New Beginnings (12 page)

Jason and Vicky shook his hand all the while continuing to thank him profusely.  Then, there was another round of hugs
, congratulations, and kisses.

Vicky sat looking out of the upstairs bedroom window of the Rutherford’s home.  It was a crisp, clear day, and the warm sun was shining down beautifully.  There was not one cloud in the sky.  The leaves on the trees had changed colors and they were beautiful shades of reds, yellows, and oranges.  She couldn’t remember the last time she’d noticed how beautiful fall was. Vicky knew for sure that since she’d met Jason she’d finally been able to notice the beauty that surrounded her.  She was finally at peace.

There was a knock on the door which
shook Vicky out of her thoughts. 

“May I come in?”

“Of course, Mrs. Rutherford.”

Miriam slowly walked into the bedroom.  “You are absolutely stunning my dear.  I see the glam squad did an awesome job.”

Vicky hugged her.  “Thank you so much for welcoming Angel and me into your lives.”

“Vicky before you marry Jason, I just feel like I need to get something off of my chest. Jason said there was no need but it is weighing heavily upon my heart.”

Vicky was mystified at what it could be.  She thought Mrs. Rutherford was fine with her marrying Jason.

“
Vicky, I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am for what happened to Angel on my watch.  I feel like if I had never encouraged Jocelyn to take Angel to the park maybe the accident could have been prevented.  Please forgive me.”

“Mrs. Rutherford, there is no need for you to ask for forgiveness.  There is nothing to forgive.  The accident was just that an accident.  It could have happened to any of us.  I’m saddened for Jocelyn, but I thank God every day that Angel survived.  You know what else I’m grateful for?  That you both love Angel with all of your hearts and she loves you.  I never thought I’d be able to give Angel grandparents.  But, I couldn’t have dreamed up better grandparents if I tried.”

Miriam used her handkerchief to wipe away her tears.  “Vicky, Jason is so lucky to have found you.  You’ve been a blessing to all of us. I’d better let you finish getting ready.  That son of mine would kill me if I made you late especially today of all days.  Please let me know if you need anything?” 

Just as Miriam was about to leave
, Aunt Shirley stood outside the door about ready to knock.    Vicky smiled “Aunt Shirley, what are you doing here so early?  Not that I mind.”  Miriam left and closed the door behind her.

“I’m here because if your mom were alive this is exactly where she would be.  I know I’m not her but I’m hoping you don’t mind me standing in for her.”

Vicky hugged her aunt.  They’d become very close over the last few months.  “Of course, I don’t mind.  You’re all the family I have left.”

“Good.  Then, I have one more thing to give you before we start getting you ready for your big day.”

Vicky looked somewhat puzzled.  She had no idea what it could possibly be but both ladies sat down on the bed.  Aunt Shirley handed Vicky a beautifully wrapped box.

“Aunt Shirley, you didn’t have to do this.  The only gift I need from you is
you being here.”

“Well, although I’m giving you this gift it is technically from your mother.”

Vicky’s hands were shaking something fierce.  They were shaking so that she almost couldn’t open the box.  She had no idea what it could be.  Aunt Shirley had been so out of it during her teenage years that she couldn’t imagine she would have kept anything of monetary value.   Vicky finally got the wrapping off of the package.  Then, Vicky gently opened the box.

Vicky’s hands flew to her mouth and throat.  It was a
string of pearls with a locket on it.  Vicky had thought it had been buried with her mother.  How did Aunt Shirley get it?

“How did you get this?  This was the locket momma gave to me and I gave back to her at her funeral?”

“I knew my sister well.  And, I knew that she would have wanted you to have it.  She most likely would have given it to you on this special day.  So, before they closed her casket, I took the locket.  Open it.”

Vicky opened the locket
.  When she did her eyes feasted on a picture of her mother on one side and a picture of her mother holding her when she was about 6 or 7.  The pictures were starting to lose focus because Vicky couldn’t hold back her tears.

Aunt Shirley put her arms around Vicky again.  She whispered into her ear because her throat was thick with emotion too “Your mother would be so proud of you Vicky.  I know I am.”

“I miss her so much Aunt Shirley.  I just wish I can be half the mother she was to me.”

“Well, today when you walk down that isle towards your husband know that your mother is with you and looking down on you smiling proudly.  Now, let’s stop all this fussing, dry these tears, and make you the most beautiful bride anyone has ever seen.”

The Rutherford’s had the
small wedding party staying at their home for the wedding.  While Franklin was on his way to Jason’s room, he decided to stop in and check on Sandy.  They hadn’t really talked much since the day at the hospital.  In the first couple of weeks after Angel’s surgery he hadn’t called Sandy because he needed to figure some things out.  He hadn’t found all the answers but he knew he missed her like crazy.  Then when he finally did call her she wouldn’t answer his phone calls. Not at work or at home.   This was his first real opportunity to talk to her.  Franklin knew if he didn’t see Sandy now he may not have a chance to talk with her until after the wedding. 

He gently knocked on her door.  After a few seconds of silence Franklin thought maybe he had missed her.  But then he heard some rustling behind the door.  Slowly, Sandy opened the door.
  She was so beautiful it literally knocked the wind out of him.

Sandy didn’t look too surprised to see him.  “Franklin? Did you need something?”

All he could do was lean in and kiss her.  Franklin couldn’t help himself.  As much as Sandy wanted to slap his face she wanted the kiss more.  She was in love with him.  She kissed him back just as eagerly.  She pulled apart first. 

The first words out of Franklin’s mouth were “I’m sorry.  Not about kissing you but for being so indecisive about what I want and need in my life.  I’m hoping you can forgive me and we can figure this thing between us out together.”

Sandy gave him one of her sexiest smiles “You know, if I forgive you, and that’s a big IF…you have a lot of making up for don’t you?”

Franklin caressed the side of her cheek and looked deeply into her eyes.  “If you give me another chance I’ll spend as long as it takes trying.”

It was that moment that John Rutherford was coming down the hallway. “Excuse me Ms. Catching’s; my son needs a best man.  Do you mind if I borrow Franklin for awhile because if he keeps looking at you like that I’m not sure either of you will make it to the wedding?”

They all laughed and Franklin kissed Sandra on the forehead before being dragged along to Jason’s suite.

It was finally time for the wedding.  Mrs. Rutherford had outdone herself with the decorations for this wedding.  She had transformed her great room into a whimsical romantic fairytale.  There were white roses placed everywhere you looked.  She created an isle by setting five feet pillars every three feet apart holding the most beautiful white rose bouquets you’d ever seen until they reached the end of the isle.  Sheer draped fabric covered the ceilings and walls.  It was truly an amazing sight to behold. 

Jason and Franklin stood at the end of the isle with the minister waiting for the ceremony to begin.  Franklin leaned over and whispered into Jason’s ear “Not that I don’t already know the answer to this but as best man I’m obligated to ask.  Are your sure about this?”

Jason smiled “I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life. I’m marrying the woman of my dreams.”

The music began to play and the doors opened.  Sandy was the first to walk through.  She was gorgeous.  When Sandy walked down the
aisle, Jason was sure the way Franklin and Sandy were looking into each other’s eyes he’d be switching places with him real soon. 

The pianist began to play the wedding march and all the guests stood up.   Angel walked through the door holding her flower girls’ basket wearing a floor length rose petal dress.  She was a mini version of her mom.  Vicky had never been able to tame her curls but today not a hair was out of place.  It was shorter than usual because of having to be cut after the accident.  It didn’t matter because she was beautiful and she was smiling from ear to ear.  You never would have known that just a few short months ago we didn’t know if she would live or die.  It was nothing short of miraculous at how fast she had recovered.  Jason loved his little girl so much.  He knew he was lucky to find what some people search for a lifetime.  Angel continued to drop her rose petals as she made her way down the aisle.  Everyone was oohing and ahhing at how beautiful she looked.  Once she made it to the end of the isle, she crooked her little finger for Jason to bend down so she could tell him something in his ear.  When he bent down he heard her say, “I love you daddy” before kissing him on the cheek.  Jason was so overcome with emotion he almost couldn’t get the words out “I love you too baby girl.”

The moment had finally arrived. 
Everyone stood for the bride.  When Vicky stepped through the threshold, she was absolutely breathtaking.  Their eyes immediately connected to one another once she saw him waiting for her with the minister.   She wore a long empire waist but off the shoulder dress.  The dress camouflaged her small baby bump.  Vicky left her hair hanging in wavy curls that fit perfectly with her crown, princess veil.  Vicky couldn’t stop smiling.  Happy was bursting out the seams and she couldn’t wait to officially become Jason’s wife.  It seemed like it took forever for her to finally reach him.  She did and they joined hands looking lovingly into each other’s eyes. His were just a little bit more watery than hers.

The ceremony went off without a hitch.  Once she finally reached Jason everything moved at warped speed.  All she could remember was ‘
you may kiss the bride’.  And kiss her he did.  Jason kissed Vicky for what seemed like forever.  They hadn’t really touched each other since the morning of the accident.  It had been almost three long months. Tonight he was going to be with his wife, Mrs. Jason Kincaid Rutherford.

Jason and Vicky had a ball at their wedding.  The reception was wonderful too.  Both of them were high on adrenaline and each other.  The laughed, danced, and had a good time with their family and friends all afternoon. 

Although they were having a great time,
Jason was ready to take his bride on their honeymoon.  He was more than ready.  Angel was going to stay with his parents and Aunt Shirley.  This was going to be the first time Vicky would have left Angel’s side since the accident.  He knew she was nervous about leaving her but it had to happen at some point.  They probably won’t get a better excuse than celebrating your wedding.  Not to mention, Aunt Shirley would be there too since she had been living in his parent’s guest house for the past couple of months. 

Jason and Vicky made their way up to their bedroom to c
hange before leaving for their seven day Cabo San Lucas honeymoon.  Once they entered his bedroom and closed the door Jason couldn’t keep his hands off of her.

He pushed Vicky up against the door and kissed her deeply.  She kissed him back just as passionately.  His hands were everywhere “Vicky, I can’t touch you like I want to because I can’t get my hands through all this fabric!” They laughed.

“Good because if you could we might miss our flight to the airport.  Did I tell you how much I love you today Mr. Rutherford?”

“Not as much as I love you Mrs. Rutherford.  That feels good coming off of my tongue.”  They kissed one last time before Vicky went into the bathroom to change out of her wedding dress into her honeymoon traveling cloths.  He watched her go and stood there for a few seconds after Vicky closed the door just to reflect on
how happy she made him.

On the other side of the door Vicky
couldn’t believe how full her life had become and how happy she felt.  She was married to the most wonderful man in the world, Angel was alive and thriving, and in five ½ months she was going to have Jason’s baby.  She didn’t think life could get any better.

Jason and Vicky
had a pretty smooth flight over to Cabo San Lucas.  The finally made it to their vacation cabin.  It was beautiful.  It sat right on the beach and there was not another cabin for at least a mile. 

Vicky was
about to open the door to their cabin before Jason stopped her. 

“Are you serious? You’re just going to walk on into our cabin?”

Vicky blinked a couple of times looking truly bewildered.  “Well, how else am I going to get inside?” then it dawned on her right as Jason swept her up into his arms

“Just like this
.” He carried her over the threshold all the while kissing her.  Jason’s kisses were so powerful.  When he finally stopped kissing Vicky she felt almost drunk.

“I’m not a superstitious man but I’ll take all the good
luck I can get.”  He slowly lowered her feet down onto the floor.  He handled her as if she were the most precious thing in the world.  When Vicky’s body slid down his she felt exactly how ready Jason was to be with her.