The reception would mimic that of an actual wedding reception and would be held outside on a different parcel of the property. Arrangements of baby’s breath mixed with dried thistle and pampas grass added a rustic romance to the scene, and dried wildflowers filled the centerpiece vases.
This was Serena’s favorite part of weddings—the grand entrance at the reception. All eyes stared at the arched entryway, waiting for the couple to enter. Seconds went by and they didn’t come. Then minutes.
Serena slid out from the reception area and went in search of Tom and Lacey. When she couldn’t find them outside, she entered the mansion and called out their names.
“Over here,” Tom answered from the door of the women’s restroom.
“Is everything okay?”
“I don’t know.” A stark expression pulled on Tom’s features. “She wasn’t feeling well all of a sudden and her back started hurting. I was about to go in after her when you came in.”
Oh boy. She had her suspicions but didn’t voice them yet. “I’ll check on her.”
She hurried into the bathroom, saw Lacey hunched in the corner, a puddle of liquid by her feet. Rushing to her side, Serena said a prayer. She and God weren’t on good terms, but she’d attempt it for Lacey’s sake. “How long have you been in labor?”
“Since this morning.” Lacey grimaced as her body tightened. “I was so stupid to plan this right before my baby’s due date.”
“You were in love.” She slid an arm under Lacey’s and supported her. “We need to get you to the hospital.”
“Where…where’s Tom?”
“Waiting right outside the door for you.” They shuffled toward the door, taking only small steps.
Lacey paused and practiced the breathing she’d been taught. “The guests.”
“Don’t worry about them. I’ll take care of it.” She pushed on the door and held it open with her free hand. Catching Tom’s gaze, she mouthed to him. “She’s having the baby.”
He rushed into action and took her place by Lacey’s side. “We’re going to the hospital.”
“My bags…they’re at home.”
“Jenna has a key. I’ll send her.” Tom glanced at Serena, silently asking her to take care of that detail.
She nodded. “What else do you need?”
“Tell my mom and dad please, and Stella. Lacey wants her aunt in the room with her.”
Lacey looked up at her with pleading eyes. “Aunt Stella’s like a mother to me. Please hurry.”
“I’ll go now.”
“And tell everyone else to stay and enjoy the reception.” Weakness overcame Lacey’s tone, and she leaned into her husband.
To Tom’s credit, he acted with a cool head despite the panicked spark in his eyes. “I’ll call if there’s anything else I think of.”
Jumping into action, Serena ran outside as fast as her heels allowed. She stopped short of the entrance to catch her breath, then pulled Stella, Jenna, the senator, and Tom’s mom aside. She explained what was happening, and the area erupted into a flurry of activity.
Jenna and Stella raced to the parking lot after promising to call with updates. Sensing the mood and curiosity over the missing couple, the guests gathered around.
Senator Allen wore an uncharacteristic goofy grin. “Well folks, it seems I’ll be a grandpa by the end of the day. Tom and Lacey are on their way to the hospital, but they’ve requested that each of you stay and enjoy the party here.”
Excited murmurs buzzed through the space. Once it died down, Serena retreated to a corner, taking advantage of a moment to rest her aching feet. She sipped from a glass of ice-cold water, finding relief for her parched throat.
Those in attendance appeared to be enjoying themselves. Serena was surprised the Fontenot brothers hadn’t left to wait at the hospital with Lacey, but maybe it was different since they were males. As she watched them, she realized their presence here was their way of helping.
They seemed to work with an unwritten plan, mingling with the guests, catering to their needs, and ensuring all ran smoothly. All were tasks that could fall under her umbrella, but considering the circumstances, the brothers did an excellent job.
The afternoon wore on, and the reception would wrap up soon. Serena looked forward to going home, spending time with Cecily and Pawpaw, then relaxing in a hot bubble bath to ease the tension of the week.
