Southern Belles, a Novel About Love, Purpose & Second Chances (9781310340970) (38 page)

“Are you sure?” She asked giggling.

“Yes—go ahead before I fall asleep.”

“So, you know how I’m in love with the most
incredible person in the world?”

“Yes, you tell me every time we talk.”

“Well I’m going to be a Mrs. soon—Christian
asked me to marry him!”

“Oh my goodness! Really?”

“Yes, I’m so excited. I had to call my
parents first and tell them before I called you. But you were next.
It’s so cute too—he actually called my parents to ask for their
permission.”

“You haven’t known him that long—are you
sure you’re ready for this?” I asked skeptically, not even having
met him myself.

“Yes, I’m sure. When you know—you know.” She
quipped.

“Please don’t get offended but you’re not
pregnant are you?” I asked cautiously.

“Okay, I would usually take offense to that
but because I’m so stinking happy I’ll just ignore you said that.
No—I’m not pregnant. Besides it’s not possible. We haven’t had sex.
We want to do it right—with my past and his strong conviction not
to take something from me until it’s his rightfully.”

“Wow.” I said. “I’m sorry and I am very
happy for you. When’s the big date?”

“So, I know it’s kind of crazy but we don’t
want to wait—well mostly I don’t want to wait. I want to attack his
body and he won’t let me until our wedding night. Also, you know
how I’ve always wanted to get married at the Greyfield Inn on
Cumberland Island—they only have one opening all summer and it’s in
three weeks. So my mother is booking it today and is sending out
last minute invites tomorrow. I don’t really care who comes as long
as you’re there.”

“Three weeks—are you sure you’re not rushing
this?” I asked, surprised by the engagement and a shotgun
wedding.

“Yes, we’re rushing it but it’s okay.
Really, it’s okay, I’m happy.”

“Just tell me what you need me to do and
I’ll do it.” I said trying to support my best friend who was having
a break in sanity.

“I’m sending you a checklist—my mother will
call you to get together soon. I won’t be able to come back until
about three days before the wedding because I have graduation over
here and my parents are flying over for a few days and then flying
back with me.”

“You won’t be here until 3 days before your
wedding? Do you even have a wedding dress? What am I wearing?”

“No worries, I’m picking out my dress here
and I will be bringing back my bridesmaids dresses too.”

“Oh, okay.”

“You don’t need to worry dear. My mother is
hiring a wedding planner today and she is paying her well to get
everything done ahead of time. There’s only a few things on my
checklist—no worries.”

“Okay, well I just want to see you some
before you run away with Mr. Perfect—and I never see you again
CeCe.”

“I promise we will spend time together. I
will always make time for you and Lucy.”

“I know. It’s just that it’s so sudden. I
wasn’t expecting to hear that from you but I’m happy for you.”

“It’s only a matter of time before it
happens for you too Char. Eric’s great and a keeper for sure. In
fact, if I weren’t marrying Christian, I might try stealing him
away from you.” She joked.

“Hmm…you’re funny CeCe. Thanks, Eric is
great but I don’t know if he’s the one.”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s wonderful in every way. It’s just that
the few hours I did spend with Skylar, forever ago, ruined it for
anyone else. I know it’s ridiculous because Eric is pretty
wonderful.”

“Yeah, Eric is pretty wonderful. A good guy
is hard to come by.” CeCe said firmly.

“I know. Forget about me. I’m very happy for
you and I’m happy too. It’s a day to celebrate your great
news!”

“Thanks, I’ll see you soon. I’ve got to call
some more people and the rest of my bridesmaids—tell Richie he’s
going to be a bridesman.”

“Ha-ha, he’ll love that. I hope you got him
something pretty to wear.” I giggled. “I love you and
congratulations again.”

“Oh wait—I forgot to tell you…I cut my hair
short and it’s so cute.”

“You did? I bet it’s beautiful, CeCe.”

“I love it—it’s just past my chin. I can’t
wait to show it to you. Okay, I love you and can’t wait to see you
and Lucy soon. Bye.”

“Thanks, I love you too CeCe. Bye-bye.” I
said, before hanging up the phone.

The next few weeks flew by and I was still
plotting up different endings for my book. Time was running out
soon and I was busy with work and CeCe’s wedding. I was out of
school for the semester and that helped to free up some of my
time.

CeCe called after graduation to fill me in
on the ceremony. She said that she made sure to take plenty of
pictures to show me when she got back tomorrow afternoon. Her
parents were already home and getting ready for the wedding. She
invited Lucy, Eric and I over for dinner tomorrow night at her
parents to meet Christian and his parents.

I accepted the offer, despite my busy
schedule, so I could see CeCe and meet the love of her life.

Chapter 20: Love, Georgia-Style

“So,
don’t wait up for us mom. We’ll probably get back late.” I said
pulling on my sandals.

“I love you nana.” Lucy smiled, with
adorable dimples, big brown eyes and her beautiful bronzed blonde
hair.

“I love you too sugar face. You give Auntie
CeCe a kiss for nana, okay?”

“I will. She told mommy that she got a big
present for me.”

“Ooh—I wonder what it is.” My mom looked at
her with the famous Buchanan dimples.

“I don’t know but I hope it’s pink.” Lucy
said.

“Hey pretty girl.” A voice said coming in
from the front door.

“Eric!” Lucy squealed, delightfully, before
she jumped up into his arms.

“Hey there,” I called to Eric from the
kitchen, as I put on my earrings.

“There’s my other pretty girl. You look
great.” He said, kissing my forehead with Lucy wiggling around in
his arms.

“Thank you.” I said hugging him back. “Is it
nice outside?”

“Yeah, it’s great— but a little breezy. It’s
supposed to get cooler and rain tonight but there’s not a cloud in
the sky now.

I smiled, thinking back to the day at the
beach when it poured on me, with barely a cloud in the sky. “Okay,
I’m ready to go. I’m just going to grab a jacket or something.” I
said kissing him, lightly, before heading upstairs.

“Take your time; it’s okay if we’re a few
minutes late.” He said as I climbed the stairs.

I looked around my room to find something to
go with my long, white lacey sundress with spaghetti straps. I
didn’t want a big jacket. As I scanned the room I saw Skylar’s
antiqued-looking sweater. I’d slept in it and worn it many times
since the night he gave it to me. It was still comfortable and had
shrunken a few sizes smaller, a few years ago, when Grandma Evi
tried to do laundry using hot water.

“Mommy, let’s go. I need to see Auntie!” I
heard Lucy shout from the bottom of the stairs.

I grabbed his sweater and headed downstairs.
“Okay, I’m ready. I love you mom.” I said kissing her goodbye. “I
love you too Evi.” I said moving on to her next for kisses and
hugs.

“Have a great time and tell CeCe we’ve
missed her and can’t wait to see her at the wedding.” My mother
said before we closed the door behind us.

“Do you want me to drive dear?” Eric asked
as we headed down the steps.

“Sure, that would be nice. Then I can sit
back and enjoy this gorgeous evening with you.”

“That sounds good to me.” He smiled back,
taking my hand into his before giving me a quick peck on the lips
as we parted to get Lucy buckled in the car.

“I can do it mommy.” Lucy said firmly.

“Okay, I will watch just in case you want
help.”

“Okay, but I got it.” She said, before
snapping the lock of the car seat belt together.

“Great job Lu.” Eric congratulated her with
a high five.

“See mommy I can do it myself.”

“You sure can. Good job baby.” I said
kissing her as I ensured it was fastened tightly.

“Mom—I got it!” Lucy said, shooing my hands
away.

“I know. I’m just making sure it’s not too
tight on you love.” I said, backing up from her feisty little
hands.

“Good comeback.” Eric whispered to me as I
got into the passenger’s seat beside him.

“Thanks, she’s so…”

“Smart.” I heard Lucy say from the
backseat.

“Yes, you are so smart.”

“And pretty, and funny, and sweet,” Lucy
said without looking up from playing with her doll.

“Yep baby. You sure are pretty, and funny,
and sweet. You’re a lot like your Auntie CeCe.”

“I know mommy.”

“I’m glad you know sweetie.” I said as Eric
drove towards CeCe’s parents.

“So, I’ll forgive you if you abandon me
tonight.” Eric said, reaching over to hold my hand.

“What?”

“I know you’re going to be completely
absorbed with CeCe. And it’s okay—because I know you haven’t seen
her in five months and she’s your best friend.”

“Oh, okay. I didn’t know what you meant.” I
said, wrinkling my nose at him with a crooked smile.

“I know; I’m a really good boyfriend.” He
laughed, softly squeezing my hand.

“Awe, you are so good to me.”

“I can’t wait to meet Prince Charming.” Lucy
blurted out.

“Who?” I asked.

“Prince Charming—Auntie’s boyfriend.”

“Oh yeah, Prince Charming,” I grinned,
looking at Eric.

As we pulled into the driveway, Lucy who had
been to CeCe’s parents many times by now was already unbuckling her
seat belt.

“Lucy, don’t unbuckle until we’ve stopped
the car honey.”

“Mom, I want to see Auntie.” She demanded
jumping out of her seat.

“Yeah, mom—I want to see Auntie.” Eric
mimicked Lucy.

“You hush.” I joked back as I stepped around
to Eric.

Lucy had already opened the door and was
finding her way up to the front door.

“Char…” Eric pulled back gently on my hand
as I headed towards the door.

“What?”

“Char, I just wanted to tell you that you
look beautiful and I…”

“Mommy hurry!” Lucy said from the front
steps.

“Okay Lucy. We’ll be right there.” I said
feeling something wet hit my cheek distracting me momentarily. “Was
that rain?” I asked, looking up, feeling another small drop of
water fall on my nose.

“Mom!” Lucy shouted again.

“Okay, we’re coming.” I said looking at
Eric. “Let me grab my sweater.”

“Yeah, it’s rain; let’s get inside in case
it decides to stick around.” He said, waiting for me to pull my
sweater on.

“Eric, were you going to say something?” I
asked as he and I headed towards Lucy, now standing with the butler
just inside the door.

“I was but it can wait.” He said, ushering
us in.

“Are you sure?” I asked as we were greeted
with drinks and escorted to the veranda in the back.

“I’m sure.” He said, kissing my cheek as we
headed out the back entryway.

“You’re not too bad yourself handsome.” I
said picking up on his compliment a few minutes earlier.

“Oh great—we get to go back outside.” Eric
laughed.

As we walked back outside I saw the
beautifully landscaped trees covered in white lights. Full hanging
ferns on the outer eaves swayed slowly in the breeze. The sunset
fired up orange-lavender flames across the sky. I felt a few more
drips of rain fall on my face. Lucy neared the stairs down to the
lower level first, catching up to Bev before latching on to her
leg. I then saw Bev and James, standing next to the backs of
another couple, probably Christian’s parents. Eric let go of my
hand and headed over to where Lucy was to pull her off Bev’s leg
and shake Mr. Crawford’s hand. Finally, I saw CeCe. She looked
stunning standing in front of their beautifully lit-up pool which
reflected the colors of the sky. She was radiant—almost glowing
with her perfectly curled short, blonde hair framing her sun-kissed
skin. She was smiling and looking down. As I descended the marbled
steps my eyes followed CeCe’s gaze. I saw the back of Lucy’s
Prince Charming.
He was on bended knee with his hands folded
into hers, looking up at her. The drips were now turning into
regular, small pelts.

“Hi Charlotte.” Bev called over to me first,
smiling enthusiastically.

CeCe looked up and screamed, “Char”.

“We were just listening to Christian
re-enact his proposal since none of us were there.” Bev said as
Lucy jumped into her arms.

“Charlotte Renee Buchanan what took you so
long?” CeCe shrieked as she sprinted over to me, leaving Christian
still on his knees.

“CeCe!” I said, throwing my arms open to
catch her embrace.

She knocked me just about over as she made
contact. “I’ve missed you so much Char!”

“Ladies and gentlemen, I think we need to
get inside before it pours down.” Bev said ushering everyone
towards the house as a crackle popped overhead, showering down rain
like fireworks falling from the sky.

“I’m so glad you’re here. You’ve got to meet
Christian!” CeCe said, still hugging me like a wrestler with his
opponent in a headlock.

With rain beating down like nails dropping
from the sky, I saw Christian stand and look up as he ran his hands
through his brown, wet hair. I watched as he turned around to head
towards the house. Like one of the statues on the lawn, he was
motionless. As my eyes met his, I became paralyzed. His chiseled
cheek bones still perfect, were unhinged as he stood there with the
rain streaming down his face. I had to be imagining this.

“Girls, get in here.” Bev called from the
door with towels.

“Okay.” CeCe yelled back through the rain.
“Honey, this is my best friend I’ve told you about for the last
four months.” CeCe shouted as she turned towards Skylar.