Chapter 10
The Big Day
Addy
Looking at myself in the full length mirror, I can’t hold back my tears.
“Now stop that. Not that you need any makeup, but we don’t need any raccoon eyes on your wedding day.” Cece gives me a wink over my shoulder before wrapping her arms around me. “You look stunning, Addy. I’m so happy for you.”
“Me too.” I sniffle.
My eyes drift over my gown and I feel instantly fortunate for the years of modeling. It finally gave back after all of the years feeling as if I was that prized cow on display.
This dress wasn’t what I’d envisioned in my youth. Yet, who knew I’d settle in to small town life in Sycamore Mountain back then. Sure, the four of us agreed we were going to have our heart’s desires on our big day. Dresses, food, décor… there was no holding back. But the high fashion gowns no longer felt like me. This Carolina Herrara blush colored A-line sleeveless gown had a deep V neckline that was the most flattering of all of the dresses I tried on. It was embellished in tiny iridescent gemstones along the bodice. It was playful and fun. Just like Trevor and me. After the years of modeling stuffy couture gowns, this simply felt right.
“I would’ve never picked this for you. But it’s absolutely perfect,” Cece said with tears in her eyes.
“Stop that. Who’s going to have raccoon eyes now?”
Cece waves her hand through the air. “I’m good.” Sniff. “So, tell me how this is going to work, again. Are you all saying your vows together?”
“No, nothing like that. Although we talked about it. We were just worried it would feel too much like an assembly line. Do you take this man? And you? And you?” I giggle. “So, Quinn had the thought that we would each have a more personal moment for the wedding and first dance, then share the reception.”
Cece claps. “Oh, I love that idea.”
“I’m up first. Then our wedding song will play as we head down the aisle as husband and wife. We’ll have our first dance, then change into our reception attire to return for the rest of our friends’ ceremonies.”
“You won’t have much chance to wear your wedding dress.”
“Oh, this wedding is so unconventional.” I snicker. “The eight of us got dressed in our attire and took photos this morning with everyone.” I turn to her. “Don’t worry. I’ll get some with you and Alden before I change.”
“You better.” Cece snivels again.
“Oh my gosh, stop that. This is a fun day.”
Cece fluffs my dress behind me. “So, your mom and dad and Bradley aren’t coming?”
“No. But to be honest, I’m actually happy about it. That is way more stress than I wanted today. She’s going to hold a reception later. I’ll wear a white dress.” I put air quotes around white dress. “And take some anxiety medication so I can deal with all of it.”
Knock, knock.
“I’ll get it.” Cece swiftly moves to the door. “Who is it?”
“It’s Quinn. Just dropping off Addy’s flowers.”
She quickly opens the door and a gasp escapes behind me.
“You just saw me in this a few hours ago.” I laugh.
“Yeah, but we were all dressed up at the same time. That kinda felt like a costume party.” She giggles. She’s not wrong. “You look stunning, Addison.”
I rotate back to the mirror. I’d decided to wear my hair down in loose waves, despite the warm temperatures. I can always put it up after I change for the remainder of the ceremonies and reception. But Trevor likes my hair down. So down it is.
“Oh, these are gorgeous. Did Tuesday design these?” Cece asks. She carries my bouquet of white and blue hydrangeas wrapped in gauzy burlap ribbon. It’s exactly how I pictured it. The blue of the flowers reminds me of Trevor’s deep blue eyes.
“Yes. It was such fun picking them out,” Quinn adds. “The four of us sat around her shop and played with different options until she knew what we wanted.”
Cece wraps her arms around my waist once more. “I’m so glad I get to have ringside seats to this incredible day.”
“Me too, Cece. Me too.”
* * *
As the wedding march begins to play, my heart is suddenly in my throat. I don’t know why I’m so nervous. I mean, there’s nothing formal about this affair. I’m surrounded by friends who want only the very best for me. And the man of my dreams is standing a few feet away wearing a brilliant smile, tears shining in his eyes. Heck, I don’t even need to be nervous about reciting my vows.
After multiple discussions with the girls, it was clear the boys could not be trusted to write vows. They had input into the reception menu, their attire, and each of our wedding songs. Plus, while we shared a large multi-tiered wedding cake at the reception, I’d created four groom’s cakes based upon their input. The vows on the other hand were getting more and more ridiculous with each rendition. The four of us agree, it was likely intentional. The more outlandish their vows, the less likely they’d actually have to write them.
So, we stuck with the traditional. We skipped a wedding party, as our groomsmen and bridesmaids were all getting married alongside us. Well, all but Dave anyway. And while Trevor was the only one who had nephews living close enough to be ring bearers, he quickly nixed that. They’d manage to either lose the rings or knock over half of the guests when they came down the aisle like a couple of wild monkeys.
As I stand before my man, the mountains and evergreens the backdrop for our momentous occasion, my heart continues to beat ferociously against my ribs.
He whispers under his breath, “You look so beautiful, sassy.”
I grin back at him as Battalion Chief Roberson stands ready to officiate our ceremony. Okay, let’s just be for real. The fact that he’s marrying each of the boys is likely a bigger deal than the dress, the flowers, the cake, or the food. Quinn said Jason had asked him multiple times if he was sure, having volunteered once he heard that the boys were delaying their honeymoon to ensure the station’s shifts were all covered.
Staring up at Trevor like a heart eye emoji, I quickly discover I must’ve said my vows on autopilot. Because in the blink of an eye, we’re exchanging rings.
“I now pronounce you man and wife.”
Trevor steps forward, pulls me against him before dipping me back and planting a kiss worthy of a rom-com on my lips. I’m practically giddy at this point. As he pulls me upright, the chords to our wedding song begins.
“Sugar” by Maroon 5.
Our guests all break out into uncontrollable laughter and claps as Trevor spins me as we head down the aisle toward the dance floor behind us. Instead of picking my choice, “All of Me” by John Legend, Adam Levine sings about that red velvet and needing that sugar sweet, and it almost sounds like a commercial for the bakery. But as with everything else about this wedding so far, it’s perfect.
Tuesday
“You all set?” my mother asks behind me.
“Yes. I’m ready.” I still can’t believe this is really happening. I’m about to marry the only man I’ve ever loved. My brother’s best friend, Alex Bell. As my mother fastens my veil to the back of my up-do, I allow my eyes to travel the length of my dress.
I admit, I felt bad that I made the decision to marry with my three friends without speaking first to my mom and dad. I’m my mother’s only daughter. So much of the future she’d envisioned for me didn’t work out as she’d hoped. Then I went and stole this from her too.
Yet when I asked her to help me pick out my gown and offered my sincere apology for being so self-centered, she quickly swatted my arm. “Tuesday Palmer. We could’ve lost you. Instead, we gained another son. I’m thrilled for the two of you. You have nothing to apologize for. I’m only grateful to have the chance to be there on your special day,” she’d scolded.
She was actually the one to find the perfect dress. After what seemed like hours of flipping through dresses that didn’t appeal to me, she walked over with a sweet white gown with a sweetheart neckline and a full tule skirt. There was a modest amount of lace along the bodice, but otherwise it was free of any adornments. She knew as well as I did that my bouquet was going to be all the adornment I needed.
Mom slid a small stem of Baby’s Breath into the ornate swirls of my up-do above my right ear. My locks had been artistically designed by Ellie’s friend, Charlene. Ellie was right. She’s an absolute magician.
Each of the girls’ bouquets had turned out beautifully, but I had to admit I was partial to mine. Of course, summer wedding or not, I’d have to include sunflowers large and small. They were interwoven with greenery, and wrapped with a burlap ribbon to match the others.
There was a mix of flowers throughout the ceremony and reception site. I’d decided to keep the ones near the officiant limited to pretty planters so as not to compete with the natural scenery of Sycamore Mountain. The reception was decorated with wildflowers around the periphery, while the table tops housed vintage vases containing flowers similar to those each bride carried in her bouquet. It had been my crowning achievement to date. Getting up with the sun, my mother and I managed to get everything accomplished in plenty of time. Not only would the pictures we took serve as great marketing for my shop, but it went a long way to demonstrating my love of all things floral to my mother.
Oh, Tuesday. You have such a gift. Don’t get me wrong, you would’ve made an excellent nurse. You’re so gentle and caring. But this is truly your calling.
Unlike Addison, I had my mother and father escort me down the aisle when my time came. Addison has such a strong, bold personality. It suited her to walk independently to meet her groom. But there were some traditional things about my wedding day I wasn’t willing to let go of.
Standing before me in a sand colored linen suit, Alex didn’t bother masking his tears as I got closer. There was no doubt he was the love of my life. And for all intents and purposes, I was his. Reaching forward, I swipe the tear from his eye.
“Thanks, Sunny T.”
I’m so overwhelmed with emotion I can’t push words past my lips to respond. I only hope I can find my voice when the time comes to recite my vows.
Thankfully I do. With Chief Roberson’s assistance, we are at the ring exchange in no time. I lean in for our first kiss, expecting nothing but modest, appropriate behavior given his Battalion Chief is standing right next to him. But no…
Alex bends down, scoops me up over his shoulder in a fireman carry. My hands fly to my chest to ensure the girls stay tucked inside my strapless gown as I catch a glimpse of my mother laughing hysterically.
The opening notes to “Just The Way You Are” by Bruno Mars begins to play as we reach the dance floor and I let out a cackle at the man in front of me. So much for traditional.
Quinn
“You look absolutely stunning, Quinn.” My sweet friend, Callie says from beside me. “I’m so happy for you.” She swipes away a tear.
“Thank you. I’m pretty happy for me too.” I giggle nervously. I have no idea what I’m anxious about. My relationship with Jason has been all I’ve dreamt of and more. He’s never once given me pause. Okay, maybe when my friends were getting engaged and we seemed like two ships passing in the night. But otherwise, he’s been the most doting, loving boyfriend.
While he seems to perseverate on our age difference, it doesn’t bother anyone else. Heck, I think my father and his were more excited about our wedding than we were. And while Jason has grown enough to allow Ian to visit and even go fishing with him on occasion, I know they’ll never be where they once were. And that’s okay. He’s allowed to let Ian into his life at his own pace. If it’s never more than this, it’s still more than my brother deserves.
But I’m thrilled at the progress. If nothing more than to have Joy here on my special day. I can’t wait to spin her around in her wheelchair on the dance floor. There won’t need to be any Edison bulbs hanging over the dance floor this evening when the party is in full swing. Joy’s smile will light up the entire space.
“This gown,” Callie sighs. “It’s breathtaking.”
“It was all Addison.” My dear friend managed to reach out to one of the boutique’s in Washington D.C. she had done some modeling for to locate dresses for us. Unless we all wanted to look like extras on the set of Gone With The Wind , we wouldn’t find anything suitable around here. And I’d always pictured a figure hugging gown in lace, not satin ribbons and hoop skirts.
“Is this your bouquet?”
Glancing over my shoulder, my eyes land on the all white collection of roses and peonies Tuesday put together. She’d taken my thoughts and run with it. “Yes. She did an amazing job with them, didn’t she?”
“Yes. The entire venue is breathtaking.”
“Doesn’t hurt to have friends who own a bakery, a floral shop, and the best restaurant in town. Just wait until you try Ellie’s food.”
“I’m excited after everything you’ve told me. It’s a shame she had to cook for her own wedding.”
I giggle. “That’s what I said. But she quickly corrected me. She said she was cooking for her friends’ wedding.”
Knock, knock.
Callie opens the door, and my sweet dad takes one look at me and immediately covers his face to hide his tears.
“Dad.”
“I just need a minute.”
Oh. My heart.
“How is my little girl so grown up?”
I shrug my shoulders, my voice trapped in my throat. The emotions of the day are starting to get the best of me.
Callie reaches behind me to attach the long veil to the back of my hair. I’d gone back and forth about how to wear it, but Charlene styled it so beautifully I couldn’t imagine putting it up.
“It’s that time,” my father says seeming to have controlled his earlier reaction.
We head downstairs and wait for the signal to proceed. My eyes scan the area to the left. It appears to be a staging area for the food and cakes for the reception. One more ceremony after mine and the party will be under way. My eyes land on the four grooms’ cakes and I bend over in a fit of giggles.
“What?” My dad asks in shock.
“Look.” I point toward the four tier cake surrounded by comical smaller confections. One is a simple cake with what appears to be a heavy steel chain linked with a heavy ball. There is one that is shaped like a fish. A small sunfish. The third is shaped like a T-bone steak with a can of beer beside it. The last is decorated like a Chicago Bears football helmet. Guess that one belongs to my soon to be husband.
“Ha. Can’t wait to bite into that steak.” Dad chuckles.
As the wedding march begins to play, we make our way down the aisle to Jason. He’s standing tall, beaming at me in his full Captain’s uniform. Once I get closer, I can see the unshed tears in his eyes.
“Hi, short stuff.”
“Hi,” I say dreamily up at him. Holy shit. How is this my life right now?
The Chief rattles off vows that must feel like he’s starring in an episode of GroundHog Day. In the blink of an eye, the vows are over and the rings are on our fingers. He pronounces us husband and wife and gives Jason a kind smile.
“Jason.”
“Yes, sir?”
“You may kiss your bride.”
It’s as if he knew he’d have to give him permission to kiss in front of him.
Jason cups my face with his large, calloused hands and kisses me like his very life depends on it. My head is practically spinning in the aftermath. I almost don’t realize it’s time to walk back down the aisle to our song until I hear the disco beat and bend over cackling again.
Of all the songs. “Finally” by CeCe Peniston. This man. Something tells me there will never be a dull moment with him around.
Ellie
“Charlene, is it too tight?” I run my hands down my flowy simple dress. It has a bohemian feel about it and I instantly fell in love with it. It hugs my curves without making me self-conscious. The look and feel of it is perfect for a summer outdoor wedding. If only I hadn’t sampled so much of the food lately.
“Babe, are you crazy? It looks perfect.” She comes closer. “You look perfect.”
Charlene had woven my auburn locks into a half up-do that was both intricate and whimsical all at the same time. She’d placed a few sprigs of brightly colored wild flowers in the back in lieu of a veil.
“And your makeup is flawless if I say so myself. You’re positively glowing.”
“Thank you for helping me with everything. Is Harrison here with Harlow? I knew there was some concern about getting everyone here.”
“Ellie.” Charlene balls her fists on her hips. “You know there is absolutely no way he’d miss your wedding. He just chartered a private jet to fly me, him, Harlow, the boys, and the boys’ fathers here.”
“Oh my God.” I laugh.
“Don’t worry. Rob and Jimmy are at the lake fishing. Matt got them all set up.”
“Oh, they could’ve come to the wedding.”
“Trust me. They want no part of the ceremony. But you’ll probably see them at the reception. I just hope they don’t reek of fish.”
“Well, just blame it on the cake.”
She snorts. “What on earth kind of wedding cake did you guys choose that will smell like that?”
“No. Trevor’s groom’s cake is shaped like a sunfish. Apparently, it’s a joke among the brothers at his old fire station back home.”
“Ah.”
My eyes land on my bouquet by the door. “Can you hand me those?”
Charlene carries the collection of wild flowers wrapped in burlap ribbon over to me. “Oh, Ellie. It looks just like the ones from Pop’s yard.”
I sniffle. “I know. It feels like he’s here with me.”
She comes closer, wrapping me in her arms. “There’s no doubt he is.”
We make our way down to the wedding venue and my eyes fill with tears as I spot Salty Jo. “What?”
“Oh, Harrison also brought Jo.”
I turn to my friend, my face in utter shock.
“You look beautiful, Ellie. Your Pops would be so proud.”
Charlene smacks his arm. “Now don’t go ruining her makeup, Jo.”
He holds up his hands in mock surrender. “Sorry, sorry.”
As the wedding march begins, Jo escorts me down the aisle to my teenage crush, the love of my life. Matt stands before me in a light gray suit, looking every bit the heart throb he was back in our high school days.
“Hi, baby. You look so pretty.”
“I love you.”
Matt leans in and places a kiss on my cheek. The crowd erupts in laughter as the Battalion Chief clears his throat and Matt jumps back in an overdramatic fashion.
The Chief recites the vows one last time and my mind wanders to our guests. They must be as sick of hearing them as the Chief is.
After exchanging rings, Chief Robertson clears his throat. Both Matt’s and my eyes flick over to him when we hear nothing but awkward silence. “Now, you can kiss your bride.”
Our guests laugh and clap good naturedly as Matt pulls me against him and kisses me with such reverence it could light up the night’s sky.
The opening notes of our chosen wedding song begin to play, and Matt gives me a knowing wink. He spins me down the aisle as “Joy” by Andy Grammer begins to play. We hear the crowd clapping along and swaying to the beat of the music. I assume it’s because they’ve endured four ceremonies and are more than ready for the party to begin.
The crowd pours out of their seats, following along behind us and the other three newly married couples. As with those before us, we are front and center on the dance floor to finish out the dance. Yet, unlike the rest, we put a little extra choreography into our number.
As Andy Grammer sings of how he found joy, bought her a rock, and made her his wife, the guests ooh and aah. Yet when he sings how he can’t believe she gave him two more of her, Matt drops down on both knees and kisses my belly.
“Oh my God!”
My head spins to find Charlene with her hands covering her mouth. She simply can’t help herself and runs out onto the dance floor. “Is that why you were worried about your dress?”
I’m so choked up I can only nod. Okay, I’ll blame it on hormones. Collective gasps are heard from around us as my three friends come running over.
“You’re pregnant?” Addison belts out.
“Yes.”
“Wait.”
We all turn to look at Tuesday.
“The song said two more of her.”
Multiple sets of eyes are on me now. Matt can’t help himself. He stands tall and proud. “Just call me Super Sperm!”
* * *
An hour later, everyone has had the opportunity to eat their fill of Ellie’s incredible food. Dave stands and clinks his champagne glass rousing the crowd’s attention. “Thank you everyone for coming to the wedding of the century. If I’m every lucky enough to find Mrs. Right, we have our work cut out for us to compete with this.”
A low rumble of laughter echoes amongst the guests at his remarks.
“For the record, I admit I’m likely the only man on the planet to say he’s feeling a little left out of the wedding festivities.” His words are met with more snickers. “But I’ve watched as four of the greatest men around, met their perfect partners. If I manage to find a girl who is even half the woman that Addison, Tuesday, Ellie, and Quinn are, I’ll be fortunate indeed.”
There are numerous “Here here’s” from those in attendance along with clinking of water glasses by utensils.
My gaze flicks from the proud countenance of my new husband, back to Dave. But it’s not his loving words that steals my attention. It’s the look in his eyes. I follow the direction of his stare to find Charlene blinking back at him.
What? When did this happen?
I quickly give a silent prayer that the universe sends a miracle their way. Sitting up taller in my seat at the very idea, my heart begins to race. If only these two could find their way to one another. They’d be perfect together.
And if Dave could get my best friend to move here to Sycamore Mountain, I’d truly have it all.
The End