chapter Twenty-Three
The next morning Shelly woke up early. As she lay in bed, she couldn’t help but think back to last night with Josh.
It seemed that no matter how much she tried to open up to him, he was now the one pulling back. Or is he? It’s all so confusing, Shelly thought with a sigh.
One moment, she could swear he wanted nothing other than to touch her or hold her. Yet, in the next moment, when she tried to tell him her feelings, he always stopped her.
Maybe he was right to make them wait. He kept saying that he wanted things to be right. But how could they be when he was living somewhere else?
As the alarm sounded beside her, Shelly rolled over and looked at the time. 8:00 a.m. Rubbing her eyes, she decided that now was not the time to try and work out the enigma that was Josh. Instead, it was time to focus on one very important thing—a wedding at Promontory Point.
***
Several hours later, Shelly arrived at Lena’s old condo.
She was actually rather surprised she remembered how to get there since Lena was very rarely at the old place anymore, instead choosing to move in with Mason. She put her place up for sale, but in this economy, it still sat empty. It was now the perfect location to get ready and keep the bride away from the wandering eyes and hands of her impatient groom.
When she was buzzed in and let up to the floor Lena was on, Shelly had to admit that she was starting to feel nervous for her friend.
Today was a huge day in Mason and Lena’s life.
In front of family and friends, they were about to commit to one another, promising to love one another forever.
Forever.
That’s such a long time, Shelly thought as she waited for Lena to open the door. Just as it unlatched, Josh suddenly flashed into her mind, but she quickly pushed him aside when Lena appeared, beaming at her.
“And how is the lovely bride on this beautiful morning?” Shelly asked as she stepped forward.
Lena moved aside to let her in. “Ahh, the bride is nervous, and the groom has already called five times.”
Shelly had to laugh at that. It sounded just like Mason to be worried about his doctor today. The two of them had been through a lot to get to where they finally were now. He was probably having a minor case of paranoia, believing it wasn’t actually going to happen.
“Well, the groom is out of his mind. There is no way I’m going to be slacking on my duties, even if I have to pick you up and carry you to the wedding myself.”
Lena laughed as she closed the door, and Shelly took that moment to lay her garment bag across Lena’s couch.
“You don’t have to worry about that. There’s no other place I want to be this evening than standing at the alter with Mason,” Lena told her with a smile on her face.
Shelly returned it, reaching out to hug her friend. Shelly’s heart tightened. She felt herself getting somewhat emotional, hearing her friend so sure of her path and direction, not to mention, the person she intended to share it with.
“You’re lucky you know,” Shelly told her as they parted.
“Oh, I know I’m lucky. But why do you think I am?” Lena asked with a laugh.
She stepped around her and made her way into the kitchen. Shelly followed and took a seat on one of Lena’s breakfast bar stools.
“Because you know exactly what you want,” Shelly told her with true conviction.
Lena turned and arched a brow, holding a chilled bottle of wine.
“Wine? This early?” Shelly asked with a raised brow and a smirk.
“Just one—to calm the nerves a little and to celebrate.” Lena paused. “I do not want to be tipsy tonight.”
Shelly let out a small chuckle and assured her friend. “I will not let you be tipsy for your own wedding.”
Lena grinned and moved toward the counter, taking two glasses from the cupboard overhead. After she had poured them each a glass of wine, she turned to face Shelly.
“What do you mean I know what I want? In life? In general? Or with Mason?” she queried as she passed a half-filled glass in Shelly’s direction.
Shelly took the wine and raised it to her friend. They tapped the glasses gently in a soft clink as Shelly looked at her closest friend.
“All of the above, my friend. You have it all worked out, and that makes you a very lucky woman.” Raising her wine glass, Shelly saluted Lena. “Cheers to you on your wonderful wedding day.”
“Cheers!” Lena returned as they each took a sip of their wine.
***
A little distance away from the girls, Josh sat on his friend’s couch, looking out of Mason’s huge living room windows.
Wow, what a view, Josh thought as he waited patiently for Mason to come back from making yet another anxious call to Lena.
Josh had to smile at his friend. He knew Mason was nervous that Lena would disappear and not show, so every hour on the hour, he was calling his soon-to-be bride to ease his worried mind. Josh wondered what Mason would do if she was stuck under a hair dryer or something and wasn’t able to answer the phone. He’d probably go a little insane.
Ahh, isn’t love grand?
As he waited, his mind slipped back to the night before with Shelly.
He knew she had been close to telling him exactly what he had been waiting to hear, but it had not been how or where he wanted it. He knew he couldn’t control when she was going to say it. That wasn’t the point at all. The point was he wanted her to say it and feel it no matter what time of the day it was—not because she missed him and certainly not because he had just blown her mind in a coat closet.
As Josh started to slip deeper into those thoughts, he was saved by Mason reappearing from the bedroom.
“So?” Josh asked his friend lazily.
This routine had now been repeated several times today.
“She’s good. Her and Shelly are in the process of getting their hair done.”
Josh chuckled. “Fancy that.”
Mason shook his head and moved over to sit down on the couch. “I’m going crazy, right?”
Josh smirked at his friend. “No, you’re in love. You’re about to get married, and you’re just a little nervous, I’d say.”
Mason took a deep breath and then let it out on a sigh. “Yeah, I’m a little nervous, but not because I’m getting married.” He paused, and then looked at Josh with the most serious expression Josh had ever seen on his friend. “Have you ever looked at someone and just thought, Yes. I know you. You’re meant to be mine.”
Josh raised a brow, thinking about that for a minute. How did it happen with Georgia? Well, it had been more like a sledgehammer blow across his head. Before he could say that, Mason continued.
“Lena couldn’t stand me when we first met, and I remember thinking she was so prickly and rude. But when she walked into the restaurant that same night, it all just fell into place. I knew I needed to know her.” Mason stopped, and then laughed at himself. “Listen to me, I sound like a total fool.”
Josh shook his head and assured his good friend. “No, you don’t. You sound like a man who went after the woman he loves and got exactly what he wanted.” Josh paused, and then decided to let his friend in on his own secret. “I’m familiar with that, man.”
Mason looked at him, cocking his head to the side. “You and Shelly?”
Josh nodded, letting out a deep breath. “But it’s complicated.”
“It always is, Josh. Look at Lena and me. We had a rocky moment at every turn.” Mason paused, and then told him seriously, “But, if it’s what you want, don’t wait to tell her. Women like Lena and Shelly don’t come along every day. Smart and beautiful—that’s hitting the goddamned jackpot, man.”
Josh laughed at that. “I won’t wait too much longer, but she already pulled a fast one and ran away once. I want to be sure she won’t do that again.”
Mason raised a brow. “And how do you plan to do that?”
Josh sighed and admitted, “I actually have no idea, but I’ve been working on it.”
“So, will you be sticking around after the wedding?”
Shaking his head, Josh stood, moving to the window. “No. I need to get back to work.”
“Are you ever going to tell me where you’re staying?” Mason inquired from the couch.
Josh looked over his shoulder and shook his head. “Hell no, you’d squeal to Shelly in two seconds.”
“Hey! I resent that.”
Josh let out a loud laugh. “Hey! I don’t give a damn.” Looking at his watch, he noticed the time had just turned 4:00 p.m. “Well, you ready to head over?”
His friend stood and walked into the adjoining room. When he came out, he was carrying a garment bag that held his tux. He nodded and said, “Yep. I’m ready. Let’s go and get me married.”
With that, they headed down to the valet where Josh’s truck was being brought around to the front.
***
It was 5:50 p.m., and the time had rolled around quicker than Shelly had expected. As she stood inside the Field House at Promontory Point, she glanced out the window to see all of Lena and Mason’s family and friends seated under a lovely white tent that covered the lakefront patio.
The main aisle had been set up to run between two sections of white chairs. Each section was comprised of four seats across and twelve down, and every aisle seat had a small cluster of blue Singapore orchids and white roses attached to it to complement Lena’s choice of bouquets and boutonnieres.
Rachel had assured Lena that these flowers would look both elegant and classy. Shelly had to admit that Rachel had gotten a keen eye since she had started to work afternoons down at, Precious Petals, after spending the mornings baking for Exquisite.
Lena had chosen a color scheme that included crisp white and a lovely vibrant shade of blue to complement Mason’s tie and the gorgeous bridesmaids’ dresses.
The wedding wasn’t a huge event people-wise, but for the city of Chicago and all of its single women, one of the most eligible bachelors was going to be off the market in approximately—Shelly looked at the clock on the wall, noticing it had just turned 5:52 p.m.—eight minutes.
Turning, she found Lena standing over with Rachel, who was fussing with the back of the bride’s dress. Shelly made her way over to them, noticing Lena’s father had also arrived. When she reached Lena, she stood before her and looked at her friend with pure female appreciation. She is so beautiful.
Lena was wearing one of the most stunning wedding dresses Shelly had ever seen. It was made up of miles of white lace and had sleeves that were only a few inches wide. It sat perfectly on her elegant shoulders before sweeping down in a soft dip across her breasts.
That, of course, was what Shelly saw before Lena turned around. Shelly then got a glimpse of the back of the dress, where the material intricately covered her in a peek-a-boo fashion of lace and skin, ending in a V-shape at the sway of her back.
Under Lena’s bust was a beautiful broach made up of sliver and diamonds that Shelly knew Lena’s mother had given her to wear. Lena had two hair clips made similar to match her and Rachel’s. Beyond all the trimmings on the dress, the fabric molded to every line of her body until mid-thigh where it gently flowed out into a spectacular pool of lace and loveliness around her feet.
Simply put, Lena looked like a princess.
Shelly stood silently and waited for her friend to look at her. When Lena finally raised her eyes to meet hers, Shelly smiled and nodded. She watched as Lena looked at the clock on the wall. 6:00 p.m.
It was time.
***
Josh stood by Mason up at the front of the crowd and waited expectantly for the music to start up, signaling Lena’s appearance. He looked over to his friend and noticed he looked a little tense.
Josh leaned in and asked, “You doing okay, man?”
Mason looked over to him and nodded. “Yep. I just want to see her.”
Just as he said that, the music began. Instead of the usual wedding march for the beautiful bride to walk down the aisle to, Josh grinned as the familiar chords to “Crash into Me” by Dave Matthews Band filtered in through the speakers.
Several seconds later, Rachel appeared.
Wearing a long sweeping dress in a light shade of blue, she made her way down the aisle. Her dark hair was curled and clipped on one side, leaving the length of it to fall down, covering her back.
In her hands, she held a small bouquet of blue Singapore orchids and white roses, matching the same orchid that was pinned to his lapel.
Rachel’s eyes met her brother’s, and Josh noticed there were tears in them as she made her way closer to where they were standing. Watching them both closely, Josh wondered what exactly was going through Rach’s head as she moved over to stand on the left side of the aisle.
Her eyes finally met his, and Josh smiled at her, trying to reassure her everything would be okay. He felt like she needed it and wasn’t quite sure why, but before he could think on it too long, the crowd was oohing and aahing over the next person that appeared.
Josh turned and found it hard not to do the same.
Making her way down the aisle in a much shorter version of Rachel’s dress was Shelly Monroe. Georgia.
Her hair was pulled half up and back from her beautiful face, and the rest was left in a halo of soft curls around her shoulders. Josh assumed the clip holding it back was the same silver-and-diamond-looking one that Rachel was wearing.
However, that wasn’t what kept him entranced. It was her eyes as she was making her way up to the front. They were locked on his. She had glanced at Mason once, but then she had looked to him and had not faltered since.
Josh felt his heart thundering in his chest, almost feeling like this was his own damn wedding. As Shelly reached the front and went to stand beside Rachel, he turned to look at her and watched as she winked at him. Josh smiled and suddenly felt like he was back on even ground. Ahh, there’s the Man-Eater.
He needed to let her know tonight how he really felt. He needed her to be aware that he wasn’t aiming to make her anything other than a permanent part of his life. The thought that she would not want to hear it terrified him.
All of a sudden, everyone stood, and the music continued to play as Magdalena O’Donnell and her father made their grand entrance.
Josh had to admit that as he watched her move closer down the aisle to Mason, who was now watching his bride with a look that was complete and utter adoration, he could one-hundred percent appreciate the reasons for getting married.
The woman who was walking toward her groom wasn’t the Lena they all knew and loved. This was a woman who was radiating so much happiness and love as she made her way toward her man that it was like they were all seeing her for the first time. Her gaze never left Mason’s as she moved closer, and the complete unfettered love in her eyes was absolutely mesmerizing.
When she finally reached Mason, Josh watched as his usually smooth-talking friend just stood and stared at the woman in front of him. Her father let go of her hand, and Lena finally smiled up at her fiancé, greeting him softly.
“Hi.”
Josh chuckled, and so did the rest of the crowd behind them.
Mason shook his head, and then blinked once. “Hi.”
Finally, the pastor made a little coughing sound and stated, “If everyone could please be seated, we’ll begin.”
Josh heard all the chairs shuffle and watched as everyone took their seats. He turned toward Rachel and Shelly and smiled at them both. Shelly gave him a radiant one in response, and Rachel smiled, but it felt strained.
Josh then turned back to face the bride and groom who stood before the pastor. Just behind the pastor, a small table held a beautiful spray of tulips and an equally impressive vase of sunflowers, each representing the people in their lives that could not be here.
“Dearly Beloved. We are gathered here in the presence of God and this company so that Magdalena O’Donnell and Mason Langley may be united in holy matrimony,” the pastor began.
Josh watched as Lena looked up at Mason and gave him a shy smile. His friend must have winked or done something equally as smooth because she ducked her head bashfully and blushed a little.
Yep, Mason has his groove back now that he has Lena in his sights.
“Who here gives this woman to this man?”
That was when Lena’s father stated, “Her mother and I do with our deepest blessing.”
Mason turned and looked at his new father-in-law. “Thank you. I’ll take care of her.”
“We know, son,” he told Mason and then sat down.
The crowd went quiet as the pastor announced, “The bride and groom have opted to say their own vows over those traditional ones we all know. So, when you’re ready, Mason.”
Josh watched as Mason reached across to take Lena’s hands in his own.
Lena wasn’t wearing a veil, and her hair had been pulled back into a sweeping side bun that was elegantly pinned at her neck. As she looked up at her husband-to-be, Josh thought she was probably one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen, not including, of course, the woman just beyond her right shoulder.
“When I first sat down to write these vows, I had no idea how I was going to explain just how much I love you, Lena. Life isn’t easy, and anyone who tells you it is, well they’re lying. Life is hard. It gives you good times, and it gives you extremely bad times. You and I have had our share of both. We’ve each struggled through pain and loss individually, and then just last year, we struggled again—together. To me, that is what life is all about. It’s about finding someone—you, Lena—to help me when I need it the most. To guide me out of my darkest moments and to bask with me in the lightest ones.” Mason paused, and Josh watched as a tear slid down Lena’s cheek. “My mother loved you very much, and I know that she is sitting up there front and center, watching this wedding with the biggest smile on her face.”
Josh heard several quiet sniffles in the background. Behind Shelly, who was gently wiping a tear away from her cheek, Rachel stood clutching her flowers with tears falling gently down her face. She seemed immobilized as Mason ended his vows.
Mason continued, “You walked into my life, and now, I never want to walk alone again. Magdalena O’Donnell, will you marry me and make me the happiest man on the planet?”
A pin could have dropped,reverberating noise throughout the room. It was that quiet.
Then, Lena began.
***
Shelly watched through blurred eyes as her friend gripped Mason’s hands and started her own vows. Although, how she could manage after Mason’s was a miracle. Shelly didn’t think there was a dry eye in the place.
“I would marry you every single hour of every single day for the rest of my life. Before you, I didn’t know how to live. Oh, I went through the motions of having a life, but it was all for show. I was broken in here,” Lena told him and raised one of Mason’s large palms to her heart.
She held onto one of his hands and kept the other one pressed close to her chest. She took a step closer and looked up at him.
“You have given me so much I can’t even begin to express how deeply my love runs for you. Your strength and sensitivity, your complete love of your family, and your absolute perseverance and stubbornness are just some of the many things I love and adore about you, Langley. You taught me how to accept things I never could have without you, how to forgive myself, and give permission to my heart to open up and love again. Your happiness and joy of life is so strong that it left me no other option but to let you in to warm up my soul, which had been cold for so long.” Lena paused, and then firmly and loudly said, “I would be honored to marry you, Mason Langley. Will you please marry me?”
Shelly watched as Mason tugged Lena forward, and she was pretty sure only those standing up close to them heard him whisper.
“Just try and stop me.”
Then, he laid the sweetest, most passionate kiss Shelly had ever witnessed on his bride.
***
Three-and-a-half hours later, the reception was in full swing. There had been photos upon photos and so much food had been eaten that Josh felt like he was going to explode. He’d hardly had one moment to himself all night, and he certainly hadn’t had a chance to talk with Shelly.
Every time he turned around, she was off getting another photo with the bride. Then, when he thought he could finally catch her, Lena’s parents had started talking to her, or someone from their work had pulled her aside. He was starting to think that he wouldn’t get the opportunity he so desperately craved.
Glancing around the reception area, Josh saw Shelly near the makeshift bar. Standing, Josh was about to make his way to her when he saw Rachel sitting at her table by herself, watching everyone dance.
He had seen Mason chat with her and pull her into several dances. Rachel had smiled and moved to the music with ease, but there was something off. Josh headed toward her table, finally deciding to find out what it was.
“Hey there,” he said as he pulled the chair out beside her.
Rachel looked over to him and smiled. “Hey, Josh. Nice night, huh?”
Josh relaxed into his chair. “I’ll say. Have you ever seen a couple so stupid over each other?” he said, hoping to get a laugh from her.
However, instead of the usual burst of joy he would get from Rachel with the colored hair, he got a small grin from the new Rachel with the black hair.
“They seem very happy,” she told him.
Josh leaned toward her, reaching out a hand to touch her shoulder. She looked over at him, and Josh couldn’t help but see the raw emotion that was welling in her eyes.
“You don’t,” he whispered.
“I don’t what?”
“You don’t look happy,” he explained quietly. “In fact, every time I see you I feel as though you look sadder.” Josh watched as she straightened her spine and blinked her eyes, trying to hold back the moisture forming there. “What’s going on, Rach? You haven’t been yourself lately.”
She shook her head, smiling sadly at him. “It’s nothing to worry about. I think I’m just a little out of whack. Not having Mom and Dad here today was just hard.”
Josh thought that might have been some of the issue at hand, but for some reason, he felt it went much deeper than that. Obviously, she didn’t want to discuss it right now, so he squeezed her arm and assured her, “You know you can talk to me about anything, right?”
Rachel nodded but kept her mouth taut with tension. “Man-Eater is looking over here. I’m pretty sure she wants to get her hands on you.”
Josh chuckled, looking over his shoulder.
Shelly was indeed staring across the room at them. Looking at his watch, Josh nodded and told Rachel, “I think I’ve got time for one more dance.”
Rachel smirked then. “Before what? You turn into a pumpkin?”
Josh stood and shook his head. “No. Before I hit the road.”
Rachel tried for a full grin but once again failed. This sad version of her was worrying Josh a lot.
“Drive safely, okay? And, Josh, thank you.”
“Anytime, Rach. You know I’m just a phone call away,” he reaffirmed.
Then, he turned, heading toward a certain blonde.
***
Shelly watched as Josh made his way across the dance floor to her.
Mason and Lena had left half an hour earlier, and the festivities were starting to wind down. All night, Shelly had wanted to talk to Josh, but there hadn’t been one moment where she could get away. But right now, well, she had nothing to do except watch him walk toward her.
He was dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit that molded to every tight muscle the man possessed. Under that, he had the same crisp white shirt as Mason, and instead of the cobalt blue tie that Mason had worn, Josh’s tie was a light blue to match the bridesmaids’ dresses. The man looked sexy in a suit, and Shelly wanted to take it off of him, piece by piece.
When he finally stopped in front of her, holding out his hand, Shelly slipped hers into it, allowing him to pull her out onto the dance floor. Tugging her in tight, he held her in a waltz-hold as the music switched, and Sinatra started singing “The Way You Look Tonight.”
“I didn’t think I’d ever get to speak to you tonight,” he spoke softly against the side of her head, moving them gently around the floor with the other couples.
Who knew he could dance so well? Shelly thought as she held on and let him lead, loving the feel of his body as it swayed against her own.
“I know. It was crazy how busy it was—all the photos and people and food,” she said.
“Oh god, yes, the food,” Josh said with a false groan.
Shelly chuckled a little, and then looked up to see he was looking right back at her.
“I love this song,” she told him with a smile.
His eyes crinkled at the sides as he stared down at her while moving them in a slow twirl.
When they were back to a basic step, he agreed. “Yes, it’s one of those classics that definitely stood the test of time.”
Shelly felt his heartbeat against her chest, and she was starting to get nervous as he watched her with an expression she hadn’t seen before. It was almost as though he was unsure of his next move.
Well, she could help that along. After all, she didn’t want him to guess what she wanted tonight. She planned to make it crystal clear.
“Will you come home with me tonight?” Shelly asked, and then licked her bottom lip, waiting for the answer she assumed was inevitable.
The one thing, however, that Shelly had not expected was being taught the valuable lesson of one should never assume.
***
Josh looked down at the beguiling woman in his arms and hated what he had to do next. He had no clue what her reaction was going to be. In fact, he was almost worried that she might tell him to go to hell and never talk to him again, but he had decided last night that this was what he needed to do if he was ever going to be more than a roll in the sheets to her.
“I’m leaving tonight,” he told her as the music stopped.
As they stopped swaying around the floor, he watched as the hurt moved across her eyes, and she pulled back a little, shaking her head.
“I don’t understand,” she stated in an annoyed tone before she turned away.
Josh followed as she moved off the dance floor toward the door leading to the front porch of the venue. When he got outside, he saw her making her way down to one of the seating areas that overlooked Lake Michigan. She must have heard his feet crunching on the gravel because she suddenly turned to him.
“You’re running away!” she accused.
Josh took a step closer to her and was about to reach out, but at the last minute, she turned away from him, crossing her arms over her chest. A light breeze was teasing around them, and as it blew through her beautiful curls, Josh tried to remind himself that this was for the best.
“No, I’m running forward, Georgia. So, catch up to me, would you?”
She spun around on him with that comment, and this time moved up close to him, pointing a finger.
“You first tell me I’m not ready and that you don’t trust me.” She paused, chest heaving as she bit her bottom lip, and then she shrugged helplessly. “Yet, now, when I try to tell you how I feel you stop me at every turn,” she ended, sounding completely defeated.
Josh made the final step to her, reaching out to grip her shoulders. “Shelly, look at me.”
She tipped up her head, facing him with huge cerulean blue eyes that were filled with angst and tears.
He smiled sadly at her. “I don’t want a girlfriend.” He felt her stiffen and knew what conclusion she was jumping to. “I also don’t want a woman who only decides she cares after a hot round of sex.”
“That’s not what happened,” she whispered. “What would make you stay?”
Josh leaned in and kissed her forehead, knowing he was now doing it. This is it.
She would either want what he wanted, or she would never talk to him again.
After taking a deep breath, he whispered against her hair, “This.”
She didn’t try to move away from him. She just stood silently for a moment while he held her arms and kissed her hair. God, she smells amazing.
“What is this?” she asked softly.
Pulling back a little, he looked down at her and tipped up her chin so their eyes met.
“Everything that tonight represents.”
As the reality of what he was saying sank in, he watched her eyes widen, and he felt his nerves bubbling up inside of him.
Spit it out already, he thought to himself.
“The music, the friends, the ceremony, but most importantly, the love. I want all of it. I’m ready for all of it, Georgia. And, until you are too, nothing will make me stay.”
Dropping his hands from her shoulders, he watched her take a deep breath and waited for anything she was going to say. But nothing came.
She just stared up at him with eyes as big as he had ever seen them, and he felt like he was being punched over and over again.
Alright, man, he thought, time to leave.
Turning on his heel, he had made it three steps when he heard his name.
“Josh!”
Turning, he saw that she had moved, and she was now facing him with the lake as her backdrop. The breeze had picked up, and it was whipping around her hair and dress.
She looks absolutely breathtaking.
He stopped and waited.
“How will I know?” she called out.
Josh shook his head and shrugged. “I’m not sure, but one thing I do know is you won’t have to ask.”
With that, he turned and walked away.