Page 54 of Courageous Demands

“Time to get this show on the road before we are shut down.”

Her father held out his arm and smiled at her.

“Shall we, pumpkin?”

Willow took a deep breath, or as much as her wedding gown would allow her, and put her hand on her father’s arm. He escorted her out of the small office that was being used to secrete her away – and immediately saw people, guests, standing near the entry doors of the sanctuary.

“I wasn’t teasing,” her father whispered, smiling proudly.

“Oh my gosh…”

“Smile and keep your chin up, pumpkin. You’ve got this.”

Willow had told her parents about the disaster concocted by Judge Stevenson. It was humiliating to have to tell them, and even worse to hear that they had already seen the photos, only to hear that her parents’ were mortified and hadn’t known how to even start the conversation about what had happened. That was a phone call you never anticipated making – in fact – the last month had been a series of firsts for several people in both of their families.

Swallowing, she glided forward beside her father, and her head held high – her eyes taking in the small details to keep her anxiety down to a dull roar. The corn stalks decorating the door frames looked good with massive golden bows that matched the one on her bouquet.

The hay bales created a path to the stairs of the church. She could see them through the glass doors. Everything looked so festive, dotted with pumpkins of every size, mums of every color, and plastic pinwheels for the children after the ceremony. It was lovely with a very distinct fall atmosphere surrounding the event. In the reception hall, which was where the community would congregate – both young and old.

Alec, his mother, and Willow had helped prepare a staggering amount of batter for everyone to have a treat. Mary had made ‘pumpkin’ donuts, stuffed with spiced cream filling. Each donut was dipped in orange frosting, with jack-o-lantern faces or hearts painted upon them. They smelled divine, and while most weddings had a traditional cake, she wanted to reinforce the theme of family including Alec’s mother. The bright orange tablecloths were covered with a multitude of sugary donuts on tiny paper plates, waiting. There were also racks and racks, holding tray after tray of even more sugary goodness.

More tables lined the large reception hall holding brown paper bags, dotted cleverly with bingo marker ink as décor. Each baggie was stuffed with green easter grass, candies, and pencils for school, along with a variety of colorful stickers. Stickers that included a very special one – Willow Beckett for District Court Judge.

Each bag was sealed and stapled with a raffia bow, making it look festive and special. There were bumper stickers, magnets, and elastic bracelets that said ‘Judge Willow Beckett’ – along with plastic red firefighter hats for the children, bottles of bubbles, and colorful little horns for the kids to blow on. Everything was focused on festivities and fun – with the upcoming election as a side note as it should be.

This was a celebration of love, family, and community.

Walking up to the doorway of the sanctuary, she faltered. There, in the first row of pews that she would pass on her way to Alec’s side, was Judge Stevenson beside one of the news anchors of a local station.

“Are you okay?” her father whispered, and before Willow could answer, her eyes met another pair that she recognized – sitting directly in front of Judge Stevenson… Elana, her attorney.

The woman gave her a knowing grin and winked. Willow almost laughed aloud. If the man was going to trash her or attempt to ruin her wedding, Elana would be a star witness and immediately address the reporter, turning it in their favor. Oh yes, nothing was going to dim her moment!

“I’m wonderful, Daddy,” Willow beamed, turning to thank several women who were waiting to see the event but had rushed to spread the train on her dress for her since her bridesmaids were already waiting at the front of the church. “Thank you so much, my friends,” she began and heard the music soar as everyone got to their feet.

This was it!

The aisle was lined with orange and gold tulle, complete with sparkling flowers that were dusted in glitter. It picked up the evening light so nicely, giving it a magical glow. Alec had suggested their colors be red, white, and blue – but she wanted the people to see their storybook wedding first. For this to work, it had to look like a wedding, not a political rally.

Her bridesmaids were lines at the front in their gowns, simple and elegant. Each of the groomsmen was wearing their dress uniforms from the station, facing her… and she met Alec’s eyes.

There was such pride and love in his gaze that it was hard not to hike up her skirts and run toward him. His smile was brilliant as he stood there beside his friends, who were leaning forward, talking to him, and Lance elbowed him, grinning. Yeah, boys would be boys – no matter their age.

Making their way slowly down the aisle, Willow stopped every few feet to touch the children’s hands, who were excited to see a woman dressed so prettily. She, herself, had gasped when she saw the dress, so she could only imagine what it looked like to a four- or five-year-old impressionable girl.

Her gown was stunning. It had been purchased online and taken in for alterations immediately. Mrs. Mulligan had taken one look at her and went to town, adding to the magnificent creation with sheer panache. The top was fitted with elegant lace over a sculpted bodice. Her sleeves were fitted lace that came to a point over the top of her hands, but Mrs. Mulligan had added a pleated pouf of satin at the top of each shoulder to accentuate the line, as well as pearls, sequins, and crystalline beads along the lace to give it depth and shimmer.

She felt like a princess when she first saw it, but at the last fitting, that ‘princess’ was now an empress – and it was staggering to behold. The small train was now ten feet long with matching lace borders encrusted with reflective sequins and beads. Her veil was simple and elegant, and she was grateful that it was thin, letting her see and share each smile as the children looked up at her in awe.

“Mama, look! She’s a Barbie princess…”

“Shhh, sweetie, and watch.”

Willow plucked a yellow rose from her bouquet and gave it to the little girl before moving forward with her father, smiling and touched at how beautiful this moment was – and truly grateful she had hired the same photographer who had done the calendar pictures for the town, bringing her close to Alec once more.

As she finally reached Alec, he stepped forward, waiting.

“Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” the pastor intoned.

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