Deadly Revenge (Pearl River #3)

Chapter 78

78

ONE WEEK LATER

Jenna zipped up Alex’s creamy white dress. Today Alex was her friend, not her boss. “You look ...”

“So not like me.” Alex smoothed her hands down the knee-length sheath and turned to see the back of the dress.

“Actually I was looking for a better word than amazing, but it fits perfectly.”

Alex raised her eyebrows and looked at her in the mirror. “Flattery won’t get you a raise.”

They both turned as the door to Dani Bennett’s bedroom opened and she entered with the bouquet. On her heels were the grandmothers—Judith Stone and Mae Richmond.

Judith handed her granddaughter a veil she’d made and kissed her on the cheek. “You look so beautiful.”

“Thank you, but I’d feel better in a pair of jeans. Nathan won’t know me.”

They all laughed. Jenna scanned the faces in the room. These were her friends. Why hadn’t she come home earlier?

Dani handed Alex the bouquet. “Is this what you had in mind?”

The bride took a swift intake of breath and pressed her fingers to her lips.

“It’s beautiful and exactly what I wanted.” Alex lifted the bouquet to her nose. “It smells heavenly.”

Dani had mixed her grandmother’s lavender roses with magnolia and gardenia blossoms.

“Dani!” The name came out more of a gasp from Alex. “What do I see on your hand?”

Dani beamed. “I wasn’t going to wear it—I don’t want to steal any of your day—but I couldn’t take it off!”

She held up her hand, and Jenna admired the beautiful emerald-cut diamond on her finger.

“Don’t you dare take it off!” Alex said. “What? Where? When did Mark propose? Spill it, girlfriend.”

Dani glanced at the grandmothers. “At the trials in Kentucky—those two have known it for a couple of days. We haven’t set a date or anything, but I’m thinking early fall.”

“I’m so happy for you, and Mark is a lucky man,” Jenna said. Dani deserved happiness, especially after what happened in April when their former Pearl Springs pastor tried to kill her.

They all turned when someone knocked on the door. “Is it safe to come in?” a male voice asked.

Alex nodded, and Jenna hurried to let Sheriff Stone in.

“Your husband-to-be is getting a little nervous up on the mountain by himself,” he said.

“That’s our cue to leave.” Judith kissed her granddaughter again. “I’m so happy for you.”

Outside Mae’s house, two four-wheel-drive golf carts waited to take them to the top of the mountain. The two golf carts had been ferrying the guests up the mountain, and the last trip had taken Nathan and his best man, Mark, as well as the new pastor of Community Fellowship who would be performing the ceremony.

Jenna rode with Dani while the grandmothers accompanied the bride. Jenna sighed. It was a gorgeous day for the ceremony with the late afternoon sun casting a golden hue over the mountain, giving everything a dreamy look. Chairs lined either side of a red carpet, and Jenna waited while two deputies helped Mae and Judith out of the cart and led them to their seats.

Max appeared when Jenna stepped out of the cart. Her heart hiccupped when his gaze swept over her. “You are beautiful,” he said and brushed back a strand of her hair the wind had blown across her face before he offered his arm.

A tremor raced through her when he looped his arm in hers. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

He stood a little taller. “Wasn’t sure you’d notice.”

How could she not? Even though the wedding was casual, he’d dressed in dark slacks and an open-neck white shirt.

“Mind if I sit with you?” he asked.

“Not at all.” Jenna’s attention was caught to the front when Wayne lifted a fiddle and began the wedding march. Joining him was Hayes Smithfield on the guitar. She had no idea Wayne could play the fiddle, and play it well, and the same thing for Hayes. They all stood as Sheriff Stone escorted Alex to the front.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to celebrate the union of Alexis Stone and Nathan Landry ...”

Twenty minutes later, Nathan kissed his bride and the pastor presented the newly married couple. Everyone cheered as they walked to the waiting golf cart with Wayne and Hayes playing “You Make My Dreams.”

“Alex and Nathan hope you will join them at Mae’s for food and refreshments,” the pastor said. “Oh, and ladies, gather around—Alexis is going to toss her bouquet.”

Jenna didn’t move.

“You’re not going?” Max whispered.

“No.” She never liked this part of the wedding ceremony. “Been there done this.”

Countless times.

“You have to—Alex will be disappointed.”

“Let Dani catch it—she’s already engaged.”

He nudged. “Go.”

Jenna supposed she should ... and joined the other women waiting for Alex to toss her bouquet.

“Okay, ladies,” Alex said. “Let’s see who’s next.”

She turned around and tossed the flowers over her shoulder in a high arc.

In slow motion, the bouquet floated down and landed in Jenna’s hands as she stretched them out at the last moment.