Page 88 of Rebel Moon

Ivy tugged a delicate antique-style crescent moon brooch in gold from the pouch, with a graduated row of tiny seed pearls along the curve.

“Oh, Luci, it’s so pretty,” Ivy said.

“We’re sisters now,” Luci said. “I wanted you to have something to take with you from this day that will remind you that you’re an answer to my prayers. I couldn’t imagine a better match for my brother, who I love so much, than you.” Luci’s eyes glistened.

Ivy hugged her, laughing and crying, and scolding Luci for ruining her makeup.

“I have something too,” I said, bringing a small box to her. “From your best friend on your wedding day.”

Ivy lifted the lid and gasped. I’d found a vintage Art Deco style cluster ring at an antique shop. It had a round old-cut diamond at the center, ringed by a scalloped halo of French-cut blue sapphires laid petal-like, with tiny diamonds between the points and down the shoulders, in white gold.

“A sapphire flower for my ride or die,” I said, fighting tears. “There was something about it that reminded me of you. Pretty. Sparkly. Delicate. But soulful too. You’ve been my person all these years. Now I’ll share you with Jack, but, don’t forget, I’m always here if or when you need me.”

Ivy pulled me into a hug, then placed the ring on her right middle finger. “I couldn’t love it more.”

Sammie Moon came into the room, wearing a tasteful blue suit, her long hair in a practical pony tail. “Everyone looks exquisite. Are we ready to do this?”

“Couldn’t be more ready.” Ivy beamed at each of us. “Thank you all for being here with me. I couldn’t ask for better family or friends.”

“Let’s do this,” I said. “We’re wasting daylight.”

Everyone laughed as we filed out of the room to go witness the wedding of Jack Wilder and Ivy James.

24

KNOX

The ceremony took place outside. I’d thought it a strange idea, given how cold it was, until I saw what they’d done. The sleighs had once again taken us up the rise behind the lodge, this time to the highest point on the ranch, where the land flattened out into a shelf of snow and then just gave way to sky. Behind that, the mountain range went up white and enormous into the clear afternoon, peak behind peak, close enough it didn’t seem real. A path had been cleared through the snow for two rows of chairs and an aisle between. A canopy with no walls, just posts and a roof, draped in something pale and gauzy, covered everything. Bare tree branches on either side had been strung to the last twig with thousands of warm white lights. Lanterns and candles dug into the snow decorated the aisle on both sides. Tucked in at the ends of the rows, thank goodness, were tall outdoor heaters.

The weather was clear and cold, with a thin wintry light gold on the horizon that would soon give way to a dusty blue. The boys and I have played some pretty places, but I’d never seen anything as beautiful.

Jack, with Rhett beside him, both in dapper charcoal suits, stood under a draping tulle canopy. Jasper Moon was officiating, which I’d learned earlier was a common occurrence here at the ranch. He exuded warmth and charm any time I’d had the pleasure to interact with him. Best of all, he’d gotten to know the bride and groom during the weeks we’d been at the ranch, which would add a personal touch.

I caught Jack’s eye and he gave me a nod.

I took my place at the head of the aisle on a stool, a heater next to me so my fingers wouldn’t stiffen up. I was honored to play on such a sacred occasion and found myself nearly choked up before I even began to pick out the notes to the song “Perfect” as the first guests started to arrive. I transitioned to “Beneath Your Beautiful” when Grant escorted Carol to her seat, followed by Beck with a glowing June on his arm. For the wedding party’s entrance, which was only Rhett and Madeleine, I played “Chasing Cars.”

Madeleine in that dress was enough to give this old boy a heart attack. She had her hair in a loose knot at the nape of her neck and carried a bouquet of burgundy roses and peonies, her eyes sparkling. Our gazes caught, and she sent me a smile that I felt all the way down to my toes.

Jasper Moon nodded at me. It was time for Ivy to walk down the aisle. I started with a lift, then a held chord to “Make You Feel My Love” so the crowd would know it was time. The guests rose in a rustle and a crunch of snow and turned to see Ivy hanging on to her father’s arm, grinning like she had a secret.

I’ve been to award shows, celebrity weddings, people dressed to the nines, but nothing could beat Ivy James coming up that frozen aisle in the gold light, the mountain range behind her. She was an angelic vision in lace, long veil trailing behind her. Gus James walked beside her with his jaw set like a man determined to keep himself together but finding it difficult.

I kept playing but glanced at Jack. He was openly crying, tears streaming from his eyes. Rhett pressed a handkerchief into his hand.

When they reached Jack, I brought the song down. Gus kissed his daughter’s cheek and looked at Jack like he was handing over the deed to his entire heart. “I’ll be counting on you, son, to look after my baby girl.”

“Yes, sir,” Jack said, wiping his eyes.

Gus took his seat next to his wife. Ivy handed her bouquet to Madeleine and took both Jack’s hands. I scooted off the stool and went to sit in the front row next to Carol.

“Hey,” Ivy said softly to Jack.

“You’re beautiful,” Jack said, more tears sliding down his face.

Ivy lifted her hand and dabbed at his face with a hanky of her own. The tenderness between them moved me deeply. I had to hold my breath to keep from crying myself. To be loved like that—there could be nothing finer in all the world.

Jasper looked out at all of us bundled up in the cold and smiled. “Welcome, friends and family, to the nuptials of Ivy James and Jack Wilder. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Ivy and Jack and their friends who are family these last few weeks. I was a fan of both their music, but now I’m a fan of the man and woman behind the music.