Page 70 of A Second Chance

“Mom, no…” Gwen scolded.

But Avery just laughed. “I’m not scared to marry Nick. It’s the surest about anything I’ve ever been. I just don’t want a huge deal made or to be the center of some giant shindig.”

Gwen looked at the fancy, floor length A-line dress still hanging in the window.

“But I still want a gorgeous dress, so sue me,” she said.

Gwen laughed. “Well, it’s not a ‘giant shindig’, as you put it. And you will look amazing in that dress. So let’s get you ready to get married.”

Avery nodded and disappeared into the bathroom. She went with minimal makeup. “I don’t want Nick to not recognize me,” she joked.

While Avery worked on her makeup, Gwen quickly slid into the dress Avery wanted her to wear as maid of honor. A classic looking dark purple, boat neck dress that fell to her knees. And it was truly something she would wear again, if the occasion called.

When the ensemble was complete, Avery stood there in her white wedding gown and Gwen couldn’t breathe. A flood of love and excitement washed through her. Their mother was already crying and she wasn’t far behind, stuffing those emotions down. She didn’t have any doubt that Avery would make a beautiful bride, but she was unprepared for the reality. The pink strip in her hair complemented the blush colored flowers in her headpiece.

“Mom, stop,” Avery said. “You’re going to make me start, and I don’t want to mess up my makeup.”

“I’m sorry… I can’t help it. My baby,” she sniffed, turning to dab her eyes with a tissue. The bridal suite, thankfully held several boxes of tissues. “My girls,” she came toward them, grabbing them both up in each arm around the neck.

“Mom,” Avery said.

“You’re… squeezing… can’t breathe,” Gwen added.

A knock brought their attention to find Sydney Ellis standing at the door. Sydney was the eccentric owner of The Enchanted Path, and also, along with her husband Morgan Ellis, the co-owner of Ellis Diner. The Ellis’ were a huge, rich founding family of White Oak, and on top of that Sydney had become ordained and would officiate Avery and Nick’s wedding. She often came across as completely insane, but Gwen knew that underneath the crazy-looking outfits and wild hair color was a sharp business mind and not much got past her. “I hope I’m not interrupting,” she said.

“Syd,” Avery called out and crossed giving her a hug.

“How are you feeling?” Syd asked.

“Great,” Avery beamed.

“It’s time to get you married,” Sydney said.

***

They walked the garden path to the gazebo where she once retreated to unsuccessfully avoid Jason. Waiting for them was Nick, his best man Eli Morrison, and Nick’s parents. And of course, Jason caught her eye the minute they rounded to the steps. A select few guests were at the gazebo, which included Avery’s friends from work, Jesse and Stacy.

Nick’s expression when he saw Avery melted Gwen; she didn’t know how Avery was keeping it together. His hand went to his mouth, then up to pinch the bridge of his nose in an attempt to push back tears. His overwhelming emotions knocked the normally stoic and calm police detective for a loop.

When Avery ascended the steps and reached him in the middle of the gazebo, he leaned in, and even though he whispered it only for Avery, the words floated to Gwen behind them. “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,” he said. “I can’t believe I get to be your husband.”

Gwen remained determined to keep it together, but was closer than ever to losing the battle. She squeezed her eyes shut and breathed, searching her brain for something to concentrate on that would dry up the tide battering the corners of her eyes. She felt him slip up next to her, and when his hand grazed hers, she allowed their fingers to entwine, and she leaned on his shoulder.

Sydney Ellis gathered them all in a circle around the happy couple and began. Gwen wondered what Nick’s parents would think about the quirky ceremony that they’d probably never witnessed anything like in their lives. Their families had met the night before at the rehearsal and had dinner afterward. Natalie had discussed auras with Nick’s mom, who seemed both intrigued and unclear of how to take the modern-day hippie at the table. And since they were from out of town, she figured they weren’t warned about the crazy family their only son was joining. Nick was from somewhere out in west Tennessee and joined the White Oak PD as a detective. But throughout the ceremony, they kept their good humor and didn’t outwardly appear too horrified by the proceedings.

Nick and Avery vowed to love each other until death parted them and Gwen watched her little sister leave the nest right before her eyes. She knew this would stick. Avery and Nick would take care of each other now, and Gwen and her mom would always be there for support. Their lives would be different, and it would work. Gwen held on to Jason and his lips brushed the top of her head.

Twenty-eight

At a wedding, the bride is the center of attention for all the guests. But Jason couldn’t take his eyes off of Gwen. Watching her in that stunning dress, and his mind wandered to getting her alone and underneath it. However, sex was not the only thought clanging around in his skull. Was it too soon to tell her he wanted forever? For normal people, probably so. But he’d witnessed lives cut down in an instant. All too aware that life was too short to not go for what you want.

Gwen, the amazing woman she was, slipped him a ginger ale poured into a whiskey glass. From the covered porch, they sat and listened to relatives and friends toast the couple. Spring showed up in full bloom and the garden between the main farmhouse and the barn was flourishing to life. Its well-manicured paths, and benches sat at strategic places along the trail. He had no idea how Brandon and Ben had pulled it off, but he had to give them credit for creating a romantic place. He’d ask Gwen to go on a walk with him later.

Jesse, a coworker of Avery’s, stood up and told the story of how the couple met. And it turned out that if it hadn’t been for a group of thieves dressed as Santa and his elves, they may not have ever met. If he’d never lost part of his memory, would he have called Gwen when he returned? He shook the thought from his brain and applied the tactic his new therapist suggested. He couldn’t change the what-if’s of his past. The only choice was to control himself in the present. And that meant, he needed to tell Gwen how he felt and that he wanted her in his life until the end.

“Do you dance?” Gwen asked, bringing him out of his thoughts. The side doors into the barn were open and music from a slow song floated out into the open patio.

“Only with you,” he replied.

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