Page 85 of A Chance at Forever
“That’s sweet of you. We have the bridal party set. Mia will be my matron of honor, and you and Jonica will be bridesmaids. Alex, best man, and Steve and Danny groomsmen. My brothers can be ushers, and Rusty’s niece will be the flower girl.” Victoria took a deep breath as Misty pulled into the parking lot of the Grand Hotel. “It’s happening, isn’t it?”
Misty smiled as she turned off the engine. “Yes, it is. You and Rusty, well, we’re all praying for a miracle.”
CHAPTER 25
Victoria and Rusty’swedding day dawned bright and sunny for the middle of April. He, Steve, and Danny had spent the night at Alex’s house so the women had the ranch to themselves. Richard and Victoria’s brothers had taken suites at the Grand Hotel. Since Rebecca wasn’t included in the wedding party, she took over the role of event coordinator so Victoria didn’t have to worry about a thing as far as the rehearsal dinner was concerned or the day of the wedding.
As she rose in the morning, Victoria glanced at Rusty’s wheelchair folded up in a corner of their bedroom. After working long days with Alex in the lab, he would come home, eat plenty of meat and vegetables for dinner, and exercise in the weight room. Victoria didn’t understand it, but she pushed him to the limits of his physical endurance. By slow degrees, he regained his strength enough to be able to stand on his feet, though he tired easily. Alex kept insisting they were close to a breakthrough in figuring out a way to control Rusty’s illness, but Victoria could sense him beginning to lose hope.
Especially when Rusty requested that Danny draw up his will.
No. Victoria brushed away the tears burning in her eyes. She refused to think any sad thoughts today. Not on the happiest day of her life. Her wedding day.
After she took a warm shower and washed and dried her hair, she slipped into her wedding lingerie and a short satin robe. Her friends had planned a special breakfast, of which she caught tantalizing whiffs. When Victoria joined them in the dining room, she found a beautifully set table with shining china and silverware, crystal goblets, flowers, and candles.
Jonica handed her a virgin mimosa and grinned. “Sorry it’s not a real one, but with us both expecting, this will have to do.”
The friends laughed and clinked their glasses. “To Victoria and Rusty,” Mia toasted. “May today be the wedding of all your girlish dreams.”
“Absolutely,” Jonica added. “We’ve plotted this long enough.”
“Oh, I want to hear this,” Misty declared. “I’m coming late to the party.”
As the women enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, they shared their girlhood dreams with Misty. Victoria couldn’t have asked for a better start to her wedding day.
Misty had hired a pair of professional hair and makeup artists who arrived at noon to prepare the friends for the five o’clock ceremony. The time passed quickly as they laughed and chattered, and before they knew it, the clock struck four. Jonica, Mia, and Misty fluttered around Victoria like pretty butterflies in their pastel lavender, green, and blue dresses as they helped her into her gown and veil. Richard had given Victoria her mother’s pearl necklace and earrings to wear, the perfect jewelry to complement the dress.
When she was finally ready, the others stared in awe at her.
“Tori, you’re…” Words failed Jonica.
“What? Is something wrong?”
“No.” Mia turned Victoria toward the cheval mirror. “Look.”
She gazed at the sophisticated woman reflected in the glass. “Is that really me?”
“Yes. And Rusty won’t be able to take his eyes off you.”
*
Derek and Cartermet the limousine outside West Bend Baptist Church. They helped the women from the back passenger seats and embraced Victoria.
“You look amazing,” Derek complimented. “Not at all like I expected.” He flashed a teasing grin.
Victoria smiled. “If I weren’t wearing this fancy dress, I’d punch you in the arm.”
Carter did it for her. “Ouch!”
“You remind me of Mom.” Carter took her arm and led her inside the foyer of the church. “She’s here, Tori. Watching over you today. She’d be so happy for you and Rusty.”
Victoria kissed her brother on the cheek. “Thanks, Carter. I needed to hear that today.”
Carter turned her over to their father, and he and Derek entered the sanctuary to take their seats. Richard’s eyes shone with unshed tears. “You’re so beautiful, sweetheart. I’m proud to walk you down the aisle. You’re everything a father could want in a daughter. Intelligent. Sweet. Compassionate. Rusty is a lucky man.”
Victoria’s lower lip trembled a little. “Dad, how is he? I’m worried this is too much for him.”
Richard patted her hand tucked in the crook of his arm. “He’s holding his own, honey. Rusty is an incredibly strong man, and he’s surrounded by people who love him.”
