Page 57 of Love's Bloom
“Is the security guard checking everyone?” Crystal asked.
“Yes. I understand he spoke to the photographer when she arrived with her cameras, but there’s been no sign of any other media people. I think it’s safe to say that if Emmett’s stepfather does show up, he’ll be quickly controlled. The security guard has been doing an excellent job.”
“Okay, this waiting is killing me,” said Crystal. “Will you please ask the guitar player to start the music Emmett and I chose? The longer we wait, the more trouble might come from Everett. And please tell Emmett and Nick to go ahead and take their places. When I hear my song being played, I’ll send Misty outside, and I’ll follow.”
Whitney left, and Crystal turned to Misty. “I’m not about to wait for Everett. He knew what time the wedding would begin. It’s just like him to be late so he can make a grand entrance.”
“Will Emmett be sorry about Everett not seeing the two of you get married?” asked Misty.
Crystal shook her head. “Sadly, no. Emmett’s pretty upset about the way his stepfather is treating this event. He feels it’s disrespecting both of us.”
“All right. I’m going to make a quick trip to the bathroom, then go downstairs to wait for your signal,” said Misty.
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Misty waited for Crystal to appear in the kitchen, nervously shifting from one foot to the other.
She heard her approaching, and when she saw her sister arrive looking angelic in her white dress and wearing a floral crown like a halo around her beautiful face, tears stung Misty’s eyes. Crystal was such a special person; she deserved a lovely wedding without any shenanigans from her future father-in-law.
“Ready?” Crystal asked her.
Misty kissed Crystal’s cheek. “You’re lovely. Let’s make this happen.”
Crystal stood aside while Misty stepped outside onto the lawn and headed toward the minister, Emmett, and Nick. She heard the gasps of admiration from the crowd at seeing Crystal behind her, and her smile widened. As she entered the circle of friends gathered for the wedding, she caught David's eye, and her heart fluttered. Maybe, thought Misty, someday she’d be as lucky as Crystal.
The minister kept the traditional wedding service short, as promised. By the time Crystal and Emmett had said their vows to one another, there wasn’t a dry eye in the gathering, including Natalie’s. Their sweet words to one another resonated with the crowd.
Just as the minister announced, “You may now kiss your bride,” David came up beside Misty and squeezed her hand, giving her a sweet smile.
A commotion broke out by the house. The entire group turned and faced Everett and his entourage. Everett’s loud, booming voice rang out. “What do you mean I can’t attend my son’s wedding? This is an important occasion for me as father of the groom.”
Ike Benson stood squarely in front of the senator. “Hold on. I’ll have to have permission for you to enter. The photographer and news person aren’t allowed at this event.”
Furious, Everett shook his fist at him. “I’ll be damned if I’m going to let you keep me from my family.” He stopped talking when Emmett walked over to him.
“So, you’ve come to congratulate Crystal and me?” said Emmett calmly, coolly. “The ceremony is over, but you’re welcome to help us celebrate privately, without cameras and newspeople. I explained that to you yesterday. Why are you late getting here?”
Everett looked down at the ground and shuffled his feet. “The traffic was bad.”
“Traffic in Lilac Lake?” scoffed Emmett as Crystal, Misty, and Nick approached.
“I was doing an interview in Boston,” Everett admitted, tugging at the collar of his white shirt.
Emmett let out a long sigh. “I wish I could say that this kind of behavior was unusual, gentlemen,” he said to Everett’s handlers. “But, as you well know, it isn’t. I suggest you find something to do while my stepfather enjoys some time here. Unless he chooses not to.”
Everett held up his hand. “Now, Emmett, you know I’ll do no such thing. It’s family time. And this is a big celebration.” He turned to the members of his entourage. “Excuse me. I’ll see you later. There’s a nice café in town. I’ll meet you there.”
No one in the wedding party corrected Everett. The café had closed for the wedding. That’s the kind of town Lilac Lake was and how respected Crystal and Emmett were.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Misty and the other women in the group surrounded Crystal as Everett entered the backyard. They’d been delighted and excited by the unexpected wedding and stood by, admiring Crystal’s dress and asking questions about the honeymoon.
Beaming, Crystal said, “The honeymoon is a surprise for me. Emmett has told me to pack lightly, and I know we’ll be going out to dinner. That’s it.”
Hazel walked over to Misty. “You sure know how to keep a secret. This wedding is lovely. How long have you known about it?”
“Not that long,” Misty said, amused. “But I’m relieved I won’t have to keep that secret anymore.”
