Page 31 of Soul

“Hey, it’s okay. I know what you meant.” I slide my thumb across her cheek then pet her plump lower lip. She kisses my thumb.

“Here you go sweetheart. I’ll have one of the young fellas I have working for me deliver the tapestry to your place tomorrow. They can hang it for you too.”

Gillian claps her hands together. “Fantastic!”

“What’s in the bag?” the woman hands the garment to Jack. He treats it as if it’s precious cargo.

She shakes her head. “It’s my wedding gown.” I open my eyes wide and she nods. “You’ll never believe this, but Mrs. McMann here gave me her wedding dress. The one she wore to her wedding when she married her husband over sixty years ago, and Chase…it’s just, well,” she looks down then back up to me, moisture in her eyes. “It’s perfect.”

I turn my head to the old woman. “Mrs. McMann, thank you. Thank you for putting this smile on my bride’s face. You can’t know this, but we’ve had a very rough year and what you’re doing for her, this means a lot. If ever you need anything, anything at all, consider it done.” I pull out one of my business cards and lay it on the antique table she uses.

“Chase Davis.” The old woman studies the card. “Well, I’ve got no use for business related things, but sometimes I don’t mind eating a meal out with some new friends.”

“Absolutely. Gillian and I have just bought a home here. After our wedding we’ll be visiting as often as possible. We’ll make time to spend with you on our next visit.”

“Much obliged,” she says then turns to Gillian. “Now come on over and give your new granny a hug, precious.”

Gillian wraps her arms around the old woman. She’s the happiest I’ve seen in her in months. I’d go a long way to keep that smile on her face and if this little woman and her shop can give her that, well, I’ll make certain we give some time to her.

“We’ll be back. And thank you for taking such good care of my girl here.”

“You make her happy, now young lad.”

“With everything I am.” I wink at her and she winks back.

I lead Gillian out of the store, and she’s practically skipping with excitement. “Can you believe I walked into that store, found an amazing tapestry, met a lovely woman who gave me one of the most special gifts of my life?”

“Knowing you, how big your heart is, yes, yes, I can.”

Today’s the day. Gillian is arriving an hour after me in a separate limo to the Gougane BarraChurch in the city of Macroom. It’s about a thirty-minute drive from our home in Bantry. The church is remote, and sits alongside a lake. The chapel is small, planted out in the open greenery with the backdrop of a pristine sky and lovely lake. Swans swim in the waters peacefully and the trees sway in the breeze. The church is made up of multicolored greyish blocks that prove its age around the 1700’s. The entire building goes up and into a point, making it seem very much like a triangle. Two large red doors sit at the mouth of the building. A priest exits down the small stairs and holds out a hand.

“You must be Mr. Davis.”

“I am.”

“I wanted to thank you myself for the considerable donation we’ve received. The town will do much good work with such a sizable contribution.”

I smile at the older gentleman. “I’m pleased that I could help. Obviously, it wasn’t entirely selfless as you are presiding over my wedding today.”

“Indeed. And how many should we expect in attendance. I have several parishioners and townsfolk at the touch of a button to assist in the activities.”

Putting my hands in the pocket of my tux I look out over the lake thinking how picturesque this will be, wishing I could see Gillian’s face when she sees the location. “It will just be me, my bride, and our three bodyguards. Two of them can serve as our witnesses, one will walk the premises.”

The man of God looks nonplussed. “I assure you, Mr. Davis, the town of Macroom and our church is very safe. You won’t need guards.”

“I’m sure you’re correct, Father. However, I’ve learned recently one can never be too careful. You see, my bride, was kidnapped at our wedding almost four weeks ago. Today is our second chance, which is why there will be no friends or family attending the nuptials. Just she and I. Though, I would appreciate your assistance with one thing if possible.”

The father places a hand on my shoulder. “Anything, my son.”

“If you happen to know a photographer who could come out, I’d be happy to pay him or her handsomely to capture our ceremony and take some photos of us by the church and this stunning lake. I believe my bride and our future children would love a memento of this day.”

The priest puffs out his chest. “My brother is such a man. He will take fine images of this day. I shall call him now.”

“Thank you,” I nod to him as he turns on a heel and enters the church. Mentally, I go over the vows I want to say to her when I take her forever. In my pocket, I rub my thumb over the velvet box then take it out. I open the small square and within lays a diamond band. The sun glints off the many diamonds that make an entire circle. It’s just how I see Gillian…simple and elegant.

Gillian

The wind blows my hair as Jack helps me out of the limo. The view is unlike anything I expected. Chase has outdone himself. He’s giving me a dream church wedding, the kind you see in fairy tales, and he’s the handsome prince who will be waiting at the end of the aisle to take my hand. Clouds slowly creep by as I take in the lake with its charming ducks and swans swimming dreamily along the surface. The trees surrounding the lake, hills, and this quaint church give off a storybook quality. The church is pointed, and old, very much so. It has two red doors with those big black brackets running at the top and bottom to hold their heavy weight.

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