Page 56 of Love's Bloom
“Okay, then, let’s get the show on the road,” said Ike. “I’ll set up my station near the entrance by the driveway and keep an eye on the people coming in.”
Whitney placed a hand on Crystal’s arm. “Nick has arranged for one of his deputies to help Ike. Between the two of them, they ought to be able to do as you want.”
The minister of the local Unitarian church came over to them. “I’m a few minutes late, but I see we have plenty of time.”
“Yes,” said Crystal. “The flowers are just arriving now.”
A staff member from Petals was carrying a gorgeous arrangement of summer flowers in a large white wicker basket for the buffet table. “I’ve got the bride’s and maid of honor’s flowers in the truck.”
Curious, Misty went over to the truck and gasped with delight when she saw the same multi-colored summer flowers in two separate bouquets and a flower ring, like a crown, to be placed on Crystal’s head.
She turned to Crystal. “These are stunning.”
Crystal looked pleased. “They turned out so well.”
“You’d better go in and change,” said Whitney. “I see people are starting to arrive. Don’t worry about Emmett and Nick. I’ll see that they go inside. Dani and Brad are bringing GG, and Taylor will keep an eye out for Natalie.”
“What would I do without the Gilford girls?” said Crystal, hugging Whitney.
Misty followed Crystal inside and up to her bedroom.
Nick and Emmett followed.
Outside Crystal’s bedroom door, Emmett stopped to give her a kiss.
“Remember, the groom can’t see the bride’s dress before it’s time,” Misty said, thinking Emmett was adorable with Crystal.
“Okay, then, see you two outside,” said Emmett. “Nick and I will be ready.”
Misty noticed Nick was wearing tan slacks and a crisp white shirt. A blue blazer, she knew, would be added, and at Emmett's request, neither man would be wearing a tie.
Inside the bedroom, Misty slipped on her dress and twirled around for Crystal.
“It’s lovely. All the right colors. You look smashing in it,” said Crystal. “Now, please help me with mine.”
Crystal pulled a midi-length white silk dress from the closet. Simple, it had a V-neckline, capped sleeves, afitted bodice, and a skirt that fell straight down and flowed with movement. Crystal slipped on the dress, and it fit her like a glove.
Observing her sister in this stunning dress, Misty felt unexpected tears. “My God! You’re beautiful.”
“Thanks,” said Crystal. She turned at the sound of a knock on the door. “That must be the photographer with Captured Moments. She promised to take photographs of us getting ready.”
Crystal opened the door, anda young woman witha turquoise streak of color in her dark-brown hair beamed at them, lighting her blue-green eyes. Fairly new to town, she was trying to make a go of her photography studio. Misty had seen some of her work and was impressed.
“Hi, ladies. It looks like you’re almost ready. I’m glad I got here in time to get some photos of you. You both look stunning. Now, show me some sisterly love so I can capture it.”
Misty put her arm around Crystal, careful not to crush her dress. She had only to think of how much Crystal meant to her to bring a genuine, loving smile to her face.
“Excellent,” said the photographer. “I’ll take a few of you, Misty, helping to place Crystal’s flowers on her head.”
She took a few more photos of them and said, “I’m going outside to capture the surprise on some of the people’s faces when they realize a wedding is happening.”
“Please send up Whitney,” said Crystal. “I want to get an update from her.”
Moments later, Whitney appeared in Crystal’s bedroom.
“How are things going?” Crystal asked.
“The only person not here is Emmett’s stepfather. All our friends have arrived except for Nettie and Jason, who are on the way. GG and Natalie are sitting and talking together and seem to be having fun.”
