The Wedding at Willow Heights, page 1
THE WEDDING AT WILLOW HEIGHTS
WILLOW HEIGHTS SERIES BOOK FIVE
ABIGAIL BECK
CONTENTS
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Epilogue
CHAPTER 1
Mary Elle and Thomas walked hand in hand to the main office at Willow Acres. She took a deep breath as a soft gust of wind blew by. She was enjoying living in the mountains. Every night after dinner, she and Thomas usually sat outside discussing their day while sipping on a warm cup of tea and enjoying all the smells and nature sounds.
Thomas loved hearing about her day and any new ideas she came up with. He was always encouraging and selfless. Any time Mary Elle decided she wanted to pursue something, Thomas found a way of making it possible. What she most loved about Thomas was that he cared. He cared about all those around him. He was the person you could call at any time of day, and you knew he would be there to help. With his birthday coming up in a couple of months, she wanted to show him how much she and everyone else cared about him. It was time he realized just how much he meant to each of them.
As Mary Elle glanced over at Thomas, she thanked God for bringing him into her life. She was still in disbelief that this was her life now. It hadn’t been long since she’d been in an unhappy marriage where she was often alone in a big, empty house. Now, she had her two daughters close by and was married to a man that showed her daily what it was like to be in a genuine loving relationship.
If only she could get her son, Michael, to move nearby, she understood that his life and plans were different. He had a distinguished career and life in California. He was newly engaged, and although Mary Elle was still not too fond of his fiancée, she didn’t step in. She trusted her kids to make their own choices in life, and above all, she trusted God would lead them and protect them.
“Penny for your thoughts?” Thomas asked her as he gave her a small nudge. This was a typical exchange for them. Mary Elle was often in her head planning different things or thinking about her kids and life in general.
“Not much. Just the usual,” she said.
“And what's the usual?” Thomas asked with that smile of his that still made her heart skip.
“You, the kids, and this wonderful place we call home.”
“This place became a home the moment you moved in,” Thomas said as he put an arm around her shoulders, “I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t come into my life.”
Mary Elle felt a blush creeping in. How had she gotten so lucky with this man?
“I’m very happy God brought you into my life, too.”
They came to a stop when they spotted Jasper by the stables.
“Any luck yet?” Thomas asked Jasper, the farmhand.
“Not yet, but I feel it will be any day now,” Jasper said as he wiped the sweat from his brow.
One of their highlander cows was pregnant and was due any day now. They’d been anxiously awaiting the baby calf.
“How are things going around here? Do you need any help?” Thomas asked as he joined Jasper at the stables.
“Not for now, but I might need help in the future,” Mary Elle heard Jasper say as she went off to the office. Thomas stayed behind, catching up with Jasper.
“Good morning, ladies,” Mary Elle said when she spotted Molly and Bailey at the front desk.
“Good morning!” they both called out.
“Is anything going on?” she asked them.
“We have the new part-time receptionist coming in soon,” Molly said.
“That’s right! I’d forgotten about that. How’s your first week of classes going?”
Molly was going back to school after taking a year off. Molly was the eldest of her siblings and got the job at Willow Acres to help her mother with their house bills. Her mother looked after her elderly father and worked two jobs. Molly would continue operating the front desk at Willow Acres part-time and pick up shifts at the restaurant on the weekends.
“They’re good. I am enjoying being back in school,” Molly said, smiling brightly.
“That’s great to hear. I’m sure you’ll make us all proud.”
Mary Elle finished clocking in and headed to her office, where she began reading her work emails.
“Mary Elle?”
“Yes?” Mary Elle said as she glanced up from her computer and found Molly standing at her door. Molly stepped into the office and closed the door quietly behind her.
“Lorraine called this morning asking for you. She says it’s urgent you call her back,” Molly said as she placed a message memo on her desk.
“Lorraine?” Mary Elle asked, confused.
She felt all the color drain from her face. Lorraine had abandoned Wyatt when she ran off with a new boyfriend. Wyatt had been left with no food, water, or electricity. A teacher had filed a report, and he went to live with his grandmother for a short time. His mother never showed up at court, which resulted in Mary Elle and Thomas adopting the young boy.
“Yes, Wyatt’s mom.”
“Did she say what she wanted? Is she back in town?” Mary Elle asked as she quickly grabbed her phone. She had to tell Thomas.
“No, she only said to tell you she called. She said not to mention anything to Wyatt.”
“Did you say anything to him?” Mary Elle asked, concerned.
She wasn’t sure how Wyatt would react. Things for him hadn’t been easy since his mother left. He was being bullied at school, and he was dealing with all kinds of emotions that were bringing him down. Mary Elle couldn’t even imagine what he was going through or how this news might affect him.
“No, of course not.”
“Okay. Please don’t. I don’t know how he will take this. I’ll speak to her to see what is going on, and then we’ll decide what to say to him.”
“Okay,” Molly said as she awkwardly stood there before turning around.
Molly and Wyatt had started dating recently. Mary Elle and Thomas had been caught by surprise when Mary Elle walked in on them in his bedroom. They’d since then set ground rules, and the young couple was doing a great job of staying in line. Mary Elle knew Molly had a soft spot for Wyatt and could be trusted with this information.
“I think you’re going to love this one,” Charlotte, the sales associate at the wedding dress shop in Winding Creek, said as she brought a new dress out.
Melanie, Mary Elle, Tiffany, DeeAnn, and Rita spent the day bridal dress shopping. Melanie was over the moon planning her wedding. She still couldn’t believe that she was getting a second chance at love. She loved Cade so much. He made her happy and taught her how to love and forgive herself, but most importantly, he loved Ryder. She couldn’t wait for Ryder to have siblings and see their little family grow. There was no doubt in her mind that God had brought him into her life.
“I hope I’m not late!” Brittney said as she walked into the boutique.
Her hair was down, and her natural highlights shined in the sun. Brittney was a ray of light everywhere she went. She always had a smile on her face, and she let no one go by unacknowledged. Melanie met her while she lived in New York, and they’d become the best of friends in no time. Brittney wrote a travel column for the women’s magazine Melanie worked as the creative director.
“I’m so glad you could make it!” Melanie said as she rushed over to her friend.
“I wouldn’t miss it. I plan on staying here until your wedding day. You’re not getting rid of me!” Brittney said as the two friends laughed and hugged.
“I’m honored. The globetrotting influencer is staying in Willow Heights, just for me.” Melanie said with a wink.
Apart from writing the weekly column for the magazine, Brittney was an influencer and traveled all over the world. She had amassed millions of followers that relied on her for reviews on the best places to visit, eat, or stay. Shortly after Mary Elle moved to Willow Heights, the girls had visited, and Brittney wrote a review for Willow Acres. After her review, Willow Acres had gotten lots of new visitors. The town had also benefitted from all the new travelers. Other influencers had visited as well, and now the town was bustling with new businesses.
“It’s great to have you back in town,” Mary Elle said as Brittney joined them in the sitting area, waiting to see the next dress Melanie would model for them.
“I’m excited to be back in Willow Heights. Melanie told me that Main Square has new restaurants and shops. Mrs. Adelman invited me to stay at her inn, and I can’t wait to review it and bring her lots of new guests.”
“That’s amazing, Brittney. We all know how great things turned out with your last review and helped with getting new clients,” Mary Elle said as Melanie walked out in front of them.
Melanie was beautiful and beaming. Her happiness was evident, and she looked amazing in this gown, but was it the one?
“Mel, you look gorgeous,” Tiffany said as happy tears began welling in her eyes.
“Stop it, don’t cry,” Melanie said, holding back all her emotions. She fanned her face to keep the tears at bay.
“Is this the one?” Mary Elle asked as she came to stand next to Mela
They stared at her reflection in the mirror. Melanie had never felt more beautiful than she did now.
“Yes, I love this dress,” Melanie said as she gave a small twirl.
“Is there any other dress you might want to try, or are you completely sure this is the one?” Charlotte asked.
“I guess I’ll try the dress that Rita picked out,” Melanie replied as she gave Rita’s hand a small squeeze.
Melanie loved Rita as an aunt. Rita had always been there for them. She was Mary Elle’s best friend, and they always spent holidays, birthdays, and vacations together.
“Melanie will be an amazing wife to Cade. I love seeing how they treat each other, and the love Cade has for little Ryder is undeniable. God truly blessed them by bringing them together,” Rita said as she, too, wiped happy tears from her face.
This was such an emotional shopping trip that few people understood how unhappy and unhealthy Melanie’s first marriage had been. She had been a devoted wife that just wanted to please her husband and raise a family, but Everett did not share the same feelings or ideas as Melanie. This caused many issues in their marriage, which ultimately ended in divorce when Everett found out Melanie was pregnant with his child.
Everett did not want to be a part of the baby’s life or continue his marriage with Melanie. He did not wish to have a family of his own. He was an only child and was highly ambitious and a workaholic. Being a father wasn’t something he ever wanted. Melanie suffered a lot of verbal and emotional abuse while they were together. Their relationship had been very toxic. Melanie had prayed God would bless her with a child, and God answered her prayer with little Ryder. Now, God had blessed her with Cade. He was the complete opposite of Everett, and their relationship couldn’t be compared. Melanie was convinced that God did everything in His perfect timing and that His will is always good for those that love him.
“Well, here is Rita’s choice,” Melanie said as she appeared once again before them.
“Melanie, you make all these dresses look amazing. How do you like this one?” Rita asked.
“I like this dress. It’s elegant and beautiful, but this isn’t the one for me.” Melanie said as Rita walked toward her to hug her.
“Thanks for trying it on for me,” Rita said as she hugged Melanie.
“I guess we found the one. How about the shoes and veil?” Mary Elle asked Melanie.
“I got the shoes; I just need the veil,” Melanie said as she gestured for Charlotte to help her with the veil selection.
Melanie would wear her favorite heels. She’d bought them at a sample sale in New York and had never worn them. They were designer and had been pretty pricey even at sample sale prices, but she couldn’t leave them behind. She knew from the moment she saw them; that they were special. They had a stiletto heel and straps adorned with pearls and Swarovski crystals, and they had the red bottoms that were a signature of the brand.
The bridal dress shopping trip had taken all day. Melanie rushed home, where Cade was babysitting Ryder. Tiffany and Brittney drove to the Inn together, and DeeAnn went on a date with Paul. Rita and Mary Elle went out for coffee before heading back to their houses.
“How’s the jewelry making going?” Mary Elle asked Rita, who had just ordered a cappuccino with a blueberry muffin.
“Great. Sienna and I are bonding a lot. She helps me whenever she’s in town, and we are just having a blast. How’s Wyatt doing?” Rita asked, concerned that Lorraine had called Mary Elle.
“Well, I called her, and she said she was in town for a little, but she wasn’t staying. She asked about Wyatt, and I told her they had bullied him at school. I also told her he has a girlfriend.” Mary Elle said as she took a sip of her French vanilla latte.
“At least she checked in on him.”
Mary Elle knew she should be grateful that Lorraine had checked in on Wyatt. She knew from Rita’s experience that her sister Emma had never once tried to contact her or the kids. It was a mystery what had happened to Emma, and they had all long-lost hope of ever seeing her again.
“You’re right; I’m not sure if this will affect Wyatt. He already has a lot going on. I don’t want to stir up the past or past emotions that might have already started healing. He’s going to play basketball next season. I think that will help him ease his mind as well.”
“Sports always help. I know with Alexander and Andrew, it helped them keep busy and focused. Mandy did better with art and music. If sports don’t work with Wyatt, try art and music,” Rita said confidently.
“Good to know. I know Wyatt likes basketball. I know he will do great once he gets comfortable with the team, and I hope that will help him build his confidence and self-esteem.” Mary Elle said as she finished her latte.
Soon it was time to head back home. Mary Elle and Rita said their goodbyes and planned to meet again to review some inventory Rita had set aside for Mary Elle. Rita had also been working secretly on a beautiful, unique piece for Melanie. It had pearls and sapphires. It would be her “something blue” for the wedding.
CHAPTER 2
Tiffany and Mrs. Adelman stood at the front desk counter checking a couple in when David walked into the Inn. Tiffany felt her heart quicken at the sight of him. A month had already passed since she’d proclaimed her feelings for him in front of everyone at Melanie and Cade’s engagement dinner. David came by the Inn every morning and had breakfast with her in the kitchen. She loved starting her day with him. When the couple went off with Mrs. Adelman as she showed them to their room, David approached Tiffany.
“Good morning, beautiful,” he said as he gave her a light kiss.
Tiffany ducked her head to hide her blush as they pulled apart. She wasn’t used to having a boyfriend or public displays of affection. Mrs. Adelman cleared her throat to announce her return.
“Good morning, Mrs. Adelman,” David said as he bent down to kiss her on the cheek.
“Good morning, my sweet boy,” she said as she patted his cheek.
“I wanted to fix the leak at the kitchen sink while I’m here,” he told her.
“Don’t worry about that. That’s what I keep Mr. Behr on call for.”
“I have your delicious breakfast with your gorgeous employee and fix the kitchen sink for you. It’s an even exchange. No need to bother Mr. Behr.”
“Well, if you insist. I know there’s no way of swaying a Clarke man when he’s got his mind set up.”
David gave her a wink and grabbed his tool bag before heading into the kitchen.
“He’s such a good guy,” Mrs. Adelman mused once he was out of earshot.
“He is,” Tiffany said with a smile.
“How are things going between you two?”
“They’re good. He’s so sweet and patient. I’m new to all this, and I don’t know if he wanted someone more experienced. Someone more expressive.”
“Don’t overthink things, sweetie. He seems happy, and so do you.”
“But overthinking is my specialty,” Tiffany said with a small laugh.
Tiffany knew Mrs. Adelman was right. She should enjoy her relationship with David and live in the moment, but she often stayed up at night wondering if he was truly happy with her. Tiffany wasn’t like other girls; she had been a late bloomer. She had always kept to herself and been too focused on the goals she set for herself that she’d never had an actual boyfriend until now. That had always been an insecurity for her, but it was something she was working on currently. She wanted to be the best person she could be for herself and David.
“Good morning, ladies,” Mr. Gunner said as he appeared with a crate of milk jugs.
He delivered fresh milk daily from his farm, but unlike before, he now stuck around to have breakfast with Mrs. Adelman. Now that Mrs. Adelman wasn’t avoiding him, that is. He kissed Mrs. Adelman on the cheek, which made Tiffany smile. She loved seeing them together, and she was so happy that they were getting a second chance at love. In her short time in Willow Heights, Mrs. Adelman had become not only Tiffany’s boss but also one of her dearest friends. It hadn’t been long since they were single and look at them now, in loving relationships with the men of their dreams.
