Christmas Wedding: Cliffside Bay Read online

  No, she would not let her mother ruin this night for her. Another quick glance in Mom’s direction told her that she was occupied with Maggie. Their heads were tilted toward each other, obviously engrossed in conversation. God bless her friends. They’d always been patient and respectful to her mother, even though they disliked her.

  She picked up her dessert fork, then hovered over the piece of cake.

  Rafael whispered in her ear. “Sweetheart, if you want the cake, have the cake.”

  She met his gaze. The kindness and understanding in his brown eyes always moved her. Even a request or criticism was said with such love that it never stung or hurt. She ached with love for him. “I love you more today than I did yesterday.”

  He rested his cheek in his hand and simply gazed at her. The rest of the room vanished. It was only Rafael and his kind eyes. For better or worse, richer or poorer, he would always be there. Rafael would not leave her if her career imploded or when wrinkles came. He was here by her side for the rest of forever.

  She scooped a small bite of cake onto her fork, then brought the rich, dark chocolate to her mouth. As it melted against her tongue, she closed her eyes and allowed herself the pleasure of this decadence on the eve of her wedding. She would not let her mother’s voice, past or present, dictate her life. A truth came to her then, one that seemed obvious now, on the other side childhood.

  I’ve spent my life trying to make her happy.

  All that wasted energy trying to please her when it was an impossible task. Her mother’s unhappiness was not Lisa’s fault.

  And then she knew.

  I’m enough just as I am.

  She ate another forkful of cake.

  Pepper stood and tapped her butter knife against a wine glass. “It’s speech time.”

  The table quieted. Lisa took in a deep breath as she looked around the table. Although only David and Stone were groomsmen, Rafael had invited the other Wolves to the rehearsal dinner. Nico, Trey, and David sat together at one end of the table, with Ria and Autumn, Stone’s sister, next to them. Dad was on the other end, as physically far from his wife as possible.

  Pepper cleared her throat dramatically. “Maggie and I decided, as co-maids of honor, that tonight would be the time for the more intimate speeches, given that this is a dinner for family and closest friends.” She hesitated as she took in a deep breath and waved her hands in front of her eyes. “Sorry. Give me a second here.” She looked at Stone, who gave her an encouraging smile. “Lisa and Maggie and I have been through a lot together. Some highs and some lows, but always together. Our years as drama students at NYU and the subsequent years in New York City might have eaten us up if we’d been alone, but together we were strong, even brave. We sustained one another through some dark times. The darkest times.” Her voice cracked, and she paused to take a drink from her water glass.

  Lisa closed her eyes as memories of the night they’d gotten the call about Pepper from the police. Their friend had been assaulted and was at the hospital. She was asking for them. Without hesitation, they’d thrown their coats over their pajamas and hailed a taxi they couldn’t afford. Nothing would have stopped them that night or any night. When one of them was in trouble, the others came. That night, they’d held Pepper’s hands as the nurses and police went through the humiliating steps of the rape protocol. Afterward, she and Maggie had taken her home and stood outside the shower as Pepper tried to wash away the darkness.

  It had taken Stone Hickman, more than ten years later, to heal those wounds.

  Rafael squeezed her hand under the table, bringing her back to the present.

  Pepper continued. “When we were in our twenties, broke and discouraged, we played this game where we told one another our dreams for the future. Lisa and I would describe our perfect man and how many children we wanted. But Maggie’s were always about her music or the theater. She never talked about a man or a family, because her heart was already taken.”

  Maggie’s eyes swam with tears. Jackson put his arm around her.

  “All those years they were apart, Maggie never stopped loving Jackson. He was her one true love. Little did we know that Jackson was across the country feeling the same way about her. When she finally found her way back to Cliffside Bay, there he was, waiting with open arms to pick up where they’d left off all those years before. Seeing them together made Lisa and me hopeful that our loves were out there, too. We had no idea they’d be in Cliffside Bay. That’s perhaps the biggest surprise of all. I mean, seriously, what are the odds we found our loves in a town the size of a New York City block? It’s like something out of a romantic comedy.”

  Laughter rippled around the table.

  Pepper turned to look at Rafael. “In the dozen years I’ve known her, Lisa has wished for a man who was courageous, smart, kind. Maggie and I knew that only the rarest of men would see her for who she is—not just her outer beauty because, trust me, there were plenty of those, but one who saw how generous, gifted, and special she is and how terribly vulnerable that makes her. She wanted a man who would treasure her, but also be mature enough to accept the love she offered. And it’s a big love from her giant heart. Rafael, that man is you. You’re everything we wanted for her. You’re everything she dreamed of and more. Finally, you’re here. The one worthy of my friend. I don’t have to say it, but I will. Take care of our friend as I know she will take care of you.” She raised her glass. “To the beautiful couple. As you grow together, may every day be better than the one before.”

  The full ugly cry had taken over Lisa’s resolve to remain tearless. She wiped under her eyes with the tissue Rafael had thrust into her hand and tried to pull herself together.

  Maggie’s long copper hair glimmered under the lights. Her fair cheeks pinkened as she looked over at Lisa and Rafael. “In show business, it’s never good to follow an act better than you. Pepper said it all, really. The three of us have been sisters since the first day we met when we were eighteen years old. When I arrived at college, my heart was broken, for all the reasons we know now were due to my father’s cruel actions. Lisa and Pepper put me back together when I’d lost everyone I’d ever loved. They taught me how to live again, how to trust after my heart had been shattered. The happy endings that awaited us were impossible for me to imagine. But Lisa did. She never lost faith in love or people. She never stopped believing that her one true love was out there. That’s the kind of person she is. A lot has changed for us since I came back to the little town that raised me and dragged these two with me. But no matter how much fame or money comes her way, Lisa will never change. She will always be the girl I met twelve years ago who wore her heart on her sleeve. Thank you, Rafael, for being her one true love and making her dreams come true.”

  Everyone raised their glasses in another toast. Lisa sneaked a glance at Rafael just as he dabbed at his eyes. “You know they’re exaggerating my goodness, right?”

  “I know they’re not,” he said.

  Stone rose to his feet with a huge smile planted on his face. “I’m not in show business and not worthy to follow either of those speeches. So I’ll keep it simple, like me. Rafael, you’re the best guy I know. I’m proud to be your friend, business partner, and best man. There’s no man I’d rather be with in a lifeboat in the middle of the ocean. Fortunately, those days are behind us. Ahead of us are lives with these phenomenal women by our sides. From one lucky bastard to another, cheers.”

  The room filled with jubilant cheers.

  David, as the other groomsman and Lisa’s twin, went next. His blue eyes, so like her own, met hers. He gave her a small shrug, as if in apology for his poor public speaking abilities. Not that it mattered. He didn’t have to say words out loud for her to know his thoughts. However, what he said surprised her. “When we were kids, my mother always bought a new puzzle to do over Christmas break. We’d open it Christmas Eve and then spend the next week putting it together. I was good at it—spatial awareness and all that.” A playful smile splashed acr
oss his even features. “My sister wasn’t. I always figured she was too busy taking in the emotional dynamics of our family to have any room left for something as mundane as a puzzle.”

  She flushed and inwardly cringed as she remembered his wife’s funeral. Her brother was starting to become infamous with his overly truthful public speeches. He was, however, correct about their varying talents. He’d become an architect and she an actress. Dad had also been good at puzzles. Not surprising, given his talent with woodwork. Mom had come by occasionally to put a piece in here or there before scurrying off to complete a household task.

  “One year, Dad and I finally had the thousand-piece puzzle put together. That is, all except for one piece. We couldn’t find it anywhere. After a thorough scouring of the house, we figured Mom accidently vacuumed it up or maybe the dog ate it. Lisa said to me—and I quote, ‘There’s always a missing piece, isn’t there? No one can expect to have everything.’ We were like twelve at the time. I was taken aback by both the profundity and the sadness in her statement. It stuck with me all these years, which brings me to my point.” He picked up his wineglass and held it against his chest.

  “Rafael, you’re like the brother I didn’t know I wanted or needed. The first time I met you was the worst day of my life. I was a bit of lunatic, as I’m sure you remember clearly.” He gave a rueful smiled before continuing. “On that awful day—the day I buried my wife—you did something I’ll never forget, and I swear to God, it was like this lifeline to a better place.” He rubbed his eyes before continuing. “We were at my parents’ afterward, diving into the gritty, dirty-laundry family stuff, and you offered to take my son and daughter into the kitchen for ice cream. They went right to you, and you took hold of them with such gentleness that it gutted me—in a good way. I know it might seem like a small thing, but it told me everything I needed to know. You were the missing piece for my sister. You were the one she needed. Since we’re twins, your presence extends over to me as well. You were the missing piece for both of us. We found you at just the right time—when we needed you most. Cheers to you, man, and to my lovely, lovely twin. May the years be as kind as you have been to me.”

  Through tears, Lisa looked down at her mother. Mom wore a stiff smile as she stared into the middle of the table with glazed eyes.

  Mama Soto got up next. “English was not my first language, and I don’t really care for speeches. When Rafael was born, my life began. He has been the best thing I’ve ever done. Not once has he disappointed me. Lisa, you are the girl I prayed for. We’re blessed you’re here. May the Marriage Curse never come again.” She blew a kiss to Lisa, who pretended to catch it and pull it to her heart.

  Dad ambled to his feet. “Lisa, I’m happy for you and your fella here. I look forward to many good times to come. Rafael, take good care of my baby girl.”

  “Yes, sir, I will,” Rafael said.

  Mom pressed both hands into the table and rose to her feet. “I suppose I should make a toast to my daughter and soon-to-be son-in-law. I’m the mother of the bride, after all.” A hiccup ended the sentence.

  Was Mom tipsy? Her glass was almost empty. She never drank, so a half glass might put her under the table. Lisa clenched her jaw and prayed for the best.

  Mom turned to them, holding on to the table with one hand. “Rafael, my daughter has all the attributes discussed here today. I’d like to also add that she’s forgiving and loves to please people. My advice to you is this—be careful not to take her for granted. It’s easy to do when someone is accommodating and gracious. Watch and listen to her carefully. You’ll have to do that to gather clues, as she might not always feel she has the right to ask for what she wants, especially given how much she loves you. She will never put herself first. When she becomes a mother, this quality will multiply. It will be your job to make sure her needs are met. Don’t fail her as I’ve done. Be diligent. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I truly do,” Rafael said.

  “And you, my daughter.” Mom put her hand over her heart. “You remember the way you feel tonight when you’re up in the middle of the night changing diapers and doing the second feeding and you’re feeling fat and worn down and depleted. Remember this man loves you and you love him, and with that as your foundation, you’ll indeed have a happy life.”

  Mom raised her glass with a wobbly hand. To Lisa’s surprise, everyone stood. Stone shouted out, “To a happy life.”

  And everyone repeated after him.

  To a happy life.

  7

  Rosa

  * * *

  Back at the Lake House, Rosa allowed Dominic to help her out of her coat and watched as he hung it in the hall closet. The young people had stayed behind to have a few more drinks at the lodge. She had no idea where either of Lisa’s parents had gone, but she had a feeling it was nowhere together. Ria had opted to stay behind as well. Trey and Nico had promised to get her back safely.

  The house was quiet without the bustle of the young people. An empty house and just the two of us. She shivered from anticipation and nervousness. Alone in a house with a man. It was as if she’d been transported to another time and phase of her life. She floated out of her body and dangled near the ceiling, watching Dominic shrug out of his suit jacket. She saw herself standing under the light with her hands clasped and ankles crossed. Once upon a time she’d stood that way in the high school gymnasium, wishing for Javier to come to her, to ask her to dance. What a little fool she’d been.

  Once, she’d been young and fanciful, even romantic. The first time Javier kissed her, she’d thought she might faint from happiness. She could remember practically dancing as she got out of his car and ran into her mama’s house.

  He had not walked her to the door. Back then, she’d been too young to know this was an important clue to his character. She’d had no father. No one to demonstrate to her how a woman should be treated. Her son, though. He knew. Thanks be to God, he somehow knew.

  “Rosa, can I get you anything?” Dominic asked.

  She glanced up at the overhead light to get her bearings. “I’m fine, thank you. Something about this moment has me remembering another time.”

  “A good time?” he asked softly, his brown eyes warm but watchful.

  “No, not really. Being with you makes me remember what a fool I used to be.”

  The corners of his mouth twitched. “I’m not sure how to take that.”

  “You should take it as a compliment,” she said. “You have nice manners.”

  He arched one thick eyebrow. “All right, then. I suppose that’ll do for now.” He undid the top button of his shirt and loosened his tie. “It’s cold in here. Shall I build you a fire?”

  Build you a fire? Warmth made just for her?

  “That sounds nice.” She followed Dominic into the living room.

  “Did you enjoy yourself, Rosa?” Dominic asked as he crumpled newspaper and placed it in the fireplace.

  “Oh yes. It was a special night.” She hugged herself as she wandered over to the couch and kicked off her shoes. If only she could take off her dress and put on her pajamas. However, given how much this dress had cost, she needed to wear it for at least another hour. She sat on the couch with her legs together. This skirt only came to her knees. She didn’t want to flash Dominic. A glimpse of her granny underwear would surely be a deterrent to any romantic thoughts he might have about her.

  Romance? Was that what she wanted? To distract herself from this line of thought, she asked him a question. “What about you? Did you have a good time?”

  Before answering, he stacked small pieces of wood like a teepee around the crumpled newspaper and lit them with a lighter from the mantel. On his haunches, he remained by the fire as the flames grew large, illuminating the sharp angle of his cheekbones. “I can’t remember having a better evening in a very long time.” His knee joints clicked as he uncurled to set the lighter back on the mantel. “You, Rosa Soto, are delightful company. Once your son stopped giv
ing me death glares, the entire evening was quite uplifting.” Dipping down to the box of logs, he picked one, then another up with his large hands and set them on the burning kindling. He blew into the flames, causing the muscles of his back to expand under his smooth shirt.

  “My son’s protective. He’s not accustomed to me being anything but his mama.”

  “Understandable.” He nudged the logs with a poker, arranging them until they caught fire, casting a soft glow about the room. “Those kids and their friends obviously love one another. It’s enough to give you hope in humanity.”

  “My son and his friends are exceptional young people.”

  “You have every reason to be proud.”

  “I spent my life making sure he grew up right.” She smiled, playing with the tennis bracelet Rafael and Lisa had given her. “My work’s done. It’s been done for a while now. When he was away at war, I worried every minute of the day. When he came home and decided to join the police force, I worried some more. Now, finally, I don’t have to be so diligent in my worrying. I can relax and enjoy watching him and Lisa make a family.”

  He turned to look at her before sitting next to her on the couch. “What about now, Rosa? What’s your next chapter?”

  She met his gaze for a split second before nerves overtook her and she focused on the flames. Outside, a sheet of snow fell from the roof.

  “The temperature’s rising,” he said. “Cloud cover means more snow.”

  Temperature’s rising. Seasons change. New chapters.

  “I’d like to travel,” she said. “Do you know I’d never seen snow before now?”

  “What else would you like to see?” he asked.

  She shrugged. “Every May at the school where I worked, we celebrated the diversity of our students. There were kids from all over—immigrant families or second-generation Americans. The fourth-grade children were asked to make collages about their families and to share about their heritages. Teachers hung them around the lunchroom. At the end of the month, the children walked in a parade down the hallways dressed in native costumes or carrying banners to celebrate all the countries represented. Parents were invited, and it was a big celebration. I would watch with the other lunch ladies as the children strolled into the cafeteria. I wondered what it would be like to visit those places. I didn’t think I ever would, of course. The best I could hope for was to hear the stories from my son…if I was lucky enough to get him home.”