Sally greeted them all enthusiastically and began issuing instructions. “You guys look so handsome in your tuxes. Sandy, can you grab that box on the table so we can get your boutonnieres pinned on? Then you can go get Nana from the ladies’ lounge. Don’t bring Meg out until it’s time to walk her down the aisle. Drew, you head up front and take your position with the minister.”
Drew didn’t respond, so she gave him a closer look. “Drew, honey, you okay? Nolan, how about taking Drew to the men’s room to freshen up, and then we’ll get this show on the road.”
A few minutes later, Nolan and Drew returned, with Drew looking marginally better. He marched up the aisle to join the minister, while Nolan turned his attention to Sally.
“You look stunning, city girl.”
“You’re looking quite handsome yourself, country boy.”
“It’s gonna be my pleasure to walk up that aisle with you.”
Sally gave him a scorching look. “It’s gonna be my pleasure to help you change out of that tux later.”
Nolan groaned in response and hoped his body wouldn’t betray him, in church of all places. Sally giggled, then cued the organist so the ceremony could start. Sandy must have heard the music, because he and Nana, who had on a beautiful purple dress appropriate for her role as grandmother of the groom, appeared in the foyer.
After Sandy returned from escorting Nana to her seat, he went to fetch Meg, while Nolan escorted Sally to their places at the front of the church. Once everyone was in position, Sally discreetly cued the organist to start the wedding march.
All eyes were on Meg as she and Sandy glided up the aisle. Except for Nolan’s. His eyes were on Drew, watching for any sign he might pass out. He breathed a sigh of relief when he realized Drew was focused on the vision before him. Meg’s hair was pulled back in a messy bun that showed off her flawless face to perfection. Sally knew that Meg’s style was minimalist, and she’d captured it perfectly with her design for the gown. The bride wore an elegant, full-length, sleeveless wedding dress of tulle and satin. The fitted bodice featured a deep vee-neck and low back, and was adorned with beads that sparkled in the lights. The mermaid skirt flowing to the floor accented Meg’s hourglass figure perfectly. The only jewelry she wore were Nana’s diamond earrings. She carried a bouquet of dark purple roses, lilac roses, and purple Picasso calla lilies, accented with white baby's breath.
As Sandy handed Meg off to Drew, Nolan saw Drew mouth “I love you” to his bride. He looked at Sally, who’d also witnessed the sweet moment, and thought he saw a tear in her eye, in addition to her loving smile. The minister had Meg and Drew face each other and join both hands as they recited the traditional vows. From his vantage point, Nolan could clearly see the loving expressions on their faces as they spoke. He was so mesmerized by the ceremony, and visions of he and Sally standing at the altar, he almost missed his cue to produce the rings. After a robust kiss and the pronouncement by the minister, there were cheers all around, as first Meg and Drew, and then Nolan and Sally, walked back down the aisle and exited the church.
Following a round of wedding pictures, the two couples, along with Sandy and Nana, headed to the country club for a private dinner. It was Sandy’s and Sally’s wedding gift to the couple.
Following dinner, Nolan drove Sally back to his place for the night. He could hardly wait for them to undress each other and revel in the happiness that a wedding brings, even if it wasn’t their own. Yet.
Chapter 34
Afew months after Meg and Drew’s wedding, my cell rings and I look down at the caller ID. Lee County Social Services appears on the screen. What in the world? My curiosity piqued, I answer.
“Hello? Sally speaking.”
“Ms. Jones-Patrick? This is Lauren Turner from social services. We met at the foster kids’ holiday party.”
“Oh, yes, Lauren. How are you? And how is that adorable baby who cried when I put him on Santa’s lap?”
I hear Lauren’s giggle on the line. “He’s still very adorable and growing like crazy. Actually, he’s the reason for my call.”
Now I’m really confused. “I don’t understand.”
“Let me explain. Marcus is in the process of being placed in a foster home, and the couple is hoping to be approved for adoption.”
“How wonderful for that sweet little boy. But what does that have to do with me?”
“The foster parents have listed you as a character reference. Are you available for a brief interview regarding Mr. and Mrs. Moyer?”
I can barely contain my excitement. “Meg and Drew want to adopt Marcus? That’s fantastic!”
“I take it that’s a positive recommendation?”
I can’t wait to call Meg. I can’t believe she didn’t tell me! “Yes, one thousand times, yes! Meg and Drew will make wonderful parents!”
Within a few weeks, Marcus is settled into the Moyer household. I’ve had so much fun with Meg, decorating his room, buying clothes and toys, and am already relishing my role as “Auntie Sally.” “Uncle Nolan” is also thrilled to have a little one to spoil, and Marcus seems to like him much better than Santa. Whenever I watch Nolan interacting with Marcus, I feel like my ovaries are going to explode.
One afternoon not long after Marcus comes to live with Meg and Drew, Meg calls me in a panic.
“What’s wrong, honey?”
“I’m a terrible mother! I don’t know what I’m doing. I’m in over my head here.”
