“I can still visit Chicago.”
“You better, and I’m coming back up here when the snow melts.” She offered her hand. “Are you ready to be Mrs. Sherman?”
Placing my palm in hers, I smiled. “Thank you for being here, for not giving up.”
“I’m glad I won’t miss watching my best friend’s dream come true.”
Inhaling, I looked up at Albert. “I’m ready.”
“I’ll let them know,” Albert said, leaving the door to our suite open.
As Vicki and I stepped into the hallway, the wedding march played below. It wasn’t until we were on the landing that I realized the music wasn’t piped. The song I recognized was coming from the grand piano.
Who is playing?
My breathing stuttered when I looked over the banister and saw the man sitting on the piano bench. A lump formed in my throat. “Oh, Van’s playing the piano.” My eyes moistened. “In front of everyone.”
“Damn,” Vicki whispered, “is there anything this guy can’t do?”
Grinning, I shook my head. “I haven’t found it yet.”
“I love you,” Vicki said as she proceeded down the staircase.
“Love you,” I whispered.
My attention turned to Van. His dark hair moved as his wide shoulders swayed. His long fingers, the ones that were capable of bringing me ecstasy, danced effortlessly over the keys. There was no sheet music before him as the notes came naturally. It wasn’t until Vicki stepped on the foyer floor that the guests turned my way. They weren’t the only voyeurs. The man filling the house with music was staring up, his green focus lasered on me as the music continued.
I wasn’t seeing the other guests’ eyes. I only saw the mesmerizing emerald of the man who had found me—the man who captured my heart, body, and soul.
I’d given Van my body before I even knew his last name, and in return, he’d given me a life I could never have imagined.
The music continued until I made it to the foyer.
As if some magical handoff, Van stood, and a softer tune came from the sound system.
Van came my way. “You’re absolutely stunning. The most beautiful bride.”
“Thank you.”
Offering me his arm, he asked, “Will you join us?”
“You played the piano. In front of all these people.”
It didn’t matter that other people were watching.
Van and I were in our snow globe.
“I did,” he said. “It was for you. You asked me to play.”
“But you didn’t…only once and it was sad.”
“I’m no longer sad.”
A tear escaped and cascaded down my cheek as I smiled. With the bouquet in my left hand and my right hand on Van’s arm, together we walked to where the judge, Vicki, and Lena stood.
The other guests were standing.
Although I didn’t know Lena well, having both of our friends with us felt right.