Alonzo’s heart stopped. Doreen was an ethereal vision in her full-length ivory sheath gown. She was glowing as she walked alone down the path to join him. In her hands, she carried a hand-tied bouquet of ivory roses. Her soft smile was steady. Her brown eyes were full of love. She came to him and he took her hands. Alonzo’s heart was full.
Father Steven began their wedding ceremony. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony.”
The priest’s words faded into the distance as Alonzo gazed down at Doreen. He’d truly never seen her look so lovely. Her beauty would not be accurately captured in their wedding photos. He’d have to try—
“I have an objection.” Leonard’s voice was strong and clear as it cut across Father Steven’s officiating.
Stunned, Alonzo turned to look out over their guests. His eyes landed on Leonard, standing near the back of the gathering.
Benita was rushing toward the wedding crasher. “Leo, how did you get in here? You weren’t on the guest list.”
Leonard set his hands on his hips. “I have a right to speak my mind.”
“Sir, the wedding ceremony no longer asks for any objections.” Father Steven addressed Leonard in a calm and reasoned tone. He might as well have saved his breath. “That part of the script is now obsolete.”
“It shouldn’t be.” Leonard jerked his arm free of Benita’s hold. “I object very strenuously to this marriage. What do we know about the sheriff?”
Alonzo stepped forward. “Leo—”
Darius stopped him with a hand on his arm. “We’ll handle this. That’s what groomsmen are for.”
Darius, Juan, and Jackson stepped down from the low platform and marched toward Leonard. Ean joined them. Benita stepped aside as the four men approached.
Leonard glared at the group bearing down on him. “I have a right to speak my piece.”
Ean scowled at his former high school football coach. “That’s where you’re wrong, Leo.”
Darius agreed. “This isn’t a public hearing. It’s a private ceremony. And you’re not welcome here.”
The four men surrounded Leo. They escorted him firmly and respectfully away from the ceremony and presumably to the parking lot.
Alonzo glanced at Doreen. She appeared shaken and upset. He wrapped an arm around her and drew her closer to his side. She thanked him with a warm if unsteady smile.
He looked at the guests seated in the folding chairs arranged in front of the platform. Most of them looked surprised and confused as the groomsmen and Ean took Leonard away from the clearing. A few appeared excited by the scandalous interruption of the wedding ceremony. How long would it take them to spread tales of Leonard’s outburst? But it was Nessa’s expression of cold contempt and superiority that dampened Alonzo’s spirits and cast a shadow over their day.
Benita joined the platform with Doreen and Alonzo. “I’m so sorry. Leo must have snuck in with a group that had an invitation. I take full responsibility for this. I’m very sorry.”
Doreen took Benita’s hand. “This wasn’t your fault. And I refuse to let this destroy our day.”
“Leo planned this to try to ruin it.” Alonzo turned to Doreen. “Please excuse me, sweetheart. I won’t be gone long.”
“And you won’t be going alone.” Doreen lifted the hemline of her gown out of the way. “I’m coming with you.”
Alonzo decided against wasting time trying to talk Doreen out of joining him. Instead, he helped her from the platform. As he strode after Leonard, he heard Benita trying to explain the events to their guests.
He caught up with Leonard a short distance from the clearing. The five men were walking quietly toward the parking lot. Leonard seemed to be clothed in a satisfied silence.
“Leo.” The sound of Alonzo’s voice brought Leonard, Ean, and the groomsmen to a stop.
“Alonzo, what are you doing?” Ean looked from his mother to Alonzo at her side.
Alonzo came to a stop an arm’s length from the group. He held Leonard’s surprised gaze. “If you were hoping to spoil our wedding day, you failed.”
Leonard narrowed his eyes. He turned to Doreen. “Are you sure he’s the man he claims to be? Dorie, what do you really know about him and his past?”
“Shut up, Leo,” Doreen snapped. “With every syllable you utter, you make me more and more relieved that I had the good sense not to marry you. And stop calling me Dorie. It’s a stupid nickname.”
Alonzo chuckled. He wrapped his right arm around Doreen’s slim waist. She was so gorgeous. This is what he needed to reclaim his wedding day. Ean, Darius, Juan, and Jackson moved away from Leonard to stand with Alonzo and Doreen.