“Give Joshua a chance. Luke wouldn’t have an unkind person for a friend.”
“Have you forgotten one thing?” Ivy stared at Rachel through squinted eyes.
“About the wedding?”
“No, about me. I’m divorced, and I doubt some crummy ole minister will have anything to do with a divorcee. So don’t play matchmaker.”
“Do you think a former marital status would make a difference to Josh?”
“Yeah, I do. A lot of guys I’ve dated seem to consider me damaged goods.”
“Oh, Ivy, honey, I’m sorry you feel that way. You aren’t flawed because you selected the wrong men—your picker apparatus is broken. I think it’s time we changed that.”
Before Ivy could retort, the electricity went off.
CHAPTER FOUR
“Oh no!” Rachel squealed. “Now no power. It’s as if everything that can go wrong with this wedding is.”
“Let’s stay calm, Rachel,” Ivy said as she fumbled through her purse, looking for her miniature flashlight she always carried for an emergency.
“Here it is.” Ivy turned on the flashlight, providing the only light in the entire dining room area at the moment. Noticing Rachel wiping tears from her eyes with her napkin, Ivy decided she needed to step up for her cousin and take control of the situation.
“You sit here. I’ll be right back.” Using her flashlight, Ivy managed her way to the front of the dining room, barely escaping running directly into the Sky Ridge manager, Carlton Jones.
“Mr. Jones, I’m glad you’re here.” Suddenly the lights flickered on, causing everyone to breathe a sigh of relief.
Excusing himself, Mr. Jones went to the buffet area and stood on a nearby chair, waving his hands in the air while trying to gain everyone’s attention. “May I have a moment of everyone’s time?”
The room quieted down.
“Thank you. I wanted to let everyone know that we have backup generators, but unfortunately, they have been damaged by the storm. Currently, only one generator is working and we are not sure how reliable it is, since it is partially damaged also.”
Knowing the power could go out at any moment, Ivy walked into the kitchen where a staff of six were already preparing the lunch menu for that day.
“May I help you?” a stern-looking older lady asked.
“Yes, I’m Ivy Tower. My cousin, Rachel Harmon, is marrying tomorrow afternoon.”
“Oh, the Harmon/Ashton wedding. I just finished decorating their cake.”
“That’s one less worry. What about the rest of the food?”
“I’ve been thinking about that. I’ve got a pizza oven and a gas stove, and I should be able to pull together the reception food without interruption.”
“Wonderful news. We’ve talked about adding a second reception party in the event no one is able to make it to the ceremony because of the weather. Would that be achievable with a twenty-four hour notice?”
“There’s only a handful of guests in your party. I would think my staff and I could pull something together, as long as you are not expecting anything elaborate.”
“Great. You are a lifesaver.” Ivy smiled, confident that the food was in good hands. Just as she exited the kitchen the generator gave out, causing several people to use their cell phones as a light. Ivy turned her flashlight on and searched for Rachel’s table.
“Where have you been?” Rachel asked, exasperated by her cousin’s disappearance.
“I was chatting with the kitchen staff. You will be happy to know that your cake is ready for tomorrow and that, even with no power, they are confident that they will have no problem preparing the reception. Oh, I also asked about adding another reception if needed and they were fine with it.”
“You have been busy, haven’t you?”
“It’s about time I concentrate on something other than myself,” Ivy replied as she resumed eating her breakfast. With the last bite, Ivy and Rachel took their plates and placed them in the dirty dish bin. Ivy led the way back to the room, climbing a level of stairs.
Rachel was thrilled when she saw that Luke had left a message on her phone, telling her that he loved her. Rachel quickly redialed his number and her face lit up when he answered.
Ivy quickly left the room to let the two lovebirds talk. She walked downstairs to an almost empty reception area. Ivy noticed a pair of rustic, double doors directly adjacent to the entrance. Opening the doors, she walked in, astonished by the interior of this large room. A stacked, rock fireplace dominated the right side of the room. Large picture windows covered the entire back wall, revealing a beautiful picturesque scene of snow, trees, and a bridge overlooking a frozen stream. A huge smile overtook Ivy’s face. “This is the place.”
“Excuse me, what are doing in here?” Mr. Jones asked, holding an oil lamp to his face to divulge his identity.
“Mr. Jones, this room is wonderful and quaint. Would it be possible to use it for my cousin’s wedding tomorrow afternoon?”
“You’re talking about the Harmon/Ashton wedding. They are scheduled to marry in the chapel room at noon tomorrow.”
“I know, but this would be so much better. With the power out, we could use the fireplace along with candles and the beautiful window for light. What do you think?”
“Well, this is the owner’s personal room, but I suppose this is an unusual occasion. I guess it would be okay.”
“Thank you so much. Oh, and I’ll need all the candles you have available.”
“Check with the front desk.” Mr. Jones turned and left.
Ivy spoke with the front desk and made arrangements to purchase all the spare candles they could gather. Tomorrow would be a busy day tomorrow between preparing for the wedding and decorating the large room. But it would be worth it. Returning to her room, she was happy to see that Rachel had fallen asleep for a midday nap. Good, her cousin was relaxing at least. Noticing Rachel’s phone on the nightstand, she picked it up and searched for Joshua’s phone number. Quietly, she opened the door to the bathroom and set her flashlight on the counter, hoping not to wake her cousin as she talked with Joshua.
“Hello Joshua, it’s Ivy.”
“Ivy, Ivy who?” replied the sociable music minister. “Yes, I think I remember you. You’re the bride’s rude and angry cousin.”
“Is that how you think of me?” replied Ivy.
“No, I was just trying to be funny,” Joshua said, sensing that he had hurt Ivy’s feeling. “What can I do for you, Ivy?”
Ivy revealed her plans to Joshua about the wedding.
Joshua agreed to play the wedding march on his guitar and even marry the two if the minister was unable to make the ceremony. The moment Ivy changed her disposition toward him, his transformed as well. So he could be a pretty nice guy after all. Maybe they could even be friends now.
The day progressed slowly, Rachel and Ivy spent most of the afternoon in their room, preparing the next day for the wedding. Manicure and facials were given. Details discussed and family tracked. The glorious wedding dress was hung from a light fixture so as not to touch the floor. Surely, everything that could possibly go wrong already had.
* * *
As night fell, Luke and Joshua rode in the all-terrain vehicle being driven by Joshua’s new friend, Charlie. As the temperature dropped drastically, the cold air irritated Luke’s wrist like a bad toothache. Finally, after hours of driving, the three were within ten miles of the lodge. One turn to the left would lead Luke to his beloved.
But just as Charlie was about to take the route, they were stopped by a tree that had fallen, forcing the trio to take an alternate route, and further delaying their arrival to the next day.
* * *
The next morning, Ivy woke early and dressed in sweats. Proceeding downstairs, Ivy quickly headed to the front desk where two baskets of ivory-colored candles awaited. Taking the baskets to the rustic room, Ivy quickly started decorating. Candles, oil lamps and anything she could borrow from the other rooms in the lodge
were strategically placed throughout, giving the room a glowing effect. Ivy then returned to her room, only to find Rachel pacing back and forth.
“Luke and Joshua aren’t here yet. What if something has happened?”
“Don’t say that, Rachel. I’m sure the weather just held them up is all. We’ll just go ahead and get ready, and when they arrive, we can begin the ceremony.”
Rachel and Ivy showered as well as possible using a flashlight. Luckily, the water was heated by gas and remained warm.
Ivy used rollers to put soft curls in Rachel’s hair, while she styled her hair her usual way. She looked at her watch. Eleven a.m. and still no sign of Luke.
Rachel came out of the bathroom, her hair pinned up with soft curls framing her face. Her makeup was soft and romantic. She took her dress down and with the help of Ivy put on her lace, form-fitting dress with cap sleeves. Ivy buttoned up the back. To finish the look, Rachel put on her grandmother’s pearl earrings.
“Your dress is new, your grandmother’s earrings are old, and this blue hairpin of mine covers both the something blue and borrowed.” Ivy took the hairpin and placed it in Rachel’s bouquet. As they left their room and walked downstairs to the lobby, Ivy glanced at her cousin. “You look so beautiful, Rachel.”
“I second that,” the voice of her soon-to-be husband chimed in.
Rachel ran to Luke and threw her arms around him.
“I’m sorry we are so late, but we had to take a detour, so it took a long time to get here.”
“It doesn’t matter, you’re here now, and that’s all that is important.”
Luke kissed his bride and then left to get dressed.
Thirty minutes later, Ivy was lighting candles and lamps. The room was lovely. She walked toward the window and looked out at the snowy scene.
“You really outdid yourself. It’s radiant,” Joshua said as he entered the room.
“Thanks.”
Luke and Rachel walked in. “I love it, Ivy,” Rachel said as she hugged her cousin. “I can’t believe you did all this for us.”
“I’m glad you both like it.”
An elderly gentlemen joined their group. “Excuse me, I’m Pastor Stevens. I’m here to perform a wedding.”
“Yes, Pastor. I’m Luke Ashton and this is Rachel Harmon.” With introductions complete, everyone took their positions. Joshua played his guitar as Rachel walked gracefully down the aisle and Luke seized her hand in his. The pastor recited the vows as the warmth from the fireplace surrounded the wedding party.
Ivy looked around. The candles, the fire and the faint light coming from the window were breathtaking as Rachel and Luke professed their vows to one another. Ivy glanced over at Joshua, who smiled and winked, catching her completely off guard.
“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
With those words, Luke and Rachel were now married.
“What?” A woman wailed. “Don’t tell me I missed my precious little girl’s wedding.”
With a gasp, Rachel turned toward the doorway and her eyes widened upon seeing the bedraggled group of loved ones. “Oh, Mama, you’re here. And Aunt Mabel.”
Ivy breathed out a sigh of relief. At least, they were all safe…if a bit late.
Fingers swiping at the tears, Deloris Harmon hurried into the room and held out her arms. “Let me look at you. Sweetie, you’re gorgeous.”
“Dad, Mom, you made it too.” Luke stepped away from Rachel and waved a hand at his family. “Come join us.”
“Can’t remember when I’ve seen so much snow.” The tall Ashton patriarch strode forward and shook his son’s hand. “Had to bribe the taxi van driver at the train station to follow the snowplow up the mountain.”
“Taxi? Maybe I can catch it.” Pastor Stevens stepped close. “I’ve got responsibilities at the church. Best wishes on your marriage, Mr. Ashton.” He shook Luke’s hand and dashed from the room.
The next several minutes were a buzz of activity as introductions were made and the women clustered around Rachel.
Joshua slid behind Ivy, his fingers grazing her elbow. “Can I talk to you?”
Ivy jumped at the warm tickle of fingers and glanced over her shoulder. “What?”
Blue eyes gleaming, he jerked his head twice in a come here gesture.
Her gaze flicked between her cousin, surrounded by chattering family members, and the best man. Curious at what he wanted, Ivy followed him to the rock fireplace that blazed with a colorful fire and whispered, “Okay, talk.”
“Let’s do the wedding ceremony again.” A wide smile accompanied his words.
Ivy’s automatic resistance to his bossiness kicked in. “Why?”
His brows wrinkled and he held out a hand toward the group. “So their families can be a part of the big day. I am a minister so I know the routine.”
“That’s not what Rachel wants.” Ivy bit off the words then leaned close. “Besides, there’s the reception…” She’d checked and re-rechecked the arrangements less than thirty minutes earlier and she wanted Rachel to see a perfect wedding buffet.
Joshua clasped her hand and squeezed. “Ivy, a short delay won’t matter. Think of how much the family members will appreciate this.”
At his touch, her fingers warmed and her stance relaxed. Of course, he was right. And Rachel would love the idea of repeating her vows. What new bride wouldn’t? She smiled and turned. “Hey, listen up everyone. Joshua has a great idea.”
Ten minutes later, Ivy stood next to her cousin, waiting outside the rustic double doors. “Everything’s set with the food, and I grabbed one of the servers to act as official photographer. I loaned her my digital camera and told her to snap everything.”
“Ivy, you’ve been great.” Rachel smiled and blinked rapidly. “Thank you so much for all your help. I can’t believe I’m redoing my wedding. And I get to say my own vows.”
“You do?”
“Yeah, isn’t Joshua’s idea wonderful?”
Ivy’s lips pursed together. “Um, wonderful.”
From behind the door came the sound of guitar twangs and a baritone voice singing, “Enter, rejoice and come in.”
Rachel nudged Ivy’s side. “That’s your cue.”
Ivy took a deep breath, opened the double doors, and walked toward the center of the room in a slow cadence, matching Joshua’s repeated refrain. All in the small gathering rose from their folding chairs and turned, their gazes landing on Ivy for just a moment, then flicking back to watch Rachel’s approach. Deloris and Mabel dabbed at their eyes with white hankies. Gil and Clara Ashton and Luke’s younger brother, Paul, stood straight and tall.
From the side came the flash and click of a camera.
Joshua’s blue-eyed gaze locked with hers and held.
Ivy’s cheeks heated and she scooted to the left in front of the ring of chairs.
The last guitar strum faded and Joshua set the instrument on a chair then stepped next to the waiting couple. “To honor the importance of family witnessing such an event, the wedding ceremony for Luke and Rachel is being repeated. The official wording has been said, but I’m encouraging them to speak from the heart. In the spirit of love and grace, Rachel will start.”
Rachel passed Ivy her bouquet and turned to clasp Luke’s hands. “We met in a summer storm and we’re marrying in a winter one. Rather than viewing those events as deterrents, I believe our relationship has been tested by the elements—and come out stronger.”
Ivy heard the wobble in her cousin’s voice and silently urged her to be strong.
“Luke, you are a sweet, kind and loving man who I look forward to spending my life with. I promise to love you with all my heart and soul for the rest of my days.” The last words were only quiet whispers.
Luke leaned forward and kissed her cheek before he spoke. “Rachel, you and I have faced more than most couples when they stand together and profess their love. A deranged co-worker, me questioned by police in murder case, you hospitalized after the
stalker attacked. Through the adversities, which we can now add a car accident and another hospital stay to that list…” He lifted his casted wrist for all to see.
Several chuckles sounded.
“Through the trials, we supported each other, as we will throughout our lives together. Rachel, I love your determination, your curiosity, and your soft heart where animals are concerned. I too promise to love you with all my heart and soul for the rest of my days.” Luke reached into his jacket pocket, pulled out the diamond ring, and gently slipped it on his wife’s finger. After a gentle marriage kiss, he nodded at Joshua.
Holding his hands palm up, Joshua swept his gaze over the group. “In the spirit of love and grace, I ask that those witnessing these vows affirm their intent to support this couple.”
“We do.”
Ivy’s throat thickened as she spoke. That was a sweet addition. Her own experience may have been a disaster, but she’d do everything she could to support her dear cousin’s marriage.
“Luke and Rachel Ashton, I add my blessing to your union. Now, turn and greet your families as a married couple.”
Everyone crushed forward with congratulatory hugs, handshakes and back slaps. Ivy set the wedding bouquet on the nearest chair and dashed out of the room for one last check of the buffet. Once she was sure the kitchen staff was ready, she returned to the doorway. “Rachel and Luke, please lead your guests to the reception.” She stepped to one side but kept pace, needing to see Rachel’s reaction. As the amazement widened Rachel’s eyes and slackened her jaw, Ivy couldn’t deny the pride she felt in what she’d accomplished.
Miniature twinkling lights swagged between the overhead chandelier of the lodge’s bar and the room’s four corners. On a half-dozen scattered tables, red tapered candles rose from heart-shaped holders flecked with red and pink foil confetti. Vases of red and pink roses decorated the ends of the massive wooden bar and the buffet table. The three-tiered cake decorated with tiny pink fondant roses with a bold red heart silhouetting the bride and groom figurines on top stole the show.
Rachel gasped and swung around to clinch Ivy in a tight hug. “I love it. You did great, cousin.”
Blinking her eyes, Ivy squeezed her best friend’s back. “You deserve only the best. Be happy.”
Thirty minutes later, Ivy sat at a back table and nibbled at her last chocolate-covered strawberry. For just a few moments, she’d needed some space from the others. After hearing the gushing comments and congratulations voiced all around about how Joshua’s plan saved the wedding, she had to admit they were right. The resourceful, ex-soldier turned minister was a generous and caring man. A bit bossy, but she knew that trait well enough from her own personality.