Page 77 of Earl
“Why?” Cathy had asked him.
He had stared at her with kind, light blue eyes, a smile wreathing his face.
“Because, my dear sister, it is mandatory and I would not feel as if I were conducting the Lord’s work, if I did not offer my contribution. I am aware of the publicity surrounding your announcement and know it is not going to be easy living in the public’s eyes.
I want you to know that putting God first in your marriage is going to be the best thing you can ever do.”
So, she had acquiesced and convinced Earl to do the same.
She certainly had not expected the women of the church to go to the lengths of decorating the chapel. But as soon as she stepped into the vestibule with Justin, she noticed the lovely flowers occupying every flat surface.
Then her attention was caught by the man standing with his hands folded in front of him, gray eyes staring at her, and everything else faded into the background.
He had on a formal dark blue suit with a pearl pink shirt. His ink black hair was brushed severely back from his broad forehead and the expression on his handsome face told everyone seated in the chapel that he only had eyes for her.
Leaving his place at the altar, he approached them and giving Justin a curt nod, he took her gloved hands in his.
“Hi.”
“Hi.” Her hands gripped his.
“You are exquisite.”
“I already told her that.”
Earl’s head snapped him as he gave the man a pulverizing look that did not faze him.
“I think your duty here is done.”
“Uh nuh.” He grinned. “Not until the minister says I am done.”
“Boys…”
Both of them took a hand each and led her the rest of the way. The few guests noticed the exchanged and smiled in amusement at the rivalry going on between the two men.
An innovative reporter had sneaked in, despite the guards Earl had put in place and snapped pictures of the couple exchanging their vows.
*****
Evelyn had insisted on hosting the reception at her elegant townhouse. Her husband, George was an amicable man with a ready smile and pleasant demeanor.
When Cathy had first met him, he had drawn her to him and whispered. “Welcome to the family. I am a simple lawyer who is married to a powerful woman. We will of course align with each other.”
“Don’t let him fool you, Cathy.” Evelyn had told her laughingly. “He is quite a shark in the courtrooms.”
It was clear to see that they adored each other.
Earl had confided that his sister never got over not been able to conceive, but her husband was very supportive and did not love her any less.
The reception was not as small and private as the wedding and the luxurious gold and white living room was overflowing with guests.
After the vows were exchanged, the newly-weds had been whisked to a private garden where pictures were taken.
Cathy had stopped off at her place long enough to change into a pearl pink sweater and flowing white lounge pants. Her hair was still loose around her face, and she looked radiant.
“I didn’t expect anything like this,” she exclaimed to her new sister-in-law. With her husband’s diamond set of rings on her finger, she was officially Mrs. Earl Drummond.
“It’s not every day I see my brother so happy.” Evelyn said with a smile. “You have done the impossible, darling. And for that, I would have gone to any lengths to do this.”