Smitten (46 page)
He squeezed her hand and found it cold. “You okay?”
When she nodded, Griffen helped her on with her coat and escorted her to his SUV. His heart thumped so loudly on the drive to the chapel, he wondered if she could feel the vibrations.
The church was bustling with activity. Lit from within, the stained-glass windows burst with color. They used the valet parking and entered the chapel behind a couple Griffen recognized from TV. The media were there, he knew, tucked away in the balcony as requested by the bride and groom.
They presented their invitations to security and moved forward into the sanctuary. The pews were already packed, but there was still room near the back.
“Wow,” Reese whispered.
He followed her eyes to the front of the sanctuary. A white liner led down the center aisle to a candlelit altar covered with sprays of white and purple flowers. Swaths of silver fabric draped from the ceiling beams creating a soft, romantic look.
They took their seats on the aisle near the back and waited for the ceremony to begin. The Garner Sisters played at the corner of the stage, something slow and heartfelt. Someone must’ve dressed them, because the women were clothed in neutral shades of champagne, even Violet, though her red hair and lipstick stood out like a shining beacon.
Beside him, Reese fidgeted with her bracelet. She had to be hurting. He wished he had the words to comfort her. Instead, he gathered his courage and put his arm around her. Comfort. He was only trying to comfort her.
She looked up at him with wide eyes that looked vulnerable and afraid. Without thinking, he pulled her into his side. She settled there, his little Reese, with a soft sigh.
A moment later, the parents were seated. When the song ended, there was a brief pause while Sawyer and Carson, in their tuxes, shuffled out at the front.
The procession began with the melodic strains of the strings. The bridesmaids, clothed in silver dresses, glided down the aisle on the groomsmen’s arms. After them, Mia appeared in the doorway, clutching a miniature bouquet. Her skirt was a white cloud, dotted with tiny purple flowers. The crowd’s sigh was audible and quickly followed by a rapid fire of camera clicks from the side balcony. Mia reached into the basket and scattered what looked like a handful of sparkly snowflakes.
“Look,” Reese whispered. “She’s wearing a lavender wreath.”
Sure enough, a delicate wreath topped the girl’s curly hair. The little girl with a big faith had captured the hearts of America.
When Mia reached the front, there was a pause as the song ended. A shuffling sounded in the doorway behind them, then the familiar strains of the “Wedding March” began. The crowd rose to its feet. Griffen and Reese followed.
Kate Owens appeared in the doorway, draped in an elaborate white gown. Her shining eyes and wide smile were trained straight ahead. She began walking, and the guests turned as she passed them. Regardless of the press, of the crowded sanctuary, it was clear Kate only had eyes for Sawyer. The groom, likewise, only had eyes for his bride.
When she reached the front, the pastor instructed them to be seated. He began talking, and Griffen realized he was building to the question. How had he forgotten about the question?
“We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life’s most memorable moments, to recognize the gift of love, and to ask God’s blessing on the unity of Sawyer and Kate in holy matrimony.”
Reese wouldn’t speak out. Would she? But hadn’t that been one of the reasons he’d left before? Hadn’t he been afraid that, in some weak and foolish moment, he’d blurt out his feelings and ruin Reese’s special day?
Had she been devising a secret plan to announce her feelings for Sawyer today with all the world watching?
“Should there be anyone who has cause why this couple should not be united in holy matrimony, they must speak now or forever hold their peace.”
The silence was sudden and sharp, like the crack of a whip. It was her last chance, and he prayed she wouldn’t take it. He felt for her hand and gathered it in his own as if he could will her to let the moment pass. Her palm was cool and clammy. Her fingers twitched, and he tightened his grip.
Don’t do it, Reese. Don’t do it
.
“Who brings this woman to this man?”
Griffen expelled a breath he didn’t realize he’d held. He glanced down at Reese. Her eyes were straight ahead, her jaw set. He imagined how he’d feel if he were witnessing Reese and Sawyer becoming one flesh, and his heart twisted. His poor little Reese. He would take the pain and make it his own if he could. He squeezed her hand, willing his strength to pass into her.
T
he reception was held in the beautiful Sugarcreek Ski Lodge, located ten minutes outside Smitten. Reese surveyed the lofted space from her seat at the table.
It didn’t look remotely like the room she’d sat in with Griffen a month earlier after they’d given Sawyer his ski lesson. The lodge had been transformed into a winter wonderland. White lights dangled from the wooden trusses like twinkling icicles. Sprays of flowers anchored round tables that were covered in shimmering silver, and great clusters of white-painted branches flanked the stone walls.
Dinner had been served, the towering cake had been cut, the bridal bouquet thrown, and now guests danced on the parquet floor to the celebratory strains of the band. The media people had left, rushing to meet their deadlines. Tomorrow’s papers and news programs would be littered with news of the celebrity wedding.
Reese scanned the crowd for her friends. On the dance floor, Carson held Mia in his arms and danced with Natalie at the same time. No doubt they were dreaming of the day they would become a family. With the adoption being finalized in a few short weeks and their summer wedding approaching, it wouldn’t be long. The couple had come so far from the antagonistic relationship they’d shared a year ago. Natalie looked so happy, her cheeks flushed, her eyes sparkling. Reese was glad for her.
A short distance away she spotted Shelby and Nick, gliding across the floor gracefully. The couple had eyes only for each other. Shelby had managed to talk Nick into a suit and a clean shave, and the way he was holding her, she didn’t think he was going to let go anytime soon. If Reese’s hunch was right, a proposal wouldn’t be long in coming. Grace surely did cover a multitude of sins. Those two were proof of what happened when unconditional love stepped in.
She searched the crowd again and finally found Julia and Zak sitting by the enormous fireplace, their heads close together in conversation. Julia tossed her head back, laughing, and Zak ran his finger inside his collar, tugging. So different, those two, and yet so perfect together. Reese shook her head, amazed by the power of love and the unexpected blessings that God sent into her friends’ lives.
The crowd on the dance floor applauded, drawing Reese’s attention. Sawyer twirled his bride, then drew her into his arms with a great flourish. Reese thought back to the new song he’d sung during the ceremony. The whole chapel had seemed to melt. The lyrics to “Smitten” were lovely, the melody haunting, and somehow he’d written the words so you couldn’t tell if he was singing about his woman or his hometown. But there was no doubt as he sang it tonight that the words were for his bride alone.
The words rang in Reese’s ears even now.
I’m just gonna say it
Gonna lay my heart,
There on the line
Every time I wrap my arms around you
Whisper in your ear, I realize
That I’m smitten
Oh, I’m smitten
Yes I’m smitten
By your love.
Kate had dabbed her eyes after he sang the last romantic words, and she wasn’t the only one. Reese had no doubt the song was going to hit the charts upon its release.
Reese propped her chin on her palm and watched the newlyweds longingly. It wasn’t that she wasn’t happy for Sawyer. It was that she longed for that kind of love—the kind that was returned. Why had God let these feelings develop if Griffen wasn’t going to return them?
He loved her, she didn’t doubt that. But there was a vast difference between loving a friend and being thoroughly, well, smitten. It hurt to be the one who loved more. She wondered if God felt this way.
After all, our love for you really can’t measure up to your extravagant love for us
.
I’m sorry, God
.
Let me love you like you love me. Make me smitten
.
Griffen appeared at her side with her drink and dropped into his chair. They were the only two left at the circular table.
“Thanks,” she said.
When he followed her eyes to the dance floor, she peeked at him through her lashes. A shadow flickered over his jaw as he watched the bride and groom dancing.
A moment later, he turned back to her. “I’m sorry things didn’t work out the way you wanted.”
His eyes were all melty, and she pulled hers away before she got sucked in. “I’ll be fine.” She threw in a brave smile for good measure.
She didn’t want to talk about Sawyer Smitten and her supposed pathetic crush. “Hey, at least the town’s going to make it, huh? The influx from the weekend will fill the coffers back up for that advertising campaign Carson wants to launch.”
From the corner of her eye she saw him nod.
“Sure, sure. And your shop’s going to do great. I’m proud of you, throwing it all on the line that way. I know it wasn’t easy for you.”
He did know her, better than anyone else, in fact. And yet, she had this secret thing she didn’t dare tell him.
A lump grew in her throat. “Yeah, well, couldn’t have done it without you, buddy.” She winced. Why did she say that? That was the last thing she wanted him to think.
There was a pause as the song ended, then the band struck up a new tune. The lead singer lifted the microphone and crooned the words, “Someday . . . when I’m awfully low . . .”
She listened a moment, the poignancy of the words not lost on her.
Griffen leaned back in his chair and his thigh brushed hers, sending a flash of heat through her.
“I’ve decided to leave tomorrow,” he said.
Her eyes flew to his, her stomach dropping somewhere in the vicinity of her ankles. “What? I thought you were leaving next week.”
“I was, but . . . I think I’ll get an earlier start.”
The hands of the ticking clock whirled forward, erasing hours, days. This couldn’t be happening. “What’s the rush?”
He looked toward the dance floor, shrugging. “My work here is done, you know?”
It was done, all right. He’d come to town, bowled her over, and made her love him.
“Like you said, Smitten will be fine. The revamping is complete.” He tossed her a smile. “I’m taking my tools and going home.”
Don’t forget my heart. You’re taking that too
. The lump swelled, choking off an appropriate response.
So it was over. She’d lost her chance. And seeing her all dolled up hadn’t changed a thing. Had she really thought it would?
There were no stars in his eyes tonight, only pity. No lingering caresses of a lover, only the comforting touches of a friend. He didn’t love her. He only felt sorry for her.
Her eyes began to burn. She had to get out of here before she made a real fool of herself. She popped to her feet, turning. “I’m going to the ladies’ room.”
He angled a look her direction. “You okay?”
She waved his concern away. “Fine. Be right back.”
She wove through the tables to the back of the lodge on wobbly legs. The hall by the restroom was crowded with loud, giddy women. Sweat beaded on the back of her neck. She couldn’t go in there. She needed a moment alone. She needed air. She was suffocating in this tight dress.
Turning left, she pushed the door that led to a brick patio. Air washed over her, cooling her skin. She breathed, letting the chilly air fill her lungs.
Evergreens sheltered the patio from the wind and sparkled with white dancing lights. Their glow made the snow into a carpet of gold. Not to be outdone, the stars shimmered in the night sky. The temperature had warmed through the day, and she could hear the
drip, drip, drip
of icicles melting nearby.
Reese drew a deeper breath, and the expansion of her lungs almost choked her. He was leaving tomorrow. All these weeks she’d wasted trying to make him jealous, and for what? She’d lost her chance.
She spied a bench along the stone wall and lowered her weight onto it. The faint strains of “The Way You Look Tonight” bled through the walls. It didn’t matter how she looked tonight. Not one iota.
The song ended, and all was quiet for a moment. The kind of hush that only a snow-shrouded landscape brought. Then the band struck up another tune.
The music grew louder when the door behind her opened. Natalie shivered as she approached the bench. “Brrr. What are you doing out here, and without a coat?”
“It’s not so cold.”
Natalie sank down beside her. They listened to the music for a moment. The dripping snowmelt, a woman’s laughter from the hallway.
“He’s leaving tomorrow,” Reese said. What would it feel like to lose him? To have him living two states away? To wait a month just to hear his voice?
“Why don’t you just tell him, Reese?”