Vicky’s hands flew to her mouth and throat.It was a string of pearls with a locket on it. Vicky had thought ithad been buried with her mother. How did Aunt Shirley get it?
“How did you get this? This was the locketmomma gave to me and I gave back to her at her funeral?”
“I knew my sister well. And, I knew that shewould have wanted you to have it. She most likely would have givenit to you on this special day. So, before they closed her casket, Itook the locket. Open it.”
Vicky opened the locket. When she did hereyes feasted on a picture of her mother on one side and a pictureof her mother holding her when she was about 6 or 7. The pictureswere starting to lose focus because Vicky couldn’t hold back hertears.
Aunt Shirley put her arms around Vicky again.She whispered into her ear because her throat was thick withemotion too “Your mother would be so proud of you Vicky. I know Iam.”
“I miss her so much Aunt Shirley. I just wishI can be half the mother she was to me.”
“Well, today when you walk down that isletowards your husband know that your mother is with you and lookingdown on you smiling proudly. Now, let’s stop all this fussing, drythese tears, and make you the most beautiful bride anyone has everseen.”
Chapter 25
The Rutherford’s had the small wedding partystaying at their home for the wedding. While Franklin was on hisway to Jason’s room, he decided to stop in and check on Sandy. Theyhadn’t really talked much since the day at the hospital. In thefirst couple of weeks after Angel’s surgery he hadn’t called Sandybecause he needed to figure some things out. He hadn’t found allthe answers but he knew he missed her like crazy. Then when hefinally did call her she wouldn’t answer his phone calls. Not atwork or at home. This was his first real opportunity to talk toher. Franklin knew if he didn’t see Sandy now he may not have achance to talk with her until after the wedding.
He gently knocked on her door. After a fewseconds of silence Franklin thought maybe he had missed her. Butthen he heard some rustling behind the door. Slowly, Sandy openedthe door. She was so beautiful it literally knocked the wind out ofhim.
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 hisface she wanted the kiss more. She was in love with him. She kissedhim 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 aboutwhat I want and need in my life. I’m hoping you can forgive me andwe can figure this thing between us out together.”
Sandy gave him one of her sexiest smiles “Youknow, if I forgive you, and that’s a big IF…you have a lot ofmaking up for don’t you?”
Franklin caressed the side of her cheek andlooked deeply into her eyes. “If you give me another chance I’llspend as long as it takes trying.”
It was that moment that John Rutherford wascoming down the hallway. “Excuse me Ms. Catching’s; my son needs abest man. Do you mind if I borrow Franklin for awhile because if hekeeps looking at you like that I’m not sure either of you will makeit to the wedding?”
They all laughed and Franklin kissed Sandraon 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 thiswedding. She had transformed her great room into a whimsicalromantic fairytale. There were white roses placed everywhere youlooked. She created an isle by setting five feet pillars everythree feet apart holding the most beautiful white rose bouquetsyou’d ever seen until they reached the end of the isle. Sheerdraped fabric covered the ceilings and walls. It was truly anamazing sight to behold.
Jason and Franklin stood at the end of theisle with the minister waiting for the ceremony to begin. Franklinleaned over and whispered into Jason’s ear “Not that I don’talready know the answer to this but as best man I’m obligated toask. Are your sure about this?”
Jason smiled “I’ve never been more certain ofanything 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 Sandywalked down the aisle, Jason was sure the way Franklin and Sandywere looking into each other’s eyes he’d be switching places withhim real soon.
The pianist began to play the wedding marchand all the guests stood up. Angel walked through the door holdingher flower girls’ basket wearing a floor length rose petal dress.She was a mini version of her mom. Vicky had never been able totame her curls but today not a hair was out of place. It wasshorter than usual because of having to be cut after the accident.It didn’t matter because she was beautiful and she was smiling fromear to ear. You never would have known that just a few short monthsago we didn’t know if she would live or die. It was nothing shortof miraculous at how fast she had recovered. Jason loved his littlegirl so much. He knew he was lucky to find what some people searchfor a lifetime. Angel continued to drop her rose petals as she madeher way down the aisle. Everyone was oohing and ahhing at howbeautiful she looked. Once she made it to the end of the isle, shecrooked her little finger for Jason to bend down so she could tellhim something in his ear. When he bent down he heard her say, “Ilove you daddy” before kissing
