Upheaval! Read online

  I pulled on the dress we’d picked out and she took Merlin into the bathroom with her. As soon as she put him down, he headed back under the bed. At least he wouldn’t claw the dresses for which I was glad. I liked my dress. I’d be able to wear it later on to one of Ev’s fancy-dress parties: a close-fitting, long-sleeved gown in forest green silk with gold trim. I had two sets of shoes to match: a pair of gold heels so I wouldn’t look like a shrimp in all the photos and a pair of flats for when the reception started swinging.

  I knew Cassandra didn’t like makeup but I swore she should wear it more often. A little contouring with eye shadow and blush and she looked like a Celtic goddess or something just as exotic. I helped her into her dress which was just as simple as mine, only white. She’d left her hair loose and I pulled one side back, clipping a single white tea rose just above her ear. After stepping into her shoes, she did a slow pirouette. “Well, how do I look?”

  “Like a bride. But you should blush some to make the look more authentic.”

  “Why in blazes would I blush? It’s not like I’m a virgin or anything. C’mon. Mom’s going to want to gush and Gert will probably start tearing up. I hope she doesn’t smear her makeup before all the pictures are done.”

  I went downstairs first, so Cassandra could make an entrance. She was right. Celeste cried “my baby” and Gert just cried. Celeste started fussing with Cassandra’s dress and hair.

  I went over to Gert. “Hey, girl. You’ve got to stop the waterworks. You’ll smear your makeup before we get pictures taken.”

  “I always do this at handfastings. I even cry at happy endings in books and films. I can’t help myself,” she told me. “But my makeup is no problem. Watch.” She passed her hand over her face once. The tear tracks disappeared, the redness in her eyes was gone and she looked like she’d just got up from a makeup artist’s chair.

  “Mom taught me that spell a long time ago,” she grinned. “We figured it was easier than trying to stop me crying. I just wish I could snap my fingers and have makeup appear rather than just fixing it. So don’t worry, I won’t ruin the photographs.”

  Just a minute later, the doorbell rang again. “Your chariot awaits, m’lady.” Gregory made a low bow to Cassandra.

  “Go on with you,” Cassandra shot back. “By the way, thanks for playing chauffeur for us today. We really appreciate it.”

  “My favorite sandwich-maker is getting married. I was the one who talked Ev into letting you two use his limo so I could drive you around. But we had better leave. There isn’t usually a lot of traffic around the lake this time of year but today’s weather is bringing all the crazies out. You don’t want to be late for your handfasting!”

  I checked my clutch one more time for Tommy’s ring and the four of us headed out to the limo. Several of Cassandra’s regulars were waiting outside the deli (which had a sign that read, “Closed on Account of Matrimony!”) and they clapped as we made our way down the front walk.

  “Give him hell, Cassandra,” one of them yelled.

  “No worries, Gus, he’s already there!” she hollered back just before Gregory helped her to her seat.

  Celeste was fidgety on the ride over. Cassandra was getting irritated. “Mom, will you calm down? You’re not the bride here.”

  “Have you checked with the park? Is everything ready?”

  “I’m sure everything is okay. Rhys was going to check on it this morning.”

  Thankfully it was only a fifteen minute drive, otherwise I think Celeste would have rubbed a hole in the seat area of her dress with all her wiggling around.

  Don’t ask me how he got permission, or even if he did, but Gregory pulled off the road and right onto the walkway to let us out. I retrieved Tommy’s ring from my clutch, put it on my thumb and left the purse in one of the limo’s hidden compartments. We’d be riding back to the house in the same vehicle.

  The men were resplendent in their formal robes. Each man gave his hand to his partner to help her out: Marcus to Celeste; Charlie to Gert; Jamie, Tommy’s brother and best man, to me and finally, Tommy to Cassandra. Tommy’s eyes were glowing. “You look gorgeous, Dra. You ready?”

  “You betcha. What about you? After yesterday, you could’ve gotten out of it. After today, no way, buddy.” She grinned at him. He answered by planting a kiss on her neck.

  I finally had a chance to look at the setting. If you’ve never been there, you need to visit the Lyndale Park Peace Garden. I won’t give you the scoop here but you can certainly look it up online. It’s gorgeous. Anyways, the park had roped off the central area and arranged chairs for the guests. Rhys, in full wizard regalia, was waiting for us in front of the sculpture. The flowering shrubs were just starting to put on some color and provided a beautiful backdrop.

  The photographer insisted on a couple of “before” shots. The guests were already seated but all turned in their chairs to watch. I felt like an animal in the zoo with everyone looking on and the sound of the camera’s shutter clicking every few seconds. Once the posing was finally done, Rhys went to stand in front of the main sculpture and we took our places in front of him. Cassandra handed her bouquet to me and turned to face Tommy. Her expression was radiant.

  Rhys began, “Loved ones, we gather here today to witness the binding in love of Cassandra and Tommy, now and forever. Love flourishes and blooms in the light and in the dark, laying down no ultimatums, making no demands at all. It is a gift we give to ourselves, and an honor we give to others from the bottom of our hearts and souls. When two people come together and give one another this gift, it is certain the universe is sitting back and smiling upon us, laughing and showering us with every possible blessing.”

  I heard a cell phone ring. Rhys paused long enough to glare at Ev, who shrugged his shoulders and reached into his pocket, silencing it. Rhys continued.

  “I may preside here but more importantly as the father of the groom, it is my pleasure to offer these blessings to the couple: may you be gifted with the light of the rising sun each day; the heat of passion; a warm, loving home; a commitment as deep as the ocean; and the knowledge that holding one another each night is a solid foundation.

  “Cassandra and Tommy, your journey together begins today. Help each other along the path and without doubt, you will find the ability to weather any adverse conditions you may encounter.

  “Now, I ask you to look into one another's eyes and hearts. Tommy, please place the ring on Cassandra's finger. Do you promise to show Cassandra your honor and fidelity, to share her laughter and joy, to support and stand by her in times of difficulty, to dream and hope together with her, and to spend each day loving her more than the day before?”

  Tommy smiled at Cassandra. “I do, sir.”

  Rhys continued. “Cassandra, please place Tommy’s ring on his finger. Do you, Cassandra, promise to show Tommy your honor and fidelity, to share his hopes and dreams, to laugh with him and share endless days of joy, to stand side by side with him in times of trouble, and to spend each day loving him more than the day before?”

  Cassandra’s reply was so quiet, I barely heard, “I do so promise.”

  “The vows of love have been spoken. Now, please cross your wrists over each other and take one another's hands.” They did as Rhys asked and he wrapped a piece of golden cord around their hands, tying a knot as he finished.

  “Tommy and Cassandra, this cord symbolizes your life, your love, and the eternal connection the two of you have found with one another. The ties of this handfasting are not formed by this cord. They are formed instead by your vows, by your pledge, your souls, and your two hearts, now bound together as one forever.

  “By Earth, Air, Fire and Water, I say it is done. Tommy and Cassandra, please kiss to seal your vows.”

  As they kissed, the cord that was twined around their hands shimmered and disappeared. I heard Gert sniffle into the handkerchief she’d carried along with her bouquet.

  That was probably the most innocent kiss I’ve ever seen at a
wedding. More like a quick, embarrassed peck than a kiss. At that point, I felt a slight pressure in my ears and had to swallow hard a couple of times to clear them, which was much more polite than yawning with my mouth wide open to make my ears pop.

  Rhys finished with, “Please turn to face your loved ones. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Llewellyn!”

  Not only the invited guests but several onlookers out on the walking path broke into applause as the newlyweds turned around. I handed the bouquet back to Cassandra and they started walking down what passed for an aisle, showered with rose petals by the guests as they went.

  Just as everyone was rising to leave, Rhys yelled, “If I could have your attention for a moment, please.” They paused and turned back to face him. “Naturally, the photographer wants a few minutes with the parties involved. You all know your way to the house. If you’ll make your way out back, the caterer has some light refreshments to tide you over until supper. We’ll be along shortly and then you can wrinkle their clothing with your hugs to your heart’s content.”

  They all laughed and dispersed back to their vehicles. Ev got into the limo and Gregory pulled quickly into traffic. I knew he’d be back in record time to retrieve us.

  The photographer certainly knew his business. His assistant quickly figured out who was who and thirty minutes later, we were all done posing and smiling for the camera. “I’ll follow you over to the house to get some candid shots and then whatever other photos your family may want,” he said to Tommy just as Gregory pulled back onto the walking path.

  Everyone headed for their cars. Tommy, Cassandra, Jamie and I rode in the limo.

  “Gorgeous ceremony, you two,” Gregory said over his shoulder. “I’ve never met your dad, Tommy, but he sure cuts a fine figure in his official robes.”

  Tommy chuckled. “Tell him yourself. When Mom was alive, she had to cajole him into wearing them when it’s necessary. He’d rather wear jeans and flannel shirts all the time.”

  In no time, we were back at the house and had to form the reception line. I doubted I’d ever see most of the family members again but I smiled while trying to remember names and relationships at least for one day. The few “pompous asses” I also smiled at, promptly forgetting their names and positions. I knew almost all of the other guests by virtue of always running into them at the deli or in Cork’s pub over the years.

  Mark did a stellar job. Finger food and champagne kept everyone busy with toasts for an hour or more while the photographer kept snapping away at one group or another, always with Tommy and Cassandra in the middle. Just as the sun was setting they lit all the patio heaters then brought out trays of real food. All of a sudden, it got very quiet as people stuffed themselves. The DJ arrived about half way through dinner and played instrumental music on low to help with digestion.

  Once the cake was cut and demolished, the DJ cranked up the music, Mark opened the bar and the party got started. I found out Jamie was just as bad a dancer as me. We spent three and a half minutes trying not to step on each other’s toes, laughing the whole time. The obligatory song ended and I was about to suggest we go sit down to give our toes a rest when a familiar figure tapped Jamie on the shoulder and then looking at me, said, “May I have the next dance?” Jamie looked at me and seeing that I was quite alright with the stranger, let go my hand and disappeared into the crowd.

  “No. I need to give my toes a break. But you can have the next slow one,” I said very quietly to Tony, my boyfriend who just happened to get furry once a month when the moon was full. “I thought you were in some high-level meetings in LA.”

  “I am but I canceled today and got on a plane. I’ll need to go back on the red-eye. I may have missed the handfasting but I can at least give Cassandra and Tommy my best on the day. Not to mention it was a perfect excuse to see you.” He bent down and kissed me.

  We walked over to where the happy couple was sitting. Both of them were shocked. “I thought you were stuck in LA,” Tommy said. Tony gave them the same explanation he had given me before leaning down and kissing Cassandra’s cheek.

  “Glad you could make it. Enjoy your few hours with Amy,” Cassandra told him.

  “Oh, I plan to,” Tony replied with a grin. I sat next to Cassandra while Tony made his way over to the bar, returning with a glass of wine for both of us. The music was too loud to really have a conversation so I enjoyed the wine and the feeling of Tony sitting next to me.

  I looked up to see Ev heading our way. About halfway over, he stopped and, pulling his cell out of his pocket, answered a call. It was too loud for me to hear what he was saying but the expression on his face wasn’t good. When he completed his conversation, he finished walking over toward us. He shook Tony’s hand and, looking down at me said, “I need to go and won’t be in the office tomorrow. I’ll call you in the afternoon sometime and let you know when I’ll be back.” Before I could even open my mouth to reply, he said goodbye to Cassandra and Tommy, grabbed Gregory and they rushed out the gate.

  “I wonder what that’s all about,” I mused.

  “It’s Ev. Why would you even try to think of what was bothering him?” Tony asked. “Enjoy your evening and worry about it tomorrow.”

  I knew he was right but… “I know what you’re saying but it seems whenever he gets that look on his face, it means he’s either pissed someone off or is about to. At the very least, it will mean I’ll have yet another mess to untangle.”

  “Whatever it is, you won’t find out anything tonight. Therefore, I suggest you forget him and concentrate on me.”

  I let out a little sigh. It sounded like good advice so I took it. We sipped our wine, danced a couple of slow songs with Tony easily avoiding my feet and just generally hung out, listening to all the different conversations around us.

  Although people had left in dribs and drabs, the party officially came to an end around nine when the DJ announced it was time to go and leave the happy couple to their wedding night.

  “Go home,” Cassandra told me. “I’ll bring your makeup case and clothes to work with me tomorrow. Thanks for everything.” She kissed one cheek; Tommy kissed the other. I took that as a dismissal.

  “Come on,” I said to Tony. “If I’ve only got a few hours, I want to make the most of them.”

  He grabbed his briefcase from where he’d set it next to the fence and we walked in companionable silence back to my apartment. Fudge greeted us at the door, even rubbing up against Tony’s leg. I put down the cat food, set up the coffeepot for the next morning and made my way into the bedroom.

  Tony helped me out of my dress and even hung it in the closet. “We have until four, which is when the cab will arrive. Let’s make the most of it.” We did.

  Chapter 3

  My best friend’s handfasting was over, my sometimes boyfriend was on a plane back to LA and I was in my office, trying to make sense of the mounds of paperwork on my desk. It was a Wednesday but having had Tuesday off to be the maid of honor/witness, my sense of the week was all screwed up. I’d had very little sleep the night before and wasn’t able to go back to sleep after Tony left in his taxi at four in the morning. It was a pot-and-a-half of coffee kind of day.

  The entire office had been closed the day before to attend the handfasting so in addition to paper, there were voice mail and email messages to catch up on. It had taken me the better part of the morning to get through all those and I had a long list of things to talk to my boss about when he called in.

  Sally walked in about noon. “How do you manage to always look so put together?” I whined.

  “Leaving the reception early and getting a good night’s sleep with my husband of fifteen years instead of making love until two in the morning with a long-distance boyfriend has a lot to do with it,” she grinned back. “I take it you enjoyed Tony’s company but didn’t get a lot of sleep last night.”

  “You’re right on that one. I’ll catch up tonight, I guess.”

  Sally sniffed the a
ir. “Where’s Ev? He’s got to be out. It smells too good in here.”

  “Hell if I know. He left the reception in a hurry last night, didn’t say where he was going and now isn’t answering his phone. I’m waiting on him to call me to answer a shit pot full of questions, not the least of which is where is he and when is he coming back.”

  “At least I’m here to answer the phones now so you can get some paperwork done. Anything else I can do to help?”

  I gave her one of the credit card statements to reconcile and turned back to the one I was working on. The numbers swam before my eyes even as I took a swig of my eighth (twelfth?) cup of coffee. I slogged on.

  Ev finally phoned in just as I was about to call it a day.

  “Where are you?” I asked. “I have a pile of things to talk to you about.”

  “I’m in Atlanta,” he answered. “Something’s come up and I need to be here for a few days. What’s up?”

  Heaving a sigh and delaying my nap, I spent the next half hour going over two days’ business with him. As we finished the conversation he said, “I may be in and out of cell phone range for the next few days. Can you hold the fort for me, maybe even through the weekend? I know we have an agreement about you not working overtime but I can’t be sure I’ll get all the calls as they’re coming in.”

  I sighed yet again. “Okay. Forward your cell to the office. I’ll forward the office phone to mine. But I get a day off when you return. Deal?”

  Ev may be a bit of a pain in the backside but he was very fair when it came to my going above and beyond a forty hour week. He easily acquiesced and although I wasn’t looking forward to fielding phone calls for three or more days and nights, I consoled myself with the thought of a long weekend sometime in the not-too-distant future. We disconnected, I cleaned off my desk and on the way out the door, told Sally to forward the phone to mine when she left for the day. She had a questioning look on her face but agreed to do so. Thankfully, my phone stayed quiet and I was able to get a good night’s sleep.