Page 51 of Canadian Spring

It didn’t take long before Kade walked out from behind the divider, looking like the most radiant bride Skylar had ever seen. A floor-length, lacey-ivory dress adorned Kade’s lean body. The sleeveless cut with a deep V at the front gave it a sexy, elegant look. With her makeup on point and her brown hair curled and pinned in a classy but casual up-do, she looked to be the definition of an elegant country bride. Ivory boots completed the look, only really visible as she twirled.

“Oh, Kade, you look beautiful!” Lila exclaimed as she fanned her tear-filled eyes. “Dammit, don’t make me cry. I don’t want to test how waterproof this mascara really is.”

“You really do, Kade. This dress is perfect for you,” Skylar added.

“Aww, thanks, guys!” Kade threw her arms out, pulling her two friends into a group hug. “I wouldn’t be here without either of you.”

“And this is where you deserve to be,” Skylar added. Her heart filled with joy as she looked at her friend, so happy and excited to start her life with her man.

When Kade had called her to plan her wedding, she’d filled Skylar in on her and Brody’s rocky start. How they’d met years ago while camping, only to be torn apart by a jealous wannabe girlfriend. Thanks to fate and the push of good friends, Kade and Brody found their way back to one another, and now they were ready to truly start their life as man and wife.

“Knock, knock,” Mandy said as she opened the door. “Are you guys about ready?”

“Yup, we’re ready,” Kade answered, carefully wiping a tear from her eye.

“Oh, Kade! You look beautiful!” Mandy exclaimed as she walked in and gave her friend a hug.

“Thank you. Have you seen Brody?” Kade asked with eyes wide, holding on to Mandy’s hands.

“Yes, he’s at the altar with the guys. He looks like he’s about to come back here and throw you over his shoulder if you don’t make your way down that aisle soon,” Mandy chuckled.

“What is with the men of Logan Creek acting like cavemen?” Skylar asked under her breath.

“What was that?” Lila asked. “Oh! Did Dyllan finally stop acting like an asswipe toward you?”

“Stop it, Lila. Today is about Kade. Don’t worry about Dyllan and me.” Skylar shot a quick glance at Mandy, who only smiled at her.

“No, forget about me for a moment. Is there a Dyllan and you?” Kade asked, taking a step toward Skylar.

Skylar opened her mouth, sending a frantic look to Mandy for an out.

“Hey, I think your dad’s waiting just outside. Should I go check on him to get this show on the road?” Mandy asked, placing a hand on Kade’s arm.

“Yes,” Skylar looked at her watch, thankful that she was saved by the almost-literal bell. “We need to get you married!”

“This isn’t over,” Lila narrowed her eyes at Skylar, pointing a manicured finger at her.

Skylar turned toward the table behind her and let out a deep breath.

That was close.

Picking up the bouquets, Skylar passed them out to the three women as they prepared to walk out of the room. A knock on the door signalled the arrival of Kade’s father.

“Alright, let’s get you married!” Skylar exclaimed as she walked the women toward the door.

“You know that means you’re next,” Kade said with a wide smile.

Skylar coughed, choking on air. “Huh?”

“Well, we’re all married now.” Kade clasped her hands around her bouquet. “Oh! How wonderful would it be if there was something between you and Dyllan, and then we’d all stay together! That would be fantastic.”

“Come on, now. Let’s get you married before we worry about anyone else.” Mandy shooed Kade and Lila toward the door, giving Skylar a sympathetic look behind their backs.

Skylar mouthed ‘Thank you’ as they piled out the door and toward the ceremony.

It was a short walk from Brody’s office in the cidery’s tasting room to the outdoor area Skylar had turned into a beautiful bridal suite. She’d timed it out so they could make the quick walk, mostly shielded by trees, giving Brody a complete first look at her from the end of the aisle. She’d instructed the photographer and his associate photographer to get shots of both Brody and Kade’s first looks at each other. From past weddings, she’d learned that could be one of the most important photos of the whole day.

Skylar stepped outside, thanking whoever was listening that it had turned out to be a perfect spring day. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and there was a warm breeze blowing through the orchard. Spring weather in the area was always hit or miss, and she was so thankful that it had worked in their favour. The guests sat in white folding chairs in the middle of a clearing surrounded by apple trees. Cream-coloured fabric draped the rows and a soft pink aisle led the way to a makeshift altar and wedding arch. Greenery, white roses and pink carnations adorned the side of the arch to match the women’s bouquets. Skylar had become fast friends with the local florist, Rachel, and had been so impressed with what she’d been able to accomplish in such a short amount of time.

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