Page 7 of Snowbound Hearts
I’m surprised by what she’s telling me. “When Mason told me he enlisted and signed the recruitment paperwork, I was devastated. He had never mentioned wanting to join the military.”
“Never?” She sounds surprised.
I shake my head, “Nope. It was a complete surprise to me, and when I started realizing what that meant for the two of us, I just couldn’t do it. I never wanted to be a military wife. I had hopes and dreams myself and wondering where my husband was or even if he was alive was not part of those dreams.”
Emily nods and then pulls me into her arms again as I start to ugly cry. Rehashing all these memories and feelings is killing me. “I’m so fucking sorry he hurt you, Sydney. He absolutely should have talked to you about joining the Marines long before he enlisted and I don’t blame you for leaving him. He really never gave you a choice.”
I agree with her as I sit back and dry my tears with my hand towel. Enough of my sob story. It was a million years ago and we were both just kids. “Well, it’s all water under the bridge now, right?” I change the subject. “Did you need something? Is everything okay with the wedding preparations?”
Emily watches me for a moment but decides not to push the subject any further. “I just wanted to let you know that there’s a big storm heading this way. Do you have everything you need from town? If not, now is the time to go get it.”
My issues with Mason forgotten for now, “No, I’m good, but what about the wedding party? What about the ladies from home?”
“I’ve gone door-to-door already and have a list of items Mason and I are going to go grab in town while everyone’s at dinner. We just want to make sure we’re all set.”
“Is there anything I can do to help out?”
Shaking her head, “No. I think we’re all good with everything except what’s on the list. We should be back in a few hours. Franco, the chef you met this morning, will be in the kitchen if you need anything.”
I nod. “Okay. No worries. I’m sure everything will be fine. Just be careful out there, okay?”
Emily nods as she goes to leave but turns around and takes my hand. “Talk to him, Sydney. Just talk to him, okay?”
I give her a placating smile, “I have, and I could see the hurt in his eyes. Too much time has gone by and too many things have been said.”
She shakes her head, “I think you’re wrong.” She holds up her cell phone. “Franco has my number if you need anything.” She waves at me as I close the door behind her.
Did she really mean it when she said she doesn’t think it’s too late? Do I even want to put myself out there again? This time, I’m not sure either one of us would survive if it didn’t work between us. Can he even forgive me?
Can I forgive myself?
After dinner, the entire wedding party gathers in the common area around the fire. Sarah’s wearing the cutest white Mickey Mouse ears that have a bridal veil and Kris has a black set of ears with a top hat on top. They’re adorable together.
“Okay, everyone. Who’s up for some Bridal Bingo?” I call out as the emcee to the festivities.
"Who wants bingo? I can get that back at home!" Florence calls out.
Nodding in agreement, “We want strippers!” Gladys yells out. “I want wangs shoved in my face and banana hammocks thrown at me!”
“Yeah. Strippers. I brought ten dollars in one-dollar bills.” Joan pulls out some cash from her sweater pocket and waves it in the air.
It’s all I can do to stifle the laughter that is trying to escape. “No strippers, ladies. Sorry. This is a co-ed party.”
“I’m fine with that!” Yells Betty as the rest of the room laughs at the four of them.
I look over to find the bride and groom’s parents all blushing and hiding their laughter; I can almost see the bubbles pop up over their heads wondering how on earth they were talked into inviting the crazy old ladies.
I’m wondering about it, too.
“Um. Okay. Well, there will be no strippers, but we’ll play Bridal Bingo and Franco, the lodge’s chef, promised a double slice of chocolate pie for the winner.” I wave over at chef Franco as he holds up the pie.
“Well, boy howdy. That’s better than strippers!” Gladys yells out. “Where’s my bingo card?”
“There’s one more thing.”
“Now what, woman? We’ve got pie to win.” Betty exclaims as she’s getting settled while I pass out the bingo cards.
“I don’t know what you’re bitching for. I’m gonna win that pie.” Joan exclaims.
