Midnight Bayou

Mama. How many people did you say were out there?”
    “Couple hundred last I looked, and more coming.”
    “Jesus. Jesus. Why didn’t we elope? How’s a man supposed to stand up in front of hundreds of people and change his life forever?”
    “I think the tradition started so the groom couldn’t run away. They’d go after him like a lynch mob.”
    “That sure does settle me down, cher. How about you find me a couple fingers of bourbon?”
    Declan merely strolled over to a painted cabinet and took out a bottle. “I figured you’d need a hit.” He pulled out a tin of Altoids as well. “And these. Don’t want to be breathing whiskey on the bride. She might be the one who runs.”
    Declan started to pour, but when the door opened aftera cursory knock and his mother marched in, he whipped bottle and glass behind his back.
    “Don’t you both look handsome! Declan, don’t give him more than one shot of that whiskey you’ve got behind you, and make sure he chases it with mouthwash.”
    “I got Altoids.”
    “Fine.” Smiling, she walked over and fussed with Remy’s tie. “You’re nervous because this is the most important day of your life. There’d be something wrong with you if you didn’t have some shakes. I promise, they’ll go away the minute you see Effie. She looks beautiful.”
    Colleen framed Remy’s face in her hands. “I’m very proud of you.”
    “How about me?” Declan demanded. “I thought of the Altoids.”
    “I’ll get to you later. You’re marrying the woman you love,” Colleen went on. “You’re surrounded by friends and family who love you both. It’s a beautiful day, and your brother—the one of your heart—has seen to it that you have a beautiful setting. Now you take a shot of that bourbon, then take a deep breath. Then get your butt out there and get married.”
    “Yes, ma’am. I purely love you, Miss Colleen.”
    “I know it. I love you, too, but I’m not going to kiss you and smear my lipstick. One drink, Declan. This boy goes out there tipsy, I’m holding you responsible.”
    L ater, Declan would think his mother was right, as usual. When he stood beside Remy, and Effie, frothy in white, stepped out on the gallery, Declan felt the nerves drain out of his friend—his brother. He saw the wide, wide grin stretch over Remy’s face, heard his soft: “That’s my girl.”
    He found his own gaze traveling through the rows of people, meeting Lena’s. And you’re mine, he thought. This time around we’re going to make it work.
    So he stood in the spring garden, with the old white house rising over the green lawn, and watched his friends marry.
    When they kissed, when they turned to be announced as husband and wife, cheers rang out, so much more liberating and celebratory than the applause Declan was more accustomed to.
    He felt his own grin stretch, nearly as wide as Remy’s.
    The music started up almost immediately. Fiddles, washboards, accordions. When the photographer whittled down to just the bride and groom, Declan broke free and wove his way through the sea of people to Lena.
    She wore red. Bright, poppy red that left her back bare but for an intriguing web of thin straps. Just above her heart, she’d pinned the enamel watch and gold wings Lucian had once given Abigail.
    “I wondered if you’d ever wear it.”
    “It’s special,” she said, “so I save it for special. It was a beautiful wedding, Declan. You did a fine job getting this place ready for it. You’re a good friend.”
    “I have lots of good qualities, which makes you a very lucky woman. I’ve missed you the last couple days.”
    “We’ve both been busy.”
    “Stay tonight.” He caught her hand, seeing denial and excuses in her eyes. “Angelina, stay tonight.”
    “Maybe. You’ve got a lot of people you should be talking to.”
    “They’re all talking to each other. Where’s Miss Odette?”
    Lena scowled. “Your mother swept her off somewhere.”
    “You want me to find them, cut Miss Odette loose?”
    Pride stiffened her spine, her voice. “My grandmama can hold her own against your mama any day of the week.”
    “Oh yeah?” Amused, Declan narrowed his eyes in challenge. “If they get physical, my money’s on Colleen. She’s got a wicked left. Why don’t we get some champagne and go find them? See what round they’re in.”
    “If she hurts my grandmama’s feelings—”
    “She would never do that.” No longer amused, Declan gave her shoulders a little shake.