Page 41 of Every Rose

Chapter Fourteen

The day of the wedding dawned. If weather was an omen, Rose thought, as she pulled her blinds and stared out at the new day, then this was a day for an execution, not a wedding. The river was gunmetal grey, the sky heavy and ominous. She felt like it was holding onto the rain until the very moment the bridal party headed for the church. Not unusual weather for this time of year in the Pacific Northwest, but still, she’d hoped.

Theresa was remarkably cool about the bad weather since she’d been watching the forecast all week and all week the grim day had been on the charts with its little square picture of bulky gray clouds spilling raindrops.

“It will be fine. Cozy, even,” Theresa said. The venue was a mansion built in the mid 1800s and one of the top wedding spots in the city. All the festivities were indoors but still it would have been nice to gaze out on the eighteen acres of gardens and see them sun-dappled rather than rain-soaked.

The bridal party had gathered at a hotel suite Theresa’s parents had rented. They’d driven up from Hidden Falls the day before and booked it so that the bride and her attendants could leave from the suite together.

Theresa was glowing with happiness, and totally together. Rose imagined she’d be a wreck on her wedding day, knowing this was her last chance to back out, but Theresa obviously had no second thoughts. She was serene under pressure. She’d be a perfect politician’s wife. Harvey had chosen well.

The other bridesmaids were also in good shape. All but Kimberly who looked pale, her eyes as wide as a doe’s during hunting season.

“Are you all right?” Please let her not be coming down with something that was either catching or that Rose would miss the wedding taking care of.

She blinked. “Sorry. I’m fine. It’s such a big day, a wedding.”

“I know. But we’ll all do great,” Rose said, and cupped the side of her neck in affection, which also allowed her to check the woman’s pulse and temperature. Temp was normal but her pulse rate was elevated. Rose made a mental note to keep an eye on her.

Then, before she knew it, they were off in two limos. The bouquets, like the dresses, were tasteful and understated. Rose had spent her first couple of hours today at the salon so she knew her hair and makeup were perfect. The dress fit in all the right places, the shoes were comfortable enough. She was excited about having a whole day to enjoy herself.

The wedding itself passed in a blur. This was her third time as a bridesmaid, so she was experienced without feeling jaded. She liked Theresa and Harvey and thought they were good together so it was easy to be part of the sendoff.

As the tallest bridesmaid, she was the last to head up the aisle, right before the bride. When it was her turn, she whispered a last, “Good luck,” to Theresa, beaming on the arm of her proud-looking father. She was smiling as she walked up the aisle.

Ahead were the other bridesmaids taking their places. There was Harvey looking as serious as she’d ever seen him. He wasn’t the hottest guy in the world, but he had style and plenty of ambition. Beside him were a couple of guys she knew only vaguely, and then her gaze hit on Matt. For a nanosecond she actually didn’t recognize him.

In sloppy scrubs, with three-day stubble and a mess of unruly curls, he was pretty hot. In a tux, with his face smooth and his hair recently trimmed, the man was drop dead gorgeous. Or stop dead gorgeous since that’s what she did. She missed a step and stood there like a fool, rooted to the spot for the time it took for time to stand still, her eyes to blink, and the world to right itself again.

He was watching her and she felt suddenly breathless. She pasted her smile back on and walked forward once more hoping no one had noticed her stall. Hoping he hadn’t noticed.

The ceremony passed as they all do. Vows were recited, hymns sung, no one had any cause why the wedding couldn’t take place. Tears were shed, photos were snapped.

Then they were free to mingle until dinner. Matt ended up staying by her side as they headed into the mansion’s library where the guests were already enjoying drinks and little nibbly things passed around on trays. “You clean up nicely,” she said, feeling that his transformation deserved some comment.

“Thanks. Truth is my mom told me to get a haircut.”

She laughed. “You should talk to your mom more often.”

“Ouch.” He glanced at her sideways. “I’d say you clean up nice too, but I’ve only ever seen you clean. Be nice to see you dirty some time.”

She glanced at him sharply but his gaze was as innocent as a baby’s.

“Let me buy you a drink,” he said.

“It’s a hosted bar. The drinks are free.”

“In that case, let me get you a double.”

“White wine, please.” She scanned the room. “You can bring it to me over there. I’ll be with my date.”

“Your date?” She had the satisfaction of knowing she’d startled him. Good.

“Yes. My date.”

“Should I get him a white wine too?”

“I’m sure he can take care of himself.”

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