“Hey, it’s me,” Jacqueline said. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah, just a little crazed. The movers are here.”
Jacqueline’s heart thumped. “Any problems?”
“No, just trying to make sure they don’t break anything while they pack.” She blew out a breath. “How was the flight?”
“Uneventful. Listen, Traci, I know I’m asking a lot from you and I know how much you’re against this. I want you to know I really appreciate everything you’re doing for me.”
Traci was silent for a moment, and Jacqueline listened to the sound of strange male voices in her soon-to-be vacated condo.
“I know you do,” she finally said. “Everything okay on your end?”
“Yeah. I woke up from a nap and for a minute I didn’t have a clue where I was,” she said, pushing lightness into her voice.
“I better get back to the movers. I’ll…uh, call you.”
Jacqueline blinked back the sting of tears in her eyes. “Okay. And Traci…”
“Yes?”
“Thank you.”
“You’re my sister, J. And…I would do anything for you. You know that.”
“I know. We’ll talk later.” She disconnected the call and sat perfectly still for several moments. A chapter of her life was coming to an end. When she’d purchased the L.A. condo she was sure that she had finally put down roots, that she would have a place to call home when she returned from her innumerable trips around the world. She’d rented a small apartment in New York, which is where she would go when she left Baton Rouge after the wedding. Some of the best doctors in the world that specialized in treating her condition were in New York. Although there wasn’t much more that could be done, save for the one alternative she refused to pursue, they were making strides every day. Strides equaled hope.
Resolved, she set the phone down, reached for the remote, turned on the television and surfed to CNN. There was the usual spate of uprisings around the world: bombings, fire, famine and government coups. Newscasters were never at a loss for tragedy to feed the public. And then her brother’s image was on the screen as he alighted from his car in front of the Lawson mansion.
“Senator Branford Lawson has returned to his roots, and not just for a good home-cooked meal but for the wedding of his daughter Dominique, twin sister to Desiree who was married last year. The nuptials are set for tomorrow afternoon and all of the Who’s Who of Louisiana and beyond will be in attendance. Desiree Lawson will marry Spence Hampton. Many of you may remember the eldest sister Lee Ann Lawson married Jr. Senator Preston Graham several years ago. And of course there is perennial bachelor and bad boy of the family, Rafe Lawson, and the youngest Lawson, Justin, who recently passed the bar. There will be no press at the event, but we do hope that the Camelot family of the South will share some of the pictures with us. In other news…”
Jacqueline released a sigh of relief. If she thought for a moment that the lure of the Lawson spotlight had dimmed at all, that idea was out of the window. At least she didn’t have to worry about the press tomorrow.
Chapter 6
The wedding was scheduled for two o’clock. Jacqueline felt as if it were her own. Her nerves were frazzled. She’d been up with the sun, rehearsing over and over how she would act, what she would say when she saw her family again, how they would receive her. It was Lee Ann who’d sent the invitation but if it had family support she had no idea. The family was unaware that she was coming as she’d never RSVP’d since she had no intention of attending the reception, only the ceremony. She would see her family at the church and then be on her way.
The church was halfway across town and on a Saturday afternoon traffic would be heavy. Fighting off a bout of light-headedness, she gathered her nerves, her gift and purse and headed down to the lobby where a cab was waiting for her at the curbside.
She settled herself in the cab, leaned her head back against the seat and closed her eyes. Fatigue swept through her, making her limbs feel like wet spaghetti. She opened her eyes and stared out the window as the city of Baton Rouge spread out in front of her. Familiar sights brought back memories of happier times; the old Chelsea movie theater, Teddy’s Juke Joint and Juban’s Restaurant, one of her favorites. There were dozens of new businesses, boutiques and outdoor cafés as well that reminded her of how long she’d been gone.
The cab came to a barricade a block away from the church. An officer approached the car.
The driver lowered his window. The security officer poked his head in and looked inside. “Do you have an invitation, ma’am?”
“Yes.” She opened her purse and took out the gold-embossed invitation and handed it to the officer.
“You’re good to go.” He handed the invitation back to her. “Pull up to the next intersection,” he directed the driver before pulling the barricade aside.
“This is a really big deal,” the driver said, slowly driving the car forward.
“Seems so.” Jacqueline peered out of the window at the montage of guests that were alighting from their cars and entering the church. Police presence was everywhere. And there was no shortage of Secret Service, clearly distinguished by their earbuds and dark glasses; for her brother and brother-in-law’s benefit, she concluded.
The cab driver went as far as he could go. “I’ll have to let you out here, miss.”
“Of course. Thank you.” She checked the price on the meter and paid the fare, adding a nice tip. Willing herself to remain calm, she slid on her wide dark glasses and stepped out of the cab. For several moments she stood on the sidewalk, debating her decision to come when there was a sudden flurry of activity. All heads turned to the long, white stretch limo that was gliding to a stop in front of the church.
Jacqueline’s heart thumped.
The driver hurried around and opened the door. Within a moment Lee Ann stepped out, followed by her sister Dominique and Zoe Beaumont, a longtime friend of the family. The ladies were dressed in exquisite dresses in varying lengths of a brilliant teal-blue. Their hair was pulled back from their faces, and behind the left ear of each was a single white lily à la Billie Holiday. And then the bride. Desiree stepped from the car, assisted by the driver. Those who were privileged to see her get out from the car took a collective gasp. She was a vision of perfection in pearl-white organza. A fitted gown that fishtailed at her ankles with jeweled insets at the bodice and down the entire back of the gown. Her face was obscured by her veil that sparkled with tiny jewels and shone like diamonds in the afternoon sun and the train rivaled that of the Princess of Wales.
Her bridesmaids lifted her train and followed her into the church.
Jacqueline folded herself in with the invited guests, found a seat on the bride’s side of the church and waited for the ceremony to begin.
At the head of the church was the proud groom, Spence Hampton. Jacqueline could see how her niece had fallen for the handsome groom. He looked like he was ready for the cover of GQ in his black tux. And then the music began.
First came Lee Ann and Rafe, followed by Dominique and Justin then Zoe and a man she didn’t recognize. Jacqueline’s heart filled with pride as she looked at her nieces and nephews.
There was a pause as the bridal party took their places at the front of the church and then the wedding march began. The gathering rose to their feet in honor of the bride and the poignant organ music filled the cavernous walls of the church. The back door was opened by two ushers and the gorgeous bride, accompanied by Branford, stood in the threshold. Branford gazed down at Desiree and murmured something to her, a warm smile on his face. She slightly nodded her head and they took the long, slow walk down the aisle.
Jacqueline’s heart thundered as they drew closer