Duck Disaster, page 13
That should make the Coles happy. At least if it was a family instead of another rental property. Looking around at the small cul-de-sac, Anne sighed with contentment. It was a beautiful area. She turned and faced her home. There were more decisions to make, but those could come later. She walked over to Kandi’s house, where music blasted.
“Hello?” She walked into the entryway.
“Come on back!” Kandi yelled over the din of pop music.
Anne went in to find Kandi dancing around the kitchen with a few other familiar faces. Polly was there and looked to be dancing with one of Kandi’s ducks. “I thought you were getting rid of the ducks.”
“They decided against them, so Polly’s taking them after they get a bit bigger.”
“Don’t you have a house full of animals, Polly?”
“Oh, I’m taking them to a farm over by Palisades. They’re wanting them to keep the bugs down.”
“Well, glad it’s working out for them.”
Polly smiled and placed the duck back down in a set-up constructed from a discarded refrigerator box.
Anne spoke to another pair of women. “You must be Kandi’s friends from school. I recognize your faces from some pictures.”
They nodded in unison. “So happy to be here for Kandi’s big day. Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“That’s awesome. Kandi, when do the hairdressers arrive?”
“I think around lunch. I figured we could eat a late brunch and then they’d have time to work on us.”
“Sound good. I’m going to pop over and see how everything’s going at the Inn. I heard the lawnmower, so that’s taken care of. I’m going to set the floors in the kitchen there, and I’ll have the kids put them out before guests start arriving. Are my eyes deceiving me, or do we still have the red carpets from Rayne’s event?”
“Nope. They are letting me use them because they’ve gotten so much publicity after I shared their information when I was talking to the film crew. They said they were already getting lots of calls.”
“Smart cookie.” Anne winked.
“Actually, I wish I would have thought of it. I only said I was talking to them when the group started arriving. But I’ll take it.”
Anne hugged Kandi. “Okay, let me go make sure of everything, and I’ll meet you all back here for brunch. Please tell me you have help for this and you’re not doing it yourself?”
“I have to keep busy. I made the quiches last night and ordered in some other items. Molly is helping set it up.”
“Okay. I’ll be back soon.” Anne made her way through the yard over to the inn that was bustling with people. Kandi had called in a caterer to help with the dinner. After everything that had happened, they’d decided to skip the original cake and give it away as well. Didn’t want any bad memory to mar the day. The caterer had supplied three new smaller cakes. One chocolate, one decorated with various construction tools. The other cake was decorated with red icing and red candies. These two would sit on either side of a larger cake as the centerpiece. Anne didn’t know why they needed three cakes, but who was she to question Kandi’s choices?
After finding that she was more in the way than helpful, she made her way home, where she indulged in a luxury bath with lavender. She dressed in her new silk lingerie she’d bought on her outing with Kandi and covered it with a shift that buttoned in the front to be easy to remove and not mess up her hair in the process.
She’d already taken her shoes and gown over the evening before, so all that was left was one item. Anne picked up two boxes with red ribbons on them and made her way over to Kandi’s.
Thankfully, the atmosphere was quieter when she arrived, and Anne could smell the savory aroma of the quiches. She set the boxes down behind a lamp before joining the others. A mimosa was thrust into her hand as she thanked the young woman who’d handed it to her.
Hope had arrived and was already dressed in a beautiful emerald dress that flattered her height and willowy frame. Her hair had been curled in order to provide height for her bob, and one side was held back with a beautiful rhinestone feather. Her ears were adorned with simple emerald studs.
“Hope, you look stunning. Where have you been hiding this gorgeous part of yourself? Seriously, you look like a model.”
Hope leaned closer to Anne. “I had professional help.”
“Oh, is Eliza here?”
“She’ll be at the wedding. When I told her about it, she practically begged me to let her pick out my dress—oh wait, what did she say? ‘Please allow me to supply your costume for the event.’”
Anne could envision the tall Ethiopian model with her posh accent speaking to Hope. “Well, she has done it. How do you feel?”
“I’m fairly surprised. I feel a bit like Cinderella. It’s not that I don’t enjoy dressing up or fashion, but over the years, between my work and Mom, it’s been the last thing on my mind.”
“Well, watch out because I think there are going to be lots of moths drawn to your flame.”
Hope laughed. “I’m still me. But I think Eliza’s bringing a guest tonight.”
“Great. Looking forward to meeting them. Here’s to a wonderful day.” She clinked her glass with Hope’s. “Food?”
“No. I already ate. Plus, I need to go warm up.”
“Warm up?”
“Yes. I volunteered to sing a song at the wedding.”
Anne’s mouth dropped. “I didn’t know you could sing.”
“I don’t do it often, but this is a special occasion, so I told Kandi I would. Just this once.”
“What are you singing?”
“The Only One.”
“Oh, I don’t know if I’ve heard that one. Looking forward to hearing you sing.”
“Thanks. A bit nervous, but I’ll have music accompaniment from the DJ as a backdrop, so that helps. That’s why I’m here a bit early. After the DJ sets up, we’re going to do some practice runs for sound and timing.”
“When are you singing?”
Hope smiled. “For their first dance.”
“Oh, wonderful. Okay to hug you and wish you good luck, or is it break a leg?”
“I’ll take whatever.”
They embraced.
“I’m going to see if he’s arrived. Enjoy your brunch,” Hope said.
The ladies chatted and giggled as they made their way through the delightful brunch spread and bottomless mimosas. They had finished when the hairdresser and makeup artist arrived.
The time flew by as the women worked and chatted. Hope rejoined them and relented to a bit of a makeup touchup.
Anne picked up the boxes before she went upstairs and put on her gown. As she stood in front of the mirror, Kandi knocked on the door. “Come in.”
“Whoa. You look out of this world.”
Anne twirled in front of the mirror. “I doubt I would have even picked this dress, but I have to admit it’s perfect. Is the photographer here yet? I should be helping you get dressed. But first—”
Anne handed Kandi the box.
“What is it?”
“It’s my gift to you.”
Kandi cracked open the box to reveal a dainty pearl necklace.
“I didn’t know if you had something borrowed yet.”
Kandi’s eyes filled with tears. “No. This is wonderful.”
“They were my mother’s. I guess you could say they’re something old too. May I?”
“Yes, please.” Kandi’s hair was done in a half up, half down style, and she lifted it away so Anne could secure the clasp around her neck. She touched the pearls. “They’re perfect.”
“Not quite. Here.” She handed Kandi a smaller box. “These are for you.”
Kandi unwrapped the small box. Inside were a pair of ruby and pearl earrings. She gasped. “Oh. This is so much better than what I’d picked to wear. Thank you.” She wrapped her arms around Anne’s neck.
“We better stop tearing up, or we’ll have to go back and have our makeup re-done.”
Kandi laughed. “They already said they’d do touchups right before we go out. Plus, they only use waterproof mascara.”
“Okay, let’s get you into that dress.”
Once Kandi had her wedding dress on, Anne put in the earrings for her. They stood in front of the mirror, neither speaking. Finally, Kandi said, “I never thought I’d feel so happy. I love Stewart so much.”
“I’d hope so if you’re going to marry him!” Anne teased. “Now let me gather up this skirt and train so you don’t fall over it.”
They made their way into another room where the photographer had set up a basic backdrop. Most of the formal pictures would occur after the wedding, but these would be more informal shots. All the ladies mugged for the camera.
“All right, sweetie. I’ll see you out there.” Anne kissed her lightly on the cheek.
Kandi’s friends would help arrange the train behind her.
Music was playing as Anne took her place just behind a barrier, fiddling with the flowers in her hand. She looked up to see Lee taping her. He’d agreed to videotape the wedding as his gift to Kandi and Stewart. She smiled and waited for her cue to start her walk down the aisle.
Another melody picked up, and Anne took her first step on the carpet. Along the rows of white chairs, she smiled at those she recognized, nodding at the Coles as she passed them and acknowledging Eliza, who was beautiful in a chartreuse affair that most likely cost a fortune. Sitting next to her was a tall, handsome man. Ah, that must be the guest Hope shared. Good for Eliza.
At the steps up to the gazebo stood Stewart, trying to hide his discomfort at being in a tuxedo while Carson stood next to him as best man. For a brief moment, their eyes met, and he mouthed, ‘You’re beautiful.’
Heat rose to her cheeks as she moved over to the left, leaving room for Kandi next to Stewart. The sound of trumpets filled the air as the wedding march announced Kandi’s arrival. Everyone rose and Kandi, escorted by a beaming Stanley, in dress blues that still fit after many years spent closeted, began her walk down the aisle.
When they reached the group, Stanley kissed her hand before finding his seat next to his wife. Stewart took Kandi’s hand, and they mounted the gazebo steps. The pastor moved toward them, and after they had taken their vows, the crowd broke out in riotous applause. Anne wiped a tear from her eye.
After being pronounced husband and wife, the pair made their way down the aisle. There, they stopped and turned back toward the gazebo.
Anne had been waiting for Carson to take her arm and follow behind the pair. Just then, the pastor moved to the edge of the gazebo.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is probably one of the nicest days we’ve had in a long time. In fact, it’s so nice that I wonder if anyone else would like to get married right now.”
A murmur and flutter of soft laughter went through the crowd. People looked around and pointed at each other. Anne’s gaze went to where Stewart stood alongside Kandi, who was bouncing up and down.
She turned back when she sensed Carson beside her. He held out his hand. “Ready?”
She placed her hand in his. “Yes. Yes, I’m ready.”
Chapter Seventeen
Anne had known that Carson was serious when he had told her to meet him at the marriage license office. While she hadn’t planned this, it was fairly evident by Kandi and Stewart’s faces that they had been in on it. Lots of it made so much sense now. But it didn’t matter. She loved Carson, and he loved her. There was no point in delaying.
She started as the pastor spoke. “Anne, would you like to say anything?”
“Well, believe or not, I haven’t prepared anything.”
The crowd laughed.
Anne waited a moment before saying, “I’ll simply speak from my heart.” She gazed into Carson’s eyes. “I love you, and you continue to show me you love me. And that’s not easy, as you know. I’m hard-headed, and want things my own way, and often act before I should. Which is why I need you in my life. I need a rock of stability. Arms to enfold me when the world frightens me. A hand to pull me back when I rush into another stupid idea. I’m yours for better or worse and everything in between.”
Carson smiled at Anne and took her hand in his big, meaty one. “I knew you were the one the moment I saw you. You have fire in your eyes, and you stood up to me. Well, you tried to on those wobbly shoes.”
Chuckles could be heard as some recalled Anne’s welcome to Carolan Springs.
“But I knew you needed time, and so I gave it to you. Now we have the rest of our lives to drive each other crazy. I’m yours for better or worse and as the old saying goes, ‘with all my worldly goods, I thee endow.’ I love you, Anne.”
The pastor read a passage of love, and then rings were presented. Not surprisingly, Carson had them in his pocket.
“I now pronounce you, husband, and wife!” Everyone cheered as Anne lifted her face to Carson’s kiss.
The DJ struck up the music, and they made their way down the aisle to where Kandi and Stewart stood waiting.
“You!” Anne gathered Kandi in a hug. “This is supposed to be your big day. I feel like we’ve hijacked it.”
“No. This is, like, the best day ever. How many can say they got married the same day as their mom?” She winked.
“Fine. But now I understand why you were so keen on me getting a proper dress versus a simple normal hemline for today.”
They stood beside each other as people came up and hugged them while giving them good wishes. Soon, people were claiming seats around the tables set up around the yard. Dinner went smoothly, with everyone enjoying the wonderful meal. Then it was time for Kandi and Stewart’s first dance. Hope took the microphone, and Anne smiled as the pair swayed to the music. But something kept niggling at her mind. What was it?
A hand on the small of her back startled her. “N.D., what is it?”
“I don’t know. You know that old saying of being led up the garden path?”
“Yes. Already having regrets?”
She kissed him. “Not about us. That’s the only smart thing I’ll ever do. No. But I think I’ve made a terrible mistake. And if I’m right, I’ll have to live with that forever.” She looked up at Carson. “Do you trust me?”
“What a silly question. Of course, I do.”
“Okay, then if I’m right, we need to get going. Right now! I can tell you what I’m thinking on the way.”
He nodded, and Anne rushed over to where Kandi and Stewart stood speaking to another couple.
“Kandi, I love you. But I have to go. We’ll be back later.” She kissed Kandi’s cheek.
Carson grabbed Anne’s hand as they made their way to her vehicle. It was blocked in by other cars.
“Oh, no. Maybe we can borrow Kandi’s truck?”
“It’s blocked too. If only we had your cruiser.”
An older male voice spoke from behind them. “What seems to be the problem?”
“Mr. Cole, we need to see who owns these cars, as we have to get to the airport right away.”
He winked. “Can’t wait to start the honeymoon, huh?”
“No, we have to stop someone from getting on a plane,” Anne said. “If I’m right, then we don’t have time to waste. And it may be too late.”
“Oh, that’s a fine kettle.” He looked at the cars blocking the driveways. “Much easier if we take mine.”
Anne made a face at Carson, who shrugged. Mr. Cole was already walking to his garage, so they followed him. Inside, a tarp covered a vehicle. Together with Carson, they pulled the heavy cover back to reveal a 1967 Shelby Mustang.
“Is this what I think it is?”
Mr. Cole nodded. “That she is. Let’s just say when I retired from the job I had with them, I only asked for one thing. Now, we need to get moving. Sorry, but one of you will need to sit in the back, such as it is.”
Anne climbed in, and Carson moved into the front passenger seat.
“Just one question for you. If I get stopped, you’ll bail me out, right?”
Carson nodded.
“Then we’re good. Buckle up!”
Driving through town, Anne wanted to yell, ‘speed up,’ but once they hit the interstate, it was like another person took over. Mr. Cole shifted so smoothly that the car didn’t even jerk, but Anne could tell they were rapidly gaining speed. Carson was on the phone with the Denver authorities, and Anne kept calling Richard’s mobile, but there was no response.
She glanced over Mr. Cole’s shoulder to see they’d passed the hundred mark.
“Hold on!” Mr. Cole yelled as he shot across three lanes and in front of various cars, leaving them as spots behind them.
“Where did you learn to drive like this?”
“Between collaborating with a team to improve a car’s performance, along with an undesired stint in ‘Nam, let’s just say I learned to drive fast.”
“It’s impressive,” Carson responded.
“Ah, this is nothing. But I don’t want to scare your missus in the back seat. She’s already a bit green around the gills.”
“Anne, honey, you okay back there?”
“A bit car-sick, but I’ll be okay.”
Carson’s phone rang. He answered then nodded. “Will do.”
Anne replied, “So?”
“They got the description you sent. They also narrowed it down to a few names. They’ll meet us at the gate.”
“No, most likely in the lounge. But hopefully before security and on down to the trains.”
“Even better. Our presence will be an unwelcome surprise.”
Mr. Cole shot to the curb as the police moved toward his car. Carson hopped out, showing his sheriff’s badge and explaining how Mr. Cole had helped them get there. He then turned back and helped Anne from the car. “Feeling okay to make a bit of a dash for it?”
She took a deep breath and swallowed. “I’ve come this far.” Hiking up her dress, she ran after Carson, their hands entwined. They made it to the concourse and looked down on the queue of people sneaking around the lines of the baggage check.
“There he is!” Anne pointed.
He was still far enough behind another group that they could make it downstairs. Carson motioned toward the police and the TSA agents who came running toward them.
