Chapter 30—The Wedding
Susan looked radiant on Bruce’s arm as she walked down the aisle wearing a floor-length backless, white tulle dress—soft and romantic. She carried a large bouquet of pink Miranda roses with long pink ribbons cascading to the floor. Millie and Fran followed, wearing blush-colored chiffon off-the-shoulder dresses that matched the roses.
It was a profoundly moving moment, and Susan felt an indescribable burst of love as Susan looked out at the smiling faces. Her heart skipped a beat when she locked eyes with Derrick standing at the alter—his smile dazzling—looking dashing in a black tuxedo. Max and Jack stood at his side. She had a revelation. All of the people in her life that mattered—were here.
Susan was solemn when she said the traditional wedding vows.
“I, Susan, take you, Derrick, to be my husband from this day forward.”
And then she said heartfelt words that she had written:
“You are so much more than my husband. You are my friend, my confidant, my hero. And just when I think my life with you can’t get any better with you—it does. You make me feel safe and loved. I will love you forever.”
“I love you so much,” Derrick whispered. And then he said the traditional wedding vows and added:
“I never dreamed that I would meet the perfect girl for me. I wake up in the morning and look at your beautiful face, and I feel happy. It isn’t just your beauty—you are kind and generous and genuine. I feel so blessed that you chose me.”
He kissed her passionately. The sparks flew between them.
It was a fairy tale wedding, down to the French baskets of pink Miranda roses with tiny bows adorning the tables at the reception. Chandeliers sparkled, and champagne flowed like water as Susan happily mingled with the guests. The entourage rallied around her, and she basked in the love of her friends.
Susan danced with everyone—including Derrick’s uncles, and even his nephew, Matthew. She knew by their guilt-ridden faces that they had set her up and tried to ruin her relationship with Derrick for their own selfish reasons. Fran had said they did horrific things to Jenny, but she couldn’t let that affect her relationship with Derrick. She put her ill feelings aside and posed for pictures with the family with a bright smile. No one would have guessed that a few hours earlier, she had seriously considered calling the wedding off.
Feeling whimsical, Susan threw the bridal bouquet in Fran’s direction. Towering above everyone, Fran quickly reached up and plucked it out of the air. Something told Susan that Fran would get her fairy tale life after all.
Max was laughing. Susan thought he was secretly pleased.
Susan had tried to avoid Daren, but she didn’t refuse when he singled her out for a dance. They could never be any more than friends. She felt a pang of guilt that he had paid for the wedding. It had cost thousands. He was taboo. All of the incredible feelings—along with his sweet kiss, had to be buried away deep inside of her. A part of her had regrets that she had not explored how they would have been together. But she knew it was Jenny he loved—not her. And she truly loved Derrick. It was bizarre. What was she thinking?
“You look stunning,” he said, his mouth at her ear—too close.
Susan tensed—guarded. She would never be able to trust herself with Daren. She’d made a choice, and there was no going back. Her choice was Derrick.
The song ended. Daren gave her hand a little squeeze, and chills went down her spine.
And then Derrick was there taking her into his arms as they danced to Susan’s favorite song, “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me” by Mel Carter. Derrick put his mouth to her ear and sang to her. The song relayed her feelings. He did thrill her. His touch made her tingle. He was the man of her dreams.
From out of nowhere, a rose landed at Susan’s feet. It was the Miranda. She picked up the rose and stared at it intently. For a brief moment, she could feel her mother’s presence. It was as if they were standing in the garden together.
Susan heard a faint whisper—a familiar voice—her mother’s voice.
I knew when you were born; you were special. But I didn’t know that one day you would slay a dragon, darling. Did I ever tell you that you’re my hero?
Susan’s eyes glistened.
And when she was brought back to reality, she was sure she saw Jenny dressed in a red dress holding a champagne flute out—offering a toast. A knowing look crossed between the two women. Jenny smiled, and Susan smiled back at her. Then Jenny faded away as if she’d never been there.
It was true; she had slain the dragon and would probably fight her demons for the rest of her life. She didn’t think that Jenny would ever leave her—there would always be unexpected desires and temptations. But she had loyal friends at her side and a trustworthy husband she adored.
Rose petals seemed to appear out of nowhere, falling like rain. Susan breathed in the scent as the band played “At Last.” Derrick held her close as they swayed to the music.
“Are you happy? Mrs. Hampton?” he murmured.
“I couldn’t be happier,” she said softly.
“I promise to love and protect you for the rest of my life,” Derrick said.
They kissed—a long, lingering kiss.