Despite the turmoil, she realized she was a survivor, capable of dealing with any kind challenge, including her upcoming marriage to Nick Dalton. This she viewed as a stepping stone to brighter and happier future.
The only thing left for her to do before the “I do’s” was to meet with Charles and present him with a contract giving him fifty-percent ownership in the family business. Before doing that, she wanted to make sure she and Nick agreed with the proposal.
“Are you sure you’re okay with this, Nick?”
He nodded. “I’m hundred percent behind this merger. You and Charles have continued to make great business partners. The plan came from your grandfather, who passed it down to you because he knew you’d carry out his wishes. It has to come to fruition.”
“Yes, I know, and I will honor that, but only if you’re sure you don’t want to run the business with me.”
He held up his hands to stop her from saying any more. “Amanda, we’ve talked about this before, and my decision is the same.”
She stopped pressing. “Okay, then. I’m going to give him the partnership papers tomorrow.”
“Perfect. That’ll put everything into perspective and give us time to decide what we want to do or where we want to live.”
“I’d go anywhere with you, Mr. Dalton.”
Nick picked up his day planner and announced, “I want to show you something.”
He flipped through a few pages then showed her the two daisies he’d saved. “One, you gave me at the hospital. The other at the Farmhouse when we met again.”
Her eyes glistened with tears. “I had no idea you were so romantic.”
“I don’t know how romantic I am, but right from the start, I knew you’d be where you belong if you were with me.” He held her close and gently kissed her.
Chapter Forty-Three
Before she left for work, Amanda sat and wrote Charles a letter. She thanked him for all his hard work over the years, his loyalty to both her and Poppy, and for the love, understanding and patience he’d shown over the years. She went on to mention how Poppy felt about him as a business associate, friend and family member.
Charles, she wrote, Poppy and I talked about this next item before he died. But things got so crazy this past year, I didn’t have the time or sense to do anything about it. So please forgive the delay.
She signed it: Love, Your Little Sister, Mandy. She stuck the note and contract into a large envelope, drove to the restaurant knowing he and Sarah would be there.
They must have just arrived because Amanda found them waiting at the coffee machine. “Pour one for me, too, please.”
“First one of the day?” Sarah asked.
Amanda nodded.
“Me, too. I need this to get going—every morning.”
The threesome sat at a table in the main dining room where Charles had set up a work station. “Nick’s completed his homework, Mandy. All the arrangements for February fourteenth have been confirmed.” He waved the wedding list of to-dos at her. “Needless to say, everything’s in place and ready to go!”
Sarah chimed in. “In four days, Amanda. Can you believe it?”
She responded with a sheepish grin, a shoulder scrunch, and a schoolgirl squeal. “I know.”
After a few minutes of chit chat, Amanda said, “I’d like to get serious for a few minutes before the staff comes in and we’re off on the daily rollercoaster ride.”
Sarah rose to leave.
“Stay, Sarah. This involves you, too.”
She handed a large manila envelope to Charlie. He read in silence then handed them to Sarah. He stood and paced around the table. She rushed to him and threw her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. “Charlie, this is wonderful.”
“I’m at a loss for words, Amanda. Are you sure?”
She nodded. “Poppy and I planned for this a long time ago. It would have taken place sooner if we all hadn’t been dragged into that greedy gambling scheme.”
“I’m overwhelmed and delighted, Amanda.”
“And…?” she prodded.
“I’d be honored and happy to be your business partner.”
“Then it’s a done deal. All we have to do is sign on the dotted line and have it notarized.”
There was an awkward silence.
“What’s wrong, Charlie? Second thoughts?” Sarah asked.
“No second thought, but I have to change that statement about me being a partner. I should have replied that the future Mrs. Wharley and I would be happy to be your partners.” He stared at Sarah and grinned. “What do you say, Sarah, think we can handle a dual partnership?”
Sarah stood speechless for several seconds. Finally, she nodded and answered, “We can do anything together, Charlie.”
Amanda jumped up and shouted, “Fantastic! This is better than I could have imagined. Wait until I tell Nick. He’ll be ecstatic for both of you.”
Charles raised his brows. “Speaking of Nick, how does he feel about all this?”
“For the record, and to put your doubts and fears to rest, he’s hundred percent in total agreement.”
“Then Amanda, I accept your offer and promise to carry on in the tradition of my mentor, my closest friend, and my surrogate father, Pete Russo.”
Chapter Forty-Four
Amanda and Nick decided on a simple yet elegant ceremony. Sarah arranged for the restaurant’s transformation into a perfect wedding setting—white tablecloths, napkins, and chair coverings. The vases for every table’s center pieces held a bouquet of daisies and a single red rose to represent the love the bride and groom.
On February fourteenth, a snowfall blanketed the Rocky Mountains. The hundreds of twinkle lights illuminating the garden made the snow sparkle as if sprinkled with diamond chips. Attendees were escorted to seats in the heated tent located in the middle of this magical, winter wonderland.
While waiting for the bride and groom to arrive, a string quartet, two violins, a cello, and a viola serenaded the guests with soft, relaxing music. Before long, Nick and his brother-in-law Jeff, dressed in traditional black tuxedos, stood at the make shift altar with the minister.
On a cue from the musicians, everyone stood. Monica led the procession in her burgundy suit. Charles followed close behind escorting the bride. Amanda wore a classic, white gown with a heart-shaped neckline that tapered to a pearl-trimmed pointed waistline that flowed into a soft, semi-full skirt. Her two-tiered veil matched her gown and, as expected, she carried a bouquet of daisies.
When the minister asked, “Who gives this woman in marriage?” Charles beamed.
“In honor of Peter Russo, I do.” He lifted her veil, kissed her cheek, and turned to shake hands with Nick. “Take good care of her.”
“Of course, my friend. Always.”
The minister opened his prayer book and read: “Dearly Beloved and Honored Guests. In the true spirit of Valentine’s Day, we are gathered here this day in the sight of God and the company assembled to witness the giving and receiving of the marriage vows of Amanda Conifer and Nicholas Dalton. As we know, marriage is an institution ordained of God and is not to be entered into lightly or in jest and only after much consideration.”
The bride and groom gazed longingly at each other, never turning away for even a second. Within a few minutes, the time had come for them to exchange their personally written vows. To each other’s surprise, the minister announced that they had both chosen the same Bible verse to be read: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, 13. He proceeded:
“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful. It is not arrogant or rude.
Love does not insist on its own way. It is not irritable or resentful. It does not rejoice at wrong but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. So faith, hope, love abide these three… but the greatest of these, is love.
“Do you have anything to add before we exchange rings?” asked the minister.
Nick cleared his thro
at. “I love you, Amanda Conifer. I want to share all that is to come with you. I promise I will be your best friend, lover and faithful husband—and father of our children—for as long as we both shall live.”
Amanda spoke through her tears. “I love you, Nick Dalton. I want to share all that is to come with you. I promise I will be your best friend, lover, and faithful wife—and mother of our children—for as long as we both shall live.”
The ceremony continued, and rings were exchanged. When the “I dos” were said, the minister looked out over those present and added, “Before I bless this union of love, I must inquire if anyone present can may show just and lawful cause why this couple may not be legally wed, let him speak now or forever hold his peace.”
The bride and groom quickly glanced to Charles who shook his head, grinned and gave a formidable thumbs up.
After a few seconds, the minister continued. “By the authority vested in me by the State of Colorado, I now pronounce you husband and wife, and what God hath joined together, let neither man nor woman put asunder.” He closed his book and added, “You may now seal this holy bond with a kiss.”
Their guests cheered and followed the newlyweds into the restaurant to share their first meal as Mr. and Mrs. Dalton. Then after dinner, the DJ from New Year’s Eve set out to make the bride and groom and the guests enjoy a fun-filled evening of song and dance.
On one music break, in a serendipitous moment, Charles caught the garter, and Sarah caught the bride’s bouquet.
Before the end of the evening, the happy couple stood at the microphone, thanked everyone for coming to share in the celebration of their love for one another. They lifted their glasses of champagne and toasted their guests.
Forgetting he was in front of the microphone, Nick turned to his new bride. “It’s time to go, Mrs. Dalton. We have business to take care of.”
The crowd roared, and the newlyweds quickly exited the restaurant to embark upon matters of the heart and begin their once-forever life together.
About The Author
I am a published freelance writer, mother of 5, and former teacher. My work includes: educational books & materials; non-fiction articles & stories for adults & children in general interest & parenting magazines & newspapers; several anthologies like Chicken Soup for the Soul (25). I'm also a consultant for blue13creative, Denver.
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