“Good idea. I like that touch.” His mood was playful and Sandra could not resist laughing at his little-boy look. “So, you really had no idea it was my store?”
“Why would I?” asked Sandra. “But in my evaluation, the day did not usher in any sense of confirmation or peace that might launch me into a new season of life.”
“You need permission? Why can’t you just let the chips fall where there may? You seem fairly easy-going about most things.”
“Apparently not issues that tear at my heart. My son is getting married and Braxton is not here to share the day. Regardless of the fun I’m having with you, it remains a hurdle for my heart.”
“Granted. And the fact that the wedding happens on the first anniversary of your husband’s death must toss your emotions into an offensive playing mode.”
“It’s healing for the kids, so I chose to piggy-back their concept and rake in my share of the remedy.”
“And how’s that going for you?” Robert’s face became serious and concerned.
“Very well, all things considered. You, Mr. Wedding Planner, have been a refreshing distraction.”
Robert pouted. “I hoped for so much more.”
“Well, keep a watch under your Christmas tree. Maybe you’ll get a gift from the North Pole.”
“I don’t need one,” said Robert emphatically. “She sent me you. That’s my take on the whole magical intervention. I rest my case.”
Just then a truck drove by on the way to the beach parking lot. “Looks like the forces have arrived and we are late for work.” Sandra stood to her feet. “Let your creative juices flow free, Robert. I want this to be the best day for my kids.”
Saturday, Sandra exchanged her role as assistant to the wedding planner for the mother of the groom. Angie had the whole morning booked at the spa for pedicures, manicures, make-up, hair styling and a light message to ease out the stress of wedding-day jitters. The maid of honor, Janice, a childhood friend who lived in Pineville, would be the only one to walk the beach carpet ahead of the bride. The three women laughed and enjoyed the pampering all morning long. At noon they headed for the inn.
The chef sent in a small, light lunch as they’d requested. Sandra did not want to begin the day on a full stomach. Miraculously, not one rain cloud invaded their day and spirits were high as they pulled the dresses from the protective covering.
Angie insisted Sandra and Janice dress first. She relaxed with a glass of lemonade, oohing and awing at all the right moments. When the two finished they stood in front of mirrored sliding doors for the final inspection.
“Mother,” began Angie. “Can I call you that? Today everything changes and we’re family.”
Sandra kissed her cheek. “I’d like nothing more. You are my dream come true – a daughter – finally.”
“You look far too young to be anyone’s mother. Trevor won’t know who to stare after.”
Sandra laughed. “I doubt that. My son is over the top in love with you, and will only have eyes for the bride today.”
Angie giggled. “I was hoping you’d say that.”
“Now, let’s get you dressed. The ceremony begins in one hour.” They’d barely got started when a knock sounded at the door.
Sandra opened it a crack and peered out. It was Charles. “Excuse me, ma’am, but I thought you’d like to see this note. Mr. Fredricks sends his sincerest apologies.”
She took the note and shut the door. Unfolding it, she read.
My dearest Sandra.
The only thing that would keep from spending this momentous day with you is the dire emergency that landed on my step a few minutes ago. The day will run like clockwork and I hope to return before you have time to miss me. Give my best wishes to the bride and know that I love you. The words look better written on paper, not hiding in my heart. Pray for me, as I will for you.
Yours always, Robert.
The message puzzled Sandra. Could the events of the day run like clock-work without the man who created it? All active participants had received a schedule, and the rehearsal Thursday night had gone off without a hitch on the barren landscape. The venue appeared different now. The paradise scene awaiting them took her breath away.
“Mother?” Angie’s voice interrupted. “Are you all right?”
“It’s Robert. Something has called him away – an emergency, I’m sure. He’d never abandon his post otherwise.”
“Are you concerned about the wedding? Relax. The wedding will proceed with attention given to his smallest details. The man has trained us well.” She rested a hand on Sandra’s arm. “As far as the emergency goes, he’ll be fine and he wouldn’t want you to fret. He’ll probably come charging in on his horse later and scoop up his lady-in-waiting.”
Sandra laughed. “He’d better not! This is your day and I’ll not take one bit of the glamor from you.”
“Come on then. Let’s get me into that wedding dress. Don’t want to keep my fiancé waiting.”
*****
Robert raced his car down the road to the address Franny had texted. Drawing closer, he heard the sirens and saw the backup ahead. He pulled into a nearby parking lot and started walking. He must look a rare sight, walking down the road in a three-piece suit, all slicked up for an afternoon jaunt. Franny had provided little detail, but it had something to with Joe. Had he been the third adult the girls were bringing to the resort? Robert cringed. Definitely not in good taste. He noticed Franny first and ran to her.
“Franny.” He grabbed and embraced her trembling body.
“Oh, Daddy, he’s spoiled it all. We should never have believed him.”
He pulled her to arm’s length and wiped a tea away. “Franny; he’s not worth your tears.”
“But Cindy is. He duped her twice, and me, once. She’ll never recover from this week.”
“Your sister is strong,” Robert said scanning he area. “Where is she?”
“Talking to the police. She didn’t know Joe would show up drunk, and when the kids were so excited to see their daddy home, she went along with it.” Tears erupted. “Now, there is a woman with injuries headed for the hospital. All because she swallowed his lie and let him come.”
“And was any of our family injured?”
“Scared the kids, but I put them up in that ice cream parlor over there to lick their fears away.”
“Good thinking, Franny. Why don’t you go get one yourself and I’ll find Cindy?”
When she spotted his approach, his daughter ran into the safety of his arms. “I’m such a fool. We planned this day to make up and love on you and now look at the mess I’ve allowed.”
“You are vulnerable and Joe is a manipulative man that takes advantage of people to cause pain. But you, my dear, never spoil my day. I love you.”
“Oh, Daddy. I’ve been so nasty.”
“Shh. Lots of time for us. What do we need to do here to wrap this up?”
“Nothing. I wasn’t behind the wheel and already gave my statement. Joe is in the cruiser. They’ll charge him with drinking under the influence, and whatever else they can drum up. The officer is not impressed.”
“Well, then let’s join the others for ice cream then you can pile in my car and we’ll go to a wedding.” She brushed shattered debris from her clothes. “I’m a mess.”
“Not at all. I’ll bring you to my room at Heritage so you can freshen up before you join the celebration.”
“Sandra will hate us even more since we’ve dragged you away from your job.”
“No one will hate you.” He took her arm and headed to the building Franny had pointed out. “What flavor of ice cream will you have today?”
“Cookies and Cream.”
“Still haven’t outgrown that one?”
“Never. It’s my comfort food and my waistline shows it.”
All four children squealed when Pappy entered the Ice Cream Parlor. Robert was pleased to hear it was not a fearful outburst but an excited bunch of children that greeted hi
m.
*****
The beach buggy deposited Sandra and the other women behind a portioned wall that separated them from the waiting crowd. She kissed Angie and took the arm of an usher. Walking to the slow beat of a love song, they started down the aisle. She’d practised this with Robert and missed his nearness in this special moment. The red carpet loomed before her and while strolling, smiled at the guests. Relatives, friends, and many she didn’t know from town made up the gathering. Her attention turned to Trevor and as the usher seated her on a chair in the front row, she smiled encouragement to her son. She recognized his left knee slightly jutting in and out, a sure sign that he nervously awaited his bride.
The keyboard musician from the local band they’d hired for the day, continued to play the love song while Janice walked the red carpet. The moment she took her place at the front, left side of the altar the tempo heightened and the wedding march sounded. The congregation stood and turned to the back. Angie appeared from behind the decorated wall and after Charles straightened her lengthy train, the lifelong friend of the Parkinson family led her toward her happily-ever-after.
Sandra listened for her son to gasp at the first sight of his bride. He did not disappoint, and her heart filled to overflowing in knowing Trevor would soon wed the woman of his dreams. In talking with some of her friends back home, they’d confessed to feeling an element of jealousy in losing their son to another woman – despite the natural way of it. For Sandra, saying goodbye to the old life, with its responsibilities and roles, proved difficult, but she was pleased to note that in her case, envy did not play a part in the passing of the torch from a mother to a new wife.
She glanced at the empty chair beside her, saddened that Robert was not here to watch the fruits of their labor unfold. Sandra was a hopeless romantic. But she knew she’d met her match in Robert. In a short time, the man had exceeded Braxton’s lifetime efforts, sprinkling love like seasoning from a saltshaker, in his casual, effortless way. Without trying, he stirred her emotions into a state of confusion. Perhaps love the second time around, took on a new definition. Older, wiser – she stopped musing and focused on the bride.
The bride’s eyes glimmered from the sun’s rays bouncing off the lake and targeted on Trevor alone. Sandra felt the teardrops, and in that instant a hand squeezed hers. She whirled around and unabashed, drank Robert into her soul. His finger touched her cheek to wipe the runaway tear, and as his skin brushed past her lips, she kissed it gently. Attempting to remain focused, Sandra returned her attention to the bride. The white satin gown fit where it touched, the delicate lace accenting her perfect slender form. Delicate lace was sewn into the design and the garment hung slightly shorter at the front and trailed behind with a showy cape. In it was embroiders of red and green – her way of making the dress suit the season. It complimented the tiara from which a netted veil hung to her waist. A string of pearls adorned her neck making her new daughter-in-law a sight to behold.
When the congregation sat, Robert reached for her hand. The whole while Trevor and Angie recited their vows that joined them in the eyes of God as man and wife, Robert clung to her hand. His fingers stroked her bare ring finger. When the couple at the front kissed, Sandra fixed her gaze on Robert and his message rang loud and clear. Robert Fredricks loved her. It appeared easy for him to understand his heart, while hers still knotted in contradictions. As if signalled by a power shortage, a switch inside turned off, and a shadow fell across her face. A last-ditch attempt to guard against her waning vulnerability. To hide her fear, she inhaled deeply and focused on the couple standing at the arbour. Robert’s family did not want her, and she’d do well to remember her vow not come between them.
Janice passed the bride her bouquet and Trevor and Angie Dristoll started down the aisle. Sandra couldn’t be prouder and she offered her son a huge smile as he passed her by. Janice, and Stan, the groomsman, followed the newlyweds, with Sandra and Robert behind them. The congregation let loose after that and passed through the receiving line on the other side of the partition.
Sandra familiarized herself with the local guests Angie had invited and introduced Robert as a friend to the family and friends on the groom’s side. When the last person passed by and the group dispersed to the beach bar for drinks and party nibblers, Sandra’s shoulders sagged with exhaustion.
“Let’s find a place to sit for a few minutes,” she said.
Robert pointed to the gazebo. “It looks abandoned at the moment.”
“Good. Let’s claim it.”
They walked in silence to the decorated outdoor space, that not only took on the colors of the wedding but Christmas too. Somehow, they’d made the festive décor suit both occasions.
“You are a talented man,” Sandra said as they sat on the wooden bench facing the water. “Everything is perfect.”
“Are you evading the question that I know is burning inside you?”
“It’s none of my business, Robert. You are a free agent.”
He grabbed her hands. “My heart is not free where you are concerned, Sandra Dristoll, and you may as well get used to me pursuing you. It won’t stop anytime soon.”
“Fine; then what pulled you away at the last minute. It must have been important for I suspect you are not a man to shirk responsibility.”
“I knew you’d be fine here, and another obligation drew me away,” said Robert. “Franny texted. They were in an accident while driving here.”
“Oh, Robert, no! Is everyone all right?”
“Shaken up but fine. I put them all in my room at the inn to freshen up before Santa makes his appearance.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” said Sandra realizing the instant pain she’d felt at the thought of his family’s brush with death. She cared, and there was no way she could stop her heart from investing in this new family that had sneaked into her life.
“Curious who the girls included as the third adult?” Robert asked.
“I suppose.”
“Joe – the man who ruined my daughter’s lives.” Robert looked across the gentle waves and sighed. “Why would Cindy allow him to bulldoze his way into today’s event?”
“I sense he is a controller. Most bullies are and I suspect the drink and possibly drugs turn him into a beast he can’t control.” She put a hand on his. “Was he driving the car?”
“Yes. And will charged with drinking and driving and whatever else the law throws at him for injuries and damage to the driver of the other car.”
“You sound bitter, Robert. That won’t help Cindy.”
Robert gazed into Sandra’s eyes. “What makes you so wise?”
“An outsider sees the picture from a different angle. The man is sick and needs help to get his life back.”
“He’s arrogant. The man doesn’t think he has a problem.”
“Maybe after nearly killing his family today, he’ll see it more clearly.”
“I like your way of thinking.” He squeezed her hand. “I need you so much, Sandra.”
“I’d rather hear that you can’t live without me, the good and the bad. Because I’m not perfect. None of us are. Can you love me that much?”
“You know I can.” Robert held Sandra captive with his eyes. “When I fell head-over-heals in love with Mildred, I thought it was the norm – the way it happened. But it’s been five years, and not one woman has sparked a hint of what I experienced with her. Until you. The love-at-first-sight has happened a second time, and I won’t pass it by. Please, say I have a chance with you?”
A cloud dampened her spirit as she thought of his family upstairs. “Your family needs time. We need to give them that.”
“I need to set them straight. Those girls need a firm hand.”
“I tend to work with a softer approach. Not good with tough love,” said Sandra.
“Well, they’re all here. So today is a good day to build the foundation.”
“Agreed.” She snuggled closer and leaned on his shoulder. “You feel good
Robert.”
The Fredricks clan showed up at four-forty-five. Robert had slipped away to don his Santa costume. A mountain of gifts sat around the Christmas tree in the dancing tent, and two decorated chairs, resembling thrones, sat waiting for the bride and groom. Maintenance had arranged benches to face the stage for this portion of the day. Sandra sat in the reserved section on the front row, and Cindy, Franny and the four children moved in beside her. The benches behind filled up with guests, sipping on beverages and eager to see the couple open their gifts.
Angie and Trevor appeared, and the crowd clapped. Before they sat on their designated spots, they approached Sandra.
“Pictures are exhausting,” exclaimed Sandra.
“Memories, my dear. You’ll appreciate the sacrifice tomorrow.” Sandra stood and turned towards the group beside. “Angie and Trevor; may I present, Cynthia and Franny, Robert’s daughters.” She leaned over and pointed to the children. “The grandchildren; Jamie, Timothy, Sassy, and Skip are patiently waiting for Santa.”
“Aha. Santa is your surprise?” asked Trevor.
“Adds a holiday touch, don’t you think?”
“And a bit of Dristoll family tradition.” Trevor winked his approval.
“I think its perfect. All these people willing to come here on Christmas Eve to celebrate our special day. Family and friends are irreplaceable.” Angie turned to her guests.” We hope to get to know you better when we return from our honeymoon. We’ve grown close to your father these past couple weeks.”
“Thank you for inviting us. It’s a beautiful resort and a grand location to celebrate your vows.” Franny said. She affectionately touched Sandra’s arm. “And in one short visit to the Christmas Cave, your mother has managed to chip away some ice that’s been lodging in my cold heart far too long. I am looking forward to getting to know your family.”
A Family for Christmas Page 7