The Baby Battle (15 page)

“Nervous?” Steph asked Olivia just before stepping out into what used to be Tag’s backyard. With the sun setting on a perfect July night, it currently resembled more of a wonderland than an average yard, with hundreds of pink old-fashioned roses, ivy and tulle festooning two hundred white chairs. Serving as the altar was a brand-new white gazebo that Tag had had constructed especially for this day. It, too, was decked out in a cascade of roses and hydrangea and lily of the valley, all intertwined with ivy and air fern and still more tulle. Mother Nature provided the ultimate wedding accessory in the form of a breathtaking view. Lightning bugs glowed amongst hanging candles and miniature white lights strung high in the trees.

“I’m a little shaky,” Olivia said, feeling bridal in a princess-cut, white satin gown. Lavish swirls of Swarovski crystals and beading twinkled on the bodice and long skirt. “But more for the ceremony to be over so I never have to be apart from Tag again.”

Gabby and Fiona were also bridesmaids, but since
Gabby was pregnant again and had had to make a pit stop, they were both back upstairs.

Rather than having a maid of honor, Olivia had opted for a best man in the form of her son. Sitting in a souped-up stroller that Aunt Fiona had volunteered to push, Flynn was decked out just like his father in mini tuxedo pants, a white dinner jacket and all the trimmings.

“Whew, that’s better,” Gabby said, with Fiona running up behind her. The bridesmaids’ dresses were pink satin with plenty of crystals and full skirts.

“Ready?” Fiona asked. “My mom’s looking antsy.”

Laughing, Olivia asked, “Does she think Flynn and I are going to bolt?”

“Lord knows—you two have done it before. Plus, she’s so worried about Dad’s tux pants fitting after all of the parties and showers you and Tag have had that she might just be having a general meltdown.”

“I hope not,” Olivia said, adjusting her veil. “I want her to be able to enjoy our happy day.”

Fiona signaled to the harpist and string octet that they were ready to begin.

“Breathe,” Gabby reminded Olivia.

“I’ll try.”

And then they were off. Stephanie and Gabby, Fiona and Flynn.

To the elegant strains of Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus,” Olivia began her walk toward the man of her dreams. Tag stood with his brothers and father, his face brightened by the smile she’d so grown to love.

The seats were filled with friends and loved ones. Even the famed Grandma Myrtle had made it to Little Rock for the big event. Tabitha, upset by the fact that she had yet to perform a single night of sitting, had sent her regrets. Feeling bad about that fact, Olivia had sent her a large consolation check that would hopefully be used for med-school tuition rather than more piercings.

Their vows passed in a blur.

As did the formal photos and receiving line.

Not that Olivia didn’t relish every minute of the day she’d been dreaming of her entire life, but the moment she most looked forward to was when she and her new husband stole a quiet moment alone. She had a special gift for him that she selfishly wanted to give him on her own.

The time finally came after their prime rib and lobster dinner, after they’d cut the five-tiered cake and after their first official dance as man and wife.

“Have I mentioned how beautiful you looked strolling down the aisle toward me?” Tag said, holding her in his arms while they swayed to a local big band’s rendition of Glen Miller’s “Moonlight Serenade.”

“Thank you,” she said, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. “And you, sir, looked very handsome. Were you scared?”

“Not at all. You?”

“Just during the part where the minister asked if anyone objected.” Laughing, she said, “I could just imagine Steph, Gabby and your sister cooking up some
thing to mortify us. I’m relieved they decided to keep it classy.”

“Me, too.” He stole another kiss. “Excited about our honeymoon?”

Nodding, loving the sensation of being back in his arms, she said, “I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland. I just wish Flynn were a little older so that he could appreciate the sights.”

“We’ll go back when he’s taller than me.”

“Sounds great,” she said, inching away so that she could see his dear face when she let him in on her surprise. “But would you mind springing for one extra plane ticket?”

“Sure.” His expression questioning, he asked, “Are you wanting to take a friend or Tabitha or something?”

“That would be nice, but I was thinking more along the lines of somebody a little smaller.”

Dawning came slowly, but when Tag finally got the gist of what she was saying, his smile lit the night.