Chapter 26
Laine
I worked from Abdo’s room yesterday to end my week, and Jack was able to be there most of the day as well. Abdo’s fever and infection seem to have cleared, and he’s almost back to where he was before this happened. He’s still got some healing to do from his last surgery, but they’re close to allowing him to move out of the ICU and into the children’s ward.
Today, I’m trying to get my brain to a totally different place, as Jack and I are getting ready to attend Henry and Allison’s wedding. We’re headed to the newly opened MacLean Museum and Botanical Garden. It’s barely ready for visitors, and now, thanks to Allison and Henry, it’s the hottest wedding venue in town.
“Is this okay?” I ask, smoothing out my shiny satin dress. It has a high neckline and short sleeves, but it hugs all my curves. Damn Trish for lending me this dress. I want a piece of cake tonight.
“You look stunning.” Jack kisses my neck, and it sends a shiver through me.
He looks hot as hell in his Tom Ford tuxedo, and Trish even got him a matching tie. “You look pretty good yourself.”
I pull out the necklace he gave me when we’d been dating a year—a round diamond on a platinum chain with matching earrings. It’s simple and elegant. Perfect for this occasion.
“Stop fussing,” he tells me. “You look fantastic.”
“Well, this will be the first time we’re out together as a couple with people other than your friends.” I center the necklace on my neck. “There are going to be hundreds of people there.”
“You could throw them for a real loop and wear your engagement ring.”
I give him a look. “No way. We’re not there yet, and I don’t want tongues to wag.”
“I completely agree,” he says. “Shall we?”
As we drive the short distance across town, my stomach rolls. I really am nervous about this. This doesn’t mean that everything is the same as before , I remind myself. And it’s also doesn’t mean that everything before was terrible. My mind is whirling, and my palms are sweaty.
Jack glances over at me and takes my hand. “Don’t worry. We’ll be fine,” he says.
When we arrive at the MacLean Museum, the place is even more magnificent than I imagined. The air is filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers, and the scenery is breathtaking. How Vivienne MacLean managed to get such a large piece of property in the city is beyond me, and the rolling landscaping makes it seem as if we’re far from Vancouver.
The wedding has valet parking, so we wait in a line with four cars in front of us before we can finally get out.
“Welcome to the MacLean Museum and Botanical Garden,” a woman greets us with her clipboard. “What are your names?”
“Dr. Jonathan Drake and Ms. Adalaine Seymour,” Jack says, winking at me.
“Welcome to the Pate-Martin wedding,” she says with a nod. “The ceremony will be held in the Orchid Garden. You’re welcome to wander the grounds, but we will close seating at three-forty-five, and the ceremony will begin promptly at four.”
We follow the path toward the ceremony area, and there are already many people here.
I immediately spot Jack’s father. He’s frowning at me. I forgot he was going to be here.
“Ignore him,” Jack whispers.
I squeeze his bicep. Then I see Trish, which is much better.
“Will you sit with me?” she asks as she approaches. “Phillip is in the wedding.”
“Of course,” Jack tells her, and we get in line to be seated. There will be plenty of time to explore the grounds later.
The string quartet plays a beautiful melody that I can’t place, but it soon dissolves into Debussy’s “Clair de Lune.” The seating area is filling up, and as we’re escorted to our seats, I spot several people I recognize from Allison’s television show and a few of her movies.
We sit down, but soon, we’re up again as Steve and Eliza scoot by us to sit on the other side of Trish.
“Do you think it would be rude to ask for autographs?” Trish whispers.
Eliza and I both silently chuckle. “Go for it,” she says. “And see if you can get Tucker Russell’s phone number for me.”
“What would you do with that?” Steve challenges.
She smiles. “Isn’t he on my freebie list?”
“No, you have no one on your freebie list,” he counters.
Eliza winks at us.
The music changes, and Henry and his brothers take their places at the front.
“He’s not even nervous,” Jack marvels.
My heart lurches, and I look over at him. “If you’re visibly nervous, the situation might be something to question.”
Jack turns to me. “I think standing in front of a large crowd of people like this would be nerve wracking.” He takes my hand. “No matter how joyous the occasion.”
Before I can respond to that, the music changes again, and an Episcopal priest takes her place at the front. We turn toward the back to watch an actress I recognize from Allison’s Disney Channel days come down the aisle. Then comes an actress from Allison’s last show here in Vancouver, followed by another actress from the show. And finally, Paisley walks up. All of the bridesmaids are dressed in elegant black gowns that could easily make it on any red carpet.
Paisley’s sister, Arabella, comes along holding her nephew in her arms, followed by a little girl I don’t recognize. The girl dusts the floor with red rose petals as she walks, and Paisley’s son is chewing on the ring pillow. That gets a lot of laughs.
When the music changes to the traditional Wedding March, we all stand, and Allison walks down the aisle, looking stunning in her white lace gown. Her hair is up in an elegant twist, and she’s truly a beautiful bride. Suddenly, I feel Jack’s hand on my back, and I turn to look at him, wondering what he wants.
“Thank you for coming with me today,” he whispers.
I smile in return.
The ceremony is traditional and beautiful, very different from Paisley and Davis’s wedding in the South Pacific where we all wore our best beachwear.
This wedding includes a several musical selections and communion for all. And the priest’s words about Allison and Henry bring tears to my eyes. Their vows are heartfelt, and there aren’t many dry eyes in the house. I steal glances at Jack, and he catches me every time, giving me a reassuring smile.
After communion, the priest gives the traditional blessing, and Allison and Henry have a very hot kiss.
The bride and groom leave with their wedding party during the recessional, and the audience moves by rows to the reception area, where the party is immediately in full swing. The music is loud and the drinks are flowing, and I can feel myself finally letting go of my nerves.
We’re moved to an even larger set of tents while the wedding party go for photos. The wedding planner comes to collect Trish, and I grin from ear to ear. They want her in the family photos, which is fantastic. The days will soon be over when Trish and I refer to each other as our only family. I’m so happy for her.
“What can I get you to drink?” Jack asks.
“White wine is probably safest. Maybe something sparkling?”
Jack nods. “I’ll be right back.” I watch as he skirts his way through the crowd.
“I’m surprised to see you here.” I turn to find Jack’s father standing behind me.
“Good to see you, Mr. Drake.” I smile at his girlfriend.
“I wish I could say the same,” he laments.
I stand up straight. If someone makes a scene here this evening, it isn’t going to be me. “What can I do for you?”
“Why are you even here? You don’t belong.”
I take a deep breath to calm my nerves. “These are my friends, and I’m your son’s date.”
“You can leave my son alone.”
I look around. “He’s not even with me right now.”
Suddenly, Eliza steps forward. “John, you haven’t ever introduced me to your girlfriend.”
He cuts me a laser-eyed look before turning toward Eliza. “Eliza, please meet Stephanie. You two may have some things in common.”
Eliza smiles at her. “Do you enjoy football games?”
Stephanie looks at John. “Not really. I can barely follow a hockey game.”
Eliza nods, raising her eyebrows. “What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?”
Stephanie looks at John and giggles. “Shopping mostly.”
Eliza nods again, and even I can see they have little in common.
John clears his throat. “Don’t forget what I said,” he tells me. “Stephanie, let’s go find our table.” He takes her by the elbow.
I lean in as they turn to go. “By the way, I gave your check to your son. But I bet if you were to offer it to Stephanie, she would cash it for you.”
He grumbles and disappears into the crowd.
“Here you go,” Jack presents me with a beautiful, pale pink cocktail in a champagne flute.
“You just missed your dad,” I say. I’m kicking myself for being petty. I let him get to me, and I shouldn’t have. I’m better than that.
Jack’s shoulders fall. “What did he want?”
“To intimidate Laine,” Eliza says. “But she stood her ground very well.”
I give my practiced smile. “Thank you. I shouldn’t have said that last part.”
Eliza isn’t listening because she sees Steve. “I think we’re at the same table. See you there.” She wends herself through the crowd, leaving Jack and me standing by ourselves.
“Start at the beginning,” Jack says.
I replay the interaction for him, including my dig at Stephanie.
Suddenly, his lips are on mine. “I love it!” he says when we break apart.
I shake my head. “I should have just smiled and not let him know he’d gotten to me. He went low, and I went right there with him.”
“I wouldn’t worry about him,” Jack assures me.
“I don’t know what I did to him to make him dislike me so much. Has he told you?” I narrow my eyes. “If you know, please tell me. I’d rather know than be left in the dark.”
Jack shrugs. “I wish I knew, but it makes no sense. Anyway, his opinion doesn’t matter.”
I try to smile, but my stomach is in knots.
“Do you want to leave?” Jack whispers, his eyes searching mine. “We can go if you’re not feeling well.”
I shake my head, trying to calm the butterflies in my stomach. “No, I’m fine. I want to stay.” I squeeze his hand.
He nods. “Let’s figure out where we’re supposed to sit, then.”
We weave through the crowd, stopping over and over to say hello.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” Julia Martin says as she gives me a hug.
“Thank you for having me,” I say.
“Sweetheart, you are a part of my family. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
We finally find our table underneath the tent, and after setting down my things, I spot Trish standing next to Phillip.
I make my way over, and she pulls me into an embrace. “What did you think?”
“So beautiful. It’s going to get full press coverage.”
Paisley rushes up, her eyes wide. “Look over my right shoulder. It’s Tom Driver.”
Trish and I both look, and sure enough, it’s him.
“His smile is insured for a million dollars,” Trish says.
“He just asked me for my autograph,” Paisley says, shaking her head.
“Of course, he did,” I tell her. “You’re a celebrity yourself. Only your medium is different.”
“I can’t believe all the people who are here,” Trish says as she looks around.
“I’m really happy for Allison,” I say.
Everyone nods in agreement. We chat a bit longer, and when a bell rings, everyone returns to their tables.
Trish and Phillip are sitting at the head table, so I get to watch her and Phillip all night. The new couple finally arrives, and as they’re introduced, Phillip tells a funny story about his older brother accidentally swimming with a bear. The toasts that follow are warm and kind-spirited, which is the feel of the entire evening. This is such a supportive, caring group of people. Except for Jack’s dad. But that’s not going to spoil my night.
After a delicious dinner, Jack and I hit the dance floor, swaying together to the music. It feels like we’re the only two people in the world. The music fades into the background as we kiss. His hands trail down my back, sending shivers along my spine. I know we’re putting on a show, but I can’t bring myself to pull away.
“Excuse me, please,” a voice interrupts, and we break apart reluctantly. It’s the wedding planner, a stern expression on her face. “I’m sorry, but we need to clear the dance floor. It’s time for the bouquet toss.”
We laugh awkwardly, embarrassed at being caught in a heated moment. We make our way back to our table, and I can feel everyone’s eyes on us.
Allison tosses the bouquet, and I watch as Trish catches it effortlessly. She winks at me, though, and I can’t help but smile. Maybe it’s a sign that things are looking up for me and Jack.
As the night wears on, Jack and I dance more, drink more, and let ourselves go. The excitement of being out together, without any responsibilities, is almost too much.
At the end of the evening, the cool night air hits me, bringing me back to reality. But Jack’s arm is around my waist, and I feel safe and content.
“I love you,” he says, looking at me with those piercing blue eyes.
“I love you too,” I reply.
We kiss under the stars, under the full moon, our bodies pressed together. It’s a moment of pure passion, pure love, and I never want it to end.
But end it does, and the valet brings the car so we can head home. The night has been fantastic, and I know I will remember it for years to come.