by Donna Hill
Resolved, she set the phone down, reached for the remote, turned on the television and surfed to CNN. There was the usual spate of uprisings around the world: bombings, fire, famine and government coups. Newscasters were never at a loss for tragedy to feed the public. And then her brother’s image was on the screen as he alighted from his car in front of the Lawson mansion.
“Senator Branford Lawson has returned to his roots, and not just for a good home-cooked meal but for the wedding of his daughter Dominique, twin sister to Desiree who was married last year. The nuptials are set for tomorrow afternoon and all of the Who’s Who of Louisiana and beyond will be in attendance. Desiree Lawson will marry Spence Hampton. Many of you may remember the eldest sister Lee Ann Lawson married Jr. Senator Preston Graham several years ago. And of course there is perennial bachelor and bad boy of the family, Rafe Lawson, and the youngest Lawson, Justin, who recently passed the bar. There will be no press at the event, but we do hope that the Camelot family of the South will share some of the pictures with us. In other news…”
Jacqueline released a sigh of relief. If she thought for a moment that the lure of the Lawson spotlight had dimmed at all, that idea was out of the window. At least she didn’t have to worry about the press tomorrow.
Chapter 6
The wedding was scheduled for two o’clock. Jacqueline felt as if it were her own. Her nerves were frazzled. She’d been up with the sun, rehearsing over and over how she would act, what she would say when she saw her family again, how they would receive her. It was Lee Ann who’d sent the invitation but if it had family support she had no idea. The family was unaware that she was coming as she’d never RSVP’d since she had no intention of attending the reception, only the ceremony. She would see her family at the church and then be on her way.
The church was halfway across town and on a Saturday afternoon traffic would be heavy. Fighting off a bout of light-headedness, she gathered her nerves, her gift and purse and headed down to the lobby where a cab was waiting for her at the curbside.
She settled herself in the cab, leaned her head back against the seat and closed her eyes. Fatigue swept through her, making her limbs feel like wet spaghetti. She opened her eyes and stared out the window as the city of Baton Rouge spread out in front of her. Familiar sights brought back memories of happier times; the old Chelsea movie theater, Teddy’s Juke Joint and Juban’s Restaurant, one of her favorites. There were dozens of new businesses, boutiques and outdoor cafés as well that reminded her of how long she’d been gone.
The cab came to a barricade a block away from the church. An officer approached the car.
The driver lowered his window. The security officer poked his head in and looked inside. “Do you have an invitation, ma’am?”
“Yes.” She opened her purse and took out the gold-embossed invitation and handed it to the officer.
“You’re good to go.” He handed the invitation back to her. “Pull up to the next intersection,” he directed the driver before pulling the barricade aside.
“This is a really big deal,” the driver said, slowly driving the car forward.
“Seems so.” Jacqueline peered out of the window at the montage of guests that were alighting from their cars and entering the church. Police presence was everywhere. And there was no shortage of Secret Service, clearly distinguished by their earbuds and dark glasses; for her brother and brother-in-law’s benefit, she concluded.
The cab driver went as far as he could go. “I’ll have to let you out here, miss.”
“Of course. Thank you.” She checked the price on the meter and paid the fare, adding a nice tip. Willing herself to remain calm, she slid on her wide dark glasses and stepped out of the cab. For several moments she stood on the sidewalk, debating her decision to come when there was a sudden flurry of activity. All heads turned to the long, white stretch limo that was gliding to a stop in front of the church.
Jacqueline’s heart thumped.
The driver hurried around and opened the door. Within a moment Lee Ann stepped out, followed by her sister Dominique and Zoe Beaumont, a longtime friend of the family. The ladies were dressed in exquisite dresses in varying lengths of a brilliant teal-blue. Their hair was pulled back from their faces, and behind the left ear of each was a single white lily à la Billie Holiday. And then the bride. Desiree stepped from the car, assisted by the driver. Those who were privileged to see her get out from the car took a collective gasp. She was a vision of perfection in pearl-white organza. A fitted gown that fishtailed at her ankles with jeweled insets at the bodice and down the entire back of the gown. Her face was obscured by her veil that sparkled with tiny jewels and shone like diamonds in the afternoon sun and the train rivaled that of the Princess of Wales.
Her bridesmaids lifted her train and followed her into the church.
Jacqueline folded herself in with the invited guests, found a seat on the bride’s side of the church and waited for the ceremony to begin.
At the head of the church was the proud groom, Spence Hampton. Jacqueline could see how her niece had fallen for the handsome groom. He looked like he was ready for the cover of GQ in his black tux. And then the music began.
First came Lee Ann and Rafe, followed by Dominique and Justin then Zoe and a man she didn’t recognize. Jacqueline’s heart filled with pride as she looked at her nieces and nephews.
There was a pause as the bridal party took their places at the front of the church and then the wedding march began. The gathering rose to their feet in honor of the bride and the poignant organ music filled the cavernous walls of the church. The back door was opened by two ushers and the gorgeous bride, accompanied by Branford, stood in the threshold. Branford gazed down at Desiree and murmured something to her, a warm smile on his face. She slightly nodded her head and they took the long, slow walk down the aisle.
Jacqueline’s heart thundered as they drew closer and Branford’s dark eyes momentarily landed on her. An instant of recognition followed by disbelief darkened his features. He lifted his chin and continued down the aisle never missing a beat.
The forty-minute service, to Jacqueline, was surreal. She barely heard a word. Her thoughts scurried in disarray. All she could see was the look that her brother had thrown her way. It blocked out everything else.
And then the bridal party was walking back down the aisle. The new husband and wife glowed with the love that gleamed from their eyes for each other. The immediate family followed, beaming with smiles and waving and nodding at the guests who flanked them. Branford was mere footsteps away from her. He hesitated a moment, reached toward her and gently tugged her into the aisle.
He pulled her close, holding her by the elbow, never losing the proud father expression as he spoke to her from between clenched teeth. “What are you doing here?”
Jacqueline kept her face averted from prying eyes behind her dark glasses and wide-brimmed hat that swept as far as her shoulders and dipped low over her eyes.
“I came to see my niece get married.”
“No one invited you, I’m sure of that.”
They stepped out of the church into the blazing afternoon and the throng of enthusiastic guests.
“Lee Ann invited me.”
His head snapped toward her. His jaw clenched. “I won’t have you causing any problems.”
They descended the stairs.
“Give your congratulations and then I want you gone. You drew the line between us years ago, Jacqueline.” He turned toward her. His eyes burned with something she couldn’t quite place; anger, disappointment, hurt, she couldn’t be sure.
Her chest tightened in pain. What made her think anything could be different between them, even after all this time? She didn’t, not really. Yet, there was a part of her that held out a thin thread of hope. He’d just snapped it in half.
“Don’t worry, br
other dear, I have no intentions of being anything other than cordial. This is Desiree’s day.” She gently pulled away from his grip and continued down the steps.
The wedding photographers were setting up the bride and groom for pictures in front of the limos.
“Aunt Jacquie?”
She turned toward the sound of her name. She blinked back the sudden rush of tears that filled her eyes and was thankful for the dark glasses. Her heart thrummed in her chest.
“Rafe.” She extended a hand to him. She pressed her lips tightly together to keep them from trembling.
He stepped up to her, tall, and what any woman would call dashing. There was an aura about Raford Lawson that set him apart from other men. He had the unquestionable charisma of his father, the looks of a movie star and the demeanor and behavior of a bad boy that was barely contained.
He took her hand and pulled her close for a hug. Then held her at arms length.
“My God, I can’t believe you’re actually here. Lee Ann said she’d sent you an invitation, but we didn’t hear from you.” His smile could melt the ice caps. He hugged her again. “How long has it been? A decade at least.” He studied her from beneath his long black lashes. “Has Daddy seen you?”
She swallowed and looked up at him. “Yes.”
The corner of his mouth curved slightly upward. “Since you’ve managed to get beyond the first gauntlet, let’s cozy up with the rest of the family.”
“Rafe…I don’t want to cause any problems with your father. I only wanted to see Desi get married. I did that. So I’d better go.” She lifted the Tiffany shopping bag that held the gift. “Give this to Desi for me.”
His grinned turned wickedly mischievous. “I absolutely will not. You can give it to her yourself. Besides, what’s a family wedding without a little dust up?” He took her arm and hooked it through the bend in his. “Think of me as your personal escort for the day, unless you came with one of your own.”
“No. I didn’t.” She peeked up at him and the halo of a smile teased her full mouth.
“Perfect.” He patted her hand. “Come, let’s go kiss the bride.”
The photographer was calling for the bridal party for photos as Rafe and Jacqueline approached.
The three sisters recognized her simultaneously and their squeals of delight, kisses and hugs made her realize like a punch to the gut exactly how much she had missed them all. She knew if she started crying she wasn’t going to stop.
The questions from her nieces came fast and furious. When had she arrived? How long was she staying? No hotels, stay at the house. Have you seen Daddy? What did he say? Why didn’t you let us know you were coming?
She didn’t have the chance to answer one question before another was launched at her. She had no idea what kind of reception she was going to get, but she never expected this in a million years.
“I’m so glad that you’re here, Aunt Jacquie,” Desiree said, holding her hands in her own soft ones. She turned to her right. “This is my husband,” she said, blushing as the words slid for the first time from her polished lips. “Spence Hampton. Spence, my Aunt Jacquie.”
Jacqueline extended her hand. “Welcome to the family,” she said. “You’re a very lucky man.”
“I know.” He kissed Desiree’s cheek. “Glad to finally meet you.”
The photographer interrupted the gathering to finish up the pictures before they headed off to the reception at the Lawson mansion.
Jacqueline stepped back out of camera range. Branford took several pictures with the bride and groom and his children. She stood well out of the way to ensure that she wouldn’t be asked to step in for a family shot and possibly get into a face-off with her brother. It was best that she leave while she had the chance. She’d accomplished what she’d come for, to see her family for perhaps the last time.
She turned to leave and began weaving her way through the crowd of guests. She’d just made it to the outskirts of the crowd when someone grabbed her arm.
“Where are you going?”
She glanced over her shoulder at Rafe. “I…was heading back to my hotel.”
“You’re coming to the reception. As my ‘date.’ I don’t take kindly to no. I think you should remember that about me.”
“Rafe…really…”
“Come. We’ll go in my car. Besides, you need to give Desi and Spence their wedding gift,” he added, lowering his gaze in the direction of the bag in her hand.
She’d all but forgotten about her gift for the newlyweds. “I could just give it to you and let you do the honors on my behalf.”
“Oh, no. You won’t be getting off that easy.” He leaned down toward her ear. “Don’t worry, I’ll be close.” He gave her that smile that women were hard-pressed to resist—even aunts.
“All right,” she conceded on a breath. “I’ll go—for Desi’s sake and because it’s so damned hard to tell you no.” She playfully swatted his arm and allowed Rafe to lead her to his waiting car.
“Didn’t you come in the limo with the rest of the bridal party?” she asked, finding it curious that he’d driven his car.
He opened the passenger door. “I never leave myself at the mercy of someone else.”
She slid onto the plush leather, looked up at him and shook her head in delight. Typical Rafe.
* * *
“So, let’s make small talk,” Rafe said, once he was behind the wheel.
Jacqueline slightly angled her head in his direction, biting back a smile. “Fine. Lovely weather.”
Rafe chuckled. His eyes creased at the corners. “How’s the weather where you’ve been?”
Her smile faded. She glanced away. “Sunny and warm,” she said quietly.
“I follow your stories from time to time.”
“Do you?”
“Of course. You’re famous.” He turned to her and grinned. “I’ve always admired you, Aunt J. I’ve admired that you were always your own woman and never tried to use the Lawson name to further your career. You did it all on your own.”
“How are things with the family?” she asked, steering the conversation away from herself.
Rafe gave a slight shrug of his left shoulder. “Spreading their wings. Lee Ann is in D.C. most of the time with her husband, heir apparent, and her big-time political job. Desi is now married off to the resident entrepreneur. Justin is finishing up law school. Dad is…Dad. He and I are still at odds, but that’s just the way things are.”
Jacqueline noted the hint of wistfulness in his voice. She knew how difficult Branford could be, how unreachable his expectations were for his children, and for Rafe in particular. Rafe, like her, was a free spirit, uninhibited and unwilling to bend to the demands of others. They listened to their own drummer and that was something Branford Lawson had been unable to tolerate.
Jacqueline glanced out of the window and the Lawson mansion loomed in front of her. The massive manicured lawn glistened like polished emeralds in the sun. Cars and limos were already pulling up along the winding driveway, assisted by red-vested valets. Music could be heard floating in the late-afternoon air. Her pulse quickened. Her last visit had been fraught with harsh words and ugly accusations. She’d stormed out vowing never to return and she had kept her promise to herself—until now.
She pressed her lips tightly together and willed her heart to slow its rapid thudding. She gripped her purse between her fingers. The trip, seeing everyone again, the secrets—they were all beginning to take a physical toll. She felt light-headed and her limbs felt weak, all the precursors to another episode. She should not have come.
Rafe placed his hand on her fisted ones. “We’re here,” he said softly, then looked at her more closely. “Are you all right, Aunt J? You’re sweating and the air is on high. Are you coming down with something?”
She
blinked rapidly to push away the veil that had begun to descend in front of her. “No. I’m fine.” She forced a smile and turned to him in a brief assurance. She wouldn’t pass out if she continued to chant to herself.
His gaze moved slowly over her pinched expression. “I’ll stay close. I promise.” He leaned across the gears and kissed her damp cheek then hopped out and came around to open her door, not waiting for a valet. He extended his hand to help her to her feet.
Jacqueline gripped his hand as she stood and the ground seemed to shift beneath her. She drew in a breath. “The gift,” she managed.
Rafe released her, opened the back door and took out the package. He bent his arm and she slid her hand through. He pulled her close and they walked, arm in arm to the main entrance.
Chapter 7
Branford had spared no expense, from the massive white-and-gold embroidered tents that dotted the landscape, to the food that could easily feed a small country, the bands, the hovering waiters, the flowers, the liquor and the laundry list of the Louisiana elite.
Jacqueline had almost forgotten what an affair at the Lawson home could entail. She walked across the front lawn, her face still shielded by her wide hat.
“Let’s get you something cool to drink,” Rafe offered.
“You really don’t have to babysit me, Rafe. I’m sure there are plenty of your admirers that you could squire around.”
He pressed his hand to his chest. “Oh, you wound me, Aunt J.”
She grinned. “I doubt that. Go on, I’ll be fine.”
He walked her to an available seat. “I’ll get your drink. Wait here.”
Jacqueline lowered herself into the upholstered chair beneath a tent and set the gift on the table. A wave of relief rolled through her to be off her feet. She looked around at the swelling gathering. There were more than a few faces that she recognized from her former life in Baton Rouge, but she made no effort to identify herself.