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Jimmy nods, satisfied with my answer, as he starts cooking the eggs. Plucking up my coffee mug, I lean against the countertop, watching his muscles bunch and release as he moves around. His yummy body and looks are only the second-best things about him. The best is how he looks out for me when I forget to look out for myself.
How lucky is it that I went to a boot camp class and found everything I never knew I needed in life?
Epilogue
THELMA
Everyone thinks I’m crazy, but I don’t care. I want a late March wedding because I was walking down the street and saw the perfect wedding dress. It wouldn’t work in summer –a faux-fur stole is involved – and I’ve always wanted to get married in Uncle Ken and Aunt Laura’s backyard. It’s the perfect space.
That is why we’re getting married less than a month after Jimmy's proposal. I turn to face my reflection in the mirror, grinning at myself. This is the perfect dress.
It’s ivory, with a strapless, sweetheart neckline – but you can’t see that bit – covered with a boat-necked faux-fur stole. The dress is fitted to the waist, flowing over my hips to the ground, with a huge, gorgeous bow and over-bustle at the back. My hair is loose, tamed into huge waves, and pinned to flow over my left shoulder. My arms are bare from where they poke out under the stole at my elbows, but it’s notthatcold outside.
Holly grins as she hands me my bouget of Japanese camellias and ranunculus dotted with purple primrose.
“You look ah-mazing, girl,” she laughs, folding me into a tight hug. “I have to go and make sure Ben is ready.”
With another hug, she disappears to ensure her son hasn’t lost the rings. I flash my reflection another grin, turning and stepping out of the bedroom to where Dad is waiting. His eyes are bright, and he blinks as they sweep to take in my dress.
“You look incredible, munchkin, the most beautiful bride I have ever seen.”
“Careful, I’ll tell Mom you said that,” I tease, taking his hand and squeezing it.
“I think you’ll find she agrees with me.”
Dad tucks my hand into the crook of his arm as he guides me down the sweeping staircase and through the house. The wedding planner gestures for us to stop on the back porch, out of view of the assembled guests.
I can see through the latticed hedge, my eyes trailing over the seated guests. My family is up the front, laughing and chatting together. Ben is standing with the wedding planner, and I flash him a thumbs up, which he returns, looking sharp in his little suit with his fresh fade. He totally got Holly’s style. Artie didn’t get a look in – thank goodness.
Lance and Parker came stag. They are sitting and chatting with Artie and Holly, who are turning around from the front row. Uncle Ken and Aunt Laura are beside the twins in the second row, studiously ignoring Pete and his plus one. I can’t see her face, but she has short brown hair, brushing the tops of her shoulders, and her dress is pretty, but it’s an older style.
No wonder Aunt Laura is ignoring the poor woman. She can be incredibly snobby, but you'reinonce you win her approval. If Pete is serious about this woman, I hope she finds a way into Aunt Laura’s good graces. Good luck to her.
Mom is beside Artie, and Uncle Roger and Aunt Martha are next to her. The oldest generation of Rampwoods is a row back, rugged up against the slight chill in the air.
My eyes dance across to the other side of the aisle. Jimmy’s twin brother is his best man, but I can see his parents and an older couple who look like grandparents sitting across from Mom. This has all been a whirlwind; I only met them last night, apart from Trey, his twin. My stomach twists with nerves.
How typical. I’m not nervous about getting married, but I am worried about properly meeting my new in-laws. Straightening my back, I suck in a deep breath. Those nerves can wait until after the ceremony.
The music changes and the wedding planner whispers to Ben, who struts down the stairs, holding the ring cushion proudly in front of him. My heart thuds. This is it.
The wedding planner nods to Dad and me as the music changes again. He places his hand over mine on his arm and squeezes.
“Are you ready, munchkin?”
“More than I have been for anything in my life.”
“Right. Let’s get you married.”
We step out into the sunshine, and I finally focus my eyes on the altar. I didn’t want to look before now, but as my gaze locks on Jimmy’s, I can’t contain my huge, beaming smile. He answers with one of his own, blinking rapidly. I think he’s trying not to cry. I have to tamp down on my giggles at the thought.
We reach him in no time, and I eagerly grasp his hands when Dad sets mine there. Jimmy’s grip tightens on me as we turn to face each other, Trey grinning broadly over his shoulder.
“We made it,” I whisper. Jimmy’s grin somehow manages to broaden, and he winks at me.
“I always knew this was where we would end up.”
Liar. I narrow my eyes at him, trying not to laugh as the priest begins the ceremony. Oh well, he’ll have the rest of our lives to pay for that.
