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 ofGone 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.”
