It belonged to my grandmother to give to my bride.
Im asking you to be my wife, Lily. Will you wear it? For me? For our baby?
Opening her eyes, she stared down at the ring again. She had wondered many times how she would feel on this day. A wonderful man, a man who was handsome, kind and generous, a man of integrity, had asked her to be his wife. Hed slid an heirloom ring on her finger and asked her to marry him.
She should be happy. Her baby was going to have everything she could ever have wanted for ita loving father, a real family. Her child would never be lonely or alone.
She thought of all that the ring symbolized. It didnt feel the way she had thought it would, Lily realized, and swiped at the tears sliding down her cheek. Instead of feeling happy, she felt sadder than she had in a long time.
How could you have been so foolish, Lily? After all these years how could you let yourself get sucked in by the fairy tale?
Because that was just what she had done, she admitted. Sensible, practical Lily Miller, the woman who had lived her life without blinders, the woman who never deluded herself, had done just that. She had thought that when this day happened, when a man placed a ring on her finger and asked her to be his wife, that the man who had put it there would have done so because he loved her.
Five
While Johanna has made considerable progress since she first started counseling at Eastwick Cares, she continues to exhibit trust issues, Lily said as she dictated notes from her last session. These trust issues are most likely rooted in her sense of abandonment following her parents divorce.
Shed seen it dozens of times, Lily admitted as she looked over her case notes. Too often when a couple divorced it was the children who came away with the most scars. Shed lost count of the times that children like twelve-year-old Johanna Stevenson blamed themselves. And as the family unit dissolved and the parents spent less and less time with their children in order to resume their own social lives, the children lost their sense of security. As a result, children like Johanna Stevenson felt unwanted, unloved and in the way.
Lily thought of her baby and knew she didnt want her child ever to feel that way. It was the reason she and Jack had agreed to get married in the first placeto provide their baby with a family. Unlike her, her child would grow up knowing it was loved, feeling secure.
Knock, knock, Felicity Farnsworth said as she stuck her head inside the door. Oh, good. I was hoping Id catch you before you left for lunch, she said and breezed inside carrying a white zippered dress bag.
Felicity, I wasnt expecting you, Lily told her as she stood.
I know you werent, but I left you a couple of messages and when I didnt hear back from you, I figured you were too busy to come to me. So I decided to come to you instead.
Im sorry. I did get your messages, but Ive been kind of busy, Lily offered even though that was only half true. She hadnt called primarily because she felt like a fraud having Jack and his family going to so much trouble when the marriage wasnt a real one.
Not a problem, Felicity told her, her green eyes lighting up her face. Once again dressed in black, she had a bright blue butterfly pin perched on her shoulder. A smaller version was anchored in her choppy blond hair. She smiled. Thats why you hired meto take care of all the details for you. And this, she said, indicating the garment bag that bore the name of a bridal boutique, is a very important detail.
Felicity, Lily began. Nows not a good time. I have another appointment due in fifteen minutes.
Then I promise to be out of here in ten. I just need you to try this on and see if you like it. Its your wedding dress.
But I dont need a wedding dress. The truth is she hadnt given a thought to buying one. She had just planned on wearing the pale yellow linen suit shed bought for Easter.
Every bride needs a wedding dress. And since youre too busy to shop for one, I picked out one I thought you might like. She hung the bag on the back of the door and began unzipping it.
Really, Felicity. This isnt necessary. I hardly fit the picture of the blushing bride, Lily reminded her, keenly aware of her protruding stomach.
Nonsense, Felicity told her. If only virgin brides were allowed to wear wedding gowns, there would be very few wedding gowns sold, she informed her and removed the dress from the bag.
It was beautiful, Lily thought as she stared at the ivory-colored silk gown. The style was simple. The off-the-shoulder neckline had small silken rosettes at each shoulder. The bodice was fitted, then formed an Empire-style waistline that fell to the floor and would conceal her swollen middle.
I had to guess at the size, Felicity said as she held the dress up to Lily. Do you like it?
Its beautiful, Lily said and ran her fingers along the fabric. Then she spied the tag sewn into the dressVera Wangand sucked in a breath. She might not know a Vera Wang from a vintage Dior, but what she did know was that both were very, very expensive. Felicity, I cant possibly wear this.
Felicitys expression fell. But I thought you liked it.
I do like it. In fact, I love it. Its one of the most beautiful dresses Ive ever seen. But I cant afford it.
Oh, that, she said, waving aside the comment. A smile spread across her face Its already been taken care of.
Lily frowned. What do you mean its been taken care of? she asked, even though she suspected she knewJack had been the one to take care of it.
Mrs. Cartwright had the bill sent to her.
It didnt matter whether it had been Jack or his mother, Lily thought. Im sorry, Felicity. I know she means well, but I couldnt possibly let her pay for it. And since I cant afford it, Ill just wear something of my own.
Felicity sobered. Lily, I understand you wanting to pay your own way. Really, I do. I was married once and I went through some rough times financially when it ended. It took me a long time to get back on my feet and I had to do it on my own. So I know all about the need to feel independent and responsible for yourself.
So you understand why I cant possibly accept the gown.
What I understand is that youre marrying a very wealthy man and into a very wealthy family. The Cartwrights have a position within the Eastwick community. Whether its fair or not, people expect a certain level of style from them.
Lily felt a tightening in her chest. And I certainly dont fit the profile of a wife for Jack Cartwright.
You do as far as hes concerned. I think you could wear a fig leaf and that man would be happy. In fact, he might like it better if you came in a fig leaf.
Lily laughed, as she was sure Felicity meant her to do. A fig leaf I can afford.
But Im not sure his family would be thrilled with the choice, Felicity pointed out.
So what am I supposed to do? Just let Sandra spend a fortune on a dress for me?
No. Youre supposed to let the mother of the man youre going to marry feel that she did something special for you. I know it may seem superficial, but appearances are important to her. She wants to make you feel like youre one of them. And this is her way of doing it. Its important to her that she does this for you. It makes her feel like shes a part of things, that shes not losing her son.
Lily could feel herself relenting. At least she wouldnt have to worry about embarrassing Jack or herself by wearing something that was too common for the woman who was becoming Mrs. Jack Cartwright. It really is a beautiful dress.
Yes, it is. And I think its perfect for you. But you dont have to take my word for it. Why dont you try it on and lets see how it looks. For all we know you could be agonizing over whether or not to accept it as a gift for nothing because you might hate the way it looks on you.
I doubt that, Lily said as she looked at the dress again.
I brought a couple of different shoe styles in two sizes because I wasnt sure if you were having any problems with swelling.
Tearing her eyes from the dress, Lily glanced over and saw the shopping bag by the door. I cant believe you went to all this trouble.
Its no trouble. Its what I do and I have to confess I love it. Besides, your fiancé made me promise that I would make this wedding as stress-free for you as possible.
Jack asked you to do that?
Mmm-hmm. He said it took some arm-twisting to get you to agree to marry him and he wanted everything to be perfect for you.
Lily swallowed, unsure what to say.
Come on, lets see how it fits, Felicity said, and after locking the door, she took the dress from Lily and waited for her to undress. Felicity held the dress for Lily to step into. Once she had it on, the other woman pulled up the zipper and then began fussing with the rosettes above each shoulder. When she was satisfied, she stood back. Oh, Lily, she said, and brought her palms together. Her expression softened. You look beautiful. And the ivory color, it looks wonderful against your skin. Do you have a mirror anywhere?
In the bathroom through there, Lily said, indicating the door at the far side of the office.
Then come, see for yourself.
Lily went into the bathroom and stared at herself in the mirror. It was the dress. It was beautiful, and it made her look different. She didnt even look pregnant because the design camouflaged her stomach. The off-the-shoulder neckline also exposed more of her than she was used to, including more cleavage, she realized, pressing her hand to her chest. She had never had a big bust and at best, her cleavage had been attained with the help of miracle bras. But her stomach hadnt been the only thing that had grown since her pregnancy. And while she would never be as full-figured as Felicity, she definitely had more curves. You dont think it shows a little too much?
I think it looks perfect on you. Hang on, let me get the shoes. She disappeared into the other room and came back with the shopping bag, then she took out a box that contained a pair of ivory satin pumps with kitten heels. Lets try these.
Lily slipped her feet into the shoes. They fitted perfectly. The pointed tips peeked out from beneath the skirt.
How do they feel? Felicity asked as she stood.
They feel great.
And they look wonderful with the dress. She smiled again. Youre going to make a beautiful bride, Lily. I cant wait to see Jacks face when he sees you walking down the aisle.
Lily sobered. She met Felicitys eyes in the mirror. You dont have to pretend. Im sure you know this marriage isnt a love match, and that the only reason Jack is marrying me is because Im pregnant.
Are you sure about that?
What do you mean? Lily asked as she slipped off the shoes and took off the wedding dress. She handed the gown to Felicity and retrieved her own clothes.
I mean that I saw the way Jack was looking at you the other day and it wasnt the way a man looks at a woman hes marrying out of duty.
Youre mistaken.
Am I? Felicity asked as she returned the wedding gown to the garment bag and zipped it closed. Ive been in this business for quite some time now and Ive seen my share of weddings. Usually I can tell the couples whose marriage is being done out of duty or as a business merger from the ones who are marrying because they love one another. I would have sworn you and Jack were the latter.
The knock at the door, signaling her next appointment, saved Lily from responding. But as she bid Felicity goodbye and ushered her next client in, she couldnt help wishing that Felicity were right.
Jack waited impatiently at the front of the garden for the wedding ceremony to begin. Now he knew why people eloped, he thought. The stress leading up to the wedding was enough to cause a body to have a heart attack. Or maybe it was simply the fact that he didnt quite trust Lily not to run. An eager bride she wasnt. Despite her signature on the prenuptial agreement and the trusts hed set up for her and the baby, he wasnt going to be able to relax until he had that wedding band on her finger.
I still cant believe youre getting married, Scott Falcon told him in a low voice as he stood beside him to fulfill the duties of the best man.
Believe it, because its happening, Jack told him. He glanced at his watch and frowned. Or at least it will be happening if they ever get the ceremony started.
Scott chuckled beside him. Never thought Id see the day when a female tied you up in knots. This Lily must be pretty special.
She is, Jack said. And she was. In the short time hed known her, each day hed learned something new about her that told him just how special she was.
You do realize that by getting married youre crushing the dreams of half the single women in Eastwick, not to mention the mothers who were hoping to snag you for their daughters?
Then its a good thing theyve got your shoulder to cry on, isnt it?
Scott smiled. Always happy to help out a friend.
And he was a good friend, Jack thought. Pals since grade school, he and Scott had shared adventures, pranks and an occasional girlfriend over the years. Like him, Scotts family had been among the first settlers in Connecticut and had amassed a sizeable fortune in real estate. A person could hardly walk down a street in Eastwick without seeing the Falcon logo somewhere on it. Scott had been among the very few people who had understood his decision to marry Lily and offered his support.
Your mother and Felicity did a nice job, Scott remarked.
Yes, they did, Jack responded. Somehow the two women had pulled it off. He didnt know how much it had cost nor did he care. All that had mattered to him was that theyd put the wedding together in less than a week. He knew from his conversation with Lily that they had found her a gown and shoes. He also knew that Lily had been uncomfortable and reluctant to accept the expensive attire as a gift from his mother. That she had done so, he suspected, had been a concession on her part because she had feared embarrassing him. Of course, it had never crossed his mothers mind that Lily might object to such a gift. As usual, Sandra had bulldozed ahead and set out to create the perfect wedding for him and Lily.
From the looks of things, she had succeeded. Even the weather had cooperated with his mothers plans to hold the ceremony outdoors. The temperature was mild and sunshine had replaced the rain that had plagued Eastwick off and on for the past two weeks. Hed caught a peek of the sprawling patio on the south side of the house that had been transformed for the wedding reception. Twinkling lights had been strung from the trees. More flowers decorated the tables and entrances. Two ice sculptures had been placed on tables on either side of the patio. The six-tiered cake decorated with what looked like real flowers sat in the center of one table. Hed counted at least a dozen food stations, including three types of pasta, a prime rib station, grilled shrimp and salmon. Bars had been set up on either end of the patio and he could have sworn there was enough wait staff on hand for a hundredseat restaurant.