by Olivia Miles
He flipped through a few more books—one from a trip to the Caribbean where they’d snorkeled and relaxed at the beach with tropical beverages. In each one, they leaned in, but not close. And in each photo, there was a force to their poses and smiles, as if they were trying to be something they weren’t.
And never could be.
He closed the box, deciding that this was one he would set in a closet, but not because it hurt too much to look back on it now.
All this time, he’d thought Lisa had broken his heart, but now, he was starting to wonder if she’d done them both a favor. If she’d been willing to admit the one thing he couldn’t even to himself. They were a perfect match in so many ways, but not in the one that mattered most.
Not in the one that would keep them together. Not the one that would last. He’d left out a big factor, one that Lisa had realized sooner than him. His head was in the relationship, but his heart had never caught up.
And that, well, that was the missing piece, wasn’t it?
He moved on to another box—this time his high school memorabilia that his mother had insisted he finally move out of the house now that he was back in town. He grinned as he pulled out souvenirs he’d long forgotten about—his senior class pin, his debate team medals, and a stack of four yearbooks. Of course, he’d been on the committee. He’d been active, and involved, but never popular. And truth be told, he’d been lonely, even if he’d tried to keep too busy to notice. Even his status as senior class president hadn’t exactly earned him any points in the “cool” department; he’d been chosen because he was reliable and because he’d written a killer speech. Because he’d campaigned, put a plan in place, and seen it through. Because he wasn’t going to accept anything but a victory. He’d wanted it on his resume. That had mattered to him a lot.
But other things mattered too. Things he’d pushed aside by keeping busy and focused on his future instead. He’d seen how easy some of the guys had it—getting dates, going out on Saturday nights. He’d listened to Gabby talk to her sisters and cousins and friends about Chad Johnson of all people. He knew he didn’t stand a chance.
Eventually, maybe he’d made sure of that.
He flipped open the first yearbook in the stack, thumbing through the pages until he reached the debate team. It was their senior yearbook, and everyone had signed it. Now, he looked for Gabby’s note, even though he could probably recall it.
And there it was, in loopy purple ink: Here’s to a bright future. Something tells me that you’ll find a way to get everything you ever wanted.
He let that sink in for a long time. Thought about Lisa. The safe choice. Someone who wasn’t supposed to hurt his heart, and maybe never had. Maybe, she’d just hurt his pride, made him question himself, made him wonder if he could ever really take the risk and strive for what he really wanted.
What he wanted was what his parents had. They made it look so easy, but he knew better. It had never been easy for him. Only now, he wondered if he had only himself to blame.
Chapter Fifteen
Another Saturday, another wedding, only today wasn’t just any wedding. Today was Uncle Dennis and Candy’s wedding, and Gabby was determined not to let anything dampen it—including her mood. The entire family would be there, and half the town, too, and Gabby wasn’t going to focus on the one person who would be absent, even if her heart kept replaying last night, long after she’d returned to her empty apartment.
Nothing topped a summer wedding in Blue Harbor, at least not when it came to the centerpieces. Gabby set the last of the vases on the corner table and stepped back to make sure it didn’t need any further adjustment. She smiled with satisfaction as she took in the overall feel of the tent.
Granted, it wasn’t what she would choose for her own wedding—and she’d been planning that since she was only six years old. For starters, there was entirely too much pink. But then, the bride liked pink, and she wasn’t shy about it either.
But Gabby preferred the understated elegance and of an all-white wedding. Or the drama of crimson red roses clutched against an ivory lace bodice. Or the whimsy of a colorful mixed bouquet, held at her side, as she walked down the aisle, barefoot…
“Earth to Gabby,” a voice said from behind, causing her to jump.
She turned from the table to see her cousin Maddie staring back at her, a confection in pink chiffon ruffles.
“What are the ruffles doing on there?” She forgot her problems momentarily and stared at the new neckline of Maddie’s dress.
“Last-minute change.” Maddie pursed her lips and then, at the same time as Gabby, burst out laughing.
“I have a feeling Brooke didn’t find this so funny.”
Maddie raised an eyebrow knowingly. “You can say that again. But as they say, the customer is always right.” She looked down at the dress. “And it’s pretty. Just not quite as sleek as what Brooke had in mind.”
“So long as it’s what Candy wanted then I suppose that’s all that matters, right? It’s her day. And speaking of Candy, why aren’t you with her?”
“I told her I’d make sure the tent looked okay.” She gave a secret smile. “But the truth of it is that things were getting a little crowded at the house…”
Gabby could only shake her head. “You can help me set up the chapel if you’d like?”
“I wish I could, but I should probably get back soon. Don’t need Candy worrying that something has gone wrong.”
Gabby shuddered at the thought. Still, she enjoyed Maddie’s company, and the truth was that she could have used the help.
“You know, hiring an assistant was the best thing I did when I opened my bakery,” Maddie said, giving her a knowing look.
Gabby huffed out a breath. Being hardheaded and stubborn hadn’t gotten her very far in life, had it? “I think I’ll put out an ad next week.”
“My! I didn’t expect you to say that!” Maddie laughed.
Gabby shrugged. “What can I say? I’ve surprised myself recently.” About a lot of things…
She began walking toward her van, which was still running, so the air-conditioning would keep the flowers looking fresh. She tried to smile, but she could feel her spirits dropping now that she was about to walk over to the chapel and get everything in order.
“Everything okay?” Maddie asked, giving her a worried look.
“Oh, fine, fine. You know me, always thinking about the flowers, wanting to be sure that everything is perfect.” She supposed she had gotten off easily, with Candy not asking for last-minute changes.
“I have a feeling that nothing will ruin this day for Candy.”
“It’s the happiest day of her life, or so she keeps saying.” Gabby smiled a little sadly now. The happiest day of her life. It was that, and not because of the flowers and the dresses, but because of the people who had all come to watch this union, to support it, and to celebrate it.
She felt her eyes mist and she had to look away before Maddie saw—a sharp cookie, that one.
Instead, she turned her attention to her cousin now that they’d reached the parking lot of the small stone chapel along the lake’s shore. “Are you and your sisters okay?” She knew that they all still missed their mother, each in their own way.
Maddie gave her a little smile. “Life doesn’t always go the way you thought it would, but somehow…well, somehow things still work out, you know?”
Gabby waved her cousin off and focused on the work at hand. Now, she turned off the ignition and collected the first box from the back of the van, opting to set it on the ground before closing it shut. She hadn’t dropped an arrangement since her first year in business and she didn’t intend to take any risks today.
No, today was a day for playing it safe. Today and maybe every day.
As Maddie had wisely pointed out, some guests did start to arrive early. Jackson was getting out of his car, and he gallantly stepped in to take the box from her arms. The gesture reminded her of Doug’s equally chivalrous behavi
or the other night—it felt like a long time ago.
“Everything okay?” Jackson gave her a worried frown.
Gabby was starting to notice a theme to the day, and it wasn’t the one that Candy had so carefully planned. She’d certainly need to adjust her demeanor before the bride showed up, which wouldn’t be long now.
Gabby reached for another box, not looking to open up just now. No, better to remember that she was on the job, even if this was a family event. “Just tired. Candy’s wedding has been a long time coming.”
He smirked. “What on earth will she have to keep herself busy with after this?”
“Meddling in my love life, probably.” Gabby adjusted the weight of the box in her arms as they walked toward the stone chapel.
“Just so long as she doesn’t meddle in mine,” Jackson said.
Gabby didn’t bother to point out that if Candy had her way, she and Jackson would have a few “beautiful babies” together. Instead, she turned the attention off herself and said, “And how is your love life going?”
“Tourist season.” His grin quirked, and she rolled her eyes dramatically as he opened the door for her.
Yep, that was Jackson for you.
“Where do you want these?” he asked, once they were inside.
“On those steps would be great,” Gabby said. She knew that the procession would start from here, first with the bridesmaids, and then of course with Candy. As there was no flower girl, Gabby took the liberty of sprinkling the aisle with pink rose petals.
“Want me to save you a seat?” Jackson asked as the music from the piano began to fill the walls. Gabby looked over to see that Jenna was already seated at the bench—she must have slipped in through the side door.
Gabby nodded. “Thanks.” Candy might read into it, but right now, she didn’t care. Jackson was a friend and a friend he would always be.
Some people weren’t meant to be anything more than that, she thought sadly.
She made a few more runs to the van, and once she was satisfied that the chapel was decorated to her liking, she stood in the vestibule, watching as the guests filtered in, checking her watch frequently. Her mother was one of the last guests to arrive, and she looked elegant in a soft blush dress.
“I rode over with your father. He and Dennis went around the side door.”
It was nearly time, then. Gabby couldn’t fight the wave of anticipation.
“I’d better go in. I’ll save you a seat.”
Gabby understood what that meant. One seat. Jenna would be accompanying the procession on piano for the duration of the ceremony, and Brooke would be sitting with Kyle, of course.
“Try to get a seat near Jackson. He’s saving a seat for me.” She waited for her mother’s eyes to spring open, a smile to curve her mouth.
Instead, her mother nodded. “I’ll look for him. He’s a good friend to you, I know.”
He was. But right now, Gabby’s chest hurt when she thought of the other man who had been a good friend to her, but nothing more.
Gabby looked down at her phone to distract herself. She had already received three texts from Brooke. The last one was to let her know that the limo was pulling up. A moment later, Brooke came through the door, cheeks flushed, eyes a little bright.
Gabby’s breath caught when she looked at her sister. “Everything okay with the dress?”
“It’s perfect. I didn’t change a thing, despite all her doubts, and she has waited until today to tell me it is perfect.”
Gabby laughed. “Kyle came in a while ago. You’d better get to your seat before she changes her mind.”
Brooke nodded and wasted no time disappearing through the double set of wooden doors.
Gabby opened them to peak a look inside, her heart swelling when she saw Jenna at the piano in a demure navy dress, looking so serious yet relaxed as she played the songs that Candy had carefully selected without missing a key. The benches were mostly filled now, and from the side door came Gabby’s father, followed by Uncle Dennis.
Her heart skipped a beat as she quickly closed the door and hurried out the front door, waving to the limo until the chauffeur stepped out and came around to open the door for the women. Maddie emerged first, followed by Cora, then Amelia and Britt, who carefully helped Candy emerge without stepping on her train, which was draped over her arm.
Gabby had been hearing about this dress for weeks, all the drama and tweaks, and complaints, but now, she gasped. Her sister had done it. She had taken Candy’s rather loud fashion sense and made a gown that was both dramatic yet elegant, showy but feminine. It was, to use Candy’s own word, perfect.
The sisters were all helping Candy up the stairs now, and Gabby hurried back inside to double-check their bouquets. They’d walk in order of age, Maddie starting things off, Britt going last. She knew this was a complicated event for them; they all missed their mother. But today Gabby saw nothing but happiness in their eyes—a reminder that life kept going, even when it felt like the world was coming to an end.
“The procession will start after this song ends,” Gabby said, catching Amelia’s eye.
Her cousin reached out and squeezed her hand. “My dad’s in place?”
“Looking very handsome,” Gabby said, giving Candy a sly grin.
“Why do I feel nervous even though it’s not even my wedding day?” Maddie suddenly asked, clutching her bouquet. “Why do I have to go first?”
“Hey, I thought you’d be happy to go first for a change. Now you see how it feels!” Britt whispered. She handed Gabby her bouquet so she could smooth the back of Candy’s train. It wasn’t an easy task.
After a few minutes to allow for any last-minute arrivals, the music stopped and the women all exchanged glances and excited smiles. Gabby knew that Jenna wouldn’t start playing the next song until the doors were open and everyone was in position.
Gabby looked at Candy, given a silent nod, asking for consent. “Ready?”
“Honey, I’ve been ready since the day I knocked on that man’s door.”
Gabby laughed and, with a big breath, opened first one door, and then the next, careful to stand to the side where she couldn’t be seen. The music started and Maddie lifted her chin and began her walk down the aisle. Cora was next. The music was slow, but time felt slower, like it was moving at a different pace. Like somehow this moment was meant to last.
“Amelia, get ready,” Gabby whispered, glancing through the space in the door hinge.
Amelia started her walk next, leaving only Britt and Candy. Gabby knew that Britt had struggled the most with the idea of a new woman in her father’s life, but it was Britt who turned around and adjusted Candy’s veil—because of course, Candy had a veil that would need to be lifted by her groom. Maximum drama was important to her, and they’d all ended up loving her for it.
Even Gabby.
Britt gave Candy’s hand one last squeeze and then turned, took a deep breath, and walked down the aisle to her father and sisters. When she reached the end, the music would swell and—
“Gabby!” Candy hissed.
Gabby looked at Candy in alarm. Oh, no. She was afraid of this. Not something wrong with the flowers. Or the dress. Not a last-minute change. She wasn’t equipped. Well, she might have a few extra roses in the van but—
“What is it?” Gabby’s eyes darted to the aisle. Britt was nearly halfway down now.
“I’m sorry for setting you up last night. I saw how upset you were.”
“Oh, Candy. No, it’s fine!” Gabby was starting to panic. Could they really be having this conversation right now?
“I knew that Billy wasn’t the one for you. I just thought that by inviting him, it might give you and Doug a little…nudge.”
Ah. So it all came back to Doug. Gabby was sensing a theme. “It’s fine, Candy,” Gabby whispered. Her heart was beginning to race as she darted her eyes through the door again.
“You were right, Gabby. You shouldn’t force love. You should just…feel it. An
d don’t listen to those sisters of yours. When you know, you know. You just have to keep believing and have hope.” She held up her bouquet, her smile so wide through her veil that Gabby could see the shine in her eyes. “I’m proof of that.”
“You’re a beautiful bride,” Gabby said sincerely. “I’m so glad you’re a part of our family.”
“Just remember that when it comes time for me to plan Britt’s wedding for her.” Candy laughed.
Gabby frowned. “You mean?”
“Oh, you know me. I never can keep a secret. But Robbie asked Denny for her hand and…well, she’s in for a surprise soon!”
Gabby smiled as she looked down the aisle to where Britt was now giving her father a kiss on the cheek, muttering some words to him, and then sliding over to stand beside her sisters.
Jenna paused, long enough to glance over at the door, where Candy stood, ever the picture of a blushing bride, in a full ballgown, clutching a ten-pound bouquet as if it were weightless, and for one brief, telling moment, Jenna’s entire face broke into a smile before she went back to her music sheet and positioned her hands over the keys.
The music swelled and the guests all stood, and Candy’s smile was radiant as she began her wedding march, her twenty-five-foot train trailing behind her.
Gabby didn’t rush to take her seat. Instead, she stood at the back of the room, watching from a distance, her eyes brimming with hot tears because, even though she’d said it before, this was truly the most beautiful wedding she had ever attended.
Gabby sipped her champagne and watched from a distance as the bridal party posed for the photographer—Uncle Dennis, Candy, and the four sisters. Their significant others hung back until they were called over to join the group that was standing along the shore of Lake Huron, the water smooth in the distance, the sky clear and blue.