Chapter 2
2
“ I now pronounce you husband and wife.” Pastor Pete gave a triumphant smile. “Kellen, you may now kiss your bride.”
Kellen’s grin rivaled Pete’s as he drew Reva into an embrace and sealed their promises with a kiss.
Little Lucan could be still no longer. He wrangled free of Aunt Mo’s arms and scrambled from the front row to join the happy couple. “Me some. Me kiss!”
Laughter rang out as Kellen scooped the little boy into his arms and planted a kiss on one cheek while Reva brushed her lips against his other side. Lucan squealed with delight.
Pastor Pete closed his Bible. With a wide smile, he announced, “We’ll see everyone at Thunder Mountain’s new Community Center for the reception.”
The guests filtered out of the tiny chapel, including Lila and her daughter. “That was beautiful, wasn’t it Mom?”
Lila responded with a gentle nod. “Yes, it really was.”
Camille swung her purse and smiled. “Especially when Pastor Pete quoted Dory in Finding Nemo . ‘When I look at you, I can feel it. I look at you, and I’m home.’”
Settling into her car, Lila reflected on her daughter’s sentimentality and affection for the popular Disney movie. When she was little, she’d watched the film over and over, worried that the rambunctious orange fish would never find its way back. Every time the ending credits would roll, she’d turn and say, “Again, Mommy. Play it again.”
A wave of introspection washed over Lila. She looked over in the direction of the passenger seat. Despite being single all these years, she had Camille. Her daughter was her heart’s home.
Minutes later, they pulled into the parking lot of the new Community Center.
The center was Reva’s latest crowning achievement. She and the rest of the city team had worked diligently for months on the plans and construction. Even when Reva’s office flooded and had to be rebuilt, she never missed a beat and brought the project in on time. It was only fitting that the first event to be held would be Reva’s wedding reception.
Inside, Oma Griffith, Betty Dunning, and Dorothy Vaughn were busy guiding everyone into the multi-purpose hall. The large space was decorated with pastel balloons and crepe paper streamers, an instant indication that Reva had turned over the décor to these ladies known as the Knit Wits—a group of much-loved town women who fashioned baby booties, lap blankets, and even dog coats made with multi-colored yarn…all made with love with sales proceeds donated to a benevolence fund maintained down at the bank to help neighbors in need.
Tables cloaked in elegant linens graced the southern wall, each one brimming with an array of potluck dishes, demonstrating Reva’s thoughtful decision to set aside her refined tastes in favor of fostering a sense of community inclusion on her special day.
The atmosphere was electric with anticipation, laughter, and the soft hum of heartfelt conversations as the townsfolk of Thunder Mountain gathered to celebrate Reva and Kellen’s wedding.
Pastor Pete, having led the ceremony earlier, stood by his wife, Annie. “Wasn’t it just beautiful, Annie? Reva and Kellen, side by side, it’s a match blessed from above,” he remarked, his voice filled with emotion.
Annie, her eyes sparkling with happiness, squeezed his hand. “I agree, Pete. Truly a day of love.”
Nearby, Fleet Southcott, the town sheriff, shared a hearty laugh with Wooster Cavendish, the town banker, and his wife, Nicola, who had a penchant for gossip. Nicola leaned to Dot Montgomery. “You didn’t hear it from me, but Kellen has planned the most extravagant honeymoon. A trip to Maui! Can you imagine? Reva has no idea. She thinks they’re going to Sun Valley, Idaho!”
Dot’s eyes widened. “You don’t say!”
Nicola smugly nodded. “Oh, yes. Apparently, a couple who stayed out at Charlie Grace’s Teton Trails Guest Ranch when it first opened will be hosting them at one of the guest houses at their pineapple plantation. And they are going to a big luau that is run by the lady’s best friend.” Her hand went to her chest. “I would die to take that trip.”
Reva, radiant in her wedding dress, was a vision of happiness as she moved through the room, her new husband at her side. Her friends, Charlie Grace, Lila, and Capri formed a tight-knit circle around them, each one taking turns to embrace the couple.
“Oh, Reva, it’s been such a magical day,” Capri said, her eyes misty.
Charlie Grace chimed in. “We’re so happy for you two. Kellen, you better take good care of our girl.”
Kellen grinned. “I promise, nothing but the best for her.”
Verna Billingsley, Reva’s secretary, approached clumsily, nearly tripping over her own feet, a stack of napkins tumbling from her grasp. “Reva, I’m so happy for you,” she stammered as she caught herself before falling.
Reva hugged her tightly. “Thank you, Verna. Today wouldn’t have been the same without you.”
As the afternoon progressed into evening, Kellen took to the center, glass in hand, signaling for quiet. “I want to thank each of you for being here, for supporting us, and for being an integral part of our journey. To my beautiful wife, Reva, you are my everything. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and happiness.” Cheers and clinks of glasses filled the room.
The moment everyone had been anticipating arrived as Reva prepared to throw the wedding bouquet. A crowd of hopefuls gathered, giggling and jostling gently. With a graceful arc, the bouquet sailed through the air, landing in the surprised arms of Lila.
Gasps and applause broke out as Lila stood, bouquet in hand, her cheeks flushed with surprise and a hint of embarrassment. Pastor Pete’s voice rang out, warm and booming, “Looks like you’re next, Lila!”
She responded by quickly handing the bouquet to Capri. “Not me,” she corrected. “I hate to disappoint, but marriage is not in my future. I don’t have the time,” she teased.
As the crowd’s chuckles faded into the background, a romantic melody began to play over the speakers, soft and slow, filling the space with an intimate aura. All eyes turned towards the dance floor where Kellen and Reva stood, their hands finding each other’s in a practiced motion. There was a collective intake of breath from those gathered as the newlyweds stepped into the spotlight, the world around them fading away. It was their moment, the bride and groom dance, a symbol of their first steps together in this new journey. The onlookers watched, some with teary eyes, as the couple moved in perfect harmony, their love palpable in the air.
When their dance ended, the Eagles—not the famous rock band, but an ensemble made up of townspeople, including Clancy Rivers and Brewster Findley—were joined on stage by Kellen. With an affectionate wink at his bride, he took his place behind his waiting cello and picked up his bow, positioning it with confidence.
Nick Thatcher approached and offered his hand to Charlie Grace. His wavy dark hair, chiseled jawline, and piercing blue eyes were impossibly charming. When he smiled, his eyes crinkled at the corners. “May I have this dance, Miss Rivers.”
Charlie Grace barely contained her delight. “I thought you’d never ask.”
Aunt Mo picked up little Lucan, who was so tired he could barely keep his head up. “I think I’ll take this little one on home with me if that’s all right?”
Reva gave her shoulder a grateful squeeze, then kissed the top of her son’s head as it rested against Mo’s shoulder.
The night continued with dance, laughter, and an abundance of hugs. Amidst the revelry, Lila and her best friends—Charlie Grace, Reva, and Capri—found a serene spot momentarily isolated from the rest of the guests. There, under the soft glow of string lights, they formed a close circle, hands clasped tightly together, embodying a unity that words could scarcely convey.
Charlie Grace’s voice was soft but filled with emotion. “Reva, this goes without saying, but we’re so ecstatically happy for you and Kellen.”
Lila, her eyes gleaming with tears, added, “Reva, your love story inspires us, reminding us of the beauty God has waiting for each one of us.” She grinned as she wiped the moisture from her cheeks. “And by beauty, I mean I’d be happy with a raise in my paycheck.”
Capri, always the spirited one, squeezed Reva’s hand. “Does Kellen understand that he’s getting a package deal? I mean, we’re still going to meet on Friday nights, right? We’ve built a fortress of memories over cocktails.” She held up her champagne glass. “Here’s to many more!”
Reva, moved by their words, found her voice. “I couldn’t have dreamed of this day without you all by my side. My wedding day is as much a celebration of our enduring friendship as it is about my new beginning with Kellen. You are my heart, my soul sisters.”
They embraced tightly, a silent promise hanging in the air—a pledge of unwavering support, laughter, and love, no matter the paths they would tread.
Suddenly, a loud voice rang out. “Is there a doctor here? We have a medical emergency!”
They all turned to see a crowd forming across the room.
As they rushed across the room to see, Lila found Doc Tillman on the ground. Her hand flew to her chest. “Oh no!”
“I think he’s having a heart attack,” shouted Fleet Southcott. He pushed the crowd back. “Give him room and call 911.”