Plantation Christmas Weddings by Barnes Sylvia

Author:Barnes, Sylvia [BARNES, SYLVIA]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-62416-473-6
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2013-08-23T04:00:00+00:00

Gary followed the other groomsmen across the grass to their place before the steps of Longwood. The congregation sat in rows out on the lawn. One by one, the bridesmaids came up the aisle; a string quartet played “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.” Then he saw Meredith. He’d thought her beautiful before, but in the red bridesmaid dress, she looked ravishing. Their eyes met, and her loving gaze made his heart pound. In just a few weeks, she would come down the aisle to unite with him. The thought overwhelmed him. How he loved her. He realized then that he had missed the bride’s entrance while looking at Meredith. Perhaps no one noticed.

The lovely service lasted only a few minutes. Gary listened to the vows, honoring them in his heart. Now at last he had a woman he could say those words to without any reservation. “In sickness and in health till death do us part.” Then he held out his arm to her and walked down the aisle with Meredith clinging to him, a sensation he liked very much. “You look stunning.”

“I think the same about you. You make that tuxedo.” Her breath on his ear as she spoke for him alone made his senses tingle.

“Did you think what I did during the ceremony?”

“That I wish this wedding were ours?”

They took their places in the receiving line inside the mansion. White Christmas lights and Christmas greenery had transformed the bare brick walls and unfinished wood. Gary murmured to Meredith, “The Nutts themselves would approve of how the old mansion has come alive.”

“Wouldn’t they?” She smiled into his eyes, making his knees feel weak with emotion. Then the crowd came in, and they greeted people they hadn’t seen since high school, and parents of old schoolmates. Gary noticed that many people complimented Meredith on her books, and she responded graciously to every one. Finally, the crowd thinned. “I’ll go get us some eats before they’re all gone.”

“Thank you, Gary. I’m famished.”

They enjoyed a bit of a feast, discussing what they would want at their reception. Just then, Wreath Anderson came up to them. “Francine’s going to throw her bouquet. Meredith, I think you should make every effort to catch it.” She winked at Gary and walked away.

Curious, Gary followed Meredith out, where Francine stood on the top step looking down at the bridesmaids and other single women. As he watched, he could see them pushing Meredith toward the front and center. Francine didn’t even turn around. She looked right at Meredith and threw the flowers to her. Then to his surprise, Francine called for everyone’s attention. “I have it on good authority that Meredith really will marry next. Gary Bishop asked her, and she accepted.”

Gary knew his role. He quickly moved up to Meredith’s side and, to the sound of applause and congratulations, took her in his arms and looked deeply into her eyes, seeing his own joy reflected in them. Then his head went down to claim a kiss. Her response quickened his breath, and he deepened the kiss.

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