Mama’s wedding day arrived to the wail of the weather siren. Outside the family quarters, strong winds upturned the patio umbrellas. Fat raindrops pummeled every blossom in the garden. Lightning scrapped plans for a carriage ride to the church.
“We have a short window between storms coming up. You good to go yet, Mama?”
Jackie hummed “Here Comes the Bride” as the hairdresser from Patsy’s Hair Castle pinned a short veil to her dark tresses. In deference to her second-go-around bride status, she’d selected a tea-length dress with an ivory lace overlay and a scooped neckline. Later she’d carry a nosegay of pale pink roses, saved from the storm in the nick of time.
“Ta-da.” Patsy hit the bride with a final flourish of hairspray. “Isn’t she pretty?”
Diana smiled. “Don’t think I’ve ever seen a lovelier bride.”
The living room’s other occupants, Jasmine, Starr, and Wes Jr., voiced their agreement.
Jackie beamed. “Y’all are precious to say so. I think we all make a magazine-worthy bridal party.” She straightened the bow on her flower girl’s dress, offered the ring bearer two thumbs up, and lasered her focus on Diana. “Let’s see what we can do about those dark circles. Why haven’t you been using the eye cream you borrowed? You look like something the cat killed then drug through hedgerow backwards.”
No amount of eye cream could repair what an all-night crying jag had done. She’d replayed Andrew’s words with his father over and over, analyzed every nuance of their conversation, without drawing any conclusion other than the one she drawn in the library. Andrew only saw her as a woman-of-the-moment until her could find the lady-for-life.
She waved away her mama’s concern. “No one’s going to be looking at me today. Not with you around.”
“I don’t know.” Jackie puffed the capped sleeve on Diana’s drop-waist dress. “This complements your fair skin wonderfully.”
“Thanks for choosing the jade-colored one.” With the vacant spot on the color spectrum filled, she could add a line of resale bridesmaid dresses to Sweet Tea and Lavender’s products.
The rumbles of thunder grew further apart, less window shaking. Diana checked the weather app on her phone. “This is it. Let’s go.” She turned to Jasmine. “Text Billy to pull the car as close to the back door as possible.”
A rap on the door stopped her from issuing the rest of her orders. Regina stuck her head in the door. “Mind if I have a quick word with the bride?”
“Please, come in.” Jackie’s wide gaze bounced from the new arrival to the room’s other adults. They shrugged their reply.
“Doesn’t everyone look colorful in their wedding finery.” Lady Somerset herself wore a suit of the dullest shade of taupe known to fashion. She’d pulled her shoulder-length hair into a low chignon and capped it off with a dark brown, feathered fascinator. If she’d been going for Duchess Kate chic, she missed the mark and hit Princess Anne doughty. Hard. She held out a gloved hand, presenting a small, red, velvet box. “I’d like to give you a wedding present from my family.”
Jackie pried open the lid. Her breath caught. “It’s magnificent.” She turned the gift to show off the small circle of sapphires.
“It’s an heirloom, belonging to the last Duchess of Effingham.”
It had also adorned the gray suit Regina had worn upon her arrival the previous day.
Jackie turned to Diana. “Pin it on me. I’d like to wear it as my something-blue.”
Diana did the honors, taking the opportunity to examine the broach as she fastened it to her mama’s shoulder. Of the dozen karat-sized stones, the first ten in the circle were bright blue. However, the two taking up the eleven and twelve o’clock positions were darker. Refracted the light differently. Appeared to her eye more valuable. Which were the replacements? Were the others real? Did Andrew know?
She pocketed the questions. While curiosity had certainly earned her the truth, it also paid dividends in pain. Besides, Mama liked the imitation pearls on her wrist as much as she did the genuine one in her ears.
“Looks like you’re all set now. Grandmother Dansfield’s pearl earrings are your something old, your dress is new, the bracelet is mine, and now you have something extra special as your blue.”
Jackie dabbed at the corners of her eyes. “You’ve been so sweet to me, Regina.”
This time Lady Somerset endured her hug with a little more grace. “I’m sure we’re going to be great friends, Jackie.” She turned to Diana. “I’d like for us to be friends as well.”
The hairs on the back of her neck stood up. Images formed in her brain of a medieval knight sent as emissary from one feudal family to another. Exactly who had sent her into the Curtis stronghold? Neville? To have his sister surrender a piece of the Effingham jewels to the next duchess? Cecil? To further his matchmaking campaign? Andrew? To persuade her to listen to his explanation?
She smiled. “Bless your heart. Aren’t you sweet. We were fixin’ to leave for the church when you came by. You’re welcome to ride with us if you like. The limo’s got plenty of room for all of us.”
“That’s kind of you to offer.” She gave the bling on Jackie’s shoulder the same look as the barn cats did sparrows. “I wouldn’t want to intrude. We can talk more at the reception.”
After she left, Jackie walked over to examine herself in the mirror. “Glory be, it’s pretty. Wonder if Neville’s got any more of the family jewels back at his estate.”
Diana stomach knotted. Alarm bells rang that weren’t of the impending storm variety. Something wasn’t quite on the up-and-up in the groom’s family.
It’s simply the reaffirmation you don’t make the bridal cut in Andrew’s book that has you out of sorts. Or maybe the weather.
She fished one of the antacids out of her bouquet. Crunching on the tablet, she took Mama by the elbow. “Perhaps that’s a conversation for y’alls honeymoon.” A clap of thunder sent a jolt through the whole room. “So much for that window of opportunity.”
Jackie gave her reflection another look. “Rain is good luck on your wedding day.”
Sequestered in the vicar’s study, Andrew and his uncle bided their time. Reverend Beecham had already voiced his views on the sanctity of marriage, offered words of wisdom on the institution, and promised to collect them at the appointed time.
“Uncle, you’re not wearing your signet ring.” Andrew checked his watch, the last present he’d received from his father that Andrew didn’t pay for.
Neville turned his hands over as if they belonged to someone else. “By jove, you’re right. I left it on the dresser in my room.”
“If we hurry, we can retrieve it in time for the ceremony. I think the rain has slacked off enough we won’t drown.”
“Rain or no. I’m not leaving this building until I’m a married man.”
Andrew raised his hands in surrender. “All right. I was only checking.”
“You can be assured of my steadfastness.”
“I hope when my time comes, I can be equally certain of my decision.” Except making up his mind wouldn’t bring the desired outcome to fruition. If that were the case, he’d be rid of a pair of burdens and free to wed Diana.
The minister opened the door, cutting off his melancholy thoughts. “It’s time, fellas. Chapel’s full and the bride’s a-waitin’.”
Andrew followed behind the two older gentlemen, entering the church from a side door. Thankfully, the rain had slacked off so Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” could be properly appreciated. The lovely melody filled the room as much as the scent from the gardenia’s and roses did. Great swaths of white bunting lined the pews, and candles reflected light from the stained glass. Even the overcast sky added to the church’s ambience rather than detracting from it. Diana knew how to organize a spectacular wedding—despite weather, time constraints, and the couple’s myriad eccentricities.
Uncle Neville and Andrew took their places in front of the altar, cavalier and his second. One last matter before the bride came down the aisle. He turned his attention to the front row. His mother jerked her chin, indicating she’d complied with his not-so-subtle request to pass on the jewelry now Jackie’s due.
The music changed to “The Wedding March,” doors opened, and Andrew forgot about the terrific row he’d had with his mum that morning. He also forgot to breath. Diana floated down the aisle, blonde hair loose and cascading down her back, chin up, blue eyes sparkling—not meeting his.
“Unlock your knees,” Uncle Neville muttered.
“What?”
“You’re swaying, my boy. Unlock those knees of yours before you pass out.”
Following his uncle’s instructions did little to relieve the lightheadedness. The page and bridesmaid entered, garnering a positive response from the wedding guests. The bride entered, smiling broadly. She passed her bouquet to Diana and joined hands with Neville. Still he couldn’t quite manage to gather his wits.
Words like goddess and siren and angel came to mind. Except the heavenly body standing on the other side of her mother appeared more the fiery-sword-wielding variety than winged-harp-playing kind. He had a mountain of explaining to do following the nuptials.
Following an opening prayer and scripture reading, the minister addressed the congregation. “If there are any here who can give just cause why these two should not be joined in lawful matrimony, speak now or forever more hold your peace.”
“I can.”
A deep voice resonated through the chapel, echoing off the walls. Even the candles seem to respond, flickering wildly. A gasp rose up from the congregation. Every head swung to the man standing at the back of the church.
Ragged cowboy hat in hand. String tie around his neck. Long, dark hair pulled back in a ponytail.
Bile burned Andrew’s throat.
The old pro from the casino.
The minister rapped the pulpit for silence. “What cause have you?”
“She’s still married to me.”
Daddy?
A wave of nausea washed over Diana no amount of antacid could soothe. Next to her, Mama gave a dramatic sigh and began listing to the right. Tossing the bouquets to the floor, Diana clambered for a shoulder. An arm. A hand. Jackie seemed destined for a hard landing until Andrew managed to put himself between her and the alter railing.
Diana patted Mama’s hand. “Lord have mercy.” The bride was in a dead faint. Figures the one at the center of all the drama would find a way to escape it. “Someone get her a glass of water.” More hand patting and wedding program waving until Jasmine passed her a plastic bottle.
“Here you go.”
Andrew lowered her to the floor. “Should we call nine-one-one?”
“Not yet. Let me see if I can bring her around.” Diana poured a small quantity of water into her palm and used it to sprinkle her mama. “Wakey, wakey.”
Jackie swatted at Diana and her reality baptism. “Stop, Diana. You’re messing up my hairdo.”
A roar from the back of the church got everyone’s attention. Neville, Duke of Effingham, bastion of British aristocracy and good breeding, had removed his coat and engaged the interloper in fisticuffs.
Crack. Smack. Thud.
Fists met jaws, shoulders, soft middles.
“Andrew, Pastor Beecham,” She waved wildly. Shock and horror played keep away with her heart. “Somebody stop them.”
Good lord! People will talk about this day for generations to come.
Doc James and Wes Sr. beat Andrew there, separating the two combatants. Her favorite veterinarian held Dusty Curtis in a headlock, and Sergeant Doss escorted Neville back to the alter. The WWF entertainment over, the guests quieted as well.
Pastor Beecham cleared his throat. “Ladies and gentlemen, under the circumstances, I believe it’s best if we dismiss so we can give the families their privacy.”
Diana’s brain dropped the surreal in favor of the practical. “All that food.” Chef had worked hours to present Jackie and Neville a wedding feast.
Andrew touched her arm. “May I offer a suggestion?”
Skip town?
Or he could give her a huge hug. She could stand for one of those right about now. Instead, she turned up her palms. “I’ll take any help you’ve got.”
“Send the guests to the church hall until your parents sort this out.”
“Why didn’t I think of that?”
“The biggest shock of your life, perhaps?”
She barked a laugh. “That’ll do it.”
“Ten minutes and I’m certain you’ll have the problem managed.”
“From your lips to God’s ears.”
“Would you like me to address the congregation?”
“Yeah. I’m not sure I could string that many words together.”
“Ladies and gentlemen.” His authoritative voice commanded attention. “Rather than leaving, please adjourn to the church hall. After we’ve celebrated for a while—”
And I retrieve Mama’s divorce papers from the lockbox.
“—we’ll reconvene for an uninterrupted ceremony.”
Following his speech, he turned his attention to her. “Uncle Neville and I will return to the vicar’s study and await word from you.” His smile held more than a little sympathy. “Maybe this is a blessing in disguise your father has returned.”
“After twenty years, I can’t imagine that man’s got much to say I want to hear.”
She held on to Jackie, waiting for the chapel to empty, making a point of meeting the gazes of every derisive, arrogant, or condescending look shot their way.
I’ll restore Mama’s reputation.
She narrowed her focus on her so-called father.
Or kill someone trying.
With the gossips and voyeurs gone, Diana addressed the boot-clad elephant in the room. “First, you need to prove you’re Dusty Curtis.”
“He is.” Jackie’s voice came like the whimper of a kicked puppy. “A few wrinkles and gray hair haven’t changed him that much.”
“Fine. Then you stay put for a second while I go locate my mama’s divorce papers.”
“I’ll save you some time, Diana Banana. There aren’t any.”
A memory flooded back. A piggyback ride through a cotton field. “Don’t call me that. You forfeited the right to call me by anything but my given name a hundred skinned knees, two proms, and three graduations ago.”
Dusty toed the floor. “I suppose you’re right.”
Diana turned to her mama, her anger not having been appeased in the least by her father’s admission. “Please, for the love of all that’s holy, tell me you got a divorce.”
Jackie dabbed at the corners of her eyes and shrugged. “I assumed your granddaddy took care of it.”
And why wouldn’t she? Other than deciding to become a bigamist by marrying the duke, every important decision in Jackie’s life had been undertaken by either her father or her daughter.
“You realize you came within a hair’s breadth of breaking the law. You can’t wish away a lawful marriage simply because it impedes a future one.”
Jackie’s sniffles returned. “I know I made a mess of things. What will everyone think?” She fanned her face. “They’re probably all laughing at me. Jackie’s not such a big shot now, is she. Not going to be marrying that duke after all.” She let out a wail. “Oh my Lord, what’s Neville going to do? He probably won’t want me now.”
Beyond the hurdles Diana and Andrew had created for Jackie and Neville and the trials of their own narcissistic inclinations, this last roadblock could prove the straw that broke the lovesick duke’s back. “If Neville truly loves you, Mama, he’ll wait while you get rid of this little legal hurdle.”
Jackie sniffled. “You always know the right thing to say.”
“Thank you, Mama.” Diana guided her to the nearest pew. “Hang out here for a while. We’ll go explain things to the Brits as soon as I have a word with him.” She stormed the length of the chapel, coming head on with her father.
Dusty squared his shoulders. “I’m sure you must have a lot of questions for me, Diana. I’ll answer anything you want.”
“Not as many as you might think. I quit wondering things like where you were and why you didn’t contact me back in the fifth grade.”
He flinched. “I deserve that. I’ll admit I haven’t done much worth talking about, but you were never far from my thoughts. From what I’ve learned, you’ve become quite the successful businesswoman. A chain of retail stores. Turned the old home place into a bed and breakfast. Bought the track of land off Highway 83.”
“Who told you that?” Had he been keeping tabs on her all this time?
“The young man standing up with your mama’s boyfriend. I believe he said his name was Andrew.”
Pinpricks danced along her skin.
“Met him playing blackjack over at the Lucky Lady. Got to talking one night when the cards were being particularly unkind. He was going on about Greenbrier and these two women who own the place. And what a success it was.”
Diana’s palm itched to reacquaint itself with the viscount’s cheek.
“I put two and two together and figured it was time to come collect what was mine.”
Darn you, Andrew Montgomery!
Why the heck couldn’t Andrew have been into golf or tennis like any other respectable rich guy? She was sure she could have found a polo pony for him to ride. Strangling him would have to keep. She had another man to set straight.
Diana tamped down the anger heating her breast, her neck, the tips of her ears. “I see how it is. Let me disabuse you of any notions you might have about common property. Jackie Dansfield Curtis owns no-thing. Not the car she drives. Not the garden she tends. Not the roof over her head. My granddaddy might have neglected to secure a divorce for his daughter, but he made certain she’d be well cared for by placing eve-ry-thing in my name.”
He blinked.
“Don’t bother saying you’re hurt I would suggest you’ve come back solely for monetary reasons.”
“You’re not going to listen to my side of the story?”
“What side is that? The one where you took off with another woman, stayed away for two decades, and returned only when you thought there might be a payday in it.” She pointed to the church doors. “When you make good use of those, be sure to leave your address with my friend who’s waiting on the other side. We’ll need it to serve you in the next day or two.”
Dusty jerked a nod and turned on his heels. A brief exchange of words wafted in from the outside then silence.
For all the hear-me-roar she’d shown in the past few minutes, five-year-old Diana wanted to call her father back. She also wanted the man to be a better human being.
And to evade what came next. “No sense putting off the inevitable.” She helped her mother to her feet. “What can’t be cured, must be endured.”
“Can you do the talking, sweetie? I don’t even know where to begin?”
“Of course, Mama.” Diana put her arm around her mama’s waist. “Don’t I always have your back? I’ll put such a spin on this tragedy, Neville will see you as his damsel in distress, himself as Prince Charming, and your marriage to Daddy a dragon that needs slaying.”
If that was the case, what role did she portray? Fairy godmother, needle-wielding-mouse, pumpkin?
And Andrew? Was he Diana’s knight? If so, what color was his horse…white or black?