Chapter Eleven
Caroline watched as Rebecca, Rachel, and Delaney fussed over Riley.
She made a lovely bride. Her dress fit her like a glove, showing off her tiny waist and cascading down her with lace and pearls, nothing flashy but perfect.
“You’re beautiful,” Rachel murmured. “Garrett will be on cloud nine when he sees you in this dress.”
“Thank you for asking the hairstylist to do my hair. It’s warm, even for spring. I planned to wear it down for the ceremony. I’m glad you showed me it’d still complement the dress if I wore it up,” Riley said nervously.
“Girl, why do I feel like you’re jumping out of your skin? You and Garrett are already attached at the hip. A piece of paper and a ceremony won’t change it,” Delaney said, adding flowers to the bouquet.
“You know how life feels really good sometimes, and you have to pinch yourself to see if it’s real?
I never dreamed of finding someone like Garrett.
Then, I have a home with you as my friends.
Tara and I feel lucky, and it’s a feeling we aren’t used to.
Garrett says once we’ve felt safe for a while, this feeling will go away. ”
“You don’t think it will?” Caroline asked. Hoping Riley said yes, giving her hope for her future.
“I’m optimistic,” Riley said, smiling. “Has anyone seen Tara?”
“She’s in the kitchen sneaking appetizers with Kara. Don’t worry, I made plenty, and Amy and Jared, Kara’s parents, promised to keep an eye on them,” Delaney assured her. “She’ll be up here soon. Tara has a surprise for you.”
“I hope it’s not like the last one. I swear, Garrett suffered a heart attack when her new love interest showed up with a pickup loaded with a mattress, pillows, and blankets in the back,” Riley said, giggling. “I’ve never seen a teenager peel out of a driveway so fast in my life.”
The women all chuckled, imagining the scene of the thick, muscled man stalking to the truck to scare a lanky teen away.
“What has you quiet over there, Rachel? I figured you’d be lending Riley all kinds of marital advice and suggestions on new positions,” Delaney teased. Caroline already liked the straightforward woman.
Rachel sat on the bed and grabbed a pillow, hugging it to her body. “I’m happy for you, Riley, truly. I guess I thought Matthew and I might be married first. It’s not a competition thing. Matthew never wants to sit down and discuss a date.”
“Did you talk to him about it?” Rebecca asked. “Maybe he plans to wait until after your father’s trial. It’s coming up soon. Then, you’ll have the past behind you and a future to work toward.”
Shrugging, Rachel twined a curl around her shoulder, appearing downcast about the subject.
Rebecca brought out Riley’s bridal boots, making everyone ewww and ahhh. “They fit your style perfectly,” Rebecca gushed.
“Thank you. I didn’t want to spend the money, but Garrett insisted I stop thinking about finances for the day and have fun,” she said, smiling and turning in the full-length mirror, checking the boots.
Rebecca nodded toward the other women. “It’s a tradition to have something borrowed, something blue, and something new on your wedding day. We each have something for you.”
Caroline rose from her spot and handed her a shiny new penny to put inside her boot. “It’s supposed to bring you luck. Thank you for including me today. I wish you all the best.”
“Thank you,” Riley said, dropping it into her boot and under her foot.
“Two new things,” Rachel said, holding out a white box with a bright blue bow attached.
“How come I dread what’s inside of this beautiful box?” Riley said, teasing her friend.
“Because you have no imagination and I do. Now, open it,” she insisted.
Riley pulled on the ribbon and drew out the beautiful bridal nightgown. The top half was adorned with pearls and lace, with ribbons tied at the shoulder and dangling down the arm. The bottom appeared layered with sheer soft tulle with a slit, showing a peak of what Riley hid underneath the layers.
“It’s beautiful,” Riley gushed. “I half-expected a see-through nightie.”
Rachel grinned. “I bought one with the intention of giving it to you, but I liked it and kept it. Matthew loved it.”
Rebecca rolled her eyes. “She’s back.”
Delaney presented her with a small box with a handmade blue garter. “In my nesting phase, I crocheted three blankets, and then I made this lace. It seemed appropriate for the day.”
“You’re beyond talented, Delaney. When I return home, I want you to teach me how to knit and crochet,” Riley said as Rebecca slid the delicate fabric over her boot and up her leg.
Rebecca rose and handed her an envelope.
“Julio and I wanted you to have a honeymoon to remember. Before you say anything, Tara will be safe with us, and it’s already done.
Spending a week thirty minutes away from your home doesn’t make a honeymoon.
Take time for the two of you,” Rebecca advised.
“You’re raising your kid sister, but today is about new beginnings with the man you love.
We contacted Victoria Rostov from Serenity, and she’s agreed to lend you her Irish estate for the week.
The jet landed and will leave later this evening. Tara helped pack your bag.”
“Oh, no, Rebecca. We can’t accept it. It’s way too much,” Riley said, shaking her head.
“Victoria didn’t charge for the lodging. We borrow the plane from Kassie Winters from time to time, who supports this team. She won’t hear of taking a dime because you’re part of our family now.”
Riley hugged Rebecca. “I’m traveling to Ireland,” she said excitedly. “I haven’t left the US. Don’t I need a passport?”
Delaney chuckled. “Remember when Tara took your picture for the art class against the wall, and then you signed up for a field trip? Your passport arrived a few weeks ago, thanks to her.”
“What a goose,” Riley exclaimed. As if on cue, Tara walked into the room.
“You’re stunning, Riley. Mom would cry if she saw you now. Don’t worry about me. Garrett left me a list of rules which covers the entire fridge door and chores. The man’s going on a honeymoon, and he took the time to make a chore list for me,” Tara grumbled, laughing.
“Does he know we’re going?” Riley asked.
“Nope. He wrote my list after you talked him into staying at a hotel thirty minutes away. I don’t want to think about what he might add knowing he’s leaving the country,” the teen exclaimed, making the women laugh. “I brought you this,” Tara said, holding out a box to Riley.
Sitting on a stool in front of the makeup vanity, Riley opened the box and took out a necklace with a turquoise heart and a pair of earrings made of the same material and set with tiny diamonds.
“Tara,” Riley gushed. “Where did you get the money to pay for this?”
“Amy gave me some extra chores, and Garrett took me to the jeweler in town, who made your rings. I hope you don’t mind, but I gave him mom’s necklace.
One day, you’ll have a family of your own, and I’ll be at college.
We can’t keep sharing it. He took the pendant and made each of us a set.
We can both have Mom with us,” she said, pulling out her matching necklace from her collar.
“I’m letting you borrow my earrings for the ceremony. ”
“Oh, Tara,” Riley whispered, astonished.
“Please don’t be mad. Mom wants us to each have a part of her. Garrett paid for the diamonds. He said it’ll match your wedding band, and you brought the sparkle into his life.”
Riley dabbed at her eyes, overcome with emotion.
Caroline swiped the tears from her cheeks, feeling the same way. With both of her parents gone and no family, she doubted she’d ever experience the kind of love and joy she saw before her.
“It’s almost time,” Delaney announced. “Tara, get downstairs and make sure Jameson has the rings, and tell him to hightail their butts to the arch. We have a wedding to celebrate.”
Tara turned, running down the steps. Rachel made some last-minute adjustments to Riley’s hair before ushering her out of the room.
Rebecca held up the small train while she went down the stairs.
Caroline followed, holding her stomach as the knots twisted at seeing Jameson again.
She knew he returned home a few days ago, but he never came to see her.
The wedding music played, and Rebecca, Rachel, and Caroline took their seats. Feeling the heat of Jameson’s gaze on her, Caroline refused to glance in his direction, watching the bride walk up the aisle.
Riley beamed and glowed as she smiled at Garrett. A tear ran down her cheek as Tara escorted her to the groom. Caroline watched as Garrett’s chest puffed out and he swiped at his eyes, full of emotion at seeing his bride walking toward him.
The lump in her throat grew larger as she took in the scene, feeling sad at all she had lost. At one point, she thought Jameson cared about her. Instead, he saw her as a job, then as a friend.
Riley exchanged her vows. “I, Riley, take you, Garret, to be my husband. To have and to hold from this day forward. To love and cherish you always in sickness or in health.”
“What about obey?” Garrett said, teasingly.
“You’re not the boss of me,” she said, laughing. The small group joined in, knowing Riley’s favorite phrase for Garrett.
“I, Garrett, take you, Riley, as my wife. To have and to hold from this day forward. To love and cherish you in sickness and in health. You’re my entire world, sweetheart.
You have my heart forever, Riley,” he said, gazing into her eyes.
Caroline dabbed hers with the tissue as she witnessed the strong bond between them.