The wedding chapel was on the far side of Gatlinburg, and he glanced around as Lynn excitedly called out the different businesses she saw.
“There’s the Aquarium of the Smokies! I haven’t been there in ages but always loved it! Oh, and look, there are now three moonshine distilleries in town. Did you know that the Pancake Pantry was Tennessee’s first pancake house? It’s been here since 1960.”
Used to focus and dogged determination when on a mission, he had to chuckle at Lynn’s exuberant running dialogue of what they passed.
“And the Sky Lift is different now. The one that’s been running since the ’50s was damaged in the big Smoky Mountain fire a few years ago. Now, there’s another one that’s in a slightly different place and includes a whole park. I’ve read about it but have never been there.”
“Maybe we could spend some time here after we finish at the venue today.” He had no idea why those words came out of his mouth. He had already decided the previous evening that spending more time with Lynn than necessary was not a good idea. The last thing I want is for her to become infatuated with me again. The thought that he would become infatuated with her slipped into his mind, but he quickly pushed it back.
“I’d love to see more of Gatlinburg again,” she replied.
The fact that she didn’t mention that she’d like to spend more time with him did not go unnoticed. Good… that’s a good thing. She just wants to see the area, not me. That thought made him grumpy, but he pushed that emotion back as well. Get a grip, man.
As she continued to call out what she saw, he inwardly battled the desire to kiss her. Glad when they finally passed through the small town, he turned onto a smaller road leading them directly to their destination. Turning off the engine, they both leaned forward and stared open-mouthed at the large, wooden sign in front of them.
Cupid of The Mountains Wedding Chapel
“Oh, my God,” Lynn breathed. “That name really is cheesy.”
Nodding his agreement, Nolan dropped his gaze from the sign and looked toward the building. “But you gotta admit that’s not bad.”
She leaned forward a little more, her eyes widening, and agreed. “Wow.”
In front of them was a log cabin, complete with a grey slate roof. A small steeple was on the top and it appeared to be more of a bell tower than a religious symbol. Flower boxes overfilled with blossoms were placed around the railing. The landscape was well-tended: lush, green grass, flowerbeds, and the entire area was nestled at the base of the mountain, thick green trees all around. To one side was a small gazebo, flowers adorning it as well.
They sat in silence for a moment, and he jumped as she reached over and placed her hand on his. Jerking his eyes from the picturesque scene in front of him over to her, he saw the questioning expression move over her face. Clearing his throat, he said, “Ready to get this show on the road?”
She blinked, her face going blank. Her lips curved slightly, and she said, “Ready as I’ll ever be.”
He climbed down from the truck and walked around to open her door. Today, she was wearing a pale pink sundress, her shoulders hidden by a white, lacy shawl. Her legs looked amazing, and even with strappy sandals, she still tucked under his chin. A strange uneasiness moved through him, an emotion that was hard to define. As they walked toward the wedding chapel, he fought to keep his mind on the information they were seeking, but with Lynn’s arm wrapped around his waist and his casually draped around her shoulders, he found it difficult to keep his breathing steady. What the fuck would the guys say about me now? Glad no one on his team was there to witness his disquiet, he offered her a smile as they stepped onto the porch.
A sign on the door indicated it led to the chapel but that visitors should make their way around to the side. He guided her along the covered porch till they came to the next door.
“I’m nervous,” she whispered.
Squeezing her shoulders, he leaned over and whispered, “We got this.”
He waited until she sucked in a deep breath and let it out slowly, nodding her readiness. Pulling open the door, they stepped inside. Uncertain what he was expecting, he was surprised to see a beautifully decorated room. One wall held a multitude of black, funnel-shaped plastic containers, each filled with sample wedding bouquets. Another wall was lined with pictures of happy couples in various poses in front of a multitude of backgrounds. A woman was sitting at a wooden desk, her hair teased high on her head. A smile split her face and she stood, walking toward them.
“Welcome to the Cupid of the Mountains Wedding Chapel! My name’s Junelle. How can I help you lovely people today?”
“Um…” Lynn stammered as her head twisted to the wall of pictures.
Glancing to the side, it appeared Lynn’s gaze was still swinging around the room, taking in all that there was to see. Grinning widely, Nolan said, “We’re here to set things up for a wedding.”
“Lovely!” Junelle exclaimed, her laughter sounding strangely like tinkling wind-chimes. “Well, you’ve come to the right place!”
He wondered if she always spoke with such exuberance, but before he had a chance to speak again, Junelle was ushering them to seats in front of her desk. Once Lynn was seated, he moved his chair closer, wrapping his arm around her shoulders again. Her bravado seemed to have fled once they stepped inside the building, and he hoped to offer his strength.
“Now, when were you thinking about getting married?”
“As soon as possible,” he answered. Smiling toward Lynn, he said, “Isn’t that right, sweetheart?”
Her head bobbed up and down, her lips tense but
