Fractured Hearts (Shattered Lives, Book Three) (38 page)

Cora and Elaina walked back into Gunther and Quinn’s room. She was completely over the moon that Henry and she decided to have the ceremony.

“How are you feeling?” Elaina asked a green-hued Quinn.

She held her stomach and shuddered. “Ugh…”

“I had horrible sickness with Silas. I bet you have a little spitfire in there,” Cora giggled.

“Seeing as this is Gunther’s baby, I already suspect I will be tested time and time again.” They all laughed a little. “Do you have it finished?”

“Pretty much. I just have a few last adjustments, but I will need her for that.” Cora smiled at Elaina. “I’ll be right back.”

“What’s going on?” Elaina asked.

“You will have to wait and see. It’s a surprise.” Quinn smiled slightly.

A minute later, Cora came back in with white fabric draped over her arm. “What’s that?” Elaina asked.

“Your dress.” Cora smiled.

Really confused, she said, “My dress… I don’t have a dress.”

“You do now.” Cora carefully displayed it on the desk.

It was stunning in simple perfection, just what Elaina liked. No beads, no sequins, no lace…nothing but pure simplicity in the form of an A-lined dress, exactly what Henry would love. She envisioned his smile when he would first see her in it as she walked toward him.

“You want to try it on?” Cora asked.

“Yes! Yes, of course.” Elaina hurried out of her clothes and Cora helped her into the dress. “Is this why you have been a little absent lately?”

“Yes. I’ve been working on it day and night.”

Elaina held her hands over her face and began to get emotional. “Where did you get the fabric?” she asked Cora as she buttoned up the back.

“Well, that’s kind of a funny story. Quinn and I were exploring a little and we found a small room off of another classroom that attaches two rooms together. At first, I think everyone thought it was a closet, but when we opened the door, it looked like a Home Ec classroom. There’s a stove, sink, cabinets, a couple sewing machines, and a huge bolt of fabric on the table. It’s not great quality, but it worked in a pinch. Sadly, there wasn’t a single zipper to be had, but we did find a big stash of buttons. So I did that up the back.”

“Your poor hands! They must hurt from all this stitching.” Elaina picked up the hem of the dress, amazed, while examining the pristine stitches—tiny and almost invisible.

“Oh, I’ll be fine. Anything to see you two finally get what you want.”

“Has Henry seen this?” She ran her hands over it, eyes full of wonderment.

“Nope. He knows we made one, but that’s it.” Cora stepped around in front of Elaina and straightened the fabric. “Oh, shoot. I forgot the headpiece. Be right back.” Cora rushed out.

Managing to get out of bed, Quinn took Elaina’s hands and stepped back. “You look spectacular, sweetheart. Perfectly stunning with the white fabric against your black hair and bright blue eyes.”

She couldn’t stop blushing. “Thank you so much. You have no idea what this means to me.” The tears rushed down her face. “I can’t believe this is finally happening.”

“I’m so happy for you. Just you wait. We aren’t done yet.”

“I don’t think I can handle any more. You guys have already done far too much.”

“We are happy to help. Wait until you see what
he’s
done for you.” Quinn brushed her thumbs across Elaina’s cheeks, taking away her tears. “I think you’re going to be a very happy bride.”

Cora came back in holding a beautiful thin metal headband with peacock feathers and what looked like an antique broach attached to one side.

“This is your something old,” she pointed to the broach. “It was my great grandmother’s. One of the very few things from our home I packed in the bunker. And this is your something blue.” She pointed to the blue in the feathers.

Quinn shuffled over to a bag and grabbed an item out of it. “This is your something borrowed.” She handed her a diamond solitaire necklace. “It was Carrie’s. I gave it to her for her sixteenth birthday. I’ve been carrying it with me ever since I had to leave my home. It’s one of the only things I have of hers.”

“Oh… I can’t take these.” She tried to hand back the necklace and headband, but Quinn placed her hand over Elaina’s.

“We want you to wear them. It suits your beauty,” Quinn murmured with a smile.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

“And I hope your dress is okay for something new,” Cora murmured. “Because, well, something new isn’t exactly easy to find right now.”

“Everything is perfect. Amazing. Thank you both.” She was beside herself. Their generosity overwhelmed Elaina.

“Let me see if I need to make any adjustments.”

Cora had Elaina stand on a chair and she walked around, pinning the dress in a few places.

“How did you know what size?”

“I had Henry bring me a few articles of clothing that fit you well.”

“That sneaky man!” Elaina squawked.

They were interrupted by a knock on the door. Quinn hurried over, only cracking it open a smidge.

“Hey,” Gunther said.

“Just you?”

“Yeah. He’s working on a couple things.” Quinn reached out and yanked Gunther into the room.

His jaw dropped when he laid eyes on Elaina. “Wow. You are absolutely stunning.” She blushed. “Henry’s going to be chuffed when he sees you.” He turned to Quinn and tucked her hair behind her ears. “Everything’s pretty much ready. Now we just need you ladies to finish up.”

“Excellent.” Quinn smiled.

“Just be careful. I don’t want you to overdo it.” He stroked her abdomen. Elaina smiled at the joy in his heart coming to the surface. “You doing all right, love?”

“I’ll be fine. We have enlisted some child labor. Don’t worry about me.”

“It’s my job to worry about you and our little bean.” He kissed her forehead and headed back out of the room.

Elaina grinned at Quinn, thinking how nice it was to see joy instead of sorrow and misery for a change.

Elaina woke the next morning, excited for what the day would hold. Against her wishes, Henry had made her stay in the dorm wing. Feeling anxious and claustrophobic, she hated to be closed off in one area, but she knew it was for the best. He had planned everything as best as he could and didn’t want the surprise to be spoiled.

Later in the day, Henry visited Elaina, insisting she stay in Quinn and Gunther’s room for the rest of the time. She assumed he was setting up some sort of “honeymoon suite”.

Luckily, Quinn was feeling better and was busy working. She kept coming in and out of the room. Sometimes she would be gone for extended periods of time. Elaina paced as the day went on. She did everything she could possibly imagine, from reading to straightening the room, to keep herself occupied.

While Elaina tried to keep her mind busy, it had occurred to her that she didn’t have anyone to give her away. On the day she and Henry would be able to wed, she just assumed Nick would give her away. The only men she was close to were Thomas and Gunther.

Eventually, Quinn brought the dress back in and put her in it.

A perfect fit.

After brushing her hair thoroughly for the tenth time, Elaina positioned the headband perfectly.

Quinn smiled. “You look magnificent. I think you’ll be surprised when you get out there.”

“I have a small issue,” Elaina whispered at her reflection in the mirror.

“What’s wrong?”

“I don’t have anyone to give me away.” Elaina’s face twisted up as she was about to cry.

“No, no, no, sweetie. Don’t cry. Henry has thought of everything. Trust me. He said looking beautiful was your only job, and that is the only thing you have to worry about.” Elaina nodded, trying to hold her tears in. “Just calm down, sweetie. Deep breaths.”

She wet a cloth and blotted Elaina’s face. It took a lot of effort to calm down, but she was finally able to smile again…although it didn’t stop her from pacing.

The door cracked opened as she was wearing another path into the floor. “He’s ready,” Gunther said, peering through the door. “Nervous as hell, but ready.” Quinn waved him in. “Poor sap. He’s quaking in his skin.”

“Hush now. Don’t make Elaina more anxious than she already is,” she murmured.

He stepped in. His hair was shaved off again and his beard trimmed back. He was wearing a white button-down tucked into jeans, sleeves rolled up to his forearms.

Where did he get that shirt,
Elaina wondered.

“Ready?” Gunther smiled at Elaina, a sparkle in his eyes.

“Yes. I think so.” He offered his arm, so she wrapped hers into it. They walked out of the room, and Cora and her kids were standing in the hall, oohing and ahhing over Elaina.

Then little Kate said, “Ms. Elaina, we made this for you to carry.” From behind her back, she pulled out a tissue paper flower bouquet in shades of blues and greens, white paper flowers in between.

“Oh, thank you. It’s perfect.” Elaina teared up again.

“No crying!” Quinn yelled as she came out of the room. Elaina had to laugh, as Cora and her kids hurried off ahead.

As Gunther escorted Elaina down the hall, a door opened behind them.

Mara.

She glared at Elaina, who smiled rather lovely at her, making sure to bat her eyelashes. Then Mara slammed the door shut.

“God, that felt so fucking good,” Elaina whispered.

Gunther chuckled. “She tried to pin him down again yesterday while we were setting up. I will say that she’s fierce.” Gunther continued to walk Elaina down the hall, covering her eyes when they passed the cafeteria. When they made it to the back door of the school, he said, “This is your last chance. If you want to run, you better do it now.”

“Gun, stop it!” Quinn yelled from behind them. Elaina laughed.

When he opened the door, Thomas was waiting, rifle in hand. He was also cleaned up. His hair was trimmed and his sparse facial hair gone. He had on a white button-down shirt and jeans, as well.

Thomas’ face flushed as he said, “You look pretty.”

“Thank you, Thomas.”

“Ready?” he asked as he handed Gunther the rifle.

“I do believe I am.” Elaina smiled.

After Thomas took Elaina’s arm, Quinn took Gunther’s. Thomas waited while they passed by.

They’d set up just in front of the trees behind the school. Thomas walked Elaina to the end of the aisle between several benches.

Music. Elaina searched for the source.

Josie was sitting up front under a simple white arbor. She was playing a song that came out when she and Henry had first met. It was so fitting: “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz. Tears flowed from Elaina’s eyes.

Thomas pulled a white hanky out of his pocket. “Henry thought you might need one of these.” Elaina smiled through her tears as she accepted the gift.

She watched Henry’s face as she walked to him. He, too, was crying. She chuckled a little over how emotional they both were. That was one thing she adored about him. He was full of passion.

The perfect song ended and Josie got up with the guitar, resting it against an empty bench in the front. At first, it didn’t occur to Elaina what she did. Her mind was too busy thinking about getting to Henry.

This was their moment. Elaina didn’t care about anything, except getting to him and being able to call him her husband. She didn’t care that he was sick, or that they lived in an abandoned school, in an abandoned town, in a country ravaged by a terrible virus. Elaina only cared that Henry was everything she needed and wanted. He made her feel whole and beautiful.

He wasn’t all that bad-looking, either.

Thomas and Elaina stopped in front of Henry. His hair was trimmed and he sported the foxy five o’clock shadow she loved so much. He was wearing a white button-down shirt and jeans…matching Thomas and Gunther.

Okay, really, how did this shirt thing happen?

After I gave Gunther the go-ahead, I headed outside, full of apprehension, wondering if Elaina would decide to run. I wouldn’t blame her if she did. I kept taking deep breaths, trying to keep the demons at bay and my nerves under control. I wasn’t going to allow anything to ruin our wedding this time.

Our community filed out and took seats on the benches. Continuing to pace in front of the arbor, I jammed my hand in my pocket, making sure my vows and our rings were safe. I spent half of last night working on and memorizing them while Elaina slept.

Finally, Josie and Cora appeared. It was getting closer, so I positioned myself where Cora instructed me to. It was almost time. My palms started to sweat.

Moments later, the door to the school opened and, even at that distance, she took my breath away.

“You all right? You’re not going to pass out on me, are you?” Cora smiled.

“No… Oh, god, look at her,” I whispered.

“Wait until you see her up close. Josie…start the song.”

Gunther passed her off to Thomas, walked Quinn to a bench, then went to the corner of the school and stood watch. My mate, Thomas, did an awesome job walking my love down the aisle to the pace of the song. The closer she got to me, the more my heart pounded out of my chest and into my ears, stealing the oxygen from my body. I wiped a few tears away.

After the song, Josie rose and left the guitar where we had discussed. Finally, Elaina was in front me. I ran my hand over my hair, hoping she felt I looked good, as well.

“Thank you, Thomas.” I took her trembling hand. “You, my love, are breathtaking.” She blushed and tilted her head down.

“You don’t look so bad yourself,” she murmured. A little snicker broke out from everyone.

Elaina looked out at our community, focusing on the three empty benches, one with her brother’s guitar resting against. The tremble in her chin told me that it dawned on her, making my heart feel heavy.

I grabbed her chin with my finger. Our eyes met and she inhaled sharply. I took her hands and held them tight.

Standing under the arbor, Cora began the ceremony. “Friends, family… We are gathered here today to witness this long-awaited event…the marriage of Ms. Elaina Cooper and Mr. Henry Daniels. It is easy to forget about the important things in life when we are caught up in everyday activities, but these two have made their love first priority. They’ve had their highs and lows, but look where they are now. It has been my pleasure to be witness to such beautiful, pure love.

“However, as much as we are here to celebrate the marriage of Elaina and Henry, we are also here to remember those who cannot be with us on this fine day.”

The skirting of Elaina’s dress rustled from her legs shaking. Her palms were sweaty as she gripped onto mine. I offered comfort by rubbing my thumbs on the backs of her hands. Our eyes stayed locked, giving her all of my strength.

In a whisper, I offered, “It’s okay, love. I’m right here to catch you, if need be.”

Cora continued, “Our hearts are heavy with their remembrance. I would like to read just a few names of those who are here with us in spirit.”

It was so slight, but Elaina’s head shook. “I’ve got you,” I whispered a split second before Cora began.

She stated each name clearly with a pause in between. “Mr. and Mrs. Cooper… Nicholis Cooper… Claire James… Willow Cooper… Sophie Jackson.” Elaina held her breath until Cora finished.

Still staring at Elaina, I heard Cora say, “Henry, you have something you would like to say?”

“Um, yes. Right.” I pulled Elaina one step closer to me. “Elaina…” I stopped for a moment to clear the emotions from my throat. “From the moment I locked eyes with you, I was a changed man. You have made my life worth living, and I feel honored you want to spend the rest of your life with me.” I had to stop again just for a moment to collect myself. “It hasn’t always been easy and it hasn’t always been perfect with me, but knowing you are at my side every morning when I awake makes me feel whole. I’ve put you through so much, but you still stick by me. I cannot express to you how much I feel honored to be in this position today. I love you so very much, and I can’t wait to start this new chapter in our lives together.”

A faint sniffling came from our little community.

Elaina reached to my face and wiped my tears away. “I love you whole, and I love you broken,” she whispered so quietly, only I could hear.

That was all I needed from her. Nothing more. No other words needed to be said. I just needed to hear she loved me no matter the circumstance.

“Thank you, Henry. That was beautiful. Now, the rings?”

Purposely, I looked around, then patted down my pockets. I think she would’ve worn a twist tie if she had to. “Oh, wait…,” I said with a smirk, reaching down into the pocket of my jeans and pulling out the wedding bands.

“Henry…,” she gasped. “Where did–”

“Shh… I’ll tell you later.” Smiling, I handed her my ring.

“Elaina, repeat after me. I, Elaina Cooper, choose you, Henry Daniels, as my husband. I promise to love, honor, and cherish you. I promise to stand beside you no matter what this life throws at us, and I promise to be your support in times of need.”

Elaina carefully repeated the vow as her shaking hands slid the ring on my finger. Holy fuck, it was really happening.

“Henry, repeat after me. I, Henry Daniels, choose you, Elaina Cooper, as my wife. I promise to love, honor, and cherish you. I promise to stand beside you no matter what this life throws at us, and I promise to be your support in times of need.”

My fingers trembled much like hers as I slid Elaina’s ring on her finger.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. Congratulations. You may kiss your beautiful bride.”

I took Elaina’s face in my hands and kissed her, slow and deliberate, not taking our first kiss as husband and wife for granted. Then I brushed my lips across her cheek, taking away the tear that fell from her lashes. There was a loud eruption of cheering and applauding.

Cora announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, I am honored to introduce to you…
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Daniels.
” I interlaced my fingers with hers and we walked back down the aisle, hand-in-hand.

“It happened. It finally happened. I can’t believe it. I’m actually Elaina Daniels,” she murmured as we headed back into our home.

I laughed. “Well, I hope you don’t regret it.”

She shrugged. “Gunther
did
give me an out.”

“Oh, Christ. Of course he did,” I laughed.

As we walked to the cafeteria, I hoped she would be pleased with how it was decorated. When I guided her to the doorway, her mouth dropped open. Dozens of tissue paper flower kissing balls—at least that’s what Cora and Quinn called them—hung from the ceiling. Then her eyes went to the one table with six chairs, all with white ribbon tied around them. I wrapped my hands around her waist to keep her upright, just in case.

“Henry… This is amazing,” she said in between breaths.

“I wish I could have done more. You deserve so much more after having to deal with me. I would give you the world if I could.”

“You have gone above and beyond for me.” I smiled shyly, knowing she was pleased, which was all I wanted.

“Gunther and I built the arbor and the benches. Quinn decorated them, suggesting we place Nick’s guitar on one.”

“You built all of that?” She was shocked.

“Well, the old man gave me a hand, but yes. I built all of that.” I smiled with pride. She grabbed me and hugged me.

“Henry… This is perfect,” she whispered in my ear. “Thank you so much. Quinn said you thought of everything and she was right. You, my husband, are one amazing man.”

“Thank you, my wife. Thank you for accepting me and all of my…quirks.” I pulled away. “I almost forgot one important detail.” I pointed over to the counter at all the candy and soda we found at the hardware store. She squealed a bit, then took another glance around the cafeteria.

“Wait. You brought the piano in here? Who plays?”

“Josiah, and the bugger is pretty bloody good.”

“I can’t wait to hear!”

“Just wait until later. One last surprise.” I winked at her. Then I changed the subject rather quickly. “Cora did an amazing job on that dress. She’s very talented. You look… Well, there aren’t enough adjectives to describe how beautiful you look.”

“Thanks.” She blushed, then gave me a look. The one when a doozy is about to come out of her mouth. “Are you trying to get in my pants, my dear husband?”

“Always. I can’t wait to fuck my wife senseless.” Elaina unbuttoned one button on my shirt. “She made the shirts, as well.”

“Really? I was wondering how that happened. I thought maybe you found them somewhere.”

“She has been working her fingers to the bone trying to get all of this ready. Quinn was going to do it, but when everything happened with Gunther and with her being so sick, it was too much on her. Thankfully, Cora is a gifted seamstress, as well.”

Everyone in our community had lined up just outside the door for a proper congratulations as they went inside. Then I took my wife’s hand and escorted her into cheers and applause.

Even in the sad and troublesome times, we all were able to find joy…except Mara. She watched the festivities from the hallway. Every time Elaina saw her looking, she made sure to kiss me. Immature, yes, but what could I say? It felt good to rub in her face who I was devoted to.

Josiah tapped me on the shoulder and we nodded at one another. He went to the piano and when Josie saw him, she grabbed Nick’s guitar and sat on a stool next to the piano.

I took Elaina’s hand and led her to the open space in front of the room. I held her tight in my arms and danced with my wife like no one else was watching. It was a moment for which we had been waiting for so long.

The room disappeared as I softly sang the words into her ear. She made everything that was wrong wither away. I became emotional, but held strong. Each song was perfect, fitting for our lives. Josiah and Josie hit the nail right on the head.

Elaina sniffled once and I pulled back. “You’re not supposed to cry, my love.”

“I’m sorry. I just keep thinking about everything and how far we’ve come as a couple…and individually. You have made such great strides.”

I gently smiled, wiped her tears away, pressed my lips to hers, and pulled her in tighter until we melted together.