Unbreak Me (Second Chances #1) (25 page)

“Thank you, Mom,” Melanie returned the smile. “I wish Daddy were here, too. I miss him so much!”

Just then the front door burst open and Bethany came charging through, “I’m here, let’s eat,” she laughed.

“Finally,” Sarah groaned as she stood and began waddling into the dining room. Melanie and Amy giggled as they stood to follow her. Melanie held back to wait for Austin and watched him glance around the room.

“Everything okay?” he slung his arm around her shoulders.

“Yep, everything is fine,” she smiled and kissed him on the cheek.

Dinner was served with little disruption. The children ate in the kitchen around a small table and the breakfast bar, while the adults sat around the dining room table. Laughter and smiles filled the room. Each sister had questions and comments for Austin.

Amy looked over at Melanie and smirked, “I thought for sure you’d get together with William now that you’re back in Boston.”

Melanie shook her head and sighed, “William and I are friends and nothing more.”

“Sure, whatever you say Mel. I saw the way he used to look at you when we’d be here for parties. I thought once Sean was out of the picture, he’d make his move.”

Melanie rested her elbow on the table and placed her head in her hand, “William and I are FRIENDS.”

Austin caught on to her discomfort and came to the rescue, “Your sister doesn’t look at him that way. A relationship won’t work unless both people have feelings for each other. Melanie doesn’t see him that way.” He hugged her to his side and placed a kiss on the top of her head.

Amy began to open her mouth again, but was silenced by Anna, “So when is this wedding going to take place?”

“Valentine’s Day,” Melanie smiled.

“Melanie, you can’t plan a wedding in that amount of time. That’s only six weeks away. You need a church, flowers, a cake, a banquet hall, a dress, do I need to keep going?” Anna shook her head. “I can’t get all of that ready in that amount of time.”

“We’re not going to have a big wedding mother, just family and a few close friends. We‘re going to Aruba,” Melanie glanced at her mother and cringed slightly as she revealed their plans.

“What?” Anna’s mouth dropped open. “Was this your idea?” she pointed at Austin.

“Well actually...” Austin began, but Melanie held up her hand to cut him off.

“It was
my
idea mother,” she glared at her. “I don’t want a big fancy wedding. Sean and I had a huge wedding and you planned everything. It was beautiful and it cost father a fortune. I don’t want that this time around,” she shook her head. “I want to marry Austin somewhere beautiful, surrounded by the people we love. You’re all invited to join us there,” she hoped this would soften the blow.

“Sweet,” Amy clapped her hands together and bounced in her seat.

“We could turn it into a second honeymoon,” Robert looked at Claire and smiled.

“Well, I won’t be able to travel like that with the baby coming so soon,” Sarah sighed as she caressed her belly.

“Fine,” Anna conceded. She knew she had lost this battle. “Can I at least throw a party sometime after this so that the family and our friends that can’t come can give you their blessings?”

“Yes mother, that would be nice,” Melanie smiled. “I did want to ask you something though. I was wondering if you could keep the girls with you for the time around the wedding. Austin and I were planning to stay for a few days after the ceremony and turn this into our honeymoon destination, too,” Melanie blushed a deep shade of red.

“I don’t mind them staying with me,” Claire offered. “Christie and Nathan will have company then.”

“Honey…second honeymoon?” Robert stuck his lip out in a pout. He had plans of his own and his wife was slowly ruining them.

Claire shook her head at him and laughed, “There will be plenty of time for that. This is my sister’s wedding we’re talking about here.”

“Thank you Claire, we’d appreciate that,” Melanie smiled at her sister.

“No problem. As you are well aware, I have two adolescents in my house. I know what it’s like to try and have a romantic evening and to keep the volume in check,” Claire giggled as she looked over at Robert.

Melanie blushed again, “Well I…”

“You don’t have to be embarrassed,” Austin kissed her temple.

“I’m not, I just don’t want to talk about that right now,” she whispered.

“On that note,” Austin began to stand. “It’s getting late, we better head out,” he helped Melanie stand and went to find the girls.

After everyone had said their goodbyes, Melanie, Austin, and the girls made their way out to Austin’s truck.

“Thanks for everything,” Melanie called over her shoulder as she began to climb in. “I’ll let you know as soon as we finalize the wedding plans.”

“You’re welcome,” Claire yelled back. “It was nice meeting you!”

“You, too,” Austin waved at the group on the steps.

As the truck pulled away from the curb and headed back towards Melanie’s house, the group on the steps all murmured their thanks in prayer that Melanie had found someone that made her happy.

Chapter 23

February 2013- 10 days until the wedding

The next several weeks came and went, leaving excitement in their wake. The wedding date was fast approaching and Melanie was both nervous and excited. Austin had spent the last several days making all the arrangements for the wedding. He’d booked a flight for Melanie, the girls, and himself. He’d reserved the hotel where the wedding and reception would be held, and he’d planned a surprise for the honeymoon that was to follow. He’d carefully planned out every detail with the exception of the girl’s dresses. Melanie had insisted that she have that honor. Wanting to stay as far away from the ribbons and lace as possible, Austin had agreed.

Anna and Melanie’s sisters had all booked flights and made arrangements for their stay in Aruba. As promised, Claire would return with the girls and keep them until the newlyweds returned. Robert was none to keen on the idea; he had wanted to have some time with his wife. Claire had promised to make it up to him at a later date, but she felt she owed her sister some time alone with her husband after all they’d been through over the years. The fact that Anna was slowing down and really had no business keeping the kids also weighed heavy on her decision. Reluctantly, Robert had agreed.

Austin had contacted several bakers on the island to order a wedding cake, and a menu had been faxed from the hotel for them to decide on their food for the reception. Everything was falling into place. It was complete mayhem, but it was getting done nonetheless.

Austin had moved all but the bare minimum of his things to Melanie’s brownstone. Hannah was so eager to be Katie’s sister that she had been staying there pretty much every night. Austin only had ten more days before he would join her. He was trying to make this transition as seamless as possible, but as they got closer to leaving for Aruba, things seemed to get more and more chaotic.

Today was full on crazy. Melanie had planned to take the girls shopping. She had looked at a couple of dresses already, but she hadn’t bought anything. She didn’t want anything puffy or covered in beading. She wanted simple, elegant, and something that could be worn on the beach. Seeing that they would be outside in a tropical environment, she wanted something that would fit the venue. She was having a hard time with that. She kept explaining to different sales clerks that this was a second wedding, it wasn’t going to be a big production, and she just wanted a simple dress. The few times that Katie had been with her, she’d picked out dresses that looked like they should have been part of a wedding cake topper. Melanie would sigh and hang her head. It seemed like no one cared what she wanted or was saying.

Today, the girls were out of school for a teacher workday, so Melanie had planned a day trip to New York City. It felt weird driving through the streets of her old stomping ground. She hadn’t been back since she’d moved back to Boston, and it seemed surreal now that she was. Katie had spent the drive pointing out the windows and showing Hannah sites that they’d have to come see one day. The girls were completely absorbed in their surroundings and oblivious to the fact that they’d reached their destination.

Melanie pulled into a public parking lot down the street and began to gather her things. She hoped that this would be the last shopping trip for dresses. She was running out of time, and didn’t know what she would do if she didn’t find something today. She had made an appointment at Klienfield’s and both girls were excited to join her.

“We need to finish this shopping today girls,” Melanie sighed as she climbed out of the car.

“I know. I wish there weren’t so many choices,” Hannah laughed.

As they walked down the street to Klienfield’s, the girls looked around in wonder.

“I feel like I’m on the set of Gossip Girl,” Hannah giggled. “This is so surreal.”

“You mean your dad has never brought you to New York before?” Katie looked at Hannah as her mouth dropped open.

“No, never been here. He’s taken me out west to see my grandparents and I’ve been overseas with him on business, but never New York,” Hannah sighed as she scanned the surrounding buildings.

“Well, we’ll have to fix that,” Katie giggled as she swung her arm around Hannah’s shoulders as they approached the door to the store.

Once they made their way in, Melanie was met by a sales clerk.

“I have an appointment to look at some dresses today,” she stated wearily.

“Okay, right this way. What did you have in mind?” the young blonde asked.

“Well…I want something simple. Not necessarily long, not a lot of beading, no veil, something to wear on the beach would be nice,” Melanie was looking around at all the dresses as they strolled through the store heading for the dressing room.

“Alright, I think we can work with that,” the girl smiled. “My name is Jenna and this is Connie. We’ll help you with whatever you need, and make sure you leave here with a dress. Do you have a price point that we need to stick with?”

“No, no price point, but I don’t want to go overboard. If I find something that I really like, then I’ll pay whatever it costs, I’m tired of looking,” Melanie waved her hand in the air in a dismissive way.

“Alright then. I’m going to go see what I’ve got, and I’ll be back in a few minutes and we’ll try on some dresses,” she smiled and walked briskly out of the room.

Melanie sank down on the chair in the room and mumbled to herself, “That’s the best news I’ve heard in weeks.”

Within a few minutes, Jenna returned with an armload of dresses.

“I’ve got several styles here. We can see what style you like and hopefully it fits. You’re going to have to buy off the rack today. We don’t have the time to order anything for you,” Jenna smiled and pulled the first dress out of the bag it was hanging in. “Where’s the wedding?” she smiled as she held the dress for Melanie to step into it.

“Aruba,” Melanie smiled.

“Oh, lucky girl,” Jenna sighed.

Melanie stood up and began stepping into the first dress, “I just hope I find something that I like. We’ve been to so many stores that I’ve forgotten what I’ve tried on.”

“You’ve got a great figure. I’m sure we’ll find something,” Jenna began zipping up the first dress. “Well what do you think?”

“Ummmm…” Melanie turned in front of the mirror. “I think it might be a little too much like something I would wear in the bedroom,” Melanie blushed.

The dress was a simple silk dress that clung to every curve. It had thin straps and almost no back to it. The front dipped fairly low towards the bust line and it had a slit up the right leg.

“I don’t feel like myself in this. It seems a little too sexy,” Melanie was now a dark shade of red.

“Your fiancé wouldn’t like this?” Jenna giggled.

“Oh I’m sure he’d like it,” Melanie grinned. “I just don’t want to be that cruel. He might not make it through the reception if I wear this.”

“Okay, next dress then,” Jenna smiled and unzipped the next bag.

“What do you think of this?” she was finishing zipping up the back.

“I like this. It’s exactly what I was picturing in my mind. Simple and elegant. Not overly sexy. It‘s understated,” Melanie turned in front of the mirror. “I think I want to go out and show the girls.”

She walked out of the dressing room and stood in front of the three way mirror, “What do you think girls?”

“Oooohhh, I like that,” Katie squealed.

“That’s really pretty,” Hannah nodded in agreement. “Dad will like that.”

The dress was simple and perfect for an outdoor wedding. It was a white chiffon dress with an empire waist. It had a ruched bust and then flared out as it dropped to the ground in several layers. The straps were asymmetrical with one crossing over the chest meeting with the other. A fabric flower connected the two over the right shoulder. It made Melanie look like a Greek goddess who had just stepped out of a book.

Melanie turned again in front of the mirror, “I really like this one. I think this is it.”

She felt so relieved that she found something she liked and it was obvious that joy radiated off her. After changing back into her clothes, she went to look for shoes and dresses for the girls.

She decided on a pair of white satin sandals that complimented the dress. She was convinced she’d probably be barefoot by the end of the night, but she wanted some height for the ceremony. Austin already towered over her small frame, so going barefoot for the wedding was not an option. When she handed over her choices to Jenna, they headed over to the bridesmaid department to look at dresses for the girls.

After looking for a while, they finally settled on a set of pink dresses that complimented the style of Melanie‘s. The dresses had the same style cut, only they were one shoulder and it was made out of several flowers instead of a plain strap. The girls were happy with the choice and so was Melanie. After paying for the dresses, the group piled back into Melanie’s car and began the drive home.

ooooooooo

Austin had been busy with preparations himself. He’d bought a new grey suit. After Melanie had told him that she was looking at pink dresses for the girls, he’d gone out a bought a pink tie.
I’m not wearing a pink shirt
he’d adamantly told her. He’d picked out a white button down to go with the grey suit. She had been so busy trying to find a dress that she was just happy he’d agreed to the pink tie.

Austin had spent the day with Colin working on preparations for the wedding night. Even though they‘d be traveling, he wanted to have some touches that he himself had provided for the first night they‘d be together. He knew it was a little much to pack the things he was buying, and place orders so early, but he wanted this to be perfect. He’d waited too long for it not to be.

Colin had agreed to do the behind the scenes work for him. He would ship the items and set everything up during the reception, so it would be ready when the happy couple made it to their room that night. They’d been to the flower shop to order several dozen red roses. The clerk had looked at Austin like he was crazy when he told her he wanted the flowers to arrive in Aruba on Valentine’s Day. He insisted that they must be fresh and only the best quality. When he had flashed his black Amex card, the girl nodded and made the exorbitant charge. Austin had chuckled at her reaction and explained that when you loved somebody as much as he did, it didn’t matter what the cost was. She had sighed and nodded in understanding.

Austin had planned to decorate the hotel suite that he’d reserved for their wedding night. He’d promised Melanie that he would take care of everything. He’d called and asked them to send him pictures of the hotel to see what the room looked like, and then he’d gone to buy candles and the flowers. The plan was to stay in Aruba for a few days after the wedding. Austin had planned to have the wedding night at the same hotel that the reception was going to be held at, but then the next day they would move to a private villa that he’d reserved. Melanie had mentioned that she would love to be able to lie on the beach and not worry about being disturbed. Austin planned to make that happen. He’d found a small beachfront house on a private stretch of the island that he’d reserved for the remainder of their stay. Melanie was not aware of this, but he knew she’d love it.

“You’re crazy, you know that, right?” Colin chuckled as he followed Austin into yet another store.

They were in a Hobby Lobby now, in search of the perfect candles. Austin grabbed a cart as they made their way through the sliding door. He scowled and looked over at Colin as he made his way down the first aisle.

“I’m not crazy, I love her,” Austin spotted the candles he was looking for and placed them into the cart he was pushing. “I want this to be the most special night it can be. We‘ve waited too long for it not to be.”

“She loves you. That’s going to make it special for her,” Colin shook his head and sighed.

“I still need a few more things,” Austin glanced around as he made his way to the checkout to pay for the candles.

“What else could you possibly need?” Colin asked. “You bought about every candle they had in stock and we’ve already bought out the florist’s rose supply.”

“I need some scented lotion and maybe a few bath salts,” Austin blushed as he mumbled his list off.

“You know that fancy hotel is going to have a lot of that stuff, right?” Colin rolled his eyes.

“Yes, but I want to get the kind she likes. That makes it better,” Austin grinned.

“Fine, one more store then I’m outta here. I need to go watch some football or something. I’ve been surrounded by girly things all day,” Colin groaned.

“This is why you’re still single,” Austin laughed.

Colin rolled his eyes and followed Austin out of the store. They went to one more store to pick up the last of the items on Austin’s list and then Colin took the supplies to his place so he could ship them to their destination.
The next week couldn’t go by fast enough
Austin thought as he handed the bag off.

February 12
th
- leaving for Aruba

Melanie, Hannah, Katie, and Austin were all gathered at the airport terminal waiting for Melanie’s family to arrive. They had been lucky enough to get on the same flight. Colin along with several of their friends had left the day before. Melanie was pacing back and forth at the gate mumbling to herself.