14. Who Doesnt Love a Wedding
14
Who Doesn't Love a Wedding
C HAPTER FOURTEEN
Rosalind
“Everything changes tomorrow.” I said to Daniel, as we walked along the sandy beach after our quiet dinner, enjoying the last sunset together before we became man and wife.
The sun cast the last of its glow over the beach as Daniel and I strolled hand in hand, enjoying the cool ocean breeze. The waves lapped just a short distance away. Soothing us both after a busy day. “Can you believe we’re getting married?” I grinned up at him. “At times I thought this day would never come, but now that I’m looking back, it’s only been a matter of months. Are we crazy for moving so fast?”
“I know what you mean. Sometimes it seems like I moved to Lonesome Bay Island yesterday, but here we are in April.” Daniel replied, his eyes scanning the horizon. “And so much has changed in such a short time, but it feels like we’ve waited forever.”
“Tell me about it! You went from the grumpy tourist to the town’s favorite doctor,” I teased, nudging him playfully.
Daniel chuckled, a more common sound these days that always warmed my heart. “I guess I’ve mellowed out a bit. And you ... you’ve been my rock through it all, Rosie. The renovations, getting the clinic running, and the wedding plans? We’ve accomplished so much in such a short time, and I couldn’t have asked for a better partner.”
As we continued walking, I felt a surge of gratitude for the simple moments like this. The way he looked at me, the way he cared for our community. It all made me fall for him again and again. Daniel had been a grump on the surface at first, but underneath, he’d been hiding a heart of gold.
We shared more stories and laughter, the weight of tomorrow’s ceremony momentarily forgotten in the joy of the present. Walking side by side with Daniel, I knew a sense of safety and belonging stronger than anything I could recall.
Daniel’s eyes shone with pride and contentment. “It’s been quite the journey. My practice is thriving, and I even found another doctor to help. That’s allowed me time to focus more on the family business with my mom. I’ve learned so much from her already, and I’m feeling much closer to her after these last few weeks. Maybe I’m not the only one who’s ‘mellowed’.”
“Dr. Westbrook, businessman and entrepreneur,” I teased, nudging him playfully with my shoulder.
He chuckled, a warmth in his eyes that made my heart skip a beat. “I still prefer helping people over crunching numbers, but it’s all part of the package now.”
As we walked, the topic shifted to us, to our relationship and the way the town had responded ever since our engagement announcement. The locals had taken a liking to us as a couple, which was both endearing and amusing.
“Looks like we’re the ‘it’ couple around here,” I remarked, a hint of sarcasm in my tone. “I wonder who’s going to take our place after tomorrow?”
Daniel grinned, squeezing my hand. “Who would’ve thought the grumpy outsider and the charming inn receptionist would cause such a fuss?”
“I guess that’s what you get in a small town.”
“Tomorrow’s the big day,” Daniel said softly, his gaze tender. “I can’t wait to call you my wife, Rosie.”
My heart swelled with joy at his words, feeling a rush of emotions at the thought of becoming Mrs. Westbrook. Leaning in, I pressed a gentle kiss to his lips, savoring the moment.
“Me too, my love,” I whispered against his cheek. “Me too.” Resting my head on his shoulder.
In the morning, the first light of dawn snuck through the curtains, casting a golden hue over the room. I awoke, my heart racing with a blend of exhilaration and nerves. I could hardly believe today was the day I’d dreamed of for so long.
My wedding day!
I slipped into a simple floral dress and ran a quick brush through my tousled hair, before twisting it into a simple bun for now. Downstairs in the inn’s dining area, the staff bustled around, setting up for the ceremony. I checked in with them, making sure everything was perfect for our wedding.
“Morning, Roz!” Jack, the chef, greeted me with a warm smile. “Are you ready for the big day?”
“Absolutely,” I replied, trying to calm the butterflies in my stomach. “Is everything looking good for later?”
Jack nodded, his eyes twinkling. “It’s all coming together. Don’t you worry about a thing. We’ve got you covered. You’re going to make a beautiful bride, Roz.”
Swallowing the lump in my throat, I thanked him before heading out to the back lawn where the ceremony would take place. The salty breeze from the ocean surrounding the island ruffled my hair, carrying a sense of tranquility that eased my jitters. Oh, how I loved our little island. Especially now, in the spring, when all the island flowers were blooming.
Just as I got lost in the serene moment, I heard familiar footsteps approaching. Turning, I saw Daniel, looking dashing even in his ordinary jeans, with a small smile playing on his lips.
“Hey, you,” Daniel said, his voice filled with anticipation. He wrapped me in a warm embrace, and my nerves melted away.
“Hey yourself,” I teased, gazing up at him. “Ready to become a married man?”
Daniel chuckled. The sound was music to my ears. “More than ready. But first, I have a date with a tuxedo and some very uncomfortable shoes.”
We shared a quick kiss, the promise of later lingering in the air between us. With a mixture of humor, sarcasm, and generous hearts, we reluctantly parted ways to prepare for the most important day of our lives.
As I walked into the honeymoon suite to get dressed for the wedding, Shari greeted me, with Nessie smiling behind her. We’d all grown very close, since I often helped at the clinic. Both women had offered to help me get dressed for this special day.
“There you are! I thought you’d done a runner for a moment there.” Shari exclaimed as she laid eyes on me.
I laughed at her teasing, feeling the tension in my shoulders ease. “You girls are the best. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Shari handed me a glass of champagne, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “You’d probably run around like a headless chicken, but don’t worry, we’ve got it all under control. And here’s a little bubbly to take the edge off of your jitters.”
“I’m not going to my wedding drunk. You better keep that on ice for later.” I insisted, though a sip or two wouldn’t have hurt. It might even help, but no sense pushing my luck.
“Fine. I’ll just finish this glass so you’re not tempted.” Shari added with a wink as she downed it, making me laugh again. I loved hanging out with these ladies.
Nessie, setting out the makeup and hair products on the bathroom counter, just shook her head. Shari had helped Nessie build her confidence at the clinic this year. Combining Shari’s outgoing spirit with Nessie’s shy ability to listen, both had found a rhythm for managing even the most difficult patients with finesse. But on her own time, Nessie was still the shy young woman I’d first met.
“Thanks, Nessie.” I said, giving her shoulders a gentle squeeze. “I mean it. You girls are the best.”
“We’re happy to help. You and Daniel belong together. Everyone knows it, and now is the time to admit it to the world. What’s that song? Time to put a ring on it? Something like that, anyway.” Nessie’s little grin was adorable.
I laughed. “Beyonce’s, Single Ladies? That’s cute.”
Shaking my head, I sat down and gave them full control over my makeup and hair. No matter what they did, it would still be better than my feeble attempt to get ‘gussied up’ by myself. Just kidding.
Shari had taken cosmetology classes in her youth, and Nessie was the queen of modesty. So I thought, the mix between Shari’s flash and Nessie’s modesty should get me somewhere just dressed up enough to be outside of my ordinary.
As they worked their magic, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the special people around me every day. The familiar banter, the shared jokes. It all added to the joy of this exceptional day. Looking into their smiling faces, I took a mental picture, knowing this day would be more memorable because of them. My island family.
“Okay, time to get this show on the road,” Shari declared, stepping back to admire her handiwork with a proud grin.
This was after they’d muscled me into the tight fitting lace, satin, and pearl wedding dress. My mother’s wedding dress, Grandpa had said. Pulled down from the attic, and hastily dry-cleaned and altered.
With one look in the mirror, I took a deep breath, ready to walk down the aisle towards my future with Daniel. Gazing at my reflection, backed by friends who had become family, I knew today was not just about saying ‘I do’. But also about celebrating love, friendship, and the unbreakable bonds that tie us all together.
I couldn’t help but chuckle at my friends smiles looking over my shoulder in the mirror. In an effort not to cry with all the emotions swirling in my head, I fell back on humor instead.
“I feel like a celebrity getting ready for the red carpet.” And I pretended to do the red carpet walk. Or my interpretation of it, anyway. I must’ve looked pretty ridiculous, because Shari doubled over with laughter, but Nessie just smiled.
“More like a princess about to marry her prince,” Nessie corrected, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me. These women, my pillars of strength and laughter, were here to share in this moment with me.
“Roz, you look stunning,” Shari said, cocking her head to one side to admire their handiwork.
“Absolutely breathtaking,” Nessie added, her eyes misting with tears.
“Alright, enough of that. You’re going to make me cry, and I’ve got a wedding to get to!” I announced, picking up my bouquet of wildflowers.
Laughing, we left the suite together. With quick hugs, Shari and Nessie continued outside to find their seats as we met Grandpa downstairs.
He smiled as he gazed at me. “Even though I don’t see so well these days, I still know you look beautiful, Rosie.” I blinked back tears when I heard the small hitch in his voice.
But Mack added his yip of approval, making us both laugh.
“Thanks, Grandpa.” I replied as he held out his arm and I took it.
Waiting for the music outside to start, and our cue to walk out the door, he spoke again. “I feel your mother and your grandmother’s presence here with us. Do you feel it, Rosie? Or is that just the ramblings of an old fool?”
Blinking furiously at the tears that threatened to fall at his words, I took a long, calming breath before answering. “You’re no fool Grandpa, I feel it too.”
“I know they’re both smiling down at us right now. So happy to see you starting on this journey of love.”
“Yes, I think they are.” I added, lifting my head a little higher with pride at the thought.
Then the soft strains of the music filled the air. My heart fluttered as I held my grandfather’s arm, his steady presence grounding me. And as we opened the door, Mack trotted ahead, tail wagging with excitement, leading the way down the aisle.
I caught glimpses of familiar faces beaming with joy as we walked by, their love and support palpable in the air. But Daniel was the only one who held my gaze, his eyes locked on mine with unwavering intensity.
“Wow, he’s so handsome,” I whispered to Grandpa, earning a chuckle from him. Daniel’s tux showed off his broad shoulders and strong build. The blue tie resting on his white dress shirt matching his piercing blue eyes perfectly.
“You’ve found yourself a good man, my dear.” He said, pride lacing his words, as he answered the preacher’s question (who gives this woman away) and handed me off to the Groom.
Shari stepped forward to lead Grandpa to his seat in the front, with Mack one step behind.
Holding onto Daniel’s hand, we bowed our heads as the preacher led us in prayer.
Then his voice rose, guiding us through the sacred vows that would bind us together. My fingers trembled slightly as we exchanged rings, and the weight of our commitment settled over us. Two simple bands standing for one unbreakable promise.
“Rosalind, do you take Daniel to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, from this day forward, until death do you part?” The preacher’s voice was kind, yet firm.
“I do,” I said, my heart overflowing with love.
And then Daniel’s turn to repeat his vows, his deep voice resonating through the yard as he said, “I do”.
“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride,” the preacher declared, a twinkle in his eyes.
The yard erupted in applause and cheers as Daniel cupped my face gently, his eyes searching mine for a moment, before his lips met mine in a tender, heartfelt kiss. And I melted into his arms. With the ocean breeze ruffling our hair, and the soft sound of the ocean waves against the shore, the deed was done, and we were one.
Surrounded by our loved ones, I knew this was just the beginning of our beautiful journey together.
Daniel and I led the way into the elegantly decorated dining area, hand in hand. The soft glow of shimmering lights cast a warm ambiance over the room. We stopped inside the doorway, side by side, and welcomed our guests into the reception area.
As more entered and found their seats, the sound of clinking glasses mingled with lively chatter. Then the band announced the time for the first dance.
Daniel’s eyes sparkled with mischief as he pulled me close for our first dance as husband and wife, his touch sending shivers down my spine. “You’re stuck with me now,” he whispered, a playful grin tugging at his lips.
“Oh, really? Are you sure it’s not the other way around?” I teased, as we swayed to the soft music, lost in our own private world.
I couldn’t help but smile up at him, feeling like the luckiest woman ever.
“You’re beautiful, Rosie.” He said in a breathy whisper beside my ear. And a shiver ran down my spine, raising the hairs on my arms.
“You’re not so bad yourself, Dr. Westbrook,” I teased, earning a chuckle from him. His eyes softened as he looked at me, a warmth spreading through my chest at the unspoken love in his gaze.
And for a while, the music seemed to go on forever. But when the song ended, the space outside of our bubble returned as the guests began clapping.
We nodded and waved on our way to our table at the front of the room. But Daniel led me to a striking woman with an air of regal elegance instead.
“Rosalind, this is my mother, Margaret Westbrook,” he announced. In a well practiced and formal introduction.
Mrs. Westbrook’s eyes studied me intently, and I felt a mix of nerves and excitement bubbling within me.
Her voice was cool and composed as she extended her hand towards me. “A pleasure to meet you, Rosalind.” Her words sounded as formal as Daniel’s had, but I thought I heard a hint of approval. I couldn’t help but feel a wave of relief wash over me.
I released Daniel’s arm and reached out to her, holding her hand in both of mine. “Oh, Mrs. Westbrook! We’re so glad you made it to the wedding. We thought you wouldn’t make it back in time, and didn’t expect you until next week. I’ve been so looking forward to meeting you for the longest time.” Gushing with heartfelt emotion, I couldn’t stop a few tears from falling at this unexpected and happy surprise.
She seemed as surprised by her reception as I was by her appearance at the wedding. She drew back slightly, looking deeply into my eyes. Then I smiled, and the moment of tension was broken by our laughter.
“Come, come. You must join us at the head table.” I added, as I led her to a seat next to Grandpa.
“Grandpa, this is Daniel’s mother, Margaret Westbrook.” I made the introduction.
He stood up and held out his hand. Mrs. Westbrook hesitated as I helped direct his hand to hers. “It’s so nice to meet you, Mrs. Westbrook. I’ve heard wonderful things about you from Daniel.”
“Margaret is fine, and it is a pleasure to meet you.” She said before continuing, “What has my son told you about me?” Her tone sounded slightly suspicious, as they both sat down next to each other.
“Daniel says you are a wiz at business, and he’s learning more from you every day,” Joseph admitted.
She looked up at me, but I just nodded and smiled as Daniel helped me to our seats across from them.
Margaret jumped slightly, when Mack made his presence known from under Grandpa’s chair.
“Mack, this is Margaret. Be on your best behavior, now.” He directed, just to put her at ease, because Mack was always on his best behavior. “Margaret, this is Mack.”
“Hello Mack?” She replied with what sounded like a question, more than a salutation.
Mack, of course, yipped in reply. Daniel and I laughed at the confusion on her face until she gave in and smiled back. Our casual atmosphere was not a normal state for this proper woman, but she seemed to be thawing before our eyes.
As the evening unfolded, I knew our journey was just beginning. There was so much we had yet to learn about each other and our families. But today had been a wonderful start.
Daniel and I slipped away later to the terrace overlooking the ocean, seeking a moment of privacy amid the festivities.
“It’s been quite the night, hasn’t it?” Daniel’s voice cut through the gentle sound of the waves, his eyes reflecting the starlit sky above.
I leaned into him, feeling the comforting strength of his embrace. “It’s been magical. I can’t believe we’re finally here.” The temperatures were dropping as the night wore on, and Daniel had draped a sweater over my shoulders.
Daniel chuckled softly, his breath stirring a lock of my hair. “You know, for someone who’s planned many events at the inn, I thought you did pretty OK with our wedding.” The mischievous glint in his eyes told me he was teasing.
“Hey, you better watch it, buddy. That’s the last one for you, so you better enjoy it.” I playfully nudged his side, savoring the ease of his smile.
“Well, Joseph knows how to party,” Daniel added, his gaze drifting to the horizon. “I’m just grateful he got to walk you down the aisle today.” He added on a more serious note.
“He was so happy,” I murmured, my heart swelling with emotion. “And seeing you waiting for me ... that ... was everything.” I blinked back happy tears at the memory.
Silence settled between us, comfortable and charged with unspoken words. The ocean breeze carried the scent of salt and celebration, wrapping us in a cocoon of shared dreams and a new future together.
“I never thought I’d find this kind of happiness,” Daniel’s voice was low, almost hesitant. His lips just brushing my ear as he whispered, sending that shiver down my body again. “But being with you, Rosie, I know I’m home.”
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, a mix of joy and gratitude overwhelming me. “I feel the same way, Daniel. You’ve brought a joy into my life I hadn’t known was missing.” I rested my head on his chest and listened to the sound of his heart beating.
“Thank you for loving me.” Daniel’s words were soft, as he gently caressed my cheek.
“Thank you for choosing me, my love,” I whispered, sealing our bond with a tender kiss that spoke of forever and beyond.
With our hearts full of love and hope, we turned back towards the warm, light-filled room, ready to share this new chapter of our lives as husband and wife.
As we returned to the festivities with our family and friends, I had two thoughts warring in my mind.
How could my life ever get better than this?
And a very private thought. I can’t wait for tonight!