Chapter 13

* * *

WILLOW

You ready to make some magic happen?

Willow smiledat her cell phone, seeing Alec’s text message. She knew he was getting the jitters just like her, but a part of her couldn’t help wondering if it was for different reasons. They had talked about everything over the phone long into the evening. Favorite recipes, children, hopes, dreams, wishes, and surprisingly enough – they even talked about plants for next year”s garden.

She had so much on her plate right now, so much stress, that it was really starting to get to her. Judge Stevenson had redoubled his efforts, almost as if he could sense something was going on. Their attorney, Elana Carpenter, advised her to step back and allow him to keep ‘digging a hole’ for himself. Each jab was being documented, each slur noted, and the woman was going to unleash a firestorm on the man who was degrading her that would be infinitely worse if Willow actually lost the election because of it.

“Let him keep opening his mouth,” Elana had advised them coolly. “Little does the man know that he is single-handedly providing the nails to his own coffin. The more he talks, the safer he feels, and it will only get worse until he makes a fatal mistake.”

“Are you sure?” Willow asked nervously as Alec held her hand tightly in his, sitting there silently with his lips pressed together.

“Yes, let him be the one to destroy himself – and if he causes you to lose the election as well, then we’ll go after him for Political Sabotage as well. The fool will not know what hit him.”

“Alec?”

“Reese said to follow Mrs. Carpenter’s lead – and focus on the wedding,” Alec said simply. “I trust the man with my life.”

“He’s an amazing brother-in-law… and right,” Elana smirked. “Let me handle the dirty business, and you focus on making this biggest, grandest, most spectacular event this community has ever seen. People will need to be dreaming of your moment – not your supposed infamy.”

So they did.

They followed everyone’s advice, took their ideas, and multiplied them tenfold, determined to put on quite a show. They had been very careful purchasing items, making slow moves to put the wedding together under the guise of the annual children’s fall festival – Trunk-or-Treat. This was a harvest festival where the kids could safely Trick-or-Treat instead of running through the streets, going door to door. Ember Creek was a small town, but that didn’t make it crime-free.

And their moment was finally here.

I’m ready to walk down the aisle and see my Prince Charming.

Ha! I’m more like a toad, and we both know it

Hardly – don’t make me start buying frogs for the house like Blythe buys mice. Do you know how funny it is to see Lance and instantly think MOUSE…

Yeah, he’s getting better about it. How are you holding up?

Nervous. You?

Nervous – but ready. We’re moving to line up, so I’ll see you at the altar, Mrs. Beckett!

See you there, husband!

Putting her cell phone away, she carefully stood up and shook out her skirts as a few friends popped in to say ‘hello.’ It was like each of the firefighters, both teams, had their wives show up in support. Each of them was smiling, laughing, and chuckling at how flustered she was.

“You’ll be a pro at this in less than a month; don’t worry.”

“I promise the names will get easier.”

“Unless they dub you with a nickname… ah, Mrs. Justin, what’s your first name again?”

“Faith,” the woman chuckled easily as a baby nearby fussed slightly.

“Maya, why don’t you and Flynn go take a seat in the church.”

“I think everyone would rather I take a moment to feed and change him out here. I’m going to go find a ladies’ room – congratulations again, Willow, and welcome to the family.”

Her family was in attendance – her mother spent hours talking with Alec’s mother about grandbabies, creating an avid conspirator in their push to become grandparents.

Everything was seemingly perfect— almost too perfect.

“Sweetie,” Willow looked away from the mirror to see her mother’s face peering in the doorway. “We’re about to line up, and your Daddy is coming down the hallway right now. I just thought I’d give you a heads-up.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

“You look beautiful, honey,” her mother said again, stepping back to allow her father into the room. Willow didn’t want to ruin her makeup or cry before the wedding, so she looked at her father and chuckled at his already-glassy eyes.

“Hey, Daddy… no emotional outburst, comments, reminiscing, or anything else that will cause my Covergirl face to become smudged in the slightest. It took an artist to make me look this good,” she joked easily, trying to use one of Alec’s tactics to lighten the mood.

“You always look beautiful.”

“But today, I’ve got to look Movie-Star-Beautiful because I can tell you for a fact that every camera, every reporter, and every set of eyes is going to be on this wedding.”

“It looks like most everyone in town is out there. Do you know people are standing in the aisles?”

“No way…” she gaped, shocked.

“Yup. The fire marshal is threatening to do a headcount…”

“Time to get this show on the road before we are shut down.”

Her father held out his arm and smiled at her.

“Shall we, pumpkin?”

Willow took a deep breath, or as much as her wedding gown would allow her, and put her hand on her father’s arm. He escorted her out of the small office that was being used to secrete her away – and immediately saw people, guests, standing near the entry doors of the sanctuary.

“I wasn’t teasing,” her father whispered, smiling proudly.

“Oh my gosh…”

“Smile and keep your chin up, pumpkin. You’ve got this.”

Willow had told her parents about the disaster concocted by Judge Stevenson. It was humiliating to have to tell them, and even worse to hear that they had already seen the photos, only to hear that her parents’ were mortified and hadn’t known how to even start the conversation about what had happened. That was a phone call you never anticipated making – in fact – the last month had been a series of firsts for several people in both of their families.

Swallowing, she glided forward beside her father, and her head held high – her eyes taking in the small details to keep her anxiety down to a dull roar. The corn stalks decorating the door frames looked good with massive golden bows that matched the one on her bouquet.

The hay bales created a path to the stairs of the church. She could see them through the glass doors. Everything looked so festive, dotted with pumpkins of every size, mums of every color, and plastic pinwheels for the children after the ceremony. It was lovely with a very distinct fall atmosphere surrounding the event. In the reception hall, which was where the community would congregate – both young and old.

Alec, his mother, and Willow had helped prepare a staggering amount of batter for everyone to have a treat. Mary had made ‘pumpkin’ donuts, stuffed with spiced cream filling. Each donut was dipped in orange frosting, with jack-o-lantern faces or hearts painted upon them. They smelled divine, and while most weddings had a traditional cake, she wanted to reinforce the theme of family including Alec’s mother. The bright orange tablecloths were covered with a multitude of sugary donuts on tiny paper plates, waiting. There were also racks and racks, holding tray after tray of even more sugary goodness.

More tables lined the large reception hall holding brown paper bags, dotted cleverly with bingo marker ink as décor. Each baggie was stuffed with green easter grass, candies, and pencils for school, along with a variety of colorful stickers. Stickers that included a very special one – Willow Beckett for District Court Judge.

Each bag was sealed and stapled with a raffia bow, making it look festive and special. There were bumper stickers, magnets, and elastic bracelets that said ‘Judge Willow Beckett’ – along with plastic red firefighter hats for the children, bottles of bubbles, and colorful little horns for the kids to blow on. Everything was focused on festivities and fun – with the upcoming election as a side note as it should be.

This was a celebration of love, family, and community.

Walking up to the doorway of the sanctuary, she faltered. There, in the first row of pews that she would pass on her way to Alec’s side, was Judge Stevenson beside one of the news anchors of a local station.

“Are you okay?” her father whispered, and before Willow could answer, her eyes met another pair that she recognized – sitting directly in front of Judge Stevenson… Elana, her attorney.

The woman gave her a knowing grin and winked. Willow almost laughed aloud. If the man was going to trash her or attempt to ruin her wedding, Elana would be a star witness and immediately address the reporter, turning it in their favor. Oh yes, nothing was going to dim her moment!

“I’m wonderful, Daddy,” Willow beamed, turning to thank several women who were waiting to see the event but had rushed to spread the train on her dress for her since her bridesmaids were already waiting at the front of the church. “Thank you so much, my friends,” she began and heard the music soar as everyone got to their feet.

This was it!

The aisle was lined with orange and gold tulle, complete with sparkling flowers that were dusted in glitter. It picked up the evening light so nicely, giving it a magical glow. Alec had suggested their colors be red, white, and blue – but she wanted the people to see their storybook wedding first. For this to work, it had to look like a wedding, not a political rally.

Her bridesmaids were lines at the front in their gowns, simple and elegant. Each of the groomsmen was wearing their dress uniforms from the station, facing her… and she met Alec’s eyes.

There was such pride and love in his gaze that it was hard not to hike up her skirts and run toward him. His smile was brilliant as he stood there beside his friends, who were leaning forward, talking to him, and Lance elbowed him, grinning. Yeah, boys would be boys – no matter their age.

Making their way slowly down the aisle, Willow stopped every few feet to touch the children’s hands, who were excited to see a woman dressed so prettily. She, herself, had gasped when she saw the dress, so she could only imagine what it looked like to a four- or five-year-old impressionable girl.

Her gown was stunning. It had been purchased online and taken in for alterations immediately. Mrs. Mulligan had taken one look at her and went to town, adding to the magnificent creation with sheer panache. The top was fitted with elegant lace over a sculpted bodice. Her sleeves were fitted lace that came to a point over the top of her hands, but Mrs. Mulligan had added a pleated pouf of satin at the top of each shoulder to accentuate the line, as well as pearls, sequins, and crystalline beads along the lace to give it depth and shimmer.

She felt like a princess when she first saw it, but at the last fitting, that ‘princess’ was now an empress – and it was staggering to behold. The small train was now ten feet long with matching lace borders encrusted with reflective sequins and beads. Her veil was simple and elegant, and she was grateful that it was thin, letting her see and share each smile as the children looked up at her in awe.

“Mama, look! She’s a Barbie princess…”

“Shhh, sweetie, and watch.”

Willow plucked a yellow rose from her bouquet and gave it to the little girl before moving forward with her father, smiling and touched at how beautiful this moment was – and truly grateful she had hired the same photographer who had done the calendar pictures for the town, bringing her close to Alec once more.

As she finally reached Alec, he stepped forward, waiting.

“Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” the pastor intoned.

“Her mother and I,” her father replied simply – and extended his hand toward Alec. “Take care of my baby girl, son.”

“With pleasure, sir,” Alec said thickly, and she could hear the emotion in his voice. He turned slightly from her father, meeting her eyes, and his proud smile shone before everyone. “It would be my greatest honor.”

Her father nodded and stepped back, joining Willow’s stepmother, her mom, and stepfather, who looked on from the first pew beside Mary, Alec’s own mother.

Alec extended his arm toward her and she laid her hand there on his sleeve, noting that his hand was trembling. His glistening eyes met hers through the veil, and she couldn’t help but smile at him.

“This has been a long time coming,” Alec said in a hushed voice only for her, stepping forward toward the pulpit.

“Much too long,” she agreed emotionally. “You look wonderful.”

“You are pretty stunning yourself.”

“Wanna get married?” she asked, teasing him gently to put him at ease.

“I thought you’d never ask,” he replied tenderly, turning to face her. “Let’s do this, Mrs. Beckett.”

They stood there, listening to the pastor, and were the epitome of serenity during this moment they both considered sacred. Neither took marriage lightly, and the fact that they were here, together, was nothing short of a miracle in her mind.

As Alec began to say his vows, her heart was in her throat. There was no way she was going to make it through the ceremony looking distinguished or elegant. Nope. She was very close to being a blubbering, weepy woman for the whole town to see.

“I remember the first time I looked at you,” Alec said hoarsely, smiling wryly at her. “We were in science class, and we were assigned to work together to recreate a diorama on molecules. I was so nervous, so unsure of what to think, because I barely knew your name. You were the quiet girl who always kept your mouth shut, listening, and your nose down, focusing on your paperwork.” Alec smiled tenderly at her. “You still do, you know. You’ve always listened when people spoke and have the kindest heart that I know of.”

She let out a nervous sniff, blinking back tears as she thought back to that day. He had to move seats, and he looked so alarmed at being paired with her, but then he took his seat like a champ, turned to her, and smiled.

“I remember looking at you, thinking ‘who is this mysterious girl’… and slowly fell in love,” he admitted, not holding back. “I fell so hard for you that I couldn’t see straight. I knew with every fiber of my being that we were meant to be, that you were my better half, and someday we would be united before God as man and wife, and then you dumped me,” he blurted out flatly, his eyes shining affectionately as the crowd and his teammates laughed openly.

Willow was so stunned he was airing that part of their history that she blurted out ‘sorry’ immediately, causing another ripple of uncomfortable laughter.

“And you were right,” he said loudly, not looking away from her. “You are the one for me and always will be, but it wasn’t our time. I needed to grow, mature, and learn how to love you – and you, in your wisdom, gave me the space I didn’t know I needed. You made the hard decisions, yet never stopped loving me.”

“I never will either,” she breathed softly.

“Even when we were reunited, and I was hurt, you were there to soothe my emotions, to show me how much love a person could have, and honestly – you are a miracle.”

He smiled tenderly and gave her a playful wink before speaking again.

“You’ve always seen the big picture, even when I couldn’t. You love with the knowledge of a parent – kind, teaching, gentle, and understanding,” he said loudly, and she knew he was up to something. “I see that in everything you do, in every decision you make, in every smile you give, and even walking down the aisle, you think of others… stopping to let those children share in our moment, our joy – and I would be honored to spend my life at your side, basking in that warmth.”

Willow met his smug smile and nearly laughed aloud as she realized he was taking this moment of silence from the onlookers to brag about her to them. They had no idea, yet he was there, always supporting her and planting the seed in their minds.

“You’re really something.”

“I’m yours, my love.”

“So you are,” Willow smiled tremulously as she took a deep breath and spoke from her heart and soul. “You were always so out of my league, so larger-than-life, beloved by the whole town, that it was intimidating. Everyone knows the Beckett family…” she glanced at Mary, casting a smile at her new mother-in-law, before looking back at Alec.

“Your family name is synonymous with honor, duty, and, unfortunately – sacrifice,” she said loudly, not looking from Alec’s beautiful gaze as he swallowed emotionally. “Despite the loss of your father, you took up the legacy he’d created, becoming a fireman in the same city that is sharing in our joy now.”

Willow turned, looking over their faces, and clung to Alec’s hands as she turned back to him. Today, she would be taking his name and vowed to always bring a glimmer of pride to it – for him, their children, and someday their grandchildren. No one would ever equate ‘Beckett’ with wrongdoing or shirking their duty.

“I remember when we met,” she smiled tearfully. “I was in awe of that fire burning within your soul and the zest you have in your soul… and today, I am still marveling in that presence before me.”

“Aww shucks,” he chuckled shyly, not bothering to hide it as Lance leaned forward, grinning and pointing.

“You talkin’ about this guy?”

“Shhh,” she laughed – along with the crowd. “Back in line with you. Your wife is watching, remember?”

“Oh yeah,” Lance smirked and gave a little wave to the pregnant, dark-haired woman in the front row on the groom’s side. “Hey, babe.”

Justin slapped his forehead, causing another ripple of amusement in the church. Yup. That was planned because she wanted people to feel joy and laughter as they shared their vows. This was a moment of happiness and pride that she had always wanted to be associated with their name for years to come.

“I, Willow Donna Rushman, would be beyond humbled and honored to become your wife today. Taking a husband means accepting him at your side, loving him, and bringing our families together. It also means taking on the mantle of your name and standing tall before the world, proud to wear it, and I am always going to make you proud.”

“You’ve never stopped,” he said tenderly as a tear escaped his eyes.

“I’ve always loved you,” she said passionately, not holding back. “From the moment you introduced yourself to me to the first kiss stolen on the front porch of my mother’s house. Even when things fell apart, I still loved you and knew I always would, which is why I had suggested the charity event for the orphanage.”

“Huh?”

Alec”s shocked expression, along with her confession, sent a ripple through the crowd once more. Yup. That had been her little secret, and if Stevenson was digging, she was going to make sure she had no skeletons in her closet to be manipulated or twisted later on. She had worked with Sister Mary Hazel at the orphanage, her marketing manager, and Chief Carpenter to bring the charity event to life, whether she won her auction or not.

“All I wanted was the chance to see your smile or say ‘hello’ once more – and I took it while still finding a way to give to the community. You were my friend, you are my love, and you will always be a part of me forever.”

Alec’s surprised expression melted into a proud smile as he began to laugh. It wasn’t just a little chuckle but a boisterous, from the soul, belly laugh that shook his frame.

“Oh my gosh, you are so clever and brilliant. You orchestrated that charity event with my boss?”

“Like molecules revolving around each other in an orbit,” she smiled at him. “I had to make sure my beloved science partner from long ago was in my own ‘orbit’ once more… and giving children bicycles, clothes, new books for the library – that seemed the perfect way to do so.”

“I sincerely love you, woman,” Alec said simply, grinning from ear to ear as his eyes glistened, aglow with amazement and pride. “You blow me away sometimes – and I love it.”

“I love you dearly and would do anything to make you smile, to bring happiness to your life, and to make our home a better one,” she answered openly. “I am yours – always.”

“I am yours, forever and a day.”

“Marriage is an ancient rite, a sacrament, bonding these two souls together. It takes dedication, commitment, and love – and we see that here, shared by these two before us,” the minister paused briefly as she and Alec shared a knowing smile. “By the power vested in me by the Great State of Texas and the Church. I pronounce you as Husband and Wife, lawfully wedded before the eyes of God.”

Alec dropped her hands and took hold of her veil, not looking away from her eyes as he smiled proudly. His beautiful eyes were so shiny, and she could hear someone sniffling in the distance, but silence reigned as if everyone was waiting with bated breath for the kiss.

I sure am,she thought, smiling brightly at him as he finally draped the veil back over her head, uncovering her face before him.

“You may kiss your bride, Mr. Beckett, sealing your union before all.”

Alec stepped forward, his hand cupping the side of her chin as he leaned forward. His breath was stilted, his hand trembling as he leaned forward. Every move he made was slow, almost as if he wanted to savor their special moment.

“I love you, my sneaky girl…” he murmured.

“When it comes to you, always,” she responded faintly right before he pressed his lips against hers, sealing their marriage. Had his lips ever been so gentle, so tender? Maybe it was her imagination, but kissing him right now felt like coming home, like her soul had finally found its place directly beside his.

Alec took his time, kissing her a few more times – until the pastor finally cleared his throat.

“Oh hush, Pastor Mike… Just let the Beckett boy finally kiss his girl. We both know it’s long overdue.” Mrs. Kendall said from somewhere, causing the whole church to chuckle.

As they separated, Alec and Willow gazed at each other, and she knew at this moment that she would never forget the love in his eyes.

This man could do no wrong.

If he broke her heart a thousand times, she would always offer him one more chance with infinite patience. In Corinthians, her favorite passage, she always took it to heart and applied it to everything in the world around her, hoping to make a difference.

Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy; it does not boast. It is not proud. It is not rude, nor self-seeking. It is not self-seeking or easily angered. It keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, and always perseveres.

“I love you,” she said openly, feeling her heart swell with emotion.

“Then forgive me,” he replied, grinning… and put two fingers between his lips, giving an ear-splitting whistle. She was so stunned by the unexpected comment that she wasn’t even able to get the word ‘Huh?’ out as every groomsman suddenly – and incredibly – began doing the Macarena dance there at the front of the church, singing.

The team, Alec’s team, was singing and swinging their limbs and hips and making a complete scene, in uniform. The pastor looked at her questioningly – and Willow shrugged. The entire church was filled with laughter as the other team, Team A, suddenly flooded the aisle to join them.

Captain Marks, Austin, Andy, Kyle, and even the chief, were up at the front in a massive line, putting their hands behind their heads, patting their arms, and then jumping around once more.

“HEYYYY MACARENA!” the men yelled – and all jerked down their jackets to reveal letters on their backs.

BECKETT VOTE FOR JUDGE

“Nitwit! You’re outta order,” Chief Reese hissed loudly, pointing and waving his hand at Alec, whose eyes widened in alarm as it finally dawned on him. Everyone was laughing wildly, watching the display with awareness, and Willow saw Judge Stevenson get up, leaving the sanctuary in a snit.

“Awww shoot!” Alec yelped before kissing her on the cheek – and running to take his place at the end of the line, reordering the phrase.

VOTE FOR JUDGE BECKETT

“I am proud to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Alec Beckett – even if he’s over there,” the pastor began, only to burst into laughter as Alec raised both arms, pointing at himself.

“I’m over here!” he cried out happily. “My better half is the hot woman over there in all white, lookin’ like a million bucks.”

“Alec…” she began and saw him point at the pews.

“Wife, do your thing,” Alec interrupted, winking at her – as the firemen started doing the macarena once again.

“Everyone, please join us in the reception hall for gifts, music, dancing, and donuts…”

“Lemon?” Captain Marks asked loudly.

“Always for you, Chase,” Mary hollered, waving at him and blowing the line of firefighters kisses. “You all are my boys – even if I can only claim one of you.”

“Let’s get this party started!” Alec announced, dancing her way and taking her hands. “Follow my lead, wife.”

“Always,” she laughed as the two of them danced down the aisle, waving at the children to come join them, almost like the Pied Piper… except they were leading them to sugar, sugar, and more sugar.

“Everyone follow us to the reception hall for treats!”

“Tricks are for later,” one of the guys shouted as laughter erupted once more. Oh yes, this would be a wedding none of them would forget, and an anniversary they would always celebrate like this – full of treats, laughter, love, and maybe a trick or two up their sleeves.

Alec led Willow out onto the dance floor as the music started with a little spin, and as he pulled her into his arms, he gave a little nod to his head, indicating she should look to her left. She saw the children were excitedly getting the little bags of candy, and their parents were helping serve the donuts, and everyone was smiling.

“No one will remember Ol’ Sourpuss trying to drag our name through the mud,” Alec said softly. “They will always remember seeing a couple desperately in love with each other, smiling, laughing, and dancing… and those memories will last a lifetime.”

“Despite the political twist at the end?” she teased, not even upset with him in the slightest. It had been extraordinarily clever and light-hearted.

“Are you mad at me?”

“Never,” she replied, letting him spin her slowly on the dance floor. “I could never stay upset with you, and if anything – I wish I had thought of it.”

Alec laughed easily, pulling her close and curling her hand against his chest. His tender gaze held hers as he smiled once more.

“You always amaze me and always will. I knew you had a diabolical, crafty streak in you – but coming up with the charity event? Heck, I am truly impressed, Willow. Remind me never to make you upset.”

“I think we both know that isn’t possible,” she whispered softly, leaning up to kiss him. “You are my heart, my soul, and my weak spot… but let’s keep that between us.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he murmured, kissing her once more as they danced slowly together as man and wife.

… Finally.