matter what, he did right by his children, and at the end of the day, they can say, ‘He cared about us, even more than he did for himself…’
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
As Right as Rain
Kindred Spirits was decorated beautifully with assorted fresh flowers, white floating candles in bowls, and crimson garlands. It no longer looked like a bookstore, but rivaled a beautiful wedding venue – the kind a young girl may drool about, featured in bridal magazines. A semi-circle of plush chairs in burgundy and cream satin coverings with matching sashes, along with a cream runner that went from the front door to the café, set the scene. Lauren had known exactly where she wished to get married from the moment Aries had proposed, and much to her surprise, Aries hadn’t protested when she’d sprung the idea on him after plying him with a big dinner she’d cooked for that purpose.
This was the place where it had all started. Where they’d met. Also, it was a second marriage for both of them, so they agreed that going the strictly traditional route was not only unnecessary, but rather boring. So, she’d followed her heart, and there they were.
Voices, chatter, laughter, and instrumental gospel music softly carried to her. Happiness filled the space. Everyone she saw, when she peeked out of the office door where she and her bridesmaids were getting dressed, seemed to be sporting absolutely gorgeous smiles. Yes, that was perfect. Because this indeed was a celebration. One that was a long time coming.
The small reading room that was often rented by book clubs was now occupied by Aries and his groomsmen – the entire seven-member crew. She and her girls were prancing around in her office with makeup eyeshadow pallets littering most surfaces, while a professional makeup artist finished up her cousin’s false lashes. The burnt smell of flat irons left on for hours tickled her nostrils, and an empty bottle of bubbly sat on a small table, surrounded by dirty glasses with lipstick stains christening the rims. Lauren’s mother approached and kissed her cheek, then ushered her to a full length mirror.
“Look at my baby!” she exclaimed with a big grin that made her already high cheekbones glow impossibly more. “Lauren, you look beautiful!”
“So do you, Mama.” She flung her arms around the woman and kissed her back, loving the sweet smell of her favorite fragrance, Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Eau de Parfum, and the bountiful, positive energy of the lady who had risked her life giving birth to her and her brother. Speaking of her brother, she was thrilled that Landon Jr. hadn’t backed out of attending the wedding, despite his ongoing issues with their father over not only his marriage, but so many past unhealed wounds. She prayed that with time, they would heal. The man had assured her that he would not be missing this day for the world. She smiled as she played that moment back, remembering how her heart had flooded with love. He sat next to Aries’ mother who looked beautiful in her long, wine colored dress.
All of a sudden, a big burst of laughter came from outside the door, stealing her from her deliberations. It was followed by yet another.
‘Another One Bites the Dust’ by Queen was playing then, and it seemed to be getting louder and louder.
“I didn’t ask for this song to be played while people were being seated, Mama. I spoke to the DJ for over an hour and Aries and I provided a complete list of songs we wanted for the ceremony and the reception.”
She and Mama looked at one another, and then it hit them. They screamed at the same exact time: “Huggie!” Mama opened the door and sure enough, there was Uncle Huggie in the throes of tomfoolery, entertaining the masses by doing his notorious, strange little dance which included him looking like an angry bunny trying to hop from side to side. His arms went around in circles like he was churning butter, and he did this over and over in a circle, his dress shoes putting in work, despite being run over on the sides. Lauren looked over her mother’s shoulder for she damn sure wasn’t going to miss this play-by-play.
The DJ had obviously given in to the man and played the horrible number, one of Uncle Huggie’s favorites to act a fool to. Every Christmas, this song was played, and every Christmas, Uncle Huggie did that damn dance, causing the children in the family