Candelabras with tall white pillar candles bathed the front of the church with a golden glow. Huge arrangements of flowers stood on either side of the front steps that led to the church’s pulpit, and the center row of pews were beribboned with gold and silver-toned bows and petals. There was a quiet solemnity throughout the church, and the building was filled to near capacity.
Douglas couldn’t believe his family managed to pull off an event this big without Ms. Patti suspecting anything. A tiny smile curved his lips. He hadn’t admitted anything to his kids, but he’d know almost immediately what they were doing. He also knew his beautiful bride deserved every moment of happiness this ceremony, this vow renewal, would mean. He rubbed a hand over his chest, barely able to contain all the love he felt for the men and women he called family. Never in a million years could he imagine his life without a single one of them. When he’d sat beside a terrified and insecure Rafe’s bedside all those years ago and told his wife he was bringing the boy home, little had he realized how blessed his life would become. How filled with the kind of love you usually only get once in a lifetime. Yet he’d been blessed with eleven strong, caring, and wonderful boys who’d grown into fine men. Men he was proud of, and humbled that he was part of helping mold them into gentlemen who not only knew right from wrong but upheld and defended those not as fortunate. Eleven men and one feisty daughter who’d stolen into his life and his heart, and he couldn’t imagine a single day without them in it. Of course, there were really more if you counted their “Lost Boys,” which he did. They might not carry the Boudreau name, but they were still part of this family.
“You okay, Dad?” Dane leaned around Chance, who stood next to him, a look of concern on his face. All his sons were lined up beside him at the front of the church, each resplendent in tuxedos. While Douglas would’ve been happy with simple shirts and jeans, his sons insisted they do this wedding up right. He’d complied, because after all, his beautiful wife deserved the best.
“I’m fine, son. Can’t believe y’all pulled a fast one on me and your momma. It’s all too much.”
“It’s past time you and Momma got something special. There’s nobody who deserves it more. I don’t even want to think about what our lives would have been like without you both. I know none of us would have turned out the way we did without you, and the example you’ve shown us, teaching us how be good men and good fathers.”
Douglas closed his eyes, fighting back the tears his son’s words brought. He felt blessed to call each one of them son, and was so proud of the men they’d become, and the women they’d chosen to spend the rest of their lives with. Of course, Nica was the daughter of his heart, and would always hold a special place, but just because she was biologically his didn’t diminish the ties he felt to the rest of his children.
The low murmur of voices from the crowd was like white noise in the background, as Douglas pulled up the memory of the first time he’d married the love of his life. He’d know the minute he’d seen Patricia Mackenzie that somehow he’d find a way to marry her. The feelings he’d had for Elizabeth, the woman he’d thought he loved and lost to his brother, fell away into simple affection when compared to how he felt about his “Miss Patti.” Her sweet Southern charm overlay the backbone of steel she possessed, and he knew she’d be the perfect wife. The one woman in all the world he wanted to spend every moment of every day with. Those feelings hadn’t changed, even after thirty wonderful years.
Glancing down at the front row pew, his brother Gator and his family filled the pew. Ranger, Etienne, Jean-Luc, and Sebastian were all there with their wives. Gabi and her husband, Dylan, were there too, along with their newborn daughter, who was cradled snugly against Gabi’s chest. His other brother, Hank, sat directly behind them. The whole family was here, had traveled from their homes to attend this joyous occasion, and it meant everything to him. He only hoped they knew how much.
He shifted from foot to foot, ready to get the show on the road, but he didn’t want to rush things. This day, this moment, it was something his beloved Patricia deserved, and he wanted her to savor every moment, to bask in the adoration of her children, her neighbors and her friends and know that she was loved.
But he couldn’t keep his eyes from the double doors at the back of the church, his heart beating faster and faster at the thought of her stepping through them and repeating the vows they’d taken thirty years prior. He’d meant every word of them then, and he’d mean every word of them now. It was almost like a new beginning, the second half of their journey. One he couldn’t wait to take with the woman he called his everything.
Ms. Patti smoothed her hands against the dress again, and felt the silken fabric rub against her. Thankfully, the women hadn’t picked out a frou-frou dress for her wedding. This was more like an evening gown, but it suited her far better than a lacy white concoction. That might have worked when she’d been a young bride just starting out, but now she was an experienced woman. One with a family full of children who’d gone out of their way to surprise her and Douglas with a ceremony that would see them repeat their wedding vows before their family and friends.
Her family had gone all out, making sure everything was perfect. Flowers filled the front of the family church, the scents lending a quiet elegance to the upcoming proceedings. The entire church was decorated from top to bottom, with gold and silver highlights on every pew and candelabra. She’d gotten a sneak peek at the sanctuary when she’d arrived at the church to get ready a few hours ago.
Not only had the women picked out her dress, but they’d managed to somehow find and decorate a cane she could use to walk down the aisle because of her strained ankle. As far as she could tell, her daughters-in-law and soon-to-be daughters-in-law had thought of just about everything.
Tears prickled at the back of her lids, ones she didn’t dare shed, because the makeup artist they’d hired and who’d driven in all the way from Austin had warned her not to ruin her makeup. She had to admit the woman was a genius with her craft, because Ms. Patti would swear she looked ten years younger.
Her hair had been upswept in a style she hadn’t worn in probably close to thirty years. It reminded her of how she’d worn it at her first wedding to Douglas. It had been longer then. Heat rushed into her cheeks as she remembered him taking the pins out and it flowing down around her shoulders on their wedding night. They’d had so little time together before he’d had to head back to Germany, but the few short days together had been beautiful. This whole vow renewal ceremony brought back hauntingly familiar memories, and she vowed to make brand new ones today.
Standing, she walked over to the full-length mirror set up in the room off the foyer that had been confiscated to use as a dressing area for the bridal party. The sleeveless gold dress hugged her curves in all the right places and fell to the top of her toes. Her mouth scrunched up at the sight of the sock on her right foot instead of a fancy shoe to match the dress. Oh, well, she had them in a box and she’d wear them one day, just not today.
“Ms. Patti, you look beautiful.” Maggie stood behind her and gently ran a hand over her shoulder. “I knew this color would be splendid with your coloring. Douglas isn’t going to be able to keep his eyes off you.”
“Thank you, sweetie. I can’t believe you all managed to plan an entire wedding event and tried to pass it off as Beth’s baby shower. Which we’ll have to really do, by the way. Just because the baby came a few weeks early doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate.”
“Patrick Elijah Boudreau decided it was time to make his grand entrance.” Tessa grinned and pulled her hand from behind her back, holding a single white rose and a sprig of baby’s breath. “For your hair.” She gestured toward Ms. Patti’s head. “May I?”
Emotion choked her, and she nodded, leaning slightly against Harper, who led her to a chair. Tessa placed the flower behind her right ear, and held up a mirror, letting her see how perfect the flowers set off the upswept hairstyle.
“I peeked in the sanctuary and the guys are all standing up front in their tuxes.” Camilla closed the door softly behind her. “It’s definitely a sight I never expected to see. Heath dressed in a formal black tuxedo? My muscle-bound, leather-wearing, motorcycle-riding honey in pretty much anything but jeans and a T-shirt? It makes my heart go pitter-patter.” She chuckled. “The rest of those Boudreau boys don’t look half bad either, I gotta say.”
Glancing around the room, Ms. Patti watched each of the women who’d become part of her family. Part of her life. Part of the joy that filled her each day and she thanked God they’d become her daughters. She couldn’t have picked anyone better for each of her sons.
Her lone regret today was that Beth couldn’t be here. The women had told her earlier that morning the entire purpose of the party had been Beth’s idea from the start, and she’d worked harder than anyone to make sure everything was perfect. She’d even been putting flowers on the church pews when she’d been in labor. Giving birth to Patrick had been a miracle, and something Ms. Patti would never regret, not for an instant, but she wished Beth was here, by her side, so she could hug her and tell her how touched and honored she was to have her for a daughter.
“I love you. All of you. I probably don’t say it enough, but you have brought light and joy into my life, into the lives of my sons. I realize I can get all up in your business sometimes, thinking my way is always the right way, but you’ve all proven time and again you fit perfectly into the Boudreau clan, and I couldn’t be happier to have you here.”
“Oh, darn it, now you’ve done it. You made me cry.” Tina grabbed the box of tissue and pulled a couple free before passing the box on to the next woman.
“It wasn’t easy pulling the wool over your eyes, Ms. Patti. We were afraid somebody in town was going to spill the beans and tell you what we were planning.”
She shook her head. “Nobody told me anything, I swear.”
Nobody had to tell me anything. While I love you gals to pieces, you’re not exactly cut out for the sleuthing lifestyle. I figured out what y’all were doing right from the start, but you were having so much fun trying to fool Douglas and me, I couldn’t take that away from you. And look at what you’ve accomplished. This will be the perfect wedding.
A quiet knock sounded on the door, and Harper opened it a crack, before turning to face the room, a huge smile on her face.
“Look who decided to show up.” Pulling the door open, Ms. Patti gasped as she spotted Beth standing in the doorway, holding the baby in her arms.
“Beth!”
“You didn’t think I was about to miss the big day, did you?” Walking over to Ms. Patti, she leaned forward and pressed a kiss against her cheek. “I had to blackmail Doctor Stevens with the promise of a whole tray of Jill’s black-and-white brownies in order to let me come, but it’ll totally be worth it.” She cast a sheepish smile toward Jill. “Um, I guess I’m going to need some brownies.”
“I’ve got you covered, girlfriend. We’re all glad you’re here, too.”
Tessa pulled another chair from against the wall, and helped Beth sit beside Ms. Patti, before reaching for little Patrick. All the ladies crowded around, touching the little fingers peeking out from the blanket, or brushing their hand against his baby-soft cheek. Light blond hair covered his head, and he gave a big yawn, never waking from his peaceful slumber to notice the passel of women surrounding him.
Another knock on the door, this one a sharp staccato rap, signified it was time to start the ceremony. Nica walked over and gently lifted Patrick from Tessa’s arms, cradling him against her chest.
“I’m going to take care of this precious bundle, Momma.” She brushed a soft kiss against his head. “I’ll be watching every second. You and Dad, you deserve all the happiness in the world. You’ve always made me feel loved and special and it’s about time we do the same for you.”
“But, Nica, you’re supposed to be part of the entourage, and walk down the aisle too. You’re as much a part of everything as we all are.” Tessa looked between Nica and her mother, noting the almost silent communication between them, and threw her hands up and stepped back.
“That’s right, Tessa, we all have our part. I’ve had Momma from the moment I came into this world, and I’ll always have her. Right now, my place is here, with the newest Boudreau.”
Serena approached Ms. Patti, the wedding bouquet in her hands. Ms. Patti’s breath caught in her throat at the sight, the gorgeous flowers arranged in a simple yet elegant spray she’d hold in front of her as she walked down the aisle. It was small enough that she’d be able to hold it with one hand and maneuver her cane with the other.
“Are you ready, Ms. Patti?” Renee asked softly, looking lovely in her pale green dress.
She took a deep breath and nodded. “I’m ready.”
“Okay, then, ladies, you know what to do. Let’s line up in the order we practiced.”
Tessa lined up first, followed by Serena, then Beth, Maggie, Jill, Camilla, Renee, Tina, Destiny, Ruby, and finally Lauren, all with matching flowers in their hands, smaller versions of her own bridal bouquet.
The double doors to the sanctuary opened, and the music began, each one walking down the center aisle toward the front, where her sons stood straight and proud beside their father. Douglas. The man she’d loved for what seemed like her whole life. From the moment she’d locked eyes with him in New Orleans, nobody else existed for her. Now he stood at the front of their family church, waiting for her. To affirm and swear that he loved her, would love her until the end of time. Darn her sprained ankle. She wanted to sprint down to the front and throw herself into his arms. Yet at the same time, she wanted to savor every second of the pomp and ceremony that their children had made possible. Her heart felt like it would explode in her chest from happiness.
Now it was her turn. The music changed to the Wedding March by Mendelssohn and everyone inside the church stood and turned around to watch her. Taking a deep breath, she jolted when a masculine arm curved around hers.
“I hope you don’t mind, Ms. Patti, if I walk you down the aisle?”
Nick. He’d come all the way from Australia, and he was here. She could only nod and clutch the flowers tighter in her left hand, as they started toward the front. Having Nick here, one of her beloved “Lost Boys” made this day even more special.
Her eyes to the front, she carefully measured each step, holding onto Nick, knowing he wouldn’t let her fall. They’d only made it about a third of the way down the aisle when he stopped, leaned down to kiss her cheek, and stepped back. Within seconds, another arm was linked through hers, and her eyes welled with tears as Brian smiled at her.
“You didn’t think I’d miss today, did you, Ms. Patti?”
“I’m so glad you’re here,” she whispered, and they started walking again as the music swelled. Her eyes met Douglas’ and she noted they were damp with tears.
Again, they’d only made it about a third of the way toward the front of the church when Brian stopped, and eased his arm from hers, and another masculine arm entwined with hers.
Gage. Tall, dressed in a suit and tie, his dark hair gleamed under the lights, and his tender smile made her realize her wedding day was complete. Everyone who mattered, those who played a part in her life, all stood in this church at this moment, and suddenly the ceremony didn’t matter. The flowers, the cake, the champagne—none of it mattered—because she had everything she needed right in front of her.
Within a few steps, they were at the front of the church. As she turned to face Douglas, she noticed Nick and Brian bringing a decorated bench and placing it at the front, right where she and Douglas would stand. Instead, her thoughtful family had known standing through the ceremony would be hard, and they’d come up with an ingenious solution—where both she and Douglas could sit side-by-side to recite their vows.
“Dearly Beloved,” began Pastor Bob.
Douglas leaned close and whispered in her ear, “You are my dearly beloved. I have loved you forever, and will love you throughout eternity, my sweet Miss Patti.”
“I love you to eternity and beyond. You have always held my heart and kept it safe. From the moment we met, I’ve been yours, and there is no power on this earth that can keep us apart, my love.”
The sound of Pastor Bob clearing his through had the rest of the people in the sanctuary laughing.
“Mind if I finish my part now?”
“Go right ahead, Pastor. We’ve already done ours. You might as well get to the part where I kiss the bride, because I’m about to.”
Pastor Bob chuckled. “I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Boudreau. Douglas, you may now kiss your bride.”
Douglas wrapped his arms around her and kissed her with a passion and intensity that she matched, pouring every ounce of love she felt into it.
A rousing cheer rose through the church, as Douglas stood and swept Ms. Patti into his arms and carried her down the aisle like a new husband carrying his bride across the threshold, and straight to the double doors, stopping only to kiss her again. Their first thirty years together had been filled with love, laughter, and passion, and it looked like they had another thirty years to keep sharing their joy.
And she couldn’t wait to get started.