Chapter 15

 

Laura, Shar and Holly sat at the counter in the kitchen at the Inn having a cup of coffee. She reached out for their hands. Laura wore minimal make-up in case she cried during the ceremony and her hair was still pinned up. “In two hours I’ll be meeting Joe in the ballroom. I have to admit I’m nervous this time around.”

Shar squeezed her hand. “Don’t be. When we take those pin-curls out of your hair and you put on your gorgeous wedding dress, there won’t be time to be nervous. You will walk straight into the arms of that man and sweep him away when he sees you.”

Laura smiled. Shar was so dramatic. “I know this isn’t a traditional wedding, but it’s simple and elegant and I can’t wait!”

“Are you staying at the hotel tonight and heading out tomorrow?” Holly jumped into the conversation. She had been pretty quiet all morning, but Laura understood. It wasn’t easy for her either. She betrayed so many people that she loved. Laura was going to be as understanding as she could, for their relationship and for her daughter, who deserved to have a united family.

Sadly, the trio would never be like it was before. “Yes, we’ll stay in the honeymoon suite overnight and then head out tomorrow. I can’t wait to see Joe’s face when he gets his wedding gift.”

“It’s a great idea, Laura. I know the two of you will have a blast.”

“We will have fun no matter where we go or what we do. I’m ready for this even though I’m nervous.”

Shar gave her another squeeze and dropped her hand. “I got you something.” She handed a small box to Laura.

“What is it?”

“Something blue.”

Laura smiled when she opened it to find a baby blue garter belt.” “Thank you, Shar.”

“Oh, and this.” She handed another box to Laura. “You need something borrowed too.”

Laura opened the box to find a pair of elegant shimmering diamond studs that would look perfect.

“I had them professionally cleaned and they are yours to wear. But I want them back since they are borrowed.”

“You wore these to your wedding. I remember.” Laura was almost in tears. “Do not make me cry, Shar.”

“I wish you the best, Laura. Truly, I do.”

The two hugged as Holly watched. “I don’t have anything for you. But when you come back from your month long honeymoon, I will be honored if you’d allow me to paint a portrait of the wedding couple as my gift.”

Laura smiled and nodded. “That’s a beautiful gift, Holly. Thank you.”

Shar piped up. “And it’s something new. So, now you need something old and I believe it should be coming shortly. Joe text me and asked if you are here. I told him that it’s bad luck to visit the bride before the ceremony. So, he said he would drop it off on the front porch in ten minutes. That was about 8 minutes ago.”

“You are timing him? Besides, it does not matter. We don’t believe in that kind of stuff.”

Shar got up when a knock sounded on the door. “Still, it’s better to be cautious. We are not getting any younger.”

Laura got up to answer the door when Shar waved her finger back and forth. “No. You may not answer that door. Stay!”

Laura and Holly laughed.

When Shar came back, she held a long box with a card on top. Laura took it and read the card.

To my wife-to-be. These pearls are from my mother’s jewellery chest. She wore them the day she got married. I’d like for you to wear them in her honor today, if you will. Joe

Another tear slid down her cheek. She flipped open the box to find a beautiful pearl necklace. “It’s such an elegant piece,” she whispered. She picked it up, trying to be so delicate. “I am truly honored to wear these.”

“Let me help you put them on.” Shar finished, stood back and nodded. “Now let’s get your hair done and dress you and we can get to the mansion. You will be stunning, my dear. I can’t wait to see Joe’s face.”

Holly stayed back, but Shar ordered her to follow them to Laura’s room. “I know you can’t do much right now, but you can sit on the couch and watch. Laura needs all the support she can get. She’s so nervous, I can’t believe it.”

After an hour, they got into a limo that was waiting outside and headed up to the mansion. The lights were all on and people were being dropped off in several black limousines that were picking up guests for the grand opening.

“This grand opening is going to be the best,” Shar said. “None of the guests know there will be a surprise wedding. I can’t wait.” She instructed the driver to take them to an entrance out back. Laura tried to look up to Joe’s office window to see if he was looking out but she didn’t see anyone.

“I wonder if Joe is as nervous as I am?”

“Worse.”

“Here we are, let’s get you inside.” Shar and Holly helped Laura from the limo. She had on a long cream cape coat with a fur lined hood. Shar carefully put the hood over her hair and they escorted her inside. “In case Joe is peeking out the windows, all he will see is a white form.”

Laura didn’t care if he saw her. She was too anxious and thought Shar was being so silly. Yet, the excitement of seeing his face when she walked into the ballroom made her heart beat faster.

“Five minutes to go.” Shar and Holly guided her to the elevator and the three were silent. Laura’s hands shook.

The elevator doors opened to find Olivia, Bailey, Cole, Madison and Savannah waiting for her. “You ladies look gorgeous,” Laura told them all. “Thank you.”

Bailey and Olivia wore matching off the shoulder vintage satin tea length dresses with pleats. They had their hair swept up, with tiny ringlets cascading along the hairline. Cole wore a traditional black tuxedo. Savannah wore a cream pant suit with draped caplet sleeves. Her black boots were gone. Replacing them were a pair of heels and Madison wore a winter white tea length long sleeve dress.

“You look lovely, Savannah. Thank you for putting this all together in such short notice. The elegant atmosphere as I walked out of the elevator surrounds me.”

“Julia took me shopping last night after dinner. She said that you didn’t need the event planner looking like a department store mannequin.”

Laura laughed. “Julia means well.”

Savannah laughed. “She’s the coolest aunt ever. Now, let’s get your coat off. We’ll be starting the ceremony right after the announcement.”

Savannah and the girls, along with Cole, guided her to the door. Shar, Holly and Madison went to the front entrance to mingle with other guests until it was time for the ceremony. Laura stood in front of a set of closed double doors when Savannah placed a bouquet in her hands. “We can’t forget these,” she told Laura.

The small bouquet, a silver and white simple hand tied bouquet gave her something to cling to. She wanted to get this over with. There were more guests here than she realized. The parking lot was full when they rolled up in the limo, causing her some anxiety..

“I knew there was going to be people here for the grand opening, but I had no idea it would be packed,” she whispered to Cole who held out an arm for her. She held the bouquet in one hand and his arm with the other.

Savannah spoke up. “I’m going to go in and announce the surprise wedding now. Laura, you look ravishing.”

Laura turned her head to give Savannah a nod when she caught someone walking in the hallway towards the entrance doors. Her skin crawled and she turned to stare. “What the hell is he doing here?”

 

*****

 

Joe looked around the ballroom. It was packed full. He knew they were going to have a nice sized crowd at the grand opening, but he may have forgotten they were going to be performing their wedding in front of all these people. It made him more nervous than he’d ever been.

Julia, who stood beside him holding a glass of champagne, gave him a reassuring nod. “It will be fine, Joe. Pretend you are at a business conference and you plan to wow the crowd.”

Joe laughed. “This is much different than a business conference.”

“Hardly. Just don’t be nervous, it will be over soon.”

“My first wedding. What do you think, sis? Laura is a keeper.”

“Laura is a lovely woman and you deserve the best.”

He gave her a hug. “Thanks, Julia. Perhaps someday you will be the one waiting for your groom.”

“Hardly. Better you than me is all I have to say. I like my life just the way it is. No complications or anyone to answer to.”

Joe made a noise in his throat. “Love does not care if you want to be alone. I never thought I’d find someone that tore at my heartstrings in a little lakeside town, Julia. You may want to be careful what you say. You never know when cupid hits.”

Julia snickered. “Dream on, big brother. Here comes Savannah. Your bride is here. Give me your glass.”

Joe handed his sister the glass of champagne he barely touched. He was standing in front of the huge double paned doors that led onto the balcony where Savannah had instructed him to be. She came towards them with a microphone in her hand.

Joy was called to stand beside Julia, while Joshua and Jonathan made their way to his other side. His two brothers wore matching cream colored Italian zoot style suits with pleated pants, and two tone shoes. He gave them each a nod. “Thank you for being here. You both look like you walked out of the pages of The Great Gatsby.”

Julia and Joy laughed. Jonathan leaned forward. “Nothing to laugh at. You two look like you are in the same era.”

Joe shook his head. The teasing never ended and shortly he’d have more additions to his great family. Between Laura and her kids, he felt like the luckiest man on earth.

Savannah raised her hand to have the ballroom music stopped. Guests were mingling in crowds, sitting at tables and wandering around the room, laughing and smiling. The grand opening was going well. “May I have your attention, please.”

It took a minute to silence the room since it was so huge. “Thank you. We want to cordially invite each one of you here to The Hideaway Mansion’s first wedding ceremony. Officiated by Reverend Thomas Barr, I’d like to announce that the owner and CEO of Russel Enterprise is getting married right now and you are all invited to watch!”

Many gasped when they heard he was the one getting married. Joe always kept his private life to himself, but things did leak out or were made up over the years. Even so, many of the people he invited tonight that he worked with over the years were indeed quite surprised. He watched the startled look on many faces and then it changed to delight. The whole room rose up and clapped heartily.

Savannah raised her hand again. “The ceremony will be short and sweet and starting now. Please begin.”

The wedding march came out of the loud speakers that were installed all throughout the ballroom. Joe gave a quick sweep over the room, his anticipation hitting the roof as he wondered where his bride was.

Then the formal double doors opened up and she stood there, holding a small bouquet in her hand. Her son began to walk her towards him while her two daughters were on her other side.

She wore a classic Ivory satin A line gown with a natural waistline. Laura looked simply elegant and he swore his heart stopped. Her hair was no longer straight, but fell across her shoulders in timeless waves.

Their eyes connected and he saw her catch her breath. He felt the same way. He wondered if anyone heard the frantic rhythm of his heart beating from his chest.

The music from the speakers faded away. He was in a vortex, his bride the only thing he heard. She kept coming towards him and he could not look away.

When she stood in front of him he wanted to place his lips upon hers and kiss her.

She looked nervously into his eyes, then gave him a beautiful smile. Joe swallowed, barely able to hold the emotion in.

“Joe, take her hand.” His sister had to elbow him to draw him out of his stupor. He didn’t realize how long he stared at her until she elbowed him again.

He reached out his hand and she placed hers in his own. “You are beautiful,” he told her, not caring if the whole world knew. He wanted to shout it out to the crowd, but tried hard not to. Was this what it was like for her? Was Laura feeling the same emotions he was? After all, she had been married before.

When he gazed at her again, before they turned to the preacher, he struck that thought from his mind. He saw it in her eyes how much this meant to her. How much he meant and how in love she is with him. The look she gave him bared her soul and he saw it clearly. It didn’t matter how many times she was married, what mattered was this wedding ceremony today.

“Let’s get this done,” he told the preacher. He had paid the preacher extra to perform a short ceremony and the man was true to his word. He cut out so much and got right to the point.

“I believe the two of you have written your own vows. Joe, you may proceed.” This was it. He turned to Laura as she handed her bouquet to Olivia. She placed both her hands in his.

He swallowed again, shuffling his feet. He had no qualms about telling her how he felt. Not today, not ever. “Laura, I never thought I’d be standing here today. I liked my life fine the way it was. When I came to Hideaway Inn, you changed my world. Your grace, elegance, heart of gold have touched my soul deeper than anyone. I’m lost without you and I promise to respect and love you and to never allow any harm to come to you. I’m honored to be your husband. I love you, Laura.”

She let a tear slip down her cheek, but he held onto her hand so she couldn’t wipe it away. This was raw and emotional and he needed to hold onto her. Now he wanted to hear her voice, her words of love to him. No one in the room mattered any more.

“Joe, you came into my life when I was broken. Many others thought you were a rebound love. It simply isn’t so. Your gentle spirit grounds me when I need someone. You know when I need you and are there for me. A simple thing like bringing me a Thermos of hot cocoa or taking me for a ride in a golf cart to show me your dream has chipped away at a heart that I thought was dead. You make me feel alive and encourage me to live my own dreams, Joe. I love you more than I’ve ever loved anyone. I promise to stand by your side always, and to show you the same honor and respect that you show me every single day. I love you, Joe. You are my heart.”

The ballroom was so quiet if a pin dropped it would echo throughout the mansion. Joe wanted to kiss her so badly, he motioned for Cole to hand him the ring.

The reverend quickly took over, announcing the ring exchange and announcing the couple. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

“Finally!” Joe pulled her into his arms and kissed her, a long, sweet kiss and she kissed him back. The room began to cheer and clap as they turned around to face the crowd.

Congratulations went on for the next few minutes while Joe and Laura waved and shook hands with the guests.

Joshua slapped him on the back. “We didn’t get to give you a bachelor party, bro, but I doubt you needed one.”

He laughed, giving his brother a hug. They bachelor party they planned had been on the same day as Savannah’s grandmother’s funeral so it was cancelled. Joe had been a bit disappointed at first that he didn’t get to experience one, but supporting his new niece was more important. After all, family was what life was all about.

Laura let go of his hand and turned to him. “I stood at the doors waiting to marry you and I noticed Kurt here. I’m worried he may try to ruin your grand opening. I’m going to find him and suggest he leave.”

Joe wanted to stop her but the determination in her eyes was real. He knew he could not or did not want to try to control what she did and said. “If you feel he is trouble, we can have security escort him out.”

“He hasn’t done anything yet. But, I have a feeling he will try. He’s at the bar, of course. I’ll be right back.”

Joe watched her stroll through the crowd in her elegant dress and pull her shoulders back the closer she got to her ex-husband. He’d stand back and watch, but if there was any indication the man would harm his wife, he’d plough through the crowd and throw him out himself.

 

*****

 

Laura felt like she was walking down a long track and her destination was not going to stop at a good place. Guests moved out of her way, congratulating her and she smiled and took their hands. All of a sudden, Shar was by her side. “You won’t do this alone, love.”

Shar. Always watching. The moment she noticed Kurt here, Laura imagined Shar had kept her eye on him the whole time. But, this time she needed to go alone.

She stopped and turned to her best friend. “I need to do this alone, Shar. Kurt needs to know that his presence is not going to be tolerated. He also may have come to support the kids. Olivia has been talking to him now and again. But, don’t be far away. Here comes Ryan.”

“I highly doubt it. He’s trouble from day one. I’ll be right behind you.”

“Thank you.”

Laura knew Kurt was up to no good. She saw it in the way he swaggered into the ballroom. She wasn’t worried about herself, but she’d not allow him to ruin Joe’s grand opening. She walked up to him, careful to not sound aggressive. Glancing at the bar, it looked like he already had several shots.

“Kurt.”

The man turned and gave her a sharp, hateful look before hiding it. But, she saw the dislike there. He really did not like her at all. “Congratulations on your marriage to a man who can give you all you ever wanted. I guess my money wasn’t enough.”

“Kurt, let’s not get nasty. What are you doing here?”

“The whole town was invited to the grand opening. I was as surprised as everyone else to learn the owner was marrying my ex-wife.”

“It was a lovely surprise and everyone seemed to think highly of the ceremony.”

He shrugged. “I can’t imagine this old place making a profit. Looks like it may go the way of some of the other buildings in Hideaway Lake after a while. Then, your rich husband will sell it and I can buy the land for pennies on the dollar.”

“Is that all you ever think about?” She wanted to throw the shot of whiskey in his face and make him leave, but she knew how the man reacted on booze. There had been many times she had to talk him into being nice. Besides, he downed it and pointed to the bartender for another.

“Last one,” the bartender told him.

“Like hell it is,” Kurt snapped.

She turned to find Joe by her side. “Kurt, is there a problem with my bartender?”

Kurt turned to Joe, who held out a hand to shake. Kurt looked down at it, turned to the bar, picked up the shot and downed it all in one smooth movement. “There won’t be a problem if you tell him to serve me another drink.”

“I’m afraid he knows his job, Kurt. If he feels you’ve had enough, I’ll ask you to step away from the bar. There is a food table on the other side and -”

“I don’t want to eat!” He interrupted Joe.

Laura looked into Joe’s eyes and saw a slow burning anger rise up. She did not want Joe and Kurt in a fist fight on her wedding day. Joe would mop the floor with the drunken Kurt.

Joe’s two brothers appeared behind Joe, along with Cole, and Bailey’s friend, Bobby. She almost laughed. This family sure did not miss a trick. “I think they’ll be okay, guys. No sense in getting anyone more upset.” Laura was always the one to try to calm the situation, but it didn’t work this time.

Kurt slammed a hand on the bar, causing it to draw attention from a few guests. All of a sudden, the music began again, which caused the onlookers to turn away, forgetting about the situation at the bar.

Laura was relieved to see Harry Sweigart plough through the crowd with Angel on his heels. He kept Angel behind him, asking her to stand back. “Is there a problem here?” The sergeant looked at the bartender.

“I served this man his last drink for the night. He doesn’t agree with me.”

Harry looked over at Angel. It was evident he wanted to impress her. “Sir, oh, hey Kurt. Haven’t we done this before? It’s time to say goodnight.”

“Harry, get lost. You are not on duty tonight.”

“I’m always on duty, Kurt. Now let’s not start anything or I’ll have to take you out of here.”

Kurt laughed. Laura reached over and took Joe’s hand. He had been closing his hand into a fist, preparing to knock the man into next week. She leaned in. “Let Harry handle this.”

He answered her by squeezing her hand, but she doubted he was going to stand back. Joe was super upset that Kurt tried to ruin the wedding.

Harry gave Angel another look, then turned back to Kurt. “Kurt, it’s pretty obvious you are getting pretty drunk. I’ll call you a driver to take you home.”

“I’m perfectly fine and I’m not drunk!” He shouted. The crowd that was gathering began to shuffle their feet. Some guests walked away.

“This is getting out of hand, Kurt. Go with Harry. He’ll get you a ride home so you don’t have to drive.”

It was the last straw when Kurt leaned over and reached out to grab Laura. Joe pushed her behind him and held out his arm. That quickly, Kurt latched onto Joe’s sleeve and jerked his arm. Harry called out. “That’s enough, Kurt. You can’t lay a hand on another person. It’s called aggravated assault.”

“Shut up, Harry. What do you know!”

Laura peeked out from behind Joe as Harry grabbed a hold of Kurt’s arm and that quickly had his face slammed against the bar. He reached in his pocket and pulled out a pair of handcuffs, slapping one end on Kurt’s wrist, then jerking his other arm around and handcuffing them together. He jerked Kurt off the chair.

The man was shocked. “Harry, what are you doing?”

“Taking you to jail to sleep it off.”

Angel whispered. “You had handcuffs on you?”

Harry turned to her and smiled. “Of course.”

“Can I come along to take him to jail?”

He gave her a quick nod and turned back to Kurt who was struggling to get loose. “Don’t try to give me a hard time. I have another set that will go around your ankles and then we’ll drag you out of here like a wild boar.”

“Let’s go,” Angel told him.

Harry turned back to Laura and Joe. “He won’t bother you again tonight. If you want to press charges, have someone get a hold of me in the morning. Otherwise, I’ll let him go.”

Joe waved to him. “Hopefully he’ll learn a lesson sitting in jail overnight. I have no intention of pressing charges unless he gets near my wife again.”

“Goodnight, Harry. Thank you.”

Joe turned to her. “I’m so sorry he tried to ruin this evening for us. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, Joe. Trust me, I’m a lot tougher than I look.”

He held her cheeks in his hand and touched her lips briefly, then leaned his forehead to hers. “I wanted to drag him out of here myself and was about to before Harry got him. I’d do anything to keep you safe, Laura.”

She smiled. “That was a bit nerve-racking, but he’s gone now. I think they are waiting for us to do a first dance as husband and wife.”

He held out his arm. “After you, my love.”

She took it and they glided out to the dance floor. Joe was so handsome in his tuxedo. He wore a three-piece, two button black designer suit with a champagne vest and matching neck-tie. He swung her into his arms as the music began. “You look so handsome, Joe.”

He pulled her closer. “Thank you. You are the most graceful, lovely woman here tonight. Your beauty astounds me.”

She blushed. “You are too much, my love. After this dance, I want to give you my wedding gift.”

He raised a brow, then dipped his head and slowly kissed her lips. When he pulled back, he glanced at the pearls on her neck. He reached up and slowly ran a finger over them.

“They are perfect, like you.”

“I’m not perfect, Joe. I am honored you allowed me to wear these. I know how much they mean to you.”

“They belong to you now.”

She gazed into his eyes and saw the truth. There would be no arguing with him. “Thank you,” she whispered before rising to place her mouth on his. “I do love you.”

“I love you, darling.”

When his brother Joshua tapped on his shoulder to dance with her, Joe tried to elbow him away.

“Joe, don’t be rude. It’s part of tradition,” she told him, amused.

He stepped back. “I want to start my own tradition,” he told her but allowed his brother to interfere.

After several of the men kept dancing with her, she found Joe dancing with some of the other woman and he did not look happy.

About an hour later, he marched over to her and gently picked her up while she was in the middle of a dance with one of his clients. “Excuse me, but my wife and I are going to start our own tradition. Then he walked out of the ballroom carrying her and she hung on to him, laughing.

“Joe, you are going to put out your back.”

He didn’t say a word, hit the elevator and got in with her still in his arms. There were several others getting off. They smiled as if she were an adorable pet in his arms.

The doors closed and he leaned down and kissed her, taking her breath away. When the doors opened, she knew they were heading to the honeymoon suite. A security guard was waiting at the door and when he saw Joe come out of the elevator, he opened the double doors.

Joe took her across the threshold and turned to the guard. “Close these doors and go enjoy the celebrations. You are officially done for the night.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Laura heard the click of the lock on the door. She looked up at Joe.

He gazed at her. “We are just getting started.