The bride’s eyes glimmered from the sun’s rays bouncing off the lake and targeted on Trevor alone. Sandra felt the teardrops, and in that instant a hand squeezed hers. She whirled around and unabashed, drank Robert into her soul. His finger touched her cheek to wipe the runaway tear, and as his skin brushed past her lips, she kissed it gently. Attempting to remain focused, Sandra returned her attention to the bride. The white satin gown fit where it touched, the delicate lace accenting her perfect slender form. Delicate lace was sewn into the design and the garment hung slightly shorter at the front and trailed behind with a showy cape. In it was embroiders of red and green – her way of making the dress suit the season. It complimented the tiara from which a netted veil hung to her waist. A string of pearls adorned her neck making her new daughter-in-law a sight to behold.
When the congregation sat, Robert reached for her hand. The whole while Trevor and Angie recited their vows that joined them in the eyes of God as man and wife, Robert clung to her hand. His fingers stroked her bare ring finger. When the couple at the front kissed, Sandra fixed her gaze on Robert and his message rang loud and clear. Robert Fredricks loved her. It appeared easy for him to understand his heart, while hers still knotted in contradictions. As if signalled by a power shortage, a switch inside turned off, and a shadow fell across her face. A last-ditch attempt to guard against her waning vulnerability. To hide her fear, she inhaled deeply and focused on the couple standing at the arbour. Robert’s family did not want her, and she’d do well to remember her vow not come between them.
Janice passed the bride her bouquet and Trevor and Angie Dristoll started down the aisle. Sandra couldn’t be prouder and she offered her son a huge smile as he passed her by. Janice, and Stan, the groomsman, followed the newlyweds, with Sandra and Robert behind them. The congregation let loose after that and passed through the receiving line on the other side of the partition.
Sandra familiarized herself with the local guests Angie had invited and introduced Robert as a friend to the family and friends on the groom’s side. When the last person passed by and the group dispersed to the beach bar for drinks and party nibblers, Sandra’s shoulders sagged with exhaustion.
“Let’s find a place to sit for a few minutes,” she said.
Robert pointed to the gazebo. “It looks abandoned at the moment.”
“Good. Let’s claim it.”
They walked in silence to the decorated outdoor space, that not only took on the colors of the wedding but Christmas too. Somehow, they’d made the festive décor suit both occasions.
“You are a talented man,” Sandra said as they sat on the wooden bench facing the water. “Everything is perfect.”
“Are you evading the question that I know is burning inside you?”
“It’s none of my business, Robert. You are a free agent.”
He grabbed her hands. “My heart is not free where you are concerned, Sandra Dristoll, and you may as well get used to me pursuing you. It won’t stop anytime soon.”
“Fine; then what pulled you away at the last minute. It must have been important for I suspect you are not a man to shirk responsibility.”
“I knew you’d be fine here, and another obligation drew me away,” said Robert. “Franny texted. They were in an accident while driving here.”
“Oh, Robert, no! Is everyone all right?”
“Shaken up but fine. I put them all in my room at the inn to freshen up before Santa makes his appearance.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” said Sandra realizing the instant pain she’d felt at the thought of his family’s brush with death. She cared, and there was no way she could stop her heart from investing in this new family that had sneaked into her life.
“Curious who the girls included as the third adult?” Robert asked.
“I suppose.”
“Joe – the man who ruined my daughter’s lives.” Robert looked across the gentle waves and sighed. “Why would Cindy allow him to bulldoze his way into today’s event?”
“I sense he is a controller. Most bullies are and I suspect the drink and possibly drugs turn him into a beast he can’t control.” She put a hand on his. “Was he driving the car?”
“Yes. And will charged with drinking and driving and whatever else the law throws at him for injuries and damage to the driver of the other car.”
“You sound bitter, Robert. That won’t help Cindy.”
Robert gazed into Sandra’s eyes. “What makes you so wise?”
“An outsider sees the picture from a different angle. The man is sick and needs help to get his life back.”
“He’s arrogant. The man doesn’t think he has a problem.”
“Maybe after nearly killing his family today, he’ll see it more clearly.”
“I like your way of thinking.” He squeezed her hand. “I need you so much, Sandra.”
“I’d rather hear that you can’t live without me, the good and the bad. Because I’m not perfect. None of us are. Can you love me that much?”
“You know I can.” Robert held Sandra captive with his eyes. “When I fell head-over-heals in love with Mildred, I thought it was the norm – the way it happened. But it’s been five years, and not one woman has sparked a hint of what I experienced with her. Until you. The love-at-first-sight has happened a second time, and I won’t pass it by. Please, say I have a chance with you?”
A cloud dampened her spirit as she thought
