He gave a grudging smile. “All I know is I’d be in a much better mood if I had a glass of champagne and maybe some shrimp canapés.”
“I have a stick of cinnamon gum in my wallet I can give you.”
He grimaced. “No, thank you. Not quite the same.”
“Suit yourself.” I smirked.
Maxwell jumped slightly when an organ at the front of the church began playing “Wedding March”by Mendelssohn.The old instrument was decidedly out of tune, but the woman pounding the keys of the small pipe organ was doing her damnedest to make up for that with enthusiasm.
Shepard’s Chapel was a quaint little nondenominational church, one of the only kind in the area. Couples from nearby counties came to Rainy Dale to get married in this church simply because it was so charming. It had a Victorian feel, with ivory-colored silk drapes and crystal chandeliers overhead. The floor, pews, and altar at the front were a rich mahogany, giving the chapel a sophisticated feel. Minister Jones was the main person who presided at the weddings held in Shepard’s Chapel, and he stood near the altar in a dark suit, holding a small bible.
As the music played, the mother of the bride went down the aisle first, looking self-conscious. Then the groom strode down the narrow walkway, his red hair exceptionally bright in the light from the chandeliers. Various groomsmen followed, as did the bridesmaids, who wore very expensive-looking teal-colored lace dresses that they’d probably never ever wear again. Four adorable flower girls marched down the aisle, dropping yellow and white petals, accompanied by a panicked-looking little boy acting as the ring bearer.
At long last, the organ began to play “Here Comes the Bride,” and all heads turned to watch Janelle and her father head down the aisle. Janelle wore an extravagant-looking white silk and tulle dress that probably cost more than my house. With as much money as her parents had, I was a little surprised they’d held the wedding in Rainy Dale. From what I knew of the family, they liked to flaunt their wealth whenever possible. Shepard’s Chapel seemed like a rather humble choice.
When the actual ceremony began, I felt Maxwell tense beside me. When he took my hand, I instinctively curled my fingers around his. My chest squeezed at that small gesture because, for Maxwell, that was a lot. He was assertive in bed, but out of bed, affectionate gestures were few and far between. Especially in public. He was a man who wore his emotions close to the vest, but more and more, he was opening up to me.
I glanced surreptitiously at him, wondering if one day maybe we’d tie the knot. I didn’t really know what Maxwell thought of marriage. I’d been careful not to pressure him too much about what our future might look like. I wanted to ask him to move in with me, but I was too worried about driving him off. Things were good between us now. Really good. I was terrified of messing up.
Shaking myself, I focused on the ceremony. The bride and groom hadn’t written their own vows. Instead, they stuck to the more traditional promises:For richer or poorer. In sickness and in health. Cherish and obey. Till death do us part. I had to wonder if that choice was influenced by Janelle’s rich, conservative parents.
I’d been surprised when Maxwell told me we were invited to the wedding. I’d been even more shocked that Maxwell actually thought we should go. It was just one more sign that he really was working hard to fit into Rainy Dale. It just made me love him even more.
Once the ceremony was over, the bride and groom hurried down the aisle as the guests tossed brightly colored confetti. Everyone slowly made their way out of the chapel and said their congratulations to the newlyweds at the receiving line just outside the doors.
I was surprised by how warmly Janelle hugged Maxwell when she saw him. He looked surprised too, as did the groom.
“You came,” she said breathlessly. “I wasn’t sure if you would.”
Maxwell shrugged. “Well, I said I would.”
“I know, but… people don’t always keep their word.”
Archie held out his hand. “I’m glad you two could make it.”
“It was a beautiful ceremony,” I said. It had been a while since I’d seen Janelle. She had certainly grown into a beautiful young woman. I hadn’t seen Archie since the day he’d had those drunken guys from Dallas book his limousine. Hopefully he’d gotten paid for the trip and it had all worked out. “You make a nice couple.”
“Thanks.” Archie slipped his arm around Janelle’s slim waist.
Janelle smiled at him, but it wasn’t lost on me that she stiffened at his touch. That seemed like an odd reaction, seeing as she’d literally just married him. “It’s been such a tiring day already,” she said softly.
Maxwell frowned. “You look a little pale, Janelle. Are you feeling okay?”
She swallowed. “I think so.”
Archie turned toward her. “She’s been so stressed-out. I’m hoping now that the wedding is over with, she can relax and go back to normal.”
“How is that possible?” she muttered, looking around nervously.
“Well, now that this part is done, we can just enjoy life,” Archie said. “Right, love?”
Janelle seemed agitated as she said, “She’s here, I just know it. You don’t believe me, but I can feel her presence.”
Looking embarrassed, Archie laughed awkwardly. “Honey, come on.”
I frowned. “Who’s here?” The cop in me perked up automatically at the distress in her voice. It was obvious someone was making Janelle uncomfortable, and it was in my nature to try and put her at ease.
“It’s nothing. She’s just tired,” Archie said gruffly.
