Grandma adds, “That barn got some use.”
“Eww,” Charlotte groans and shudders. “Grandma that’s too much information.”
“Charlotte, one of these days when you meet the man you’re supposed to spend the rest of your life with, you’ll understand. Just like your sister does.”
“I understand,” I glance at Mom who appears amused, “but I’d rather not think about Mom and Dad in that way, if it’s all the same to you.”
She chuckles. “I’ll stop embarrassing everyone for now because I do believe there is a wedding happening very soon.”
“Like now,” Charlotte says, hurriedly. “We need to get everyone sorted and then Dad needs to help you downstairs,” she says to me.
I give her the look that says, I can manage, so she adds, “Not in that dress you can’t . . . and even if you can, I’m not taking any chances.”
“Okay,” I give in.
“Come on, Mom, let’s get you downstairs with Dad so that Michael can come up here.” Mom helps grandma to stand and passes her walking stick over.
“Just remember Grandma, no flirting with Garrett,” I tease.
“Oh, as though he’d notice me when he’s waiting to marry my beautiful granddaughter.”
I watch her leave with Mom, and meet Charlotte’s gaze. “We’re lucky to have her and grandpa still with us. I don’t think I have one friend who still have their grandparents, or even one.”
“I know, and it means the world to me that they’re both here today.”
She coughs to hide her emotions, which is what I sometimes do, and reaches for my veil. “Let’s get this positioned so that Dad gets the full view when he arrives.”
Ten minutes later, I’m staring at myself in the full-length mirror in the bedroom as Dad walks in. He stops in his tracks behind me and I watch as he swallows around the obvious lump in his throat before he moves closer.
“I can’t believe you are so grown up.” He rests his hands on my shoulders from behind. “It’s only just hit me as I walked through the door that you are about to become a wife, and very shortly afterwards, a mother.”
I reach up and cover one of my dad’s hands. “I love you Daddy, and I’m glad that I get to do this right. Garrett means the world to me, and I couldn’t be happier.”
“I know he does, honey. You have the real thing this time so hold on to that.”
“I plan to.” I turn and face him, allowing him to pull the veil over my face. “You look handsome in your suit.”
He smiles, amused. “That’s what your mother said.”
I hold a hand up. “Please don’t go any further. We’ve heard all about how you and mom could never keep your hands off each other, or stay away from the barn.”
He chuckles. “It never changes.” A serious look crosses his face. “The day I met your mother was the first time I felt anything inside of me for a long time. I can’t live without her.” His gaze fills with amusement. “And don’t think it’s gone unnoticed that you met Garrett in the same place that I met the love of my life.”
I chuckle. “I’ll never live that one down.” Becoming serious, I admit, “All I’ve ever wanted from being a little girl was to marry my own prince charming and have the kind of marriage that you and mom have.” I smile, softly. “I know with all of my heart that I have that with Garrett.”
“You do Princess.” He leans forward and kisses my forehead. “Let’s get this show on the road, huh? Before your mother is coming up here to berate us.”
I smile and let him lead me downstairs and out into the garden. The minute I step outside though, the scent of all the beautiful colored flowers hits me and makes me smile even wider. The chairs for the guests are white with different colored ribbons wrapped around the top. The aisle has been made of white rose petals and as I stand at the back, my eyes search out my groom.
Everyone else fades into the background when I find him standing at the front with his best man, who I’ve yet to meet. His eyes hold mine and everything inside of me tingles with pleasure. My dad moves me along toward him and I feel like I’m floating in a dream. It’s only when Garrett takes my hands into his that I realize where I am, and offer him a delighted smile.
He rests his forehead against mine, and says, “I love you.”
I’m seconds away from becoming Mrs. Hudson.
27
Garrett