Second Chance Pass (Virgin River #5)(94)

“I could do that,” Joe offered. “I’d be glad to do that.”

“No,” Nikki said. “A maid of honor’s work is never done.”

Finally it was the general and Tom. Rick walked outside with them. Tom shook his hand and said, “Come out to the house tomorrow. Bring your girl.”

“Thanks, I might just do that. But not till after the wedding. No way I can let Lizzie see a wedding.”

By the time Rick walked back into the room, the tables were pushed together, the cards were out and the cigars were being snipped. “Get over here, boy,” Zeke said. “Get out your money.”

Rick laughed. Someone pressed a cigar on him and he said, “God, do I have to smoke this ugly thing?”

“As long as you get your money out, you can do whatever you want.”

“I don’t have that much money, guys,” he complained, but he was sitting down.

“Don’t worry about it, kid. We’ll take whatever you’ve got.”





Fifteen




The general’s house was a busy place on Saturday. The nuptials were scheduled for 4:00 p.m. with a party to follow. Sunday night would belong to Tom, his family and his girl since he’d be leaving early Monday morning.

Caterers arrived in the morning, setting up a trellis strung with white drape in the yard behind the house. Fifty folding chairs were unloaded, champagne chilled, flowers placed around the house and yard. Paul’s family arrived just after noon and his mother gratefully took charge of Mattie so the bride could primp. The general was happy to host the Haggerty men and Tom out on the deck while activity around the house and yard kept them out of those regions.

The next to arrive was Shelby. She drove up from Bodega Bay. It hadn’t been that long since her mother’s passing, but she was already changed; she’d dropped a few pounds, wore her shiny, honey-colored hair free, flowing down her back, and for the first time in years, she wore makeup. She looked so great that when Tom saw her, he grabbed her up in his arms and whirled her around, making her laugh. “Look at you,” he said. “What have you done to yourself?”

“Not so much,” she said, smiling. “I just have a little more time now, that’s all.”

“It’s more than that. You’re looking hot.”

“Thanks, honey,” she said. “That’s nice. I’ve never been hot in my life.”

Next it was Paul to lift her off the ground and make a fuss over her, and finally she was pulled into the circle of women with Vanni exclaiming over how wonderful she looked. The only one not surprised was Walt, who’d been making regular visits to Bodega Bay since his sister’s passing. As they were getting the house back into shape he’d been watching the slow and startling transformation of his niece as she found her footing, making her way into a new life.

Paul was showered before noon so he could clear out of the bathroom, finally putting on his suit at three, as did the best man and Walt. When the guests began to arrive, cold champagne was pressed into their hands as they were directed to the chairs in the yard. The minister, Harry Shipton of Grace Valley, was more than happy to accept his champagne with the rest of the gathering. Right at four, Vanessa and Nikki stepped out onto the deck from the house, making their way to the yard where the vows would be spoken.

Paul felt his knees almost buckle when he saw her. Now, he knew this was one fine-looking woman, and since he’d been the best man at her last wedding, it wasn’t as if he’d never seen her all dressed up. But it felt like the first time. She was usually found in jeans or a simple sundress, and in those she was almost too much for his heart. Today she was resplendent in green so pale it was nearly white. It was a shimmering, clingy silk, her reddish-gold hair lying in full curls on her shoulders and down her back. Her turquoise eyes were alive with love, sparkling brightly, and her peach lips were curved in a smile.

“Holy shit,” Tommy said. “Look at my sister, man.”

“I see her,” Paul croaked. “God above.”

Tom laughed. “Well, go get her,” he said, poking him in the ribs. “God, I hope I’m cooler than you when I get married.”

“Yeah,” Paul said in a weak breath. He unstuck his rooted feet and went to collect his bride and bring her into the gathering. She was greeted with lots of hugs and kisses, a glass pressed into her hand. Paul’s arm was around her waist and he couldn’t make himself let her go. He felt his chest swell with cocky pride, having her at his side. No way he should be getting a woman who looked like this. And she was all his; she couldn’t even glance at him without confirming that with her gaze.

“Let’s get started, shall we?” Harry asked, stepping up in front of the trellis.

Paul and Vanni went to stand before him, followed by Nikki and Tom.

Paul’s eyes were riveted on his bride, but she was hardly the only beautiful woman present. Mel was looking very fine on this occasion, color in her cheeks again and that sparkle in her eyes. Paige was stunning in her last trimester of pregnancy, a glow around her as she clung to her husband’s hand. Brie was a vision in lavender, her man reluctant to let very many inches separate them. Shelby was looking awful cute in a fitted pantsuit and heels to bring her up to five-five, her thick hair free and glorious, her smile bright.