“I still cant believe you wouldnt let me fill the church with flowers. ”
Ruby laughed at her mother. They were standing in the tiny gravel parking lot adjacent to the church, waiting for the ferry to dock.
"Thank you, Martha Stewart, for that wedding fashion update. This is exactly how we wanted it.
Theres only one decoration that matters to me. "
“Its the dead of winter. You know theres no heat in chapel. ” Nora crossed her arms. Her elegant green
St. John knit suit set off the flawless ivory of her skin.
There wasnt a breath of wind to upset her carefully arranged hair. Unfortunately, it was about thirty degrees out here--unusually cold for Christmas week.
To her credit, Nora tried to smile. “I wanted to plan this day for you. Make it perfect in every way. Rubys smile was soft and understanding. ”
Mom. You wanted to plan it for you.
“And thats my right, damn it. ” A quick smile tugged at her mouth. “Maybe Jenny will do it right?”
“Thats a fight Id pay to see--you and Caroline battling for control over Jennys big day. Youd probably settle on a small service at the Vatican. ”
Nora laughed and moved closer. “I love you, Ruby,” she said softly, then, “Oh, damn, Im crying already. ”
Ruby started to say something, but the ferry honked its horn.
Within minutes, three cars drove up, parked side by side. The doors opened, and the rest of the gang appeared.
Caroline, looking as cool and elegant as a water flower; was in pale ice-blue silk. Beside her; Jere brought up the kids. They all belonged in a Ralph Lauren ad.
Caroline hugged Ruby fiercely, then drew back. Her eyes were full of tears as she smiled. “My baby sister in-” She frowned. “What are you wearing?” Ruby posed. What had once been her dress of shame had become her wedding gown. “Isnt it great?” Carolines narrowed gaze swept her from head to foot, noticed the plunging neckline and the ankle-to-crotch slit up the side. “You didnt find that in Modern Bride. ”
“Its Versace. ”
Caroline grinned. “It certainly is. You look gorgeous. ” Jere came up beside his wife and took her hand. “Hey, Ruby,” he said, settling Freddie on hiship. “You look great. ”
Ruby grinned. “I could get used to this. ” Then Rand was there, wearing an elegant black tuxedo. Marilyn was beside him, holding their son. Lottie was there, too, wearing her frilly “town” dress and a big straw hat. The only concession shed madeto winter was a pair of oversized black snow boots.
Rand kissed Ruby, whispering, "Heya,
Hollywood, you look like a princess," before he drew back.
“Hey, Dad. ” Ruby looked up at Marilyn, who stood back from the crowd. Ruby gave her a bright smile. “Hi, Marilyn--its good to have you here. Hows that beautiful baby brother of mine?” Marilyn broke into a smile and moved forward.
“Hes great. You look fabulous. ”
After that, they all started talking at once, their voices climbing over one another.
Then another car roared into the parking lot. Dean stepped out of the car and slammed the door shut. In his black Armani tux, he was so handsome that, for a moment, Ruby couldnt breathe. He walked up to her and gave her a smile so slow and seductive that she felt heat climb into her face.
Gently, he took her hands in his. “Are we r
eady to do this thing?”
Ive been ready all my life, she wanted to answer; but her heart was so full, she could only nod.
“Then lets go. ”
Together; they went into the church. Inside, an aisle separated two short rows of rough-hewn benches. The altar was a plain wooden trestle table that held two thick white beeswax candles. Their flickering flames released the sweet scent of hand-dried lavender. A gold silk scarf decorated with a single red cross draped the width of the table. In the corner stood a small noble fir that sparkled with white Christmas lights.