Catch the Bride

One minute she was refereeing family drama and the next she was speeding down the road in the dead of night like an escaped convict.

But she wasn’t ready to go back...not yet.

Being a first-year teacher and a bride-to-be left Jade a frazzled shell of her usual bubbly self – which isn’t who she wants to be. Now the school year’s over, the wedding is a week away, and she’s panicking about the reception, the seating chart, and most of all their future together.

It’s not that she doesn’t love Vance, they're high school sweethearts, after all. When she finds a box of mementos Jade’s reminded of what it was like to fall in love. But so many years together have left their once exciting relationship in a rut. Not exactly an enticing preview of married life.

Will her once doting boyfriend, turned distracted fiancé become a distant husband?

With miles between her and wedding responsibilities, Jade’s looking back on their relationship and wondering if their happily ever after isn’t guaranteed after all. The Belles, her three best friends since college, come to the rescue...but are they in time to keep Jade from making the biggest mistake of her life?

Will Jade catch feelings instead of flights or is this bride bound to bolt for good?

Andie and Jade approached the North Carolina mansion where they'd celebrated the New Year together just three months earlier. Andie was in town this whole week for spring break. She was here mostly to see Jake but had graciously offered to help put the wedding favors together. Jade was grateful for the help. No sooner had the door closed behind them than a shower of confetti and shouts of congratulations rained down from the second-floor balcony overlooking the foyer. Jade was shocked as Lexie and Delilah rushed forward to embrace her.
“Surprise,” Andie exclaimed hugging Jade tightly.
“I am at a loss for words,” Jade said, picking tiny paper hearts out of her hair. "You said this was a quiet brunch.”
"You knew something was up, didn't you?" Lexie asked.
"I had an inkling, since Andie specifically said to dress up, but I hadn't figured on a party this elaborate," Jade said.
"I couldn't let a chance like this pass by. I mean, with all of us on spring break, it was the perfect moment to throw you a surprise bridal shower," Lexie said, beaming.
Glasses of champagne were pushed into their hands as the guests, a mélange of Jade's relatives and friends, trickled down the grand staircase to congratulate her.
"You're the best," Jade said, a flush still warming her cheeks. "I can't believe you arranged all this so quickly and managed to keep it a secret."
Lexie winked. "You know I missed my calling as an event planner."
As the guests followed Lexie into the sunroom, Andie pulled Delilah aside. "Can I ask you something?”
Jade paused just behind the doorframe out of view, normally she would never eavesdrop, but she knew how nervous Andie was about this moment.
“I know you know about Jake and I, but I just wanted to make sure you are okay with us.”
“Are you kidding,” Delilah said. “I love you so much and I want you to be happy. I sort of hoped something was going on between y’all, by the way you were acting so weird in Durham, but then there was no news. I thought maybe I’d imagined it, or Jake did something to mess it up.”
“Well, he did, but he totally made up for it by surprising me in Paris.”
“Typical Jake.”
“So really, you’re fine?”
“I couldn’t be happier...and I’m crossing my fingers you two make it all the way. I’ve always wanted a sister, and I would be ecstatic for her to be you.”
Jade watched as tears fell down Andie’s cheeks and the two women embraced. She felt her eyes get misty and she dabbed at the corner of her eyes, before slipping into the sunroom.

It was a bright sunny day, but the breeze still carried the chill of winter, not to mention the pollen of spring. Jade was glad they were technically inside but could enjoy the well-manicured gardens from behind sparkling floor-to-ceiling windows. Not that there wasn't already an assortment of beautiful flowers inside. Lexie had set up five round tables, each with six chairs. Jade was seated at the center table with her mother, Andie, Delilah, Lexie and Lexie’s mama, Winona. Overflowing arrangements of lilacs, peonies, and tuberose graced each table and filled the room with a heady fragrance. Lexie's eyes lit up and she jumped to her feet.
"Attention y'all, before luncheon is served, we are going to play a shower game."
This announcement was met with mixed enthusiasm. The older ladies seemed thrilled while the younger ones let low groans escape their perfectly polished lips.
"We are playing purse scavenger hunt. Whoever has the most items at the end of the game wins a gift card to Bebee's, in case you need a sassy hat for the nuptials."
Jade's Aunt Martha produced a bag that looked like it could count as a plane carry-on.
"Alrighty, well I know who came to win," Lexie said. "The first item is red lipstick."
Several ladies yelped in triumph and waved red tubes in the air.
"Who has a hair scrunchie?" Lexie went on. By the end of the game, the contents of their purses were strewn all over the table.
Shockingly, Aunt Martha and her giant purse filled with who knew what else, did not win. Monique, one of Jade's high school friends, with only a slim clutch, took the grand prize.
"It's like she knew what they were lookin' for," Aunt Martha whispered loudly.
"No sour grapes," Lexie said. "There is a blank card under your napkin for you to write a date night idea to keep the honeymoon going. We'll read the replies while the bride opens her gifts."
"How fun," Jade said. "We could certainly use the help.”
The ladies at the table turned and looked at her aghast.
"Isn't being engaged all hearts and flowers?" Delilah asked.
"I wish. Vance and I haven't had a date night in forever."
"Don't let the pilot light go out before you even get the fire going," Aunt Martha boomed over the noise.
"Bless her heart, she must have that hearing aid turned all the way up," Jade's mom leaned over and whispered.
"I heard that, Coral Lee," Martha said.
Jade's mother reached for her water and took a sip as her cheeks flamed.
Thank goodness the food arrived before anyone got into a tiff. Jade couldn't believe Lexie had arranged to have a wait staff. She was humbled and grateful for such a lavish affair in her honor. She only hoped that one day she'd be able to repay the favor.
"Speaking of date nights, how are things with Cole," Andie asked.
Jade winked at her friend, grateful for distraction.
"It's tough with him being here, but we see each other three weekends a month, or so," Lexie said, stabbing a cherry tomato with her fork.
“What about with Jake?” Delilah asked.
"The rest of the school year will be tough, but since Amber moved out Jake's able to come to Nashville a couple weekends a month. But y’all I have some news...”
Lexie gasped and leaned forward.
“Colliers Prep offered me a full-time position teaching French in the fall. Turns out Madame Shields wants to be at home with her baby.”
The Belles yelped in excitement.
“And that’s not all. Jake is going to be starting at his uncle’s law firm after he graduates. He’s comin’ to live in Nashville by summer!”
“Honey, I am so excited for you,” Jade said, grasping Andie in a tight hug. “We know how tough this year has been and now you’re finally getting the life you deserve.”
“Thanks for always being there for me,” Andie said. “A toast to the best friends a girl could hope for. Y’all are the best.”
Coral Lee cleared her throat.
“And a toast to our beautiful bride,” Lexie added.
"Are you all right?" Delilah leaned over and whispered in Jade's ear.
"Sure. Of course. Why?"
"You looked a little sad."
"Preoccupied with wedding stuff," Jade replied.
It was true. Other than work, wedding arrangements were the top priority in her mind. She wished, once again, that they had waited until next summer to get married. Wrapping up her first year of teaching wasn't going to be all apples for the teacher and tears of joy. She was looking at eight weeks of solid work when she returned from spring break, and then BAM two weeks later they'd be getting married. It was like she was on a roller coaster with no time to savor any one event. She just got catapulted on to the next thing.
"Hello...earth to Jade," Coral Lee said. "Mrs. Knox wants to hear about your dress."
"I'm so sorry. I was daydreaming. I don't have any pictures of me in the dress. Mama thought it was bad luck," she said with a pointed look at Coral Lee. “So... it’ll be a surprise.”
"Much to our annoyance," Lexie added, playfully.
"But I can tell you it has a beautiful white lace overlay, with some tasteful rhinestones, and a fitted bodice."
"Sounds lovely," Winona said.
"Not enough sparkle in my opinion," Coral Lee added.
“When Lexie gets married, I predict there will be a rhinestone shortage in the South after she she gets her way.”
“Which I always do. Besides, I like to sparkle.” Lexie pouted.
“As you should, baby,” Winona said.
“Jade’s dress makes her look like royalty,” Coral Lee said.
"I don't know about that, but I sure felt beautiful when I put it on," Jade said. "Wish y'all could have been with me to pick it out."
"It's alright, but we have to be sure to take a first-look picture with your bridesmaids," Lexie said.
"Yes, absolutely," Jade said, making a mental note to add that to the shot list for the photographer. "But speaking of dresses, did y'all order yours yet?"
"Weeks ago," Lexie said.
"Yep," Delilah replied.
"Uh..." Andie said. "Sorry."
"It's okay. Maybe we can take your measurements here, and I can submit the order."
"I have a tape measure," Aunt Martha said, producing one from her purse.
"Wait a minute," Lexie said. "No wedding planning today. We are celebrating you, not adding to your to-do list."
"Of course. I'm sorry. Don't worry about a thing," Andie said. “We’ll get it first thing when we get back to Durham.”
"I am stuffed. Let's shower our bride with gifts before having dessert," Lexie announced suddenly. Everyone agreed, and she left to bring in the mountain of gifts that were piled on the table in the foyer.
Jade received more sultry lingerie than she knew what to do with and was a tad embarrassed to open the packages and show off some of the frilly pieces in front of her relatives, but at least she was set in that department. Perhaps, along with the excellent date night suggestions, she and Vance would manage to get the pilot light lit after all. Along with some practical kitchen items, a cookbook, and a gift card to her favorite store she was ready for her new role as a wife, she hoped. Jade was famished when it was time for dessert and coffee. It turned out opening gifts was quite tiring, plus she didn't really love all the attention.

Once the wrapping paper had been cleared away, a three-tiered ombre lilac cake with white strings extending from the base was brought out and placed at the bride’s table. Everyone's plate had been cleared during the gift opening and, in its place, was a small lilac box tied with a white ribbon, and a glass of Champagne.
"It's time for the cake pull!" Lexie exclaimed. "Single ladies, and of course our beautiful, blushing, bride, gather round to reveal what the future has in store for you. In the lovely lilac boxes on your table is a silver charm bracelet for your trinket today. Don't worry, mamas and aunties, there's a special charm already on your bracelet. Alright, let's get to pulling."
Mama tore into her box and held up a sterling silver bracelet, complete with a heart bearing the inscription: mother of the bride. She held it to her heart, beaming.
Aunt Martha clapped her hand together in excitement, then readied her camera.
The twelve ladies gathered around the beautiful lilac confection and took hold of a white ribbon. Then they closed their eyes and made a wish. On the count of three they pulled a charm free. It took a moment to remove the bits of cake and discover what they'd received, but soon they were holding up their trinket in either delight or bewilderment.
Lexie received a silver carriage.
"A fairytale romance for you," Aunt Martha said.
Lexie beamed and nudged Delilah, who held up a ring.
"Oh, you're the next to get engaged," Coral Lee gushed.
Delilah's cheeks colored.
"Andie, honey, what did you get?" Winona asked.
"A fleur de lis," she replied.
"You did not!" Lexie gasped. "How perfect is that?"
Andie showed them her charm. "Sure did. Guess I'm teaching French in the fall."
Everyone laughed.
"It's also a sign of prosperity and happiness," Aunt Martha said, knowingly.
"And our bride-to-be?" Andie asked, turning to Jade.
She held up a silver bell that softly tinkled.
"A wedding bell," Coral Lee said. "You're going to have a fairy tale wedding and live happily ever after."
"Well, these trinkets certainly seem to be accurate in their fortune telling this afternoon," Jade replied.
"To our Wedding Belle," Delilah said, holding up her glass. The Belles followed her example and clinked glasses. Toasting to the couples' future happiness.
Jade beamed. For the first time it felt real. The wedding, the next chapter in her and Vance's lives, the happily ever after she'd been dreaming of for years. They were all a breathless moment away. She took a sip of champagne and looked at the smiling faces all around her. They were hopeful, happy, and looking to the future with her. She couldn’t ask for a more supportive or better group of friends. Truly, in this moment she felt like the luckiest woman alive.