They arrived back at the ranch and were mobbed by Katie and Scott. “Lindsay!”
“Hi guys. I am so glad to see you.”
“We missed you.” Scott commented
“I missed you too. Are you ready to be in our wedding?”
“Yes, we have been practicing. Want to see?”
“Sure.”
Scott held out his arm and Katie wrapped hers around his and they started to walk down the hallway. “Very good!” Lindsay applauded “Where are your moms?”
“Right here.” They answered coming into the hall where she was
“Thank you for coming.”
“We wouldn’t have missed it!” Deena replied
“Where is everyone?” asked Sarah
“Who knows?” answered Gabby as she came into the room “After lunch everyone scattered, Nick was mumbling to himself. David, Dalton, Travis and Colin were laughing at him.”
“I hope he is okay, was there a problem?” Lindsay asked concerned as she dug in her purse for her cell phone. She pushed his number and waited for him to answer.
“Hello?” he answered absently
“It’s me. Where are you?”
“At my house.”
“What are you doing?”
“I can’t remember.”
“I’ll be right there.” She said hanging up on him “I’ll be back in a few minutes.” She told everyone as she left and went to Nick’s.
“Nick?” she said as she opened the door without knocking
“Hi, where did you come from?”
“I just talked to you on the phone and said I was coming down.”
“Oh yeah, I forgot. Do you know what I did with my boots?”
“They are on your feet. What is the matter?”
“Oh yeah. What are you doing here again?”
Lindsay grabbed his hand and sat him down. “Nick, look at me.” He looked at her “Take a deep breath.” She demonstrated for him and he repeated the action. “Again” she repeated and he followed.
“Okay, what are you doing?”
“I think I was trying to pack or change clothes or something. I have lost my ability to think.”
Lindsay laughed and leaned forward to kiss him. “I told Sarah the same thing.”
“You are perfectly calm and I am not.”
“I just got back from a massage at the hotel. It worked wonders.”
“Good. Why are you here?”
“Come with me and we will get you organized.” She said leading him to his bedroom. “Good grief Nick, what are you doing in here?” she asked at the mess in his room
“I think I was packing for Hawaii.”
“Let’s start over with that.” She said holding up his winter coat “I don’t think you will need this in Hawaii.”
Lindsay went to his closet and hung up all the clothes that he had removed from there. She returned with more appropriate clothing for Hawaii’s weather. Next she moved to his dresser and directed him to get shirts, swimming suits and underclothes. With organization, she finally finished his packing for Hawaii.
“Thank you for helping me. I couldn’t remember anything.” He said hugging her
“You are not getting cold feet are you?” she asked concerned
“Never. I just couldn’t think.”
“Are you okay now? I have to go get ready for the rehearsal and dinner.”
“I have to get ready too.”
“Yes you do sweetheart. Do I need to send Dalton down here to make sure you are okay?”
“I’m okay now. I just have to shower and put my suit on right?”
“And come up to the house in a few minutes.”
“Right. I’ll be there.”
Lindsay left a couple of minutes later not sure he would show up. She called Dalton on her way back.
“Hi” he answered
“Can you check on Nick in a couple of minutes?”
“Why?”
“He needs help. He can’t remember what he is supposed to be doing. He packed a winter coat for our trip to Hawaii.”
Dalton burst out laughing. “Oh it is payback time. I am so excited to hear this.”
“Dalton! Don’t do this to me. I need him functioning.”
“He will be, but first it is time to have some fun.”
“Just get him to the house in a few minutes!” she said hanging up on him “Men!” she exclaimed running to the house
Lindsay went to her temporary room and showered and dressed. She was putting her shoes on when there was a knock on her door. “Come in”
Nick opened the door and walked in. “I made it.” He said
“Did Dalton help you?”
“Help me? Not exactly. It is his time for payback for what I did to him at his wedding.”
“Don’t tell me, I don’t want to know what you did to him or what he did to you.”
“You look very beautiful my love!” Nick said leaning down to kiss her. “I have a secret for you…”
“What?” she asked anticipating some big thing
“Tomorrow at this time, we will be married!”
Lindsay smiled and stood to her feet. “I know” she whispered “I can’t wait. And if we are lucky, we will already be at the hotel alone!”
“Come on beautiful. We have a rehearsal to do. I saw the minister as I was coming in.”
Lindsay and Nick went down to the living room which had been transformed into their wedding location. All the furniture had been moved to the car barn and chairs were set up for the guests. The minister had them all run through the ceremony several times before they all felt comfortable. “Okay, any last questions?” he asked
Lindsay looked at Nick and he shook he head. “I think we are ready.” She answered
“See you tomorrow!” he stated heading for the door
The crowd walked out to the waiting limousines and departed for the restaurant at the hotel. “Are you doing okay now?” Lindsay whispered to Nick
“I’m much better. I just had a little problem this afternoon.”
“You scared me. I expect you to be my rock and you were a sinking ship this afternoon.”
Nick laughed “I am fine. Thank you for helping me pack.”
“You are welcome. I don’t have to worry about you tomorrow morning do I? You will get ready on time.”
“Yes, Mama has already reminded me a dozen times. She has drafted Dad to stand watch over me. Dalton too. Not that he is much help.”
“I’ll kill him.” She muttered
“Mama will do it for you if he messes with this wedding. She is more excited that we are.”
“Not possible.” She answered “I have been waiting for this day a very long time.”
Nick brought her hand to his lips and kissed it.
The rehearsal dinner was done and everyone was settled in their rooms for the night except for Nick and Lindsay. They were sitting by the pool. Nick sat with Lindsay and caressed her hands.
“Nick! You know what that does to me.” She moaned
“Yes, I do it on purpose. I love it.”
“I can’t think when you do that.”
“So, what is there to think about right now?”
“Nothing I guess.”
“That’s right. Just enjoy it.”
“I am but we need to go to sleep. I don’t want to have big dark circles under my eyes tomorrow. I want to look beautiful for you.”
“Lindsay Matthews, you are beautiful to me, no matter what.” He said firmly “But I know we need to go to sleep, I just don’t want to be separated from you.”
“Me neither, but after tomorrow we won’t be.”
“Finally!”
“Walk me to my room, I have something for you.” She said getting up from the chair. Nick walked her to her room and waited while she went inside. She came back with an envelope and handed it to him. “Read this when you get to your house.”
/> Nick nodded and leaned down to give her one last kiss “Sleep and dream of me.”
“You too.”
Nick backed away reluctantly and left her room. He blew her a kiss as he turned away.
Nick walked rapidly to his house and opened the envelope as soon as he entered.
My darling Nick,
It’s here! Our wedding day! I have hoped for this day for many years. You are the love of my life. I want to be a good wife to you and mother to your children.
Tomorrow, I pledge my life to you in front of our family and friends but in my heart I pledged my life to you weeks ago. Maybe even years ago.
Tomorrow when we make love for our first time, I hope to show you how much I love you and need you and want you.
I love you!
Lindsay
Lindsay’s phone rang as she knew it would. “I love you.” She said as she answered
“I love you and thank you for this letter. You are so wonderful and I am so ready to be married to you. I want to show you how much I love you.”
“You do every day!” she answered “Now go to sleep, cowboy!”
Nick laughed and blew her a kiss threw the phone “Less than 24 hours then we will not be apart again.”
“Night love.” She said hanging up
The next morning, Gabby brought her breakfast to her room. “Nick is in the kitchen and wanted me to give you a message.”
“And what is that?” she asked smiling at her soon to be mother-in-law
“He loves you and he is counting down the seconds until he is your husband.”
Lindsay smiled as the tears formed in her eyes. “Gabby, sit down for a minute.” Gabby sat down where Lindsay indicated.
“What is it sweetie?” Gabby asked concerned
“I just wanted to tell you that I love you very much. You are a great mother and I admire you greatly. I also wanted tell that I love your son very much and I hope to be a great wife to him and make him very happy.”
“You do make him happy. I am so excited to see you get married to each other. It is such a joy to help you plan for this day.”
“Thank you for all your hard work. Next week, we want you to take it easy and don’t work. Take some time off.”
“We’ll see.” Gabby replied “Now, do you need anything else before I go supervise the caterers.”
“I think I am good. The stylist should be here shortly. Then it will finally be time to get married.”
“Okay, call me if you need something.” Gabby said leaving the room
Lindsay picked up her phone and called Nick.
“Hi” he said when he answered
“Hello my soon-to-be husband.”
“I like the sound of that, soon-to-be wife.”
“What are you doing?” she asked
“Playing with Scott and Katie. We have a mean game of cards going. They are beating me.”
Lindsay laughed “Good for them.”
“What you doing?” he asked her
“Waiting for the stylist and eating breakfast.”
“I wish I could see you.”
“Why can’t you?”
“Mama told me I couldn’t.”
“Sneak up here, I won’t tell.” Lindsay whispered
“I am on my way.” Nick whispered back and hung up
Very shortly there was a slow opening of the bedroom door as Nick crept in. Lindsay was reclining against the pillows eating her breakfast.
“Good morning my love!” he whispered as he came close
“I don’t think we have to whisper.” She replied
Nick leaned down to give her a loving kiss.
“Ummm. I needed that.” She stated
“Are you nervous?” he asked
“Not yet. I am not nervous about getting married; I might get nervous about being the center of attention.”
“Just focus on me and know how much I want this with you. That is all that matters.”
“That is so wonderful to hear. I hope you always feel that way.”
“We will work to make it that way always. Now kiss me quick before we get caught.” He said leaning to kiss her again. “See you shortly” he whispered as he left the room
“Are you ready to see what you look like girlfriend?” Sarah asked Lindsay a couple of hours later
Lindsay moved to the full length mirror and gasp. “This dress is even more beautiful than I imagined.”
“No. You make that dress more beautiful!” Sarah replied coming to stand beside Lindsay
Lindsay gown was a strapless gown of luxurious satin. There was a floral design embroidered down the split train in the back. It was a perfect style for Lindsay, quiet and beautiful.
“Nick is going to forget to breathe when he sees you.” Sarah said gently hugging her
“Don’t make me cry.” Lindsay stated fanning her face
Just then there was a knock on the door and Sarah went to answer it. It was David and Dalton “Can we come in?”
Sarah looked at Lindsay who nodded and then let the brothers come in.
“Lindsay, you are stunning!” Dalton exclaimed
“Will Nick like it?” she asked modeling the dress
“No. He will love it.” Dalton replied
“Is he here yet?”
“Yes, he is with Scott and Katie and their parents in the den. Relax, he is only a little frazzled.” David stated “We didn’t torture him too much.”
“If he dumps me at the altar, you are both in big trouble.”
“We have something for you.” David said handing a box to Lindsay.
Lindsay opened it to reveal an elegant diamond bracelet. “It is glorious.” She exclaimed
“Sarah helped us pick it out to match your gown.” David replied
Lindsay handed the box to Sarah. “Help me put it on?” She asked
Sarah sat the box on the dresser and removed the bracelet. Lindsay extended her wrist and Sarah draped the bracelet over her slim wrist. “It is almost as beautiful as you.” Sarah commented as she connected the two ends
Lindsay went and hugged all three of them. “Thank you for this bracelet and for all your help with everything. I love you all very much.”
“We love you too sweetie.” Dalton stated
“Are the guests here yet?”
“Yes, CeCe, Greg and Colby are here. Colby is set up to sing.”
“I still can’t believe that he wanted to sing at our wedding.” Lindsay recalled. Colby had called a few days after he had come to StageWest and asked if he could sing at their wedding. He had written a song for them. Nick and Lindsay were thrilled.
“I think we are ready to start this show.” Lindsay stated.
“Ok, I am going to go get our bouquets and signal everyone that we are going to start.”
Dalton kissed Lindsay’s cheek and told her he loved her. “Thank you big brother.”
David stayed with Lindsay as the other two left. “Are you nervous?” he asked
“No, surprisingly not too much. I want this marriage very much.”
“So does Nick. He is going to be a good husband to you. He is your perfect complement and you are his.”
Lindsay nodded and tried not to cry. David chuckled and kissed her cheek. “I love you kid.” He said trying to make her laugh
Sarah came back just then with the bouquets and announced that they were ready. “Let’s do this.” She said happily
Lindsay could hear the music begin from downstairs and they walked to the top of the stairway. Sarah started down the stairs cautiously then proceeded into the living room. Then Lindsay clasped David’s arm and they began the walk down the stairs. The photographer was taking pictures as they descended. As they paused at the bottom of the stairs to rearrange her train, Lindsay spoke “Thank you David.”
“My pleasure sweetie” he answered “Let’s go before Nick comes looking for you.”
&n
bsp; They started forward and came into the living room and Nick got his first look at his bride. He quietly gasped and held his hand to his heart. “Keep breathing” Dalton whispered
“She’s stunning!” Nick whispered back keeping his eyes focused on his love.
David and Lindsay reached Nick and the minister. The minister began the ceremony with the traditional question of who gives this bride and David’s proud response was “Her brother and I” as she placed Lindsay’s hand on Nick’s then went to sit down.
The ceremony proceeded with Scott and Katie presenting the pillows with the rings. Soon it was Colby’s turn to sing to the couple. Nick and Lindsay stood facing each other as Colby sang. The words were beautiful and spoke of the couple’s hopes and dreams and their love. Lindsay was crying as she looked into Nick’s eyes and saw all of those things.
As the song ended the minister announced “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
Nick gathered her close and lowered his head “Finally!” he whispered as he kissed her soundly and for several long seconds. Then the guests applauded and they finished their kiss. They were instantly surrounded by family and friends with hugs and kisses.
“You guys did a great job!” Lindsay said as she bent down to hug Scott and Katie. Nick gave Scott a “high five” and a hug and Katie got her hug too. “Thank you Scott and Katie. We couldn’t have done it without you.”
The reception was outside by the pool and patio after the photographer was finished. Nick and Lindsay escaped into her office for a few minutes before joining their guests.
Nick picked her up in a huge hug as soon as they were alone. “We are finally married!” he exclaimed “And you are even more stunning in this dress!” Nick captured her mouth in a deep long kiss.
“I am so happy.” Lindsay stated as they stopped kissing. “The wedding was beautiful, just like I wanted it to be.”
“Now let’s get this reception over with so we can be alone!”
“My dearest husband?” Lindsay asked a few minutes later as they danced at the reception.
“Yes my lovely wife?”
Lindsay lifted her head from his chest and looked at Nick “I am so glad you wanted to marry me. I am glad my dreams came true.”
“That’s my line. I am glad you wanted to marry me after everything that happened this year. I am so sor…”
Lindsay placed her finger on his lips to stop him “The past is over and done. Our new life starts today. We only get better and stronger from here.”