Never Forgotten (Never Forgotten Series) (22 page)

I sipped the glass of wine I convinced Mom to give me. “All right,” she said. “Just one.”

When she wasn’t looking, Evan refilled my glass. After I drained it, I felt slightly warm and relaxed.

Evan, Katie, and I cleaned the kitchen, while the adults relaxed in the other room. Over dinner, Mom had asked Lydia to be her Matron of Honor. She also asked Katie and me to stand up for her.

“Bridesmaids,” Katie gushed. “I can’t wait to go dress shopping!”

“Any excuse to shop.” Evan smirked at me behind Katie’s back. I laughed, and Katie hit him with the dishrag. He threw it back at her, hitting me in the process. Soon, we were all quite wet and laughing. The kitchen got more of a cleaning that we originally intended. We put the last of the clean dishes away, dried off the counters and floors, and returned to the living room.

“What happened to you three?” Grandma asked. I looked at Katie and Evan. Their sweaters were covered in wet spots, and their hair was standing up in strange spots. I held back a grin, knowing that I looked just as bad, if not worse.

“She started it!”

“He started it!”

Evan and Katie spoke at the same time, pointing fingers at each other. Lydia sighed, and Darren laughed, saying, “Good to know that some things never change.”

“Meara, take Katie to your room and find her a dry shirt,” Grandma said. “Evan, come with me. I’m sure Jamie has something you can wear.”

I looked at my grandfather. He was at least double Evan’s size. What could he possibly have that Evan could wear?

“Mary,” David said. “I’ve got a few things here. Evan can come with me, and I’ll find something for him.”

Grandpa glowered momentarily, but then he glanced at Mom’s ring and his expression relaxed a bit. He didn’t say anything. Wow, if that was all it took, David should have proposed weeks ago.

“C’mon, Katie,” I said. “Let’s see what I can give you.”

When we got to my room, Katie dug through my dresser and pulled out a pale pink sweater. “Can I wear this?”

“You can have it.” The sweater was pretty, but bubble gum pink was not my color. Mom’s friend, Rebecca, gave it to me a couple of years ago for my birthday. I only wore it a couple of times to Sew Beautiful so she could see it.

“Really?” Katie took off her sweater, and pulled the pink one over her head. She ran her hand down the front. “I can keep it?”

“Yes,” I said. “It looks better on you anyway.”

I pulled out my favorite hoodie and held it up. “Would it be wrong to wear this?”

Katie shrugged. “Go ahead…day’s almost over anyway.”

I took off my wet sweater—the tank underneath was fine—and put on the hoodie, zipping it halfway. I’d rather be comfortable, and this was about as comfortable as I could get.

There was a knock at the door, and then Evan called, “You girls decent?”

“Yes,” Katie and I said at the same time.

Evan opened the door and came in. He wore a dark gray sweater that I saw David wear often. It looked good and fit him well. “Mom wants to see you,” he told Katie.

“She does?” Katie frowned at Evan. “Oh, right. Yeah, okay.”

“What was that about?” I asked as Evan sat next to me on the bed with his hand behind his back.

“Merry Christmas, Meara.” He brought out a package almost as small as the one David gave my mom. My heart skipped. Oh god, don’t tell me that he’s proposing too, I thought.

The gift was wrapped in pale blue paper and covered in silver snowflakes. A small, silver bow graced the top. Once again, I took my time unwrapping. I lifted the box lid and saw a pair of earrings inside. They were gold sand dollars that matched my necklace. They each held a dangling pearl.

“I noticed that you always wear your necklace,” Evan said before I could say anything. “And I wanted you to have something to remind you of me, too.”

“I love them.” I leaned forward and kissed him. I meant for it to be quick, but he pulled me closer. When we parted, I was breathless. “Thank you.”

He laughed. “Anytime.”

I slapped his arm lightly. “For the earrings.” I stood and walked over to my dresser. Glancing in the mirror, I took out my current pair and put in the new ones. I noticed that the pearls swung gently when I moved my head. Evan came and stood behind me.

“They look beautiful on you.” He touched one with his finger, and I shivered when his fingers brushed my neck.

I turned, took his hand, and led him back to the bed. “Sit down. I’ll get your gift.” He gave me a wicked grin, and I laughed. “Is that all you think about?”

He shrugged. “Pretty much.”

Kneeling, I pulled his present out from underneath the bed. I was glad that he gave me mine in my room. Now that I knew what David was, I didn’t want him to see Evan open his presents. He would ask too many questions. I planned to bring Evan back here anyway.

“Merry Christmas.” I handed him the packages and sat next to him on the bed. Unlike me, Evan had no qualms about opening his gifts fast. He tore the paper off the first book. He turned it over in his hands and looked at me quizzically.

“How did you know?”

“Katie told me,” I said. “Open the next.”

Evan seemed to hesitate, but then he did as I said. “Wow. Thank you.”

“Why did you want them?” I tried to keep my voice casual. Was it my imagination, or did Evan blush a little?

“I have a few ideas about what David might be. I wanted to do some research.”

“What do you think?” I asked.

“I’d rather not say yet,” he said. “It’s kind of crazy.”

“Try me,” I said.

He laughed and kissed me. “I tell you what. Let me read these first. I promise we’ll talk as soon as I’m done.”

“Okay.” I knew I was pouting like a little kid, but I wanted to know what he thought. Was he close? Did he think David was a Selkie? Or did he think he was something else? Like one of those blue men?

“Thank you,” he said, kissing me again. I wasn’t sure if he was thanking me for the present or for not forcing the issue.

On Christmas, when David and Mom announced their engagement, Lydia told us she could pull off a wedding in less than a month. I didn’t believe her, and yet here we stood in a small room in the back of church—the one that was usually reserved for the minister to get ready for service. The only exception was for weddings, when it became the bridal chamber.

Mom kept patting her hair.

“You look beautiful,” I told her, and I meant it. She wore a long, silk sheath in a blue so pale it was almost white. A sheer, iridescent layer floated over the top. It shimmered and created the illusion that the dress changed color. It reminded me of the inside of an oyster shell—all silvery whites, pale pinks, light blues, and lavenders.

“Is it time?” Katie opened the door and peered out into the chapel. “It looks like everyone is here.”

“A few more minutes,” Lydia said, looking at the clock. “Close the door so no one sees us.” She fussed a bit with the back of Mom’s dress, adjusting the sheer layer. Lydia’s own gown was subdued next to Mom’s, but elegant all the same. She wore a pale, beige, tea-length dress with a sheer jacket.

Katie and I also wore tea-length dresses, but ours had capped sleeves. Mine was a shimmery, light blue, and Katie’s was silvery lavender. We held small bouquets of lilies of the valley. Their sweet fragrance filled the air. Mom’s larger bouquet was accented with small purple and blue flowers that matched our dresses.

I heard the soft notes of the wedding march. Pachelbel’s Canon in D Major. David specifically picked that song.

There was a brief, but loud, knock at the door, and then we heard Grandpa’s gruff voice. “Are you ready?”

“Come in,” Mom said. She ran her hand once more down the length of her dress, took a deep breath, and smiled as my grandfather stepped into the room. He paused for a moment, his eyes widening.

“Dad?” Mom’s voice sounded uncertain as his eyes watered. He ran his hand over them quickly, before stepping up and kissing my mom on the cheek.

“You look beautiful, honey.” He turned to me. “You two better get out there. You’re walking down the aisle first.”

“Oh, right!” Katie and I quickly left the room. Lydia followed us out. Evan and Darren stood in front with David. I’d never seen Evan in a tux before. I stared until Katie elbowed me in the rib.

“Close your mouth,” she teased. “You’re drooling.”

“Haha.” I felt my cheeks burn even as I looked away.

While Katie walked down the aisle, I waited. I knew when she was about halfway down that it was my cue to go. The small chapel was full. I assumed both sides were for the bride, since David didn’t seem to have a lot of friends. I recognized some of the people from town. Everyone smiled at me expectantly. Although I was nervous, I made a point to smile back.

Taking a deep breath, I began to walk and met Evan’s eyes. He looked stunned at first, but then he smiled. A huge smile, which brought out his dimples. He mouthed, “You look great,” and I blushed.

“You too,” I mouthed back. He did look amazing in his tux.

Once I took my place at the altar, we all turned to the back of the church. The music swelled as Grandpa and Mom came toward us. A sigh rippled through the crowd, and I noticed Grandma going through several tissues, dabbing her eyes and wiping her nose. She beamed at them both.

Mom’s eyes were for David only. When I followed her gaze, I inhaled slightly. He looked so intense. Even Grandpa cocked his head at David, as though trying to figure him out. Clearly, Mom and David were very much in love. I thought about all the years they lost being apart, and it made me sad. Why didn’t they stay together?

Before I could dwell on that, they were at the front of the church. Mom kissed Grandpa on the cheek. He took her hand, placed it on David’s arm, and then he leaned in, whispering something to David. David nodded curtly and clamped him on the shoulder. I wondered what the exchange was about but, apparently, all was good. Grandpa, with a slight smile on his face, took his seat by my grandmother, and David turned to give his full attention to my mom, a dazzling smile on his face.

They exchanged vows, promising to care for each other in sickness and in health. I swallowed painfully at the “to death do us part” line, but my parents continued to smile at each other. They were alone in their love, and we were merely spectators.

Then the vows were over. They were officially husband and wife. When invited to do so, David tipped my mom back and kissed her passionately. I had to look away, and when I turned, I caught Katie’s eyes. She grinned. I looked at Evan, and he smiled back.

Everyone clapped. Joining arms, David and my mom walked out of the church. Darren and Lydia went next, and Katie, Evan and I followed.

Evan leaned down and whispered, “You look amazing.”

“You look pretty good yourself,” I said.

At the back of the church, I was able to briefly hug and congratulate my parents before we formed a receiving line. I smiled and shook hands with people I knew and people I didn’t. I accepted their compliments with a gracious nod and, in between greetings, I rubbed my hands up and down my arms. Every time the door opening, a freezing blast of artic air filled the small space.

A warm blanket covered my shoulders. Well, that was what it felt like, but I realized it was Evan’s coat. “Is that better?”

“Yes, thank you.” I looked at his long-sleeved dress shirt and vest. “Won’t you be cold now?”

“I’ll be okay,” he said. “You’re clearly freezing.”

The warmth of Evan’s jacket relaxed my muscles. I leaned forward to see around my parents. How much longer was the line? Coppery curls caught my eye, and I gasped. Surely, Ula didn’t come. My mom knew that I had a friend named Ula, who I met at the clinic. It wasn’t like Ula was a common name, like Becky or Amy. I’d never heard it before I met her. How was she going to explain that she was my aunt and her mom was already dead?

“You okay?” Evan looked at me closely. He must have heard me gasp.

I grimaced at him. “Fine. Just tired of standing in line.”

He nodded. “It’s almost to the end.”

I couldn’t see the other end of the receiving line where Katie stood next to her parents, but I could see that it was Ula standing there. I knew Katie would remember her, since they’d met several times, but I wondered if Evan would. He’d only met her once, and it was brief. I didn’t hear Katie shout anything, so it couldn’t have been too bad.

Ula stopped in front of David. She exchanged a look with him, and then hugged him tightly. By his response, I gathered he was expecting her. A tall woman with exotic features stood behind her. She wore a long, clingy dress of deep purple with bell sleeves. A silver belt of Celtic knots rested on her hips. Her long, straight hair was black and glossy, and her eyes were a bright, clear violet. She was breathtaking, but her expression was cold as if she surveyed the wedding party with disdain. She nodded at David. To my surprise, he pulled her into a hug. She stiffened at first, and then hugged him back. Who was she?

Mom looked as bewildered as I felt. When David released the woman, he tugged at his collar before taking Mom’s hand. He leaned forward and looked at me, addressing us both. “Sharon, Meara, I want you to meet my sisters, Ula and Brigid.”

Mom’s brows wrinkled as if trying to remember something, but then they smoothed over and she smiled. “Pleased to me you both. I had no idea David had sisters. He never said anything.”

The reproach was clear in her voice. David had the decency to look sheepish. Ula squeezed Mom’s arm. “No doubt you had more important things to discuss than us.”

“Doubtful,” Brigid said with a frown. “We are, after all, his only sisters.”

Once again, David squirmed. Ula seemed to take pity on him. “C’mon Brigid, we’re holding up the line.”

Ula rolled her eyes at me and stuck out her tongue when her back was to Brigid. I bit my own. I didn’t think I should laugh as my new aunt approached. She looked much too severe.

“Hi Meara. Evan.” Ula’s tone was chipper, almost unnaturally so. Maybe she was trying to make up for Brigid’s frown.

Evan’s brows knitted. “You’re David’s sister?”

“I am.” Ula looked sheepish. “It wasn’t nice of me to keep it from Meara.”

Evan gave me a pointed we’ll-talk-later look, then said, “Good to see you again.”

“You too.” She squeezed his hand. It must have been her signature gesture—the squeeze.

“You must be Meara.” Brigid’s eyes pierced my own. Her cold gaze made me shudder. “Merry Meet, niece.”

I didn’t know what that meant. I assumed it was a friendly greeting. “A pleasure to meet you, Aunt Brigid.” I extended my hand. She stared at it for a moment before taking it in her own. Her slim hand was cool and dry.

“Brigid. Just Brigid.” Her accent was much more pronounced than Ula’s was.

“Will you be going to the reception?” I asked, trying to address both of my aunts. It was difficult, since Brigid was scanning the room, her eyes on alert.

Ula frowned before answering. “Unfortunately, no.”

Brigid’s eerie eyes snapped back to my face. I tried not to flinch. “We have a previous engagement. Fare thee well, niece.”

“It’s Meara,” I said weakly as she stalked away.

Ula hugged me and whispered in my ear. “Don’t worry about Brigid. She’s always like that.” She pulled back and winked. “I’m your fun aunt.”

“What—?” I started. She shook her head.

“I’ll talk to you later, okay?” She turned and quickly followed Brigid. I watched as they left through the side door of the chapel. What kind of engagement could they have that would keep them from celebrating their brother’s marriage?

Several long minutes later, the last guest was greeted and we were free to leave. I gave Evan back his coat and went to get mine from the room where we got ready. It was a new faux-fur cloak that matched my dress, completely impractical since I had no idea when I would use it again, but warm and lovely. David paid, so I didn’t worry about it. I did wonder how much money he had, and where he got it from. I couldn’t bring myself to ask.

The reception dinner was in Halifax at one of the nicer seafood restaurants, The Shores. David rented a private room in the back. He also arranged for a limousine bus for the entire bridal party.

“Have you ever been on one of these?” I asked Evan as we waited to board.

He shrugged. “A bunch of us took a limo to prom, but it was smaller than this.”

The bus was elegantly decorated in dark grays and black. Plush couches lined the walls, broken only by two minibars. Champagne cooled in buckets.

We sat, and champagne was passed around. Katie and I grinned at each other, raising our glasses in mock solute.

“A toast,” David said, holding up his glass. We all followed suit. “To my beautiful bride, Sharon, to my lovely daughter, Meara, and to all our friends and family who celebrate with us, may the happiness of today be with you always, and the happiness of tomorrow come your way.”

We clinked our glasses. I sipped the champagne and fell in love. The bubbles teased my tongue as the sweet flavor exploded in my mouth. I took a slightly bigger sip, and before I knew it, the glass was empty.

“Can I have some more?” I asked Evan, who was sitting next to the bottle. He refilled my glass.

“You like it?” he asked as he handed it back to me.

“Mmmmmmm,” I said, taking a sip and smacking my lips. “Yum!”

He laughed and put his arm around my shoulder. “Just don’t drink too much. That stuff can give you a nasty headache.”

I tried to sip slower, but it was hard. I looked back where David and Mom sat. They were talking softly, his arm around her shoulder and hers around his waist. She laughed at something he said, and he bent to kiss the tip of her nose. They were cute together, but it was a bit weird to think of my parents as married. My whole life I had wondered about my father, and now he was here, married to my mom. I should be elated, but it just felt weird.

I finished the rest of the champagne and held my glass out to Evan.

“You sure?” He frowned at my empty glass. “Maybe you should wait a bit.”

I shook my head. “This is my last one.”

“Okay,” he agreed, even though it sounded like he thought the opposite. He refilled my glass and handed it to me. Then, he placed his arm around my shoulder again, and I snuggled into his warm side.