Page 58 of Love's Bloom
“You look great,” said Hazel, moving back as Everett approached the group.
“Ah, here’s the bride,” he boomed. “Welcome to the family. Such a beautiful addition.”
Crystal’s lips curved, but Misty could tell her smile was forced.
Emmett hurried over and put an arm around Crystal. “It didn’t take me long to realize this was the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.”
“I will be proud to introduce her and you, of course, Emmett, to my constituents.”
Emmett shook his head. “That’s not going to happen. I’ve chosen to stay out of the limelight, and Crystal agrees with me.”
“That’s right,” said Crystal. “But we wish you luck with your campaign.”
Everett frowned. “We’ll talk later. This is about you and your wedding. Again, I’m sorry I missed the ceremony.”
Jason, a chef and one of the new owners of the café, came over to them holding a tray of tulip glasses filled with champagne. Misty noticed Melissa had another such tray.
“Please help yourself to one,” said Jason. “Nick is about to give a toast to the bride and groom.”
Misty took one and moved with the others toward Nick, who was waiting for them to join him. Crystal and Emmett had moved beside him.
When it was quiet, Nick held up his glass. “Here’s to the bride and groom, a wonderful couple who are very much a part of this community. You all know how special Crystal is to me, and what you don’t know, perhaps, is that Emmett and I spend some free time together fishing. I won’t say who the better fisherman is except to tell you that Whitney is getting very good at frying up fresh fish for dinner.”
When the laughter subsided, Nick continued. “We wish you both the best of everything to come. I think it’s fair for me to speak for all of us gathered here when I say that you both are beloved in this community. Here’s to Crystal and Emmett!”
Misty raised her glass with the others and turned to David, who’d come up beside her.
“You look beautiful,” he said softly into her ear.
Tingles of pleasure filled her. It was an emotional time for her, and hearing his compliment meant a lot to her. She gazed up at him, and from the look he gave her, she wasn’t surprised when he brushed his lips against her cheek in a gentle sweep.
Her attention was drawn away from him when Everett moved to stand by Nick and held up his glass. “I’d like to say a few words if you’ll allow it.” His confident manner indicated he’d naturally assumed they’d be honored to hear from him.
Everett clapped a hand on Emmett’s back. “This young man has been part of my life since he was a toddler and is a son that I’m proud to call my own. He may have chosen to be a doctor here in this town, but he’s an important member of the family his mother and I have made together. So, it will come as no surprise when I announce to all who know me how delighted I am now to have a daughter to add to the clan.”
Misty could see Emmett’s jaw clenching and unclenching and knew how agitated he was. Emmett had changed his name from Chamberlain to Chambers to avoid being known as the senator’s son, needing to strike out on his own. He’d made it clear to Crystal that he wanted no part of his stepfather’s campaign. They both agreed it was best to keep it that way. Now, Everett was trying to change things.
Crystal placed a hand on Emmett’s arm. “Thank you, Everett. Please enjoy the food and drinks, everyone. There’s plenty for all.”
Misty headed to the buffet table to fix herself a plate of food. Melissa, Nettie, and Jason had done a fantastic job with it. Everything looked beautiful, with each platter displaying a garnish of fresh herbs or flowers.
She helped herself to a small taste of everything and moved to one of the benches in the yard. Taylor was taking food to GG and Natalie sitting together in chairs under the shade of a tree.
“May I join you?” asked David.
She patted the space next to her, and after he sat down, they both smiled and posed for the woman who was circulating, taking shots of the guests.
Nearby, Everett said to the photographer, “May I ask you to take a photo of me with the bride and groom?”
“Of course,” she answered politely. She gave Misty an apologetic look and walked away, with Everett following her.
David shook his head. “I don’t blame Emmett for wanting to distance himself from his stepfather. He seems such a self-centered, egotistical man. I talked to Emmett’s mother, and she was pleasant in comparison.”
“But still not warm,” said Misty. “Crystal is healthy for Emmett.”
David gave her a thoughtful look and nodded.
“Can I join you?” asked Hazel.
