AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Pulling my blonde locks up into a loose but sexy bun, I fix it at the roots with hair pins. Every inch or so, I stick little white flowers up into the bun, finishing the look with two large white roses at the base.
I hear a knock on the door and Rose peers into the room, “Can I see?”
I nod my head as I bite my lower lip awaiting her response to how I look. “Oh! Lily!”
“You like it?” I say, unlocking my mouth.
Her hands go to her face as her eyes well up with tears. “My god, baby sister. You’ve never looked so beautiful.” She walks over to me and gives me a hug. “Mom and Dad would love to have been here. She can’t come out lately and Dad, well you know.”
Tears slip down my cheeks as I hug her tightly. “I know. But you’re here. And so is Dad’s spirit.”
She pulls away and wipes the tears from my face. “C’mon, let’s get your face fixed.” I laugh at her choice of words as I take a seat at the vanity table.
The make-up gets applied and I take a final look as Rose takes a few pictures to show Mom. “Perfectly and beautifully radiant, there are no other words to describe you today.” She tells me and then leaves to see if all is ready.
She returns, her face filled with excitement and says, “Let’s go, dearie.”
Rose opens the door to allow me to pass and hands me a bouquet of white lilies. “Now you have me and you on your person. Lillie’s for you in the form of a bouquet, and roses for me pinned in your hair.”
I chuckle as I realize that is exactly right. She leads me down the hall and down the steps to the back French doors. They stand open and a light breeze causes even the white sheer curtains to dance in celebration.
At either side of the gate to the garden just behind the pool, stand David and James. In white tuxedos. Looking extremely dapper, I fall in love with them yet again. Taking my arms in theirs, they begin walking me down the path toward the garden.
As we walk under the natural archway created by climbing trumpet vines, I see our guests, standing behind white cloth rails. The processional ends beneath a draping white cloth archway covered in flowers of my sister’s names.
Violets are on the ground and pink roses are right above them. Yellow lilies pop through the purple clementine, winding up to the top of the arch. Daisies and Irises complete the look with splashes of color here and there.
I’m already stunned by the guys’ addition of the flowers, when I see a large framed portrait of Michael out to the side of the archway. I look at David and then at James, with questions wanting an answer.
James speaks first. “David and I decided to invite him here so that he can officially be wedded to me, even if in spirit.”
David says, “We took a smaller photo to have it blown up, but this idea was James and we both hope you like it.”
Tears flow from my eyes and I kiss them each on the cheek. “Thank you for everything, for the flowers signifying my sisters, and for inviting Michael. But I thank you most for your love and kindness.”
After the ceremony, the kiss happens and everyone claps their hands, waiting for the food and fun to begin. But before they do, I take both of the guys hands and wait for everyone to settle down.
Looking back and forth from David to James, I smile broadly and announce to the crowd, “I’m pregnant ya’ll!”
Fifty
Lily
It’s really different somehow.
Being a mother.
I didn’t even envision myself being a mother. And now, I can’t imagine our lives without her. Little Hazel. We decided to keep the flower names going, passing down my mother’s love of flowers.
“I’m sorry, little one,” I whisper and play with her tiny fingers. “Your grandmama would have loved you so very much. And you would have loved her too.”
A silent tear falls down my cheek, landing on her tiny cheek. I wipe it gently as more tears flow from my eyes. My mother’s death is still a painful memory for me. As long as it took me to let go of Michael, is most likely how long it’ll take to get over Mom.
Even longer.
Mom passed away about three months after me and the guys were married. We had to keep reminding her that a baby is coming, but it was wonderful when we did because she’d celebrate all over again having a grandchild.
Brushing the tears from my face while I continue to nurse Hazel, I look out the window and rock the rocker. Fall is in full swing and the vibrant hues of yellow, red and brown brighten the world outside with their color.
