Ken, Krissy’s parents.
I could feel myself turning red.
Ann took my hand. “Honey, any man would be a fool not to be attracted to you. You’re a beautiful girl, inside and out.”
Everyone nodded his or her head in agreement.
“Thank you, but don’t we have a wedding here to get to?” I asked in hopes of turning the attention back to where it belonged.
Krissy grinned wickedly at me. “Wedding or not, I have a plan,” and with that, she turned around.
“Krissy,” I called after her as she hightailed it down the hall back to the bridal room. I easily caught up to her; my legs are much longer than hers. “Please don’t do anything to embarrass me. I already feel like an idiot around him.”
She turned and looked up to me. “I would never embarrass you, but this is so happening tonight.”
“What is so happening?”
“You’ll see,” she winked.
“Just remember, I still have to give your toast, and it might change from the sweet sentimental version I was planning to use.” I smirked at her.
“It’ll be well worth it.”
“Ugh!” I didn’t even try and argue with her. This wedding was becoming more than I bargained for. I felt completely vulnerable, physically and emotionally.
I felt ill as we touched up our makeup and hair. At least my hair and makeup looked good. Everyone thought we should leave my hair down in soft curls. I was sporting a nice tan, so the makeup was minimal, too. At least I didn’t look like a painted lady of the night. I preferred a more natural look, and I was happy that I didn’t go glam like the other women in the party. They all looked gorgeous, it just wasn’t for me.
The wedding coordinator came in at fifteen minutes ‘til five and let us know it was show time. I hugged Krissy one more time before I exited. She wanted a private moment with her parents. It was the only time of the night I would be envious of her. I knew I would never have that moment with my parents when it came time for me to take the plunge. I was at least happy to see that maybe, just maybe, true love lasted and weathered the storms of life.
The guests were all seated, and we took our places outside the double doors to the wedding hall. The other four bridesmaids were all walking down the aisle with a groomsman; I would be the only one going solo. Brandt, Chance’s brother and best man, was already waiting by his brother’s side. I felt a little awkward about it, but Krissy said I deserved my few moments in the spotlight. I disagreed, but she was the boss.
I watched each couple go, and before I made my appearance, I looked back at my beautiful best friend and smiled; she already had tears in her eyes. I turned around and took the deepest breath I could in my glorified Barbie dress and prayed I wouldn’t trip or stumble or anything else that would cause me irreparable emotional damage. The doors opened just for me, and I took my first steps into the beautifully decorated hall. I held my flowers close, just as they told me to do, and smiled.
All heads turned my way, and a couple of flashes of light went off. I thought they announced no flash photography. Oh well, nothing like being blinded when you’re walking in hooker heels. Thankfully, there was no harm done. I tried not to look at anyone directly, but halfway down, I locked eyes with Ryan; it was like my body honed in on him like a beacon. I couldn’t read him. He was staring at me alright, but it was if he looked confused. I had to look away from him; he was causing major fluttering and swearing on my insides. The only other person I really made eye contact with after that was my dad. He was in the family section, and boy, did he have wide eyes as he looked at my dress. I did my best not to laugh at his raised eyebrows and stunned expression. I wanted to say, “Yes, Daddy, I’m not a little girl anymore.”
I made it! I took my rightful place right next to where the bride would be momentarily. I smiled out into the audience, and again I locked eyes with Ryan. I could see his dazzling smile from where I was. I also noticed his date’s look of pure disdain. It only made me smile wider, though I’m not sure why.
As the wedding march began, everyone stood and turned toward the doors. First came the cutest little ring bearer and flower girl. They were the children of one of Krissy’s cousins. The little flower girl basically dumped all the petals in the first few steps—she was just grabbing fistfuls. There was a low murmur of laughter at her antics.
Then there was Krissy with her dad. She was picture perfect. I looked over to Chance and could see he thought so, too. I saw him wipe at his eyes. For that, I would always think highly of him. That is, unless he ever hurt my best friend, but I was giving him the benefit of the doubt today. Krissy’s mom was wiping furiously at her eyes; she looked like the perfect mother of the bride in her aqua-colored skirted suit. She was a beautiful woman. No one was crying harder than Krissy’s dad, though, poor guy. I think he was really taking this hard. It made me wonder how my dad would take it if I ever got married. I looked over to him, and he was already looking at me. It answered my question. I smiled at him, and he winked back.
As Krissy and her dad drew near, Chance eagerly met her earlier than he was supposed to, but it was perfect. It was the way it should be. Krissy’s dad could barely choke out, “Her mother and I do,” when the pastor asked who gives this woman. Ken was reluctant to let his daughter go, but Krissy only had eyes for Chance; she radiated as he took a hold of her.
The ceremony was all it should have been: intimate, lovely, and full of joy and laughter. It made me think maybe weddings weren’t all that bad.
I was happy to walk back up the aisle on Brandt’s arm, and I was even more grateful he was taller than me, heels and all.
“I’m glad I got the hottest chick in the line,” he commented on our way back up. Spoken
like a twenty-one-year-old frat boy.
I refrained from rolling my eyes. Besides, I caught another glimpse of Ryan, and he kind of waved at me as I neared him. In response, I winked at him, and he smiled warmly. I quickly turned from him and tried to refocus, but being near him made my senses go completely out of whack.
The wedding party was ushered out for more pictures while the other wedding guests were served hors d’oeuvres. I was a little envious; I was starving and I wasn’t very fond of the photographer.
On the way out the doors to the gardens, I heard my dad calling my name. I let go of Brandt, turned, and waited until he caught up to us. He wrapped me up in his big strong arms. “You weren’t kidding about the dress,” he laughed in my ear.
I laughed in return.
“I can’t say I love the dress; it’s giving me heart palpitations, but you’re beautiful, honey.”
“Thanks, Daddy.”
He eyed Brandt. “I don’t like the way all the men have been ogling you, but I guess I can hardly blame them with such a beautiful woman in front of them.”
“You’re so biased, Dad.”
“No, baby girl.”
“Ok, well we have to get out to the gardens.”
He kissed the top of my head. “Save your old man the first dance.”
“You got it.”
I turned back to Brandt, and he held out his arm to me. “You know your dad’s right, you’re freaking hot. You’re at the top of all the guys’ lists of who we want to hook up with tonight.”
“Please tell me you didn’t just say that,” I said disgusted.
He looked confused, like I should be flattered. “What do you expect, looking like you do? I’m sure you’re used to it.”
“You know, I think we shouldn’t talk anymore.” I most certainly wasn’t used to being treated that way. I wasn’t some object, and I certainly wouldn’t be hooking up with anyone. I never remembered Chance being piggish like his younger brother, thankfully. For a teenage boy, he was actually quite gentlemanly, and he never pushed the limits.
Brandt shrugged his shoulders and escorted me outside.
It seemed like the pictures would never end. It had begun to cool off, so standing outside was much more pleasant. That, and the fact the gardens were breathtakingly beautiful, not to mention that the backdrop was the Rocky Mountains. I’m telling you, Colorado is synonymous with heaven. I was tempted to take off my shoes and walk through the cool grass and maybe just stay out there, but I knew that would be a no-go with Krissy.
The best part of the pictures for me was when the Lawtons insisted I be in the ones of only their family. I felt quite special. I couldn’t wait to get my own copies of those.
After what seemed like forever, we made our grand entrance into the reception hall. Everyone stood, clapped, and cheered for the blissfully happy couple. The room was centered on the dance floor with all the round tables outlining it strategically. At the head was a long rectangular table for the wedding party. You know, this way we could lord over all of the other guests. Or I guess so they could admire the bride and groom. Either way, I just wanted to be off of my feet for a while. I told my feet we needed all the conditioning we could get.
The Lawtons were thoughtful once again and placed my dad at their table right next to the bridal party’s table. I hoped he didn’t feel awkward sitting there with Chance’s and Krissy’s parents, but he seemed happy. At least I assumed he was, because he smiled at me a lot through dinner.
As hungry as I was, I couldn’t eat as much as I wanted to— the dang dress was my nemesis. I had a feeling that the ice cream in the freezer at home was going to be my best friend tonight (that and ice for my feet). My stomach was also having issues with massive fluttering. You see, I had a clean shot of Ryan from where I sat, and my eyes frequently drifted toward him. I wasn’t sure he was having a good time; he and his date didn’t seem to interact much, and when they did, it looked stiff. She had this air about her that was awfully reminiscent of Victoria. The only real emotion she seemed to show was toward me. I’m not sure what she had against me, but she kept shooting me dirty looks. I loved smiling back at her; it only seemed to irritate her, but I found it amusing. I knew she was older than me, and for her to behave in such a way was comical.
As soon as dinner was cleared, the fun began. I was so happy Krissy and Chance decided against a formal procession line; they opted for a night of dancing, instead. Chance led Krissy out onto the dance floor as everyone oohed and aahed, me included. Their first dance was to “God Gave Me You,” by Blake Shelton. Krissy and I had gone over and over the dance list to make sure it was perfect, and this song was perfect for them. They looked so in love as they barely swayed to the music amidst the flashing lights of phones and cameras.
After their moment in the spotlight, the party was on—that was, of course, after I danced with my dad first.
“Do you think I could talk you into going home right now?” he teased as we danced.
“Why?” I smiled.
“Because you’re going to give your old man a heart attack.”
I rolled my eyes. “Daddy.”
“I’m serious, baby girl. Watch yourself tonight. I’ve already had to tell a few men that’s my daughter they were talking about. I would hate to end up in jail.”
“I love you, Dad.”
He smiled wide and kissed my cheek. “I love you, honey. Always remember that.”
With that, he left me on the dance floor, and to my surprise I had a line of men waiting to take his place. Not the one man I really wanted to dance with, though. With each dance and each man, I couldn’t help but notice Ryan and Jacquelyn. They didn’t dance often, but mostly stuck to their table, and from what I could tell from my limited vision of them, they still weren’t having a good time. I so badly wanted to go over and talk to him, but I figured it was bad form since he was on a date. Besides, I didn’t have a moment to spare. As soon as one song ended, I always had someone there asking me to dance the next. I did make time, though, to dance with my girl. We showed them all how to do the Electric Slide and the Wop. It was the most fun I’d had in forever. Krissy and I took our bows and hugged each other in the midst of applause. By that time, I was exhausted and my feet were begging me for a reprieve.
Chance was eager to wrap this party up and start the honeymoon, so it was announced that everyone fill their glass for the toasts. As I looked around, I was thinking there were some that definitely didn’t need any more alcohol for the evening, including most of the groomsmen and bridesmaids. I specifically requested sparkling cider or water for the event.
It was my honor to start off the toasts. I had been practicing it for days. I just hoped I could get through it without completely bawling my head off. I hadn’t succeeded in practice, so I knew it was a long shot. I was right. Just looking at Krissy and Chance had me choking up, but I stood up, mic in hand, and looked to my dad for moral support. He smiled, and I began.
“Krissy and I have been friends since we were nine years old. It is my longest and most treasured friendship. I would not be the same person without her. Everyone knows when Krissy arrives because she lights up the room. She is the first one to act whenever you’re in need and she is the last one to leave.”
Krissy reached over and held my hand. It didn’t help with the tears, but it was perfect.
“I’ve known Chance since junior high, and I’ve always had a lot of respect for him. He was a star on and off the court. I always admired his sportsmanship and dedication. And though Krissy and Chance knew each other as we grew up, it wasn’t until last year and a chance meeting in Target that they would find in each other their soul mate. Target has always been our favorite store,” I threw in as an aside. It drew quite a bit of laughter.
I looked to the both of them and raised my glass. “So tonight, as you begin your journey as husband and wife, I wish you a lifetime of joy, friendship, love, and happiness. Know that I will be your biggest fan and friend. I love you
both. Cheers.”
The clanging and raising of glasses could be heard and seen throughout the hall. Krissy stood and hugged me tight. I sat back down and wiped the tears away and watched as Brandt barely stood upright. What an idiot. I could tell Krissy and Chance didn’t look too impressed, either.
Brandt looked my way and winked. “That was a beautiful speech, CJ. And I have to say how smokin’ hot you looked saying it.” There were a few spatterings of laughter, but you could tell the room was getting uncomfortable. Believe it or not, that wasn’t even the worst part. “For those of you that don’t know, my brother here,” he slapped Chance on the back, “used to date CJ.”
I cringed.
“And let me just say she’s only gotten hotter.”
I dropped my head in embarrassment.
“Then he scored the best friend. Cha ching. He’s the luckiest ba …”
There was a lot of coughing and clearing of throats and it muted the idiot.
“All I have to say, brother, is enjoy the honeymoon.”
You could tell Krissy and Chance and Chance’s parents were mortified. I felt a little that way, too. From the looks of it, I think Chance wanted to punch his brother. The parents each got their turn and it was all loving and classy. I was definitely not serving alcohol at my wedding.
After the toasts and cake, it was time for the throwing of the bouquet and removing the garter. The whole garter thing I didn’t get either, especially after we googled the origin of it. I’m just going to say, it’s a little twisted, but hey, if you want your husband to reach up your dress for the world to see, I say go for it.
Before the tossing of the bouquet, I noticed Krissy and all the other bridesmaids having a little pow-wow as I stood on the dance floor holding the bouquet she was going to toss. I decided I needed to be part of it. I was a little put off that I wasn’t already, but as I approached their huddle, they all smiled at me and dispersed.
“What was all that about?” I asked Krissy as I handed her the throw-away bouquet.
“Nothing,” she said coyly. She was lying.
Trouble in Loveland Page 12