“I worry about you, Bella,” she said. “You’re still my little girl.”
I skipped the part where I’d been taken in for questioning and said, “I made it home, Mama. Got a great night’s sleep in a wonderful bed.”
“Oh, there’s nothing better than a good night’s sleep to make everything wonderful.”
Amen to that.
Armando and Drew showed up around 11:30 to help load the vehicles. Scarlet packaged up the individual tiers of the cake and fussed over them as Armando carried them to the back of their SUV. Hannah and Drew pored over their photography equipment, and Gabi tended to my gown, making sure it was safe in a plastic zipper bag. I did the one thing that made sense: ate breakfast. Bacon. Eggs. Biscuits. Anything and everything Mrs. Rigas put in front of me. I couldn’t get over how hungry I was. Then again, being incarcerated could do that to a person.
Several times I came close to slipping up, almost mentioning my escapades from the night before. Then, just as quickly, I’d remember Mayor Deets’s words, that we could keep things to ourselves. Had he really come to my rescue? Better yet, would he show up today and two-step with Bonnie Sue? I sure hoped so.
By noon we were loaded up and heading to the wedding facility. As I pulled up, I took in the beauty of the renovated building. Had it only been five short months? I remembered the first time D.J. and I had pulled up to this very spot. I’d stared at the building, horrified, wondering if we could ever turn it into a thing of beauty. Now it stood before me, a gem.
In that moment I thought about what Jasmine had said about the melted chocolate—how she’d likened it to the work God was doing in our lives, shaping and reshaping us. The wedding facility stood as a testament to that. Things could change . . . and for the better. They really could, as Jasmine had said, become beautiful.
I glanced down at the emerald on my finger and reflected on the day D.J. had come home from work on a random Tuesday and proposed to me. I loved that Texas cowboy with my whole heart. He was God’s gift to me and God’s gift to our babies. Like that chocolate, we had both changed over the years. But I liked the people we had become.
I walked into the wedding facility and headed straight to the room D.J. had planned just for me: the bride’s dressing room. He’d thought of everything—a place to hang the dresses, a lovely bench wide enough to accommodate the bride’s gown, a mirrored wall large enough for all of the girls to see their reflection. Perfection!
The girls made quick work out of helping me get ready. Mama, of course, insisted on helping with my makeup. I let her. She was the queen, after all. Then Lily worked on my hair, maneuvering it into a gorgeous French twist. After that, Gabi unzipped the bag and pulled out the dress. We all gasped as she hung it on the rack. Not every bride got to wear two different wedding dresses. I marveled at my good fortune as she helped me into the gown. No doubt I looked a lot different than the first time. That day I’d worn a corset that pinched in my tiny waist. Today . . . well, today it was all about Thing One and Thing Two. I wasn’t walking down the aisle alone this time.
After getting the dress on, I turned around to face myself in the mirror . . . and gasped. I could hardly believe Gabi had done it, but staring at my reflection, I couldn’t deny the obvious. She’d taken this very pregnant woman and turned her into a radiant bride. Tears sprang to my eyes as I ran my fingers across the lace on the ivory gown.
“Gabi, you’re a miracle worker.”
“Hardly.” With a wave of her hand she dismissed the idea. “I’ve just learned how to accent a woman’s figure.”
“Obviously.”
“I’m figuring out what to do and what not to do, what to emphasize and what not to emphasize. You know?”
“Not really. But apparently you do, and I’m grateful.”
“I wanted to showcase you, both as bride and mommy-to-be. That’s how I settled on the Empire waist design. The lace and other embellishments were completely based on the conversation we had about the shabby chic theme. And by the way, I appreciate you giving me creative license. There’s so much less pressure on me when I’m free to just create.”
“Well, you should be free to create every time then.” Cassia drew near and ran her finger over the beading on my sleeve. “It’s beyond beautiful. I’m getting more excited about my big day now. Can’t wait!”
“Pretty sure I’ll be a spring bride myself,” Jasmine said.
“What about you, Lily?” Jenna asked. “I noticed a little something-something between you and Cecil the last time we were together.”
“I-I think he’s great.” Lily giggled. “I mean, I have no idea where things will end up, but I’d like to think I could one day marry a great guy like that.”
“You two are a couple now?” Hannah asked.
Lily shrugged. “I guess you could say that. I’d sure like to see more of him.”
“How did you know he was the one for you?” Scarlet asked.
For a moment Lily didn’t say anything. Finally, with tears in her eyes, she spoke. “He was always there. Hovering on that crazy scaffolding in the reception hall out there. How is it possible that I hardly noticed him? He’s such a great guy.”
“And easy on the eyes,” Scarlet said with a wink.
“That too.” Lily grinned. “We went out the other night. Had the sweetest date ever. And I have a feeling we’ll be having lots more.”
Yep. She was definitely twitterpated. The Splendora trio would be so tickled.
I knew exactly what that felt like. From the moment I’d clapped eyes on D.J. Neeley, my heart had never been the same.
We continued talking until Aunt Rosa arrived on the scene. I did my best to stand, though I found it difficult, not because of the dress’s wide skirt but for another reason altogether. My back was still bothering me.
Aunt Rosa drew near and pulled my face into her soft hands. “Oh, Bella, you look like a million bucks.”
“Thank you, Aunt Rosa. Didn’t Gabi do a great job with the dress?”
“It’s exquisite.”
Mama gave my makeup another once-over and nodded. “You look beautiful, baby girl.”
“As beautiful as any seven-and-a-half-month-pregnant girl could be.”
“Well, you look fantastic.”
I stretched and tried to get the kink in my back to go away as I muttered, “Wish I felt like it.”
“You’re not feeling well?” Aunt Rosa asked. “Something to be concerned about?”
“The babies are just riding low, I think. I’ve been on my feet way too much over the past day or two.”
“Day or two? Don’t you mean month or two?” Aunt Rosa laughed.
“True, true. But I’ll be able to rest after today. It’s not like D.J. and I are hopping on a plane to go to Italy this time. We’re just heading home to our house in Galveston.”
My heart quickened as I spoke these words aloud.
Home. Galveston.
Sounded like a slice of heaven.
“If this back pain keeps up, promise you’ll call the doctor.” Mama’s gaze narrowed.
“I promise. I’m sure he would just say it’s pressure pain. Tonight I plan to kick my feet up and rest. After I get married, I mean.”
“Not exactly a honeymoon for the books, I suppose.” Aunt Rosa’s eyes twinkled. “But that’s okay, honey. You’ve had your honeymoon.”
“Clearly.” Mama winked, then put her hand on my tummy. “Is it my imagination, or have these babies dropped?”
“I was thinking the same thing but didn’t want to say it,” Sophia said. “They really are riding lower, Bella.”
“Hmm.” I turned sideways and looked at my reflection in the full-length mirror. “Maybe. Probably because there are two of them. They’re fighting for space.”
At ten minutes till two I got word from Cassia that Brock Benson had entered the building. No one had to tell me. I could tell from the raised voices of the females in attendance. No doubt Clayton was already taking notes for some
future article. And Mayor Deets—according to Twila and Jolene, who stopped in long enough to ooh and aah over my dress—was seated in the third row. Next to Bonnie Sue. I might’ve guessed as much. Yep, things were definitely changing around here, just like that melted chocolate—being molded into something beautiful.
At two o’clock straight up, my father arrived to walk me down the aisle. He gasped when he saw me, and then tears ran down his face. He always got worked up at weddings, but never like this. “You look beautiful, Bella-bambina.”
“Thank you, Pop.” I gave him a kiss on the cheek.
He led me to the doors at the back of the little chapel. I could hear the music coming from inside. This time there would be no bridesmaids. No groomsmen. Only Tres and Rosie, who insisted on walking with me instead of ahead of me. Not that I minded. Not one bit.
As the doors swung open, I saw the chapel for the first time in its completed state. I took in the beautiful room, overwhelmed at its rustic beauty. The log cabin lodge meets old-fashioned church design worked. D.J. and Blossom had outdone themselves, from the gorgeous light fixtures to the hand-polished pews and beautifully designed windows.
No, it didn’t compare to Club Wed. Nothing could ever take the place of that old Victorian beauty. But this gorgeous Town and Country facility suited the Splendora area, for sure. Through the windows I caught a glimpse of the ocean of pines—majestic, stately. They framed the building like angels hovering on every side. Perfection.
Glancing up the aisle, I caught my first glimpse of D.J. He took one look at me and his face lit into the warmest smile. In that moment I was transported back in time to our first wedding day, seeing that same look on his face. A lot had happened between then and now, of course, but the feelings remained. In some ways, they had probably deepened. God had riveted our hearts together for all time, and my feelings for this man—though different from years prior—were stronger than ever.
The music shifted to the bridal march. I caught a glimpse of Armando in the sound booth and he gave me a smile. My father held my arm a little tighter as we walked the aisle, and I noticed Hannah on the right side of the chapel and Drew on the left, snapping photos. I saw Brock Benson and his wife Erin seated on our right, not far from Mayor Deets. Clayton sat nearby, just to the left of Gabi and Jordan Singer. The trio of Splendora ladies had taken up residence near the back of the room. They waved and giggled as I walked by. Well, all but Jolene, who snapped photos on her phone. At least, I hoped she was snapping photos and not making a call. One could never tell with those ladies.
“You’re still my princess, Bella-bambina,” my father whispered. Just like he’d done on my first wedding day. I whispered back, “Thank you,” then continued to move forward. Up at the front of the room, Tres stopped and waited by his father. Rosie stuck close to me until we got near the front of the room. Then she squealed, “Daddy!” and took off running, straight into D.J.’s open arms. The guests responded with chuckles.
Not that I minded. We needed a laid-back ceremony. It suited us on a day like today.
If only the babies were a little more laid-back. They seemed to be in rare form today, causing more pressure and pain than usual. And what was up with my back? I’d be doing well to keep from doubling over during the ceremony.
Deep breath, Bella. Just make it up the aisle. You can do this.
A familiar cramping sensation gripped my belly as I made it to the front of the room. I did my best not to flinch, but I recognized this feeling from the prior pregnancies. These babies weren’t just low. They were asking to come out. With a forced smile on my face and a prayer on my lips, I silently begged them to stay put.
25
I Can’t Stop Loving You
God gave me you for the ups and downs.
Blake Shelton
The vow renewal ceremony, like all weddings, seemed to go by in a tiny blip of time. The babies decided to calm down, at least for a few minutes. Pastor Higley, who appeared to be in a jolly mood today, officiated, asking us pointed questions and even making the guests laugh. Just before we renewed our vows, Scarlet and Bubba sang a gorgeous duet—a Martina McBride song. I loved the rich country flair. Their voices sounded just right for this room. Perfection.
Well, almost perfection. About the time they got to the second verse, the pain in my back kicked in again. I whispered up another plea for the Lord to keep the babies in place until his appointed time. Surely all of these twinges were just warnings, right? They weren’t due for weeks. If they arrived too soon . . . well, I hated to think of what that might mean.
When the song ended, I turned to face my husband-to-be—er, husband—and listened as he quoted his vows to me. Finally it was my turn. I pinched my eyes shut and for a moment imagined myself standing in the jail, repeating these words to a woman named Harriet, a woman who loved my mother-in-law’s banana pudding. For whatever reason, this got me tickled.
“Bella?”
I opened my eyes when I heard Pastor Higley’s voice. “It’s your turn now. Unless you’ve changed your mind.”
This got a chuckle out of the guests.
I did my best to remember the first few words. Then, as I began to speak my heart to D.J.—as I told him just how much he meant to me . . . what an awesome, godly father he was . . . how my heart still lit into a flame whenever he walked into the room—I didn’t need anyone to prompt me. I just spoke truth from the heart. And by the time I reached the end, we were both in tears.
We wrapped up the ceremony with a recommitment to one another, and then Pastor Higley proclaimed that we were, once again, husband and wife. He didn’t have to say, “You may kiss the bride.” D.J. was already kissing me. And kissing me. And kissing me some more.
This made everyone laugh. I was grateful for the distraction from our guests because the babies chose that very moment to do a strange twisting thing inside of me. I forced a smile and turned with D.J. to face the back of the chapel. The Dean Martin song “That’s Amore” came on as we sauntered down the aisle together.
Well, D.J. sauntered. I waddled.
When we got out into the foyer, he pulled me into his arms for another kiss.
“You. Are. Gorgeous!” He planted tiny kisses all over my face.
“Thank you.” I’d just started to add, “Houston, we have a problem,” when the doors opened and dozens of our closest friends and family piled out. Minutes later, we were all headed to the reception hall, where Bubba, Jenna, Laz, and Rosa went to work, playing caterer.
I couldn’t get over the yummy smells coming from inside the beautifully decorated room. Smelled just like Bubba’s Barbecue all over again. Mmm. I wanted to eat all of it but wondered if I should. A few little nibbles were all I could manage.
Armando took over as deejay and welcomed us as bride and groom, then the guests got busy doing what they loved to do—eating. And visiting. And then, finally, dancing. The room came to life with one country song after another. Armando didn’t know much about country tunes, but he did a fine job emceeing just the same. This whole thing took me back to that very first wedding, where I’d hired D.J. Neeley to play the role of deejay. How ironic that we’d come full circle, back to a country-western ceremony.
Right down to the boots.
I lifted my dress a couple of inches to show D.J. my cowgirl boots. He lifted his right foot to show off his new pair as well.
Before long most of our guests were two-stepping. I didn’t, of course. Wouldn’t dare. The babies were doing a little dance of their own at this point, one that made me think that perhaps they might just want to shuffle off to the hospital to make an early appearance. Surely not. It was too soon, way too soon.
Hold on a bit longer, Bella.
I watched as Cecil walked across the dance floor and asked Lily to dance. She looked up from her conversation with Jasmine, and the loveliest thing happened. She smiled. A gorgeous, genuine, happy-to-be-asked-to-dance-with-you smile. In that moment I saw glimpses of what could be in Lily’s li
fe, now that she’d let go of her bitterness toward her sister.
She took hold of Cecil’s outstretched hand, and before you knew it they were sailing across the dance floor. I took a sip of punch and watched as Cecil commanded the floor. Wow. The boy could really dance. Who knew?
Suddenly all of the renovation woes we’d faced over the past few months faded away. It had been worth it all for this very moment.
I pondered that as I took another swallow. The familiar cramping sensation gripped my lower abdomen once again. I didn’t have time to think about it for long, because the strangest thing happened just to my right. Bonnie Sue walked across the dance floor and approached Mayor Deets, who sat by himself at a table on the far side of the room. His eyes sparkled when he saw her coming. Before she could say a word, he rose and extended his hand. I watched them take to the dance floor as a dynamic duo. From the way he flitted across the room, he’d practiced the Texas two-step at home in preparation for this day.
“Can I have this dance, Mrs. Neeley?” D.J. offered me his hand, and I found myself faced with a dilemma. If I walked out onto that dance floor, it would probably throw me into full-out labor. If I sat here in this chair and denied my husband this dance on our wedding—er, second wedding—day, our guests would think me rude.
I allowed D.J. to pull me into his arms, and seconds later we were two-stepping across the floor with our other guests. Well, until I simply couldn’t anymore.
“D.J.” I tried to whisper but had to be heard above the music.
“Hmm?” My oblivious husband kept dancing.
“D.J., I need to talk to you. Now.”
“Okay. I’m all ears.” He looked at me.
“I don’t want to scare you, but I think maybe—and I’m not 100 percent sure—but I think maybe I might be starting labor.”
“W-what?” He stopped dancing immediately. “No, Bella. It’s too early. The babies aren’t due yet.”
“Try telling them that.”
“But . . . this is way too early. Are you sure?”