Normally priding herself on being someone with a good head on her shoulders and staying cool, calm and collected, Zoe is a bundle of nerves this morning. But then again, this morning is not like any other morning. This is her wedding day.
Although all her ladies are buzzing around her in the carriage house, making sure her hair and makeup are perfect, they have all noticed something off with the bride. They chalk it up to nerves, but Lemon is not so easily fooled. Once sworn enemies, these two women have now become friends. So much so, that Lemon didn't hesitate to say yes when Zoe awkwardly asked her to be one of her bridesmaids. Although they have not been friends for ages, Lemon has picked up on Zoe's subtleties. She knows something is wrong. This can't be just wedding jitters. Not knowing how to address this topic in front of everyone, Lemon is currently devising a plan to help her friend in any way she can. She wants this day to be perfect. Not just for Zoe, but for the groom, who she cares an awful lot about.
At the mayor's mansion, Lavon is getting ready for the big day. He was more than happy to accept the couple's request to officiate. He also did not hesitate to offer the plantation as the venue. It had meant a lot to Zoe that he did. She could not picture any other place she would rather get married. Lemon had done a fantastic job decorating the exterior with beautiful lanterns hanging from the weeping willows, twinkling lights adorning the ceremony space. It was simple, but elegant.
"Zoe it's time"
"Sorry, what?"
"It's time to get into your dress."
"Oh, of course, yes."
Zoe walked over to where Lemon was standing. Her breathing escalating, knees wobbling. In her mind, a mantra to remind herself to keep it together. Once Lemon helped Zoe into her dress, she directed the bride towards the mirror. Zoe was pleased with her reflection. She loved this dress from the moment she saw it. She and her bridesmaids had booked a weekend trip to New York to find the perfect dress, but with no luck. Nothing seemed to please her or her crew. Undeterred, Zoe decided it would be best to just bring her mom seeing as how she had the best connections to the most famous designers in town. Zoe's mom criticized every choice Zoe made and so again, she was left with nothing to show for what could only be described as a torturous day. After a particularly long week at the office back in Alabama, Zoe decided to treat herself to a shopping spree in Mobile. Not expecting to find anything, she peeked into a small bridal salon. On the rack, in the back, was a beautiful, simple white silk dress. It fit her like a glove and brought tears to her eyes. She knew it was the one. When she closed her eyes, she could picture herself saying I do to the man she was head over heels in love with.
"You look beautiful sweetheart"
"Thanks mom"
The groom is getting ready for his big day. He has a wide grin on his face. Never the marrying kind, he quietly asks himself how he got so lucky. He thanked God everyday for bringing Zoe into his life. It was not love at first sight, maybe lust, if he admitted to himself. But, it certainly did not take him long to realize she was special. And now, today, she would become his officially, for the whole world to see. He could not wait for those six little words: I now pronounce you man and wife. He knew the rules quite well, Lemon had practically tattooed them on his arm so that he would not do anything stupid to ruin the big day. He was not allowed to see Zoe or talk to her before she walked down the aisle towards him. This was excruciating. They have spent nights apart often enough, due to their hectic schedules, but last night was the longest night of his life. He just had to hear her voice. Does he dare try and call? He decides that the death threats from Lemon were well worth the risk. He picked up his phone and joy warmed his heart when he saw the picture of the two of them as his background. He dialled her number, when SHE picked up. Damn, he thought.
"You cannot be serious right now. I thought I had made myself perfectly clear"
"Lemon, I know, I wouldn't dare break your rules, except this is an emergency"
"What kind of emergency? Is someone dead or dying?"
"God no!"
"Well, those are the only 2 emergencies I deem reasonable to break my rules."
"Damnit Lemon, I need to talk to my bride, put her on the phone."
"No"
"Lemon please, I really need this"
"No"
He could hear a struggle for the phone on the other end. He knew his woman was feisty and found these rules just as ridiculous as he did. It made him proud to think she was trying to overpower Lemon Breeland for him.
-Why are spending the night apart again?
-Because Lemon says it's bad luck for us to spend the night before our wedding together
-Since when do you believe in superstition Hart?
-I don't, but I believe in keeping that woman happy. Besides it might make the wedding night all the more
-Okay, say no more, I'm convinced, I like where you're going with that thought
-I was going to say special
-Oh yeah, that too.
"Lemon, come on, give me the phone"
Lemon decided to give up, although she could have easily triumphed over this 5 foot nothing girl. But there was so much desperation in Zoe's eyes. She thought maybe this was the reason Zoe was acting so strange. Maybe the best person to handle this is her groom.
- "Sorry about that, her nails are sharp"
- "I'm so glad you risked your precious life to talk to me."
- "I know you're mocking me, but she scares me and I did risk it a little bit."
- "I am so happy to hear your voice"
- "Me too, I cannot wait for this to be over with"
- "Over with?"
- "Oh no, I mean, I just want to be married already."
- "Me too Hart, just a few hours to go. I wanted to say that I love you and I will see you very soon."
- "Okay, I'll be the one in white"
- "White, really?"
- "I'm hanging up now"
- "Okay, love you, bye"
- "Bye"
He couldn't help but notice the lack of excitement emanating from his bride to be or the fact that she had neglected to tell him she loved him too. But he quickly chalked it up to nerves and he was sure she would make it up to him on their "special" wedding night. He looked down at his watch and realized it was finally time to head over to the plantation. Just then, he heard his uncle's car pull up. He did a quick inventory and made sure he had the rings, his vows in case he needed them and he was ready. He heard his uncle's car horn.
- "Okay, I'm coming, I'm coming."
He got into his uncles car.
"Thanks for driving, I have to admit, I'm a little nervous."
"So am I, this wedding means a lot to me. You are family and Zoe has become like a daughter to me. I couldn't be happier that this day has finally come."
"Thank you Brick, that means a lot coming from you."
"Alright Jonah, lets get you married."
